Tour of Duty: 27th May 2015 to 27th June 2015
Part I: 27th May to 31st May
Scary Gary; Great Lakes to St-Lawrence

Got a call about two trips. First was from New Berlin, WI to Gary, IN and the second was from Portage, IN to Massena, NY. I was hoping to fly nonstop LAX to MKE on WN but the company instead booked me an itinerary with a connection in DEN. I got shuttle to LAX and checked in and checked bags which weighed 44.5 and 41lbs. I cleared security after a queue and opted out and was patted down. My Boot Bag was hand searched and time from beginning of check in to clear of security was exactly 30 minutes. I approached an agent and asked if my flight was overbooked and indicated that I would be willing to volunteer if I could be put on the nonstop to MKE, however the flight was not overbooked.

Southwest #980 LAX-DEN B-737-300 Boarding Pass C11
Seat 20B Cruising altitude 35,000 feet Estimated flying time not given, actual 2:05
Depart: Gate 15 Scheduled 16h10, actual 16h17 Taxi: 10 minutes
Arrive: Gate C24 Scheduled 19h30, actual 19h47 Taxi: 4 minutes


We boarded via jetway and I was stuck in a centre seat as I had a "C" boarding pass. The plane was full, all 143 seats were taken. Pushback was 7 minutes late and takeoff was to the west and we went over the ocean before turning northeast. I got pretzels and Ritz Chips at 0:31. I saw a glimpse of the Las Vegas area at 0:32. Seatbelt sign went off and cruise was announced at 0:33. I got cup of soda at 0:35.

At 1:24 I got cup of water. It sounded like a PA was made at 1:28 but I couldn't tell what it was. I felt descent at 1:29 and at 1:43 descent was announced and seatbelt sign went on. It was announced it was 66F and cloudy at DEN. At 1:44 it was announced it may be bumpy on descent. I got a glimpse of downtown Denver at 1:54. We turned east then south at 2:03 and landed north to south. We arrived at gate 17 minutes late and deplaned via jetway.

I was concerned about making my connecting flight and I rushed to C31 only to find my connecting flight was delayed due to aircraft swap. I had time to get evening rations.

Southwest #2048 DEN-MKE B-737-700 Boarding Pass B55
Seat 20C Cruising altitude not given Estimated flying time 1:46, actual 1:47
Depart: Gate C31 Scheduled 20h10, actual 21h40 Taxi: 9 minutes
Arrive: Gate C19 Scheduled 23h25, actual 00h44 +1 Taxi: 6 minutes
Reclaim checked bags 23-26 minutes after arrival

We boarded via jetway. Thru passengers from Tucson were invited to board first. I escaped a middle seat but no window seats were available so I took an aisle seat. The plane was full and it was announced it was 68F and mostly clear at MKE and to expect bumps on climb and we need to pass a line of storms.

Pushback was 1h30min late and takeoff was to the east. I saw lightning during the early part of the flight. I got Ritz Chips and was offered peanuts at 0:45. Seatbelt sign went off at 0:51. I got cup of soda at 0:57. I felt bumps and seatbelt sign went on at 1:03. I got second cup of soda at 1:11. I thought I felt descent at 1:26 and descent was announced at 1:28 and it was clear and 59F at MKE. We landed north to south and arrived at gate 1h19min late. As it turned out the nonstop from LAX was also delayed and got in even later so it is just as well that I did not take that flight. I got my bags, got to hotel and spent the night in Milwaukee, WI. The next day I hired a taxi to the shipper.

Trip: New Berlin, WI to Gary, IN 125 paid miles
Make: 2015 Freightliner
Model: Vacuum Truck
Transmission: Standard Straight 10-speed
Route: Interstate 43 to Interstate 894 to Interstate 94 to Interstate 90 including Chicago Skyway and Indiana Toll Road to Interstate 65 to US12
Maximum elevation: unknown
Diesel price USA: $2.859/gallon at Pilot Franksville, WI

This was a short trip made longer by traffic and construction. There was road work in Sturtevant, WI. I stopped at the Oasis in Lake Forest, IL for evening rations. Traffic moved well for awhile then jammed up in Skokie and moved very slowly until just before the Chicago Skyway. I stopped by hotel to unload almost all of my gear then dropped off the truck in Gary, IN. A worker at the place where I dropped off the truck took me back to hotel and I spent the night in Portage, IN. The next morning I hired a taxi to the shipper.

