Tour of Duty 22nd November to 24th December 2007
Part 2: 10th December to 24th December

Monday the 10th of December dawned and I got the free airport shuttle to SEA. I checked in and checked bags which both weighed 49 pounds each. I checked the seat options and ended up being stuck in a middle seat third row from the back. There was quite a line at security then someone came and said the south checkpoint was not crowded so I went there and there was almost no line. There was no secondary screening and no hand search of carry ons.

Continental #1766 SEA-IAH B-737-800 Seat 27E Cruising altitude 36,000 feet Estimated flying time 3:45, actual 4:01 Scheduled departure 11h10, actual 11h35 Scheduled arrival 17h22, actual 18h05

Every single seat was full. Configuration was 16F/141Y for total capacity of 157 passengers. For awhile I had hope the window seat next to me would remain unoccupied and I would then move over but at the last minute someone boarded and took that seat.

Pushback was 25 minutes late folowed by taxi/hold of 17 minutes and takeoff to the north. I saw Lake Washington, the Cascades and Mt. St. Helens before the occupant of the window seat closed the window shade. There were some pretty good bumps during the first part of the flight. A movie was shown but I did not pay attention.

At 0:57 a "snack" was served consisting of a hot breaded chicken sandwich, a bag of baby carrots and a tiny Milky Way candy bar. I got cup of soda soon thereafter. The sandwich was quite tasty as was the rest of the snack. there were more bumps. I got another cup of soda at 1:29 and there were more bumps. Coffee was offered and declined at 2:15 and there were even more bumps. There was a water run at 2:44. Seatbelt sign finally went off at 2:50. Descent began at 3:26 and seatbelt sign went on at 3:33. Occupant of window seat kept shade shut most of time but opened it in time for me to see sunset during the first part of descent over the clouds. We entered the clouds and there were bumps during descent. We landed and taxi was 12 minutes and we arrived at gate C26 43 minutes late.

I headed over to Terminal B and enjoyed 2 BBQ sandwiches at Harlons BBQ then checked the monitor and saw gate info was missing for the flight to Des Moines. I went to B77 (which is what the monitor said earlier along with "on time") and found out the flight was cancelled as an ice storm was predicted to hit the Des Moines area before the flight was scheduled to land creating a potentially unsafe situation.

Continental Express #2568 IAH-DSM ERJ-145 Scheduled departure 19h30 CANCELLED

I went over to the help desk and ended up being rebooked on a specially created flight #4904 scheduled to leave at 07h00 sharp. Also I was given a paper and went to baggage claim and was given an amenity kit rather than wait up to 4 hours or more for my bags. I rang the number on the paper and booked a room through National Hospitality at the Hotel Monarchy in Humble. I took free shuttle over to the hotel and got a room at the distressed travellers rate of $49 plus taxes for $57.33 total.

Tuesday I was up at a very unsocial hour, got cleaned up as best as I could and took the 06h00 shuttle back to IAH. I cleared security and found the
07h00 flight to DSM was also cancelled (I found out later the airport at DSM was closed). I went back to the help desk and was told the earliest flight I could be confirmed on was the one leaving at 19h30 and I was welcome to standby on earlier flight leaving at 14h10 so I said I would. Several names were called for the earlier flight but not mine so I waited for the 19h30 flight which was delayed and gate changed.

Continental Express #2568 IAH-DSM ERJ-145 Seat 11C Cruising altitude 35,000 feet Estimated flying time 1:40, actual 1:36 Scheduled departure
19h30, actual 20h55 Scheduled arrival 21h50, actual 22h50

Plane was not totally full. Announcement was made weather was 22F at DSM. Pushback was 1h25min late followed by takeoff and right turn. There were bumps during climb and cruise at times. There was a drink run and I got cup of soda but declined peanuts. I got refill on soda. I thought I felt descent begin at 1:15 and bumps started. Announcement was made at 1:20 but I could not hear it well. Seatbelt sign was on whole flight and I felt bumps during descent and it looked like there was some icing on wing during descent. It looked like we went through some precipitation and made turn to west and I saw lights of Des Moines area on final. We landed east to west on an icy and snowy runway and made rolllout with no reverse thrust. Taxi was 6minutes followed by arrival exactly one hour late. I found that my bags arrived on the previous flight I stood by for.

I took taxi to motel nearby and found a winter wonderland with ice coating the tree branches. It looked pretty to the eye but was no doubt ugly to drive on. Next day I got transport to Scranton where I got the truck.