Trip: Portage, IN to Massena, NY 730 paid miles
Make: 2005 International
Model: Water Tank Truck
Transmission: Standard Straight 10-speed
Route: Indiana 249 to US12 to US35 to US20 to Indiana 15 to Interstate 90 to Interstate 480 to Interstate 271 back to Interstate 90 to Interstate 81 to New York 37
Maximum elevation: unknown
Highest diesel USA: $3.499/gallon at Pilot Erie, PA
Lowest diesel USA: $3.539/gallon at Pilot Liverpool, NY

This was an older used truck and I found that it was a little dirty inside and it lost air pressure when the motor was not running. Also the doors were not lockable/unlockable with the key from the outside. I got started and stopped and took pictures of Michigan City, IN. I took some two and four lane roads to avoid parts of the Indiana Toll Road and also to see some new territory. It was quite warm and muggy as the temperature was 86F in Angola, IN but the humidity made it feel like 102F. There was brief but heavy rain in Toledo, OH and more storms were expected enroute. I spent the night near CLE in Brook Park, OH.

Saturday it was cloudy to start and it was 81F in CLE. It was dry to start. I stopped to take on fuel in Erie, PA then had midday rations at Kwik Fill in North East, PA. Rain started east of Rochester, NY and I saw lightning ahead. I stayed behind a line of big storms but had issues with windows fogging up. I shut down and spent a rainy night in Phelps, NY.

Sunday it rained off and on. I stopped in Liverpool, NY to take on fuel then got my fix of Hershey's Ice Cream in Parish, NY and had a slice of pizza in Watertown, NY before starting my run on New York 37. I checked in at motel and was taken to Calvary Baptist Church in Massena, NY where the pastor spoke on Joel 2:12-14 "Steps of Repentance." After church I was taken back to the motel and I finally contacted the receiver and was given directions to where the truck was to be dropped off. I drove to where I was instructed and dropped off the truck and hired a taxi back to the motel. I found out my next trip was to be Montreal to Baltimore. I spent the night in Massena, NY.

Tour of Duty 27th May 2015 to 27th June 2015
Part II: 1st June to 10th June

Monday I caught a taxi after a long wait to Cornwall, Ontario and I caught a train for Montreal.

Via Rail #62 Cornwall, ON to Montreal, QC
Scheduled Departure 13h10, actual 13h14
Scheduled arrival 14h23, actual 14h31

The train took me to downtown Montreal. En route an attendant came through with a service cart offering snacks and drinks for sale. There was no checking baggage at Cornwall so I had to lug my gear onto the train and off again at Montreal. Then I hired a taxi to the shipper to get the truck.

Trip: Anjou, QC (Montreal) to Baltimore, MD 556 paid miles
Make: 2010 International
Model: Vacuum Truck
Transmission: Standard straight 10-speed
Route: Quebec 40 to Quebec 25 to Quebec 20 to Quebec 15 to Interstate 87 to Interstate 287 to New Jersey 17 to Interstate 95 to Interstate 295 back to Interstate 95
Maximum elevation: unknown
Highest diesel USA: $3.099/gallon at Gulf Round Lake, NY
Lowest diesel USA: $2.959/gallon at Pilot Mahwah, NJ
Border Crossing: Lacolle, QC/Champlain, NY

I got the truck and got rolling. There was traffic in the Montreal area. I stopped at a truckstop in Napierville, QC where I waited for a fax which never came. There was an issue with electronic cleareance for the truck to enter the USA due to a cock-up either by the shipper or the broker. I had evening rations in Napierville then I got word to proceed to Lacolle, QC and get a room there so I did and spent the night in Lacolle, QC.

Tuesday I waited until well into the afternoon before getting clearance to enter the USA. There was fog, mist and drizzle but no worse than light rain. After a queue I finally entered the USA but was directed inside. I was surprised I was not charged the usual re-entry fee but the agent did some computer work then I was cleared to proceed. I stopped to eat at truckstop in Champlain, NY then had evening rations at another truckstop in Round Lake, NY. I spent the night in Plattsburgh, NY.

Wednesday I continued into New Jersey, Delaware and finally Maryland. Due to a mechanical issue I discovered on the New Jersey Turnpike regarding an arm I had to stop more frequently than usual for safety checks. I did not make it to the port before the cutoff that day so I got a room and spent the night in Baltimore, MD.

Thursday there was a little rain shower in Baltimore as I made ready to head to the port. I entered the port, stopped at US Customs to get the bond cancelled then went to where I had to go to drop the truck. I checked in and was told where to park. The checker soon came and I moved the truck to where I was directed and the dock receipt was signed and I was taken to the gate where I waited for taxi. Taxi came after long wait and I headed to BWI. Upon arrival at BWI the company booked me on a flight to CLT.

I checked in and checked my bags which weighed 48.0 and 41.5lbs. I opted out and was patted down but there was no additional screening of my carry-ons.

Southwest #147 BWI-CLT B-737-300 Boarding Pass A7
Seat 5F Cruising altitude 36,000 feet Estimated flying time 1:01, actual 0:57
Depart: Gate A9 Scheduled 17h40, actual 20h03 Taxi/hold: 25 minutes
Arrive: Gate A6 Scheduled 19h00, actual 21h32 Taxi: 6 minutes
Reclaim checked bags 21-24 minutes after arrival

The plane was late coming from MCI. I walked over to Concourse C and got a couple of sandwiches at Potbelly's. Then I walked back to my original gate, A3 to eat then found out there was a gate change so I walked to A9.