Trip: Scranton, IA to Calgary, AB Got as far as Casselton, ND and trip was aborted due to mechanical issues. 505 actual miles Routes: US30 to Iowa 141to Interstate 29 to Interstate 94 Maximum elevation: around 1,477 feet at Alexandria, MN

I got in the truck and started it up. The truck was a Mack garbage truck. There was a warning beeper going off and a couple of warning lights were illuminated on the dash. Also the amber "N" light was illuminated indicating the transmission was in neutral even when the truck was in gear. I told someone at the shipper about the problem and rang up the Mack helpline and was told that maybe coolant level was low. I got started and fueled up in Glidden, IA where diesel was $3.399/gallon. I put a gallon of coolant in and stopped for the night in Carroll, IA because that was where a Mack repair shop was located. I ended up staying at the Super 8 as another location told me that credit card was required.

Next morning I took truck to the Mack repair shop to get it looked at and was told there was a cold water leak. There was no more warning beeper but they could not fix the problem with the amber "N" light but that was not a big deal so I started out and stayed up late to make up some ground and ended up staying in Sisseton, SD where it got down to -6F overnight.

Next day I got rolling and got to Fargo where I fueled, got another cash advance and had a meal. Then I headed west on Interstate 94 and when approaching Casselton, ND, I heard the telltale beeping sound and saw the two warning lights on the dash illuminated and another warning light illuminated on a blue toggle switch indicating that an Exhaust Aftertreatment System regeneration was needed. That pretains to the new government emissions standards in effect for the newest trucks.

I stopped and parked safely in Casselton and rang the Mack helpline and was told what to do to start a regeneration, how long to wait and what to expect. I did as instructed and made several tries but no regeneration. I rang up the Mack helpline again and was told to turn around and head back to Fargo as Mack had a shop there (the only one in North Dakota). I saw a book listing all the shops so I did not bother to get directions. I was able to proceed though the engine was derated and I did no better than 45mph. I followed the directions in the book only to find out the shop had moved. As a result I rang the shop, got the new directions and got to the shop.

At the shop I described the problem and was told another truck similar to this one had a similar problem and it took over 3 months to do troubleshooting and the person at the desk indicated that since this is so new that not all the parts to solve the problem have been developed. Thus ended this trip and it was clear the truck was not going to be repaired anytime soon. I got all my belongings out of the truck, parked it and got taxi to motel. It was cold in Fargo with a low of -8F and high of 6F.

Saturday morning I rang the company and explained what transpired and was told to stay another night in Fargo and get a bus Sunday to Minneapolis and get transport Monday to Dodge Center, MN where a truck bound for Edmonton, AB was waiting for me. It was 15F when I woke up Saturday and got up to 23F that day.

Sunday morning I was taken to Community Baptist Church in Fargo for morning worship. There was some snow. The sermon was based on Romans 5:21 and was entitled "Grace Rules." Then I was taken to the bus depot after a stop at a store to pick up a couple things and a stop for lunch. I got bus ticket to Minneapolis for $43.25. Greyhound #5892 was scheduled to leave Fargo at 15h00 and arrive in Minneapolis at 19h35 with intermediate stops in Fergus Falls, Alexandria and St. Cloud, MN.

Monday I got transport to Dodge Center, MN though there was a bit of a wait. There was no snow and it warmed up to the low 30s F. It was after
14h00 when I arrived at the shipper. I got in the truck, started it up and a short time later it sputtered to a halt. I started it again and it would start but would not remain running despite numerous tries. It was getting to closing time so I ended up being taken to motel in Kasson, MN for the night.

I went to a bar and grill next door and ordered a cheeseburger. It looked fine but I spotted a hair on the burger so the waitress took it back and a new one was cooked this time with no hair. An apology was given and I was only charged half price.

Tuesday I got transport back to the shipper and people replaced the fuel filter and had the fuel tank and engine heated with heater blocks to combat gelling but the truck would still not stay running. As a result a decision was made to give me another truck just like it going to the same destination. The next truck started up and I ended up starting out almost exactly 24 hours after I would have if it was not for the problem with the first truck.

Trip: Dodge Center, MN to Edmonton, AB 1,310 paid miles Routes: US14 to Interstate 35 to Interstate 35W to Interstate 494 to Interstate 94 to US52 to Saskatchewan 39 to Saskatchewan 6 to Saskatchewan 11 to Saskatchewan 16/Alberta 16 (Yellowhead Highway) Maximum elevation about 2,373 feet in Edmonton, AB

Weather was sunny when I left Dodge Center but it started fogging up around Faribault. The fog was not thick and presented no problem. I experienced traffic jams on Interstate 494 in the Twin Cities metro area. I had a good deli sandwich at the Petro in Clearwater, MN. I stopped in Alexandria, MN and went to the L Motel to get a room but was refused because I don't have credit card anymore so I went to the Skyline and got a room.

Next morning it was 8F when I got up in Alexandria. I slipped while on ice but fortunately I was able to regain my balance and did not fall. I fueled at the Petro in Fargo, ND and diesel was $3.319/gallon. I got as far as Harvey, ND and attended midweek church service there at Victory Baptist Church. I stayed at the Artois Motel and the person at the desk did laundry for me while I was in church! I was impressed.