We boarded via jetway and it was raining outside. It was announced it was 62F and light rain at CLT. The plane was full. Pushback was 2h23min late followed by takeoff. We were into the clouds within 36 seconds. Seatbelt sign went off at 0:23. I got pretzels at 0:25 and a can of soda at 0:28. I felt descent begin at 0:31. Seatbelt sign went on and descent was announced at 0:37 and I started seeing breaks in the clouds. we landed and arrived at gate 2h32min late and we deplaned via jetway. I got my bags and phoned some hotels and spent night in Charlotte, NC.

Friday afternoon I headed to the shipper. I got the truck and it took some time to figure some things out as this was a street sweeper with dual controls and I had to open the back to store my big bags.

Trip: Charlotte, NC to Rigurd, QC 959 paid miles
Make: 2016 Freightliner
Model: Street Sweeper
Transmission: Automatic
Route: Interstate 85 to Interstate 77 to Interstate 81 to Interstate 78 to Interstate 287 to Interstate 87 to Quebec 15 to Quebec 30 to Quebec 40
Maximum elevation: unknown but parts of Interstate 77 and Interstate 81 in southwest Virginia were well over 2,000 feet
Highest diesel USA: $3.399/gallon at Pilot Newburgh, NY
Lowest diesel USA: $2.799/gallon at Pilot Raphine, VA
Diesel price Canada: $1.299CAD/litre at Flying J Napierville, QC
Border Crossing: Champlain, NY/Lacolle, QC

It was a bit warm and muggy in Charlotte when I got started. I stopped at a nearby Bojangles to eat and ended up meeting the person I talked to on the phone to get assistance on how to open and close the back of the truck. After I finished eating I proceeded. I went into downtown Charlotte to look around and take pictures as the street sweeper was smaller and I could go some places I wouldn't think of going in some of the trucks I drive. I saw Tryon Street was closed due to some sort of event but I found a side street to park and took some pictures of Charlotte before getting back on the Interstate. Traffic moved well at first but came to a screeching halt in Mooresville due to an accident and lane blockage. I saw a nice sunset over a lake while delayed and finally made it past the wreck and traffic moved well again. The weigh scale was opened in Mt. Airy but I got the bypass lane and proceeded into Virginia. I shut down and spent night in Dublin, VA.

Thursday I continued north on Interstate 81 through Virginia, West Virginia and Maryland. There was a brief but heavy rain shower near Natural Bridge, VA. I stopped to take on fuel then eat in Raphine, VA. I had evening rations at Sheetz in Martinsburg, WV. I ended up spending the night in Chambersburg, PA.

Sunday morning I got up too late to attend church but was able to make it to Sunday School at Orthodox Presbyterian Church which met at the hotel I was at in Chambersburg, PA. This church had church then Sunday School, the reverse of what I usually see. The topic was baptism and though I disagree with infant baptism I was glad to hear some of the reasons why this church believes in infant baptism. Then I proceeded and took on fuel in Myerstown, PA before continuing to Catasaqua, PA where I attended evening service of Free Presbyterian Church of the Lehigh Valley. After that I continued into New Jersey and ended up spending the night in Suffern, NY.

Monday I was awakened by thunder and went back to sleep but it was clearing up by the time I was ready to start my run up the New York Thruway. I got into more rain around Albany, NY and it was mostly rain up to Plattsburgh, NY. I had some difficulty getting a room but spent the night in Plattsburgh, NY.

Tuesday I got a call from dispatch telling me not to cross the border as some paperwork was not in order. I replied I would be asking to be paid downtime. I did relocate to another hotel and did laundry and ate at Friendly's. There was rain at times and I spent the night in Plattsburgh, NY.

Wednesday I got the word to cross the border and had to stop at US Customs to get the title. There was a queue to enter Canada then I had to see the broker before getting cleared by Customs. Once clear I proceeded up Quebec 15 to Quebec 30 where I paid a small toll when crossing the St-Lawrence River. Then I took Quebec 40 west and Rigurd was just a few kilometres from the Ontario border. I delivered the truck and got a taxi to YUL. Upon arriving at YUL I contacted dispatch and was told to get a room as the flight was the following morning. It started raining as I arrived at hotel and I ordered a pizza to be delivered for evening rations. There was a thunderstorm outside as I spent the night in Ville St-Laurent, QC (Montreal).

Tour of Duty 27th May 2015 to 27th June 2015
Part III: 11th June to 15th June

Thursday morning I took shuttle to YUL. I checked in and checked bags and the fees were 60$USD or 74.45$CAD. I cleared security after a short queue and there was no scanner machine, just a metal detector. I precleared US Customs and there was an automated procedure. The time from beginning of check-in to clear of security and Customs was 31 minutes.

US Airways Express #3819 YUL-PHL CRJ-200 Zone 3
Seat 9A Cruising altitude 28,000 feet Estimated flying time 1:10, actual 1:06
Depart: Gate C78 Scheduled 09h49, actual 09h35 Taxi: 13 minutes
Arrive: Gate F31 Scheduled 11h26, actual 11h01 Taxi: 6 minutes

We boarded via jetway. I found the seat next to me was blocked. It was announced that it was overcast above 8000 feet and 23C/74F at PHL. Pushback was 14 minutes early followed by takeoff to the west. I saw YUL, Quebec 20 and the St-Lawrence River then we went into the clouds within 57sec. We went over the clouds at 1min39sec. Clouds started to break at 0:05 and seatbelt sign went off at 0:08.

At 0:19 I got cup of soda and I saw Schroon Lake and Lake Champlain further out. At 0:26 we crossed Interstate 90 New York State Thruway and at 0:28 I saw Interstate 88. I thought I felt descent at 0:32 and clouds increased. Seatbelt sign went on and descent was announced at 0:42 and it was 80F at PHL.

I felt bumps at 0:50 and at 0:51 I saw ABE Lehigh Valley International Airport Allentown, PA as well as US22 and Bethlehem, PA and Interstate 78. We crossed the Pennsylvania Turnpike at 0:58 and crossed the Delaware River into New Jersey airspace at 1:00 and I got a glimpse of downtown Philadelphia to the right. We headed south over southern New Jersey and I saw Interstate 295 at 1:02. We turned west and south and landed to the south and arrived at gate 25 minutes early and deplaned via jetway. I had midday rations at Chickie's & Pete's and had a Philly Cheesesteak.


US Airways #1847 PHL-MSP E-190 Zone 3
Seat 25A Cruising altitude 30,000 feet Estimated flying time 2:16, actual 2:18
Depart: Gate C31 Scheduled 13h45, actual 13h42 Taxi: 12 minutes
Arrive: Gate E12 Scheduled 15h34, actual 15h17 Taxi: 4 minutes
Reclaim checked bags 20-21 minutes after arrival

We boarded via jetway and it was announced it was 64F and light rain at MSP. The plane was almost full but there was an empty seat next to me. Takeoff was to the saouth then we turned west. I saw Harrisburg, PA at 0:11. Seatbelt sign went off at 0:22 upon reaching cruise and it was announced we may get to MSP early.

We crossed Interstate 99 and I saw Altoona, PA at 0:26. At 0:38 I got cup of soda as we crossed what looked to be Interstate 79. Seatbelt sign went on at 0:53 due to light chop. I saw clouds below. I felt descent at 1:58 while in clouds. Descent was announced at 2:00 and it was 63F and still some light rain showers at MSP. We broke through clouds at 2:15 and it looked wet and we landed on wet runway though I was unsure of the direction. We arrived at gate 17 minutes early and and it was raining. We deplaned via jetway. After I got my bags I went to where the taxis were and hired a taxi to go to the shipper where I got the truck.

Trip: South St-Paul, MN to Shelby, NC 1,130 paid miles
Make: 2016 Hino
Model: Cab/Chassis
Transmission: Automatic
Route: Interstate 494 to US52 to Interstate 90 to Interstate 39 to Interstate 74 to Interstate 465 back to Interstate 74 to Interstate 75 to Interstate 640 to Interstate 40 to Interstate 26 to US74
Maximum elevation: 2,130 feet at Eastern Continental Divide Interstate 26 5 miles west of Saluda, NC
Highest diesel USA: $2.799/gallon at Kwik Trip Zumbrota, MN
Lowest diesel USA: $2.519/gallon at Mr. Fuel Indianapolis, IN

This truck was a Cab and Chassis and I was glad to see that the temporary mudflaps were secured very well unlike past Cab and Chassis I've picked up from Springfield, OH. The ride in MN was rough and it took some getting used to. It was raining and the weather was like winter in Los Angeles. I ended up stopping and spending night in Rochester, MN.

Friday I got underway and crossed the Mississippi into Wisconsin. From the time I landed at MSP to the time I entered Wisconsin was the only time I was west of the Mississippi this tour of duty. The speed limit in Wisconsin was still 65mph and I was wondering when that would change and little did I know that change was coming soon. I made my way through Wisconsin into Illinois southbound on Interstate 39. North of Bloomington I saw lightning to the distance. In Bloomington I switched to Interstate 74 east and on the east side of Bloomington I encountered a thunderstorm which continued to at least Le Roy, IL. I got out of the rain but there was the threat of more and it was late and I was going to change time zones when entering Indiana so I stopped and spent the night in Champaign, IL.

Saturday I continued into Indiana and stopped in Covington, IN to eat then Indianapolis to take on fuel. I continued into Cincinnati, OH where Interstate 74 ended and I started my run south on Interstate 75. It was not long before I crossed the Ohio River into Kentucky and Dixie. I did some phoning and opted to stop and spend the night in Lexington, KY.

Sunday I drove to Bryan Station Baptist Church to attend the morning service. Though I had to cut through the woods and the church was in a rural area it was still considered to be Lexington, Kentucky. The text was Romans 8:18-25 and the message was on suffering and hope. After the service I went into downtown Lexington and looked around and took some pictures. It was warm and muggy and as soon as I got back in the truck rain started falling. I continued south on Interstate 75 and stopped for evening rations at Sonny's in Corbin, KY. Soon thereafter I entered Tennessee and took Interstate 640 around Knoxville and started my run east on Interstate 40. Large areas around Knoxville have a speed limit of 65 for cars and 55 for trucks. I entered North Carolina and stopped and spent the night in Asheville, NC.

Monday I drove and parked in downtown Asheville to look around and take pictures. It was warm and forecast to get up to the low 90's F in Asheville which is over 2,000 feet in elevation. After I finished with the pictures, I started east on Interstate 26. There were a couple of steep downgrades and I headed east on US74 for the home stretch on this trip. The speed limit went up to 70 for a brief time on US74 as I was out of the mountains and in the Piedmont. I entered Shelby, NC and found the receiver and delivered the truck. I talked to dispatch and was given choice of early or late morning itinerary and I chose the latter. I hired a taxi and saw Kings Mountain on my way to Charlotte. It was hot and sticky in Charlotte and I felt some discomfort as I learned later it got up to the upper 90's F in Charlotte. I checked into hotel then had evening rations at Cracker Barrel. I spent the night in Charlotte, NC.

Tour of Duty 27th May 2015 to 27th June 2015
Part IV: 16th June to 18th June

Tuesday morning I took shuttle to CLT. It was hot and muggy with considerable discomfort. I understood that I have it good living on the West Coast as I definitely do not care for humidity. It was forecast to get into the high 90's F at CLT. I checked in and checked bags which weighed 48 and 40.5lbs and paid checked bag fees. I cleared security after queue and opted out and was patted down but there was no additional screening of my carry-ons.

US Airways #1862 CLT-ORD A-321 Zone 3
Seat 32A Cruising altitude 34,000 feet Estimated flying time 1:30, actual 1:31
Depart: Gate B9 Scheduled 11h45, actual 11h54 Taxi: 17 minutes
Arrive: Gate H8 Scheduled 12h59, actual 12h54 Taxi: 11 minutes

We boarded via jetway. The plane was full or nearly full with capacity of 187 passengers. It was announced it was cloudy and 66F at ORD and we were expecting a few bumps along the way. It was announced there was a backup with too many planes taxiing toward runway so pushback was 9 minutes late. I was unsure of the direction of takeoff. I saw Interstate 40 and we made a turn NW over Statesville, NC. Clouds increased as we headed toward the Appalachians. At 0:40 I saw what may have been Interstate 71 in northern Kentucky. At 0:41 I got cup of soda then clouds blocked view until the clouds broke at 0:54. Seatbelt sign was on the whole flight. I thought I felt descent at 1:00 and at 1:08 beginning of descent was announced and it was 70F and a few clouds at ORD. At 1:10 I saw evidence of flooding below. At 1:19 I saw MDW. The approach pattern seemed different and during approach I saw more evidence of flooding from the bad storm that hit the Chicago area the previous day. We landed west to east and arrived at gate 5 minutes and we deplaned via jetway and it definitely felt cooler.

American Eagle #2828 ORD-MKE CRJ-200 Group 2
Seat 9A Cruising altitude 7,000 feet Estimated flying time 0:15, actual 0:15
Depart: Gate G7 Scheduled 14h22, actual 14h23 Taxi: 12 minutes
Arrive: Gate C10 Scheduled 15h13, actual 14h56 Taxi: 4 minutes
Reclaim checked bags 17-18 minutes after arrival

We boarded via jetway and the plane was full or nearly full. It was announced it was 64F at MKE. Pushback was 1 minute late and takeoff was to the north. At 0:07 I saw the TA truckstop in Russell, IL then we entered Wisconsin airspace. At 0:08 descent was announced and I felt descent as we paralleled Interstate 94 for much of the flight. Seatbelt sign stayed on the entire flight. I saw the Petro in Sturtevant, WI at 0:10 and landing gear went down at 0:13 as I saw the Pilot truckstop in Oak Creek, WI. We landed south to north and arrived at gate 17 minutes early. We deplaned via jetway. After I got my bags I hired a taxi to New Berlin, WI where I got the next truck. It felt a lot more pleasant in Wisconsin than it did in North Carolina.

Trip: New Berlin, WI to St-Ignace, MI 390 paid miles
Make: 2016 Peterbilt
Model: Vacuum Truck
Transmission: Standard straight 10-speed
Route: Interstate 43 toInterstate 894 to Interstate 94 to Interstate 43 to US41 to Michigan 35 to US2
Maximum elevation: unknown
Diesel price USA: $2.859/gallon at Pilot Oak Creek, WI

I was looking forward to this trip. This was going to be only my second time in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. In November 2011 I had a trip from Marshfield, WI to Sudbury, ON which took me through the U.P. of Michigan but I used different roads than this trip. I got the truck and went to truckstop to take on fuel. I was pleasantly surprised to see a 70mph speed limit sign. That did not last long as the limit went back down to 55mph in Milwaukee County then 50mph in parts of Milwaukee itself. North of Milwaukee the limit went back up to 70mph. Interstate 43 north of Milwaukee was new territory for me. I stopped and had late evening rations at Culver's then I spent the night in Manitowoc, WI.

Wednesday I took a look at downtown Manitowoc then headed north. Interstate 43 ended in the Green Bay area and I transitioned to US41. The road was twinned for quite a while. I entered Michigan at Menomonie where I stopped to get Information. Then I proceeded up Michigan 35 to Escanaba where I stopped to take a look at the town and take some pictures. I transitioned to US2 which I took for the rest of the trip. Sunset was not until at least 21h30 or later and it stayed light until well after 22h00. I had evening rations at Bob's Big Boy then after taking some pictures of the lighthouse I spent the night in Manistique, MI.

Thursday I continued east on US2. Before I left Manistique there was a brief thunderstorm which delayed my departure. It stopped raining by the time I departed however the roads were still wet. I made a few stops to take pictures then arrived in St-Ignace. I finally got a hold of the shipper and was told he would arrive around 17h00 so I had some time to kill. I was able to take some pictures of the Mackinac Bridge but not from the vantage point I wanted to go to due to a weight limit. I saw some of downtown St-Ignace and the lighthouse and had midday rations at the truckstop restaurant. Then I went to the place to drop the truck and waited for the receiver. The receiver was late because he was stopped by the police but he did not get a ticket. I dropped off the truck and was given a ride to hotel and spent the night in Iron Mountain, MI.

Tour of Duty 27th May 2015 to 27th June 2015
Part V: 19th June to 24th June

Friday I hired a taxi to the Iron Mountain airport and got a rental car from Avis. Avis at that location was backward with no computer at the location so there was some complication and delay in completing the rental. I ended up driving down to GRB Green Bay, WI after I swung by the shipper who left the truck outside for an after hours pickup. After loading my gear into the truck I went back to GRB with a stop at filling station on the way. Then I hired a taxi back to the truck.

Trip: Kaukauna, WI to Island Lake, IL 170 paid miles
Make: 2014 Mack
Model: Vacuum Truck
Transmission: Automatic
Route: US41 (Future Interstate 41) to US45 to Interstate 894 to Interstate 43 to US12 to Illinois 176
Diesel price USA: $2.749/gallon at Moasis Little Chute, WI

It was late when I got underway and later when I took on fuel and had evening rations at Subway. As a result I only made it to Oshkosh, WI where I spent the night.

Next morning housekeeping knocked on my door in spite of my request to the front desk to prevent that as there were no "do not disturb" signs at that place of lodging. I was quite upset and expressed my displeasure to the front desk. I had a late start and learned that my ride to the next truck would be late in arriving due to another job. I stopped at a couple of truckstops to kill some time and relax then rain started as soon as I entered Illinois. I got to the receiver to do an after hours drop and found that my ride was going to be even more delayed. I waited in the truck while a thunderstorm was in progress. After the rain let up I went across the street to a bar and grill and while in the midst of late evening ration my ride showed up. I finished up and we headed out toward Dixon, IL where my next truck was. I got the truck and headed to hotel and spent the night in Dixon, IL.

Trip: Dixon, IL to Northville, MI 364 paid miles
Make: 2015 Freightliner
Model: Straight box truck
Transmission: Automatic
Route: US52 to US34 to Interstate 39 to Interstate 80 to Interstate 94 to Michigan 14 to Interstate 96
Maximum elevation: unknown
Diesel price USA: $2.839/gallon at Pilot Dixon, IL and Battle Creek, MI

I did the after hours pickup early Sunday afternoon. I got up too late to go to church in the morning. I took a look at and some pictures of Dixon, IL before heading out. I took some two lane roads to avoid as much as practical the tollways (except for one toll) in Illinois. I went through a town called Sublette that was ravaged by a tornado a couple of days later. I took some pictures of Mendota, IL before getting on Interstate 39. I headed down to Interstate 80 then headed east. I continued into Indiana and Michigan and did a late night/early morning after hours drop in Northville, MI then hired a taxi to hotel and spent night in Plymouth, MI.

Monday I hired a taxi to Northville to get the next truck. I was not looking forward to crossing the border at Windsor and I also was not looking forward to the weather. I checked in and was told I was not expected until Wednesday and the truck was not ready. I phoned dispatch and received word to get hotel and I was told the truck would be ready the next day around lunchtime. I took the same taxi to another hotel in Canton, MI and it was warm and very muggy. Late in the afternoon a line of thunderstorms came through and though Canton was not affected much some other places in Michigan got hit with tornadoes. Later that night more thunderstorms came through. I spent the night in Canton, MI.

Trip: Northville, MI to Bolton, ON 261 paid miles
Make: 2016 Ford E450
Model: Box truck
Transmission: Automatic
Route: Interstate 275 to Interstate 96 to Ambassador Bridge to Ontario 3 to Ontario 401 to Ontario 427 to Ontario 7 to Ontario 50
Maximum elevation: unknown
Unleaded gas price USA: $2.899/gallon at BP Belleville, MI
Border Crossing: Detroit, MI/Windsor, ON

Tuesday I hired taxi back to Northville and got the truck. The weather was much more pleasant than the day before. I diverted to truckstop to get money and took on unleaded then headed toward the border. I stopped at US Customs to get the title cleared then proceeded across the Ambassador Bridge and there was no backup. At the booth I was directed to a place where the truck could be searched then I was told to wait and an agent would come and motion to me to proceed and follow me to the Customs Warehouse over a mile away. I did as told but felt it was a waste of time. I checked in at Customs then went to the Broker which was in the Wolverine Building, then after business with the Broker was complete I went back to Customs and was finally cleared. I continued to Highway 401 and headed east. I made a pit stop in Tilbury then stopped in Dutton to get evening rations. I made it to Woodstock, ON where I spent the night.

Wednesday I continued east and ran into traffic jams starting in Milton. I switched to the 427 and encountered construction and delays. I finally made it to Bolton and made delivery and hired a taxi to YYZ. I got rental car for ROC and soon I encountered very slow traffic. I stopped in Burlington and took some pictures of downtown and Lake Ontario then got on the QEW and traffic improved from absolutely awful to just plain bad. I stopped in Grimsby and had evening rations at Swiss Chalet. Then I proceeded and crossed the Peace Bridge from Ft. Erie, ON to Buffalo, NY. I got on the Thruway and off again and headed to the truck and loaded my gear then proceeded to filling station before dropping the car at ROC. Then I hired taxi back to truck and proceeded to hotel and spent night in Rochester, NY.

Tour of Duty 27th May 2015 to 27th June 2015
Part VI: 25th May to 27th May

Trip: Rochester, NY to Liverpool, NY 85 paid miles
Make: 2015 International
Model: Garbage Truck
Transmission: Automatic
Route: Interstate 490 to Interstate 390 to Interstate 90 to Interstate 81
Diesel price USA: $3.199/gallon at Westen Truckstop Henrietta, NY

I completed the pickup Thursday early afternoon then headed to truckstop to take on fuel and I had to get DEF fluid. I headed toward my destination and had to make a couple of stops on the way. I arrived at the destination which was a dealership and dropped the truck and hired a taxi to Syracuse to get the next truck.

Trip: Syracuse, NY to Wharton, NJ 211 paid miles
Make: 2015 Kenworth
Model: Vacuum Truck
Transmission: Automatic
Route: Interstate 481 to Interstate 81 to Interstate 84 to Interstate 380 to Interstate 80 to New Jersey 15
Maximum elevation: unknown
Diesel price USA: $3.159/gallon at Flying J New Milford, PA

I got this truck and had trouble finding the master switch but with assistance from a worker I finally found it. I headed out and there was some rain south of Syracuse but it dried up before I reached Pennsylvania. I made a very late night drop in Wharton, NJ and got taxi and spent the rest of the night in Parsippany, NJ.

Friday I was told to go back to Wharton, NJ to get a truck for Connecticut. I hired taxi and went to the shipper and got the truck.

Trip: Wharton, NJ to Seymour, CT 115 paid miles
Make: 2015 Kenworth
Model: Vacuum Truck
Transmission: Standard straight 10-speed
Route: New Jersey 15 to Interstate 80 to Interstate 287 to Interstate 95 to Connecticut 8
Diesel price USA: $3.159/gallon at Pilot Ledgwood, NJ

I got the truck and backtracked a few miles to take on fuel as the truckstop in Mahwah, NJ was small and I understood I could use up more time getting in and out of that truckstop as opposed to the one I went to. I crossed the Tappan Zee Bridge and traffic was heavy. I stopped at the first service plaza in Connecticut to make a pit stop and get evening rations as traffic was moving slowly ahead. By the time I was done the traffic flow improved and I headed on to the receiver to make a late night delivery then was taken to hotel and I spent the night in Stratford, CT.

Saturday I awoke and got taxi and it was a hassle to get to the car rental place in Oxford, CT (near Waterbury) where I got in rental car to BDL Bradley International Airport which serves Hartford, CT and Springfield, MA. I made brief stop in Waterbury to take pictures then headed toward BDL. I stopped at filling station then turned in the car and got bus to the terminal.

I learned my first flight was delayed almost an hour and was relieved as there was a long queue to check in. I finally checked in and checked bags which weighed 47.5 and 40lbs. I cleared security after queue and opted out and was patted down. I did not measure the time but the whole process took over an hour. I got a hot dog to eat as I learned the flight was delayed further as it was coming from BWI where there were tornado warnings. While I was waiting I had my connecting flight changed to a later flight.


Southwest #4610 BDL-LAS B-737-700 Boarding Pass A9
Seat 22A Cruising altitude 40,000 feet Estimated flying time 4:54, actual 4:55
Depart: Gate 4 Scheduled 15h40, actual 17h19 Taxi: 8 minutes
Arrive: Gate C5 Scheduled 18h15, actual 19h29 Taxi: 6 minutes

The plane arrived late and we boarded via jetway. Rain started to fall while I was waiting to board. It was announced that it was 109F at LAS. Pushback was 1h39min late and I was unsure of takeoff direction. We went into the clouds at 0:05 and over clouds at 0:25. Seatbelt sign went off at 0:28. At 0:41 the stewardess cane through with a box offering peanuts, pretzels, cookies and Cheese Nips. I chose the pretzels and Cheese Nips. There were a few bumps and seatbelt sign went back on at 0:50.

At 0:59 I got cup of soda. At 1:01 I saw the first small break in cloud cover but I was unsure of location. At 1:03 seatbelt sign went off and there were more breaks in the clouds. At 1:07 the stewardess came through offering water. By 1:10 clouds totally blocked the view below and due to more bumps seatbelt sign went on at 1:26 and the flight attendants were asked to take their seats as there were some pretty good bumps.

Seatbelt sign went off at 1:36. At 1:45 there were breaks in the clouds and I saw what looked to be Portage, Lake Station and Gary, IN and junction of Interstates 80, 65 and 90. I also saw various truckstops in northwest Indiana. At 1:49 I saw junction of Interstates 80 and 355 and at 1:51 I saw Joliet, IL and junction of Interstates 80 and 55. At 1:55 I saw Ottawa, IL with Streator, IL farther out.

I saw junction of Interstates 80 and 39 at 1:56 as seatbelt sign went on. We crossed Interstate 74 at 2:04 south of the Quad Cities. At 2:09 we crossed the Mississippi into Iowa airspace. Seatbelt sign went off at 2:13. We crossed Interstate 35 at 2:26 and at 2:38 we crossed Interstate 29. At 2:41 I got second cup of soda over Kansas or Nebraska. At 2:45 we crossed US81 and I may have seen Concordia, KS. I saw Interstate 70 at 3:20 either over eastern Colorado. At 3:35 I saw what looked to be COS for a moment before it was blocked by clouds.

I used the washroom and returned to my seat at 3:46 and saw the Rocky Mountains and some thunderclouds. I felt bumps and seatbelt sign went on at 4:06. I thought I may have felt descent at 4:16 and I saw Lake Powell at 4:20. I saw Page, AZ at 4:22. I felt actual descent at 4:35 and descent was announced at 4:41. I saw Lake Mead at 4:44 and first sign of LAS metro area at 4:51. We landed to the south southwest and arrived at gate 1h14 late and deplaned via jetway.

Southwest #4252 LAS-LAX B-737-300 Boarding Pass B12
Seat 24F Cruising altitude 28,000 feet Estimated flying time 0:41, actual 0:41
Depart: Gate B14 Scheduled 21h00, actual 21h02 Taxi: 14 minutes
Arrive: Gate 12A Scheduled 22h10, actual 22h08 Taxi: 9 minutes
Reclaim checked bags 14-15 minutes after arrival

I changed terminals and boarded via jetway. Pushback was 2min late and takeoff was to the west and turned to the south. There were some bumps on climb and seatbelt sign stayed on the whole flight. I saw Primm, NV at 0:06 then saw lights of traffic on Interstate 15. I saw lights of Baker, CA at 0:13 and felt us level off at 0:14. Around Interstate 40 I saw lights Barstow, CA at 0:17. I got cup of soda at 0:19 and pretzels at 0:20. I felt descent begin at 0:21 and descent was announced at 0:23 and it was 67F at LAX.

I saw San Bernardino at 0:25 and ONT at 0:31. I saw junction of Interstate 10 and California 57 and 71 at 0:32 and saw California 60 and traffic was moving well at 0:34. We crossed Interstate 605 at 0:36 and crossed Interstate 710 at 0:37. We crossed Interstate 710 at 0:37 and crossed the 110 at 0:39. We crossed the 405 at 0:41 and landed east to west and arrived at gate 2 minutes early. I reclaimed my checked bags and got a shuttle and made it home to end this latest tour of duty.

Thanks for taking the time to write up this report. Fascinating as usual.