Thursday morning saw temperature at 29F when I got up and temperatures climbed to well above freezing during the day. I stopped for diesel in Kenmare, ND then headed for the border and crossed from Portal, ND to North Portal, SK. Since I was able to fax a customs paper with barcode to the company which forwarded same to broker all I did was pull up to the booth, present the paper with barcode and it was scanned, present my FAST card and answer a few quick questions and I was on my way.

I fueled in Weyburn and got to Regina where I spent the night. Next day it was snowing and the door to my motel room was frozen shut so I got assistance from the front desk and the person used a hairdryer to unfreeze the lock so I could get the rest of my items out of the room.

The snow quit not very far out of Regina and was replaced by strong wind which slowed me down greatly. The wind blowed snow that was already on the ground creating some problems. I stopped in Davidson, SK to fuel. The Shell station had low sulfur as opposed to the ultra low sulfur that was required. The Fas Gas was out of diesel. I ended up fueling at the CO OP at CAD$1.199/liter which converted to about $4.542/gallon (exchange rate very close to par between USD and CAD). I proceeded and fueled at the Flying J in Saskatoon for CAD$1.06/liter or about $4.012 per gallon. Conditions were better between Saskatoon and Lloydminster. I fueled up in Lloydminster on the Alberta side and got lodging for the night at the Cedar inn on the Saskatchewan side.

Saturday morning I got up early and the temperature was -26C (-14.8F) I started the truck but it would not start. I did not even think of plugging the truck in overnight and in hindsight I should have though it was cold enough there still may have been a problem. The temperature dropped to -27C (-16.6F) with wind chill of -39C (-38.2F). It got up to about -21C (-5.6F) while I was in Lloydminster. I waited awhile and rang for a service truck and got a boost but it still would not start so I left it plugged in for a few hours more then got another boost and it wouldn't start at first but it finally caught and I was in business.

I got started and stopped in Vegreville and saw the worlds largest Ukrainian easter egg. Then I continued to Edmonton. The temperature got milder as I closed in on Edmonton. Earlier I rang up a church to arrange to get transport after delivery and transport to church for Sunday morning service and then to airport immediately afterward to catch flight. I made after hours delivery in Edmonton and was picked up and had some fellowship en route to the Super 8 in Leduc, AB. We drove by the West Edmonton Mall and stopped at a Tim Horton's where I got a Ham and Swiss sandwich for dinner along with a couple of donuts for dessert. As we approached Leduc, snow started to fall.

Sunday morning dawned bright and clear at -8C (+17.6F) and I checked out and was picked up by the pastor of Vision Baptist Church in Leduc and attended morning service. There was a Christmas skit put on by the young people followed by a message on perspective and expectations. Several baptisms followed the main message. I am very thankful for the pastor and church member providing me the transportation to lodging, church service and the airport.

I was taken to Edmonton International Airport where I checked in at the Northwest counter for my flights home. I had to present my passport. I checked bags and they were weighed and one was 49.6 pounds and the other was 51.6 pounds. I offered to take my jacket out of the heavy bag but the lady said she would let it slide since it's Christmas. Then I filled out U.S. Customs Declaration Form and presented same along with my passport to the U.S. Customs booth (no line). Then I cleared security after a short line. Footwear removal was required for U.S. bound travellers. I was not wanded but my briefcase was briefly searched. Then I entered the part of the terminal reserved for U.S. bound flights. I saw my flight was running a bit late. Eating choces there were very limited so I grabbed a hot dog and soda.

Northwest #1020 YEG-MSP A-319 Seat 7A Cruising altitude 33,000 feet Estimated flying time 2:04, actual 2:39 Scheduled departure 14h00, actual
14h33 Scheduled arrival 17h41, actual 18h31 Ticket cost: unknown

Plane was delayed arriving from MSP. All or nearly all seats were taken. I had to show passport upon boarding. Pushback was 33 minutes late followed by taxi of 8 minutes and takeoff to the east southeast. I saw the snow covered prairies. Our route was announced as going south of Saskatoon, over Regina, Minot, Fargo to the Twin Cities. Announcement was made there was one half mile visibility with snow and freezing fog and ceiling of 500 feet and gusty winds at MSP and that might cause delays.

Seatbelt sign went off at 0:23 and back on at 0:36. I saw more snowy prairies. Smartsnacks (snack box) was offered for $5 along with other snacks for $2. At 0:38 there was a drink run and I got whole can of soda. At 0:54 coffee was offered but declined. I thought I saw Saskatchewan 11 between Regina and Saskatoon.

I saw more snowy prairies and moonrise. There was a water run at 0:58 and seatbelt sign went off at 1:02. At 1:05 seatbelt sign went back on as it was announced there were bumps over Minot, ND. I saw what I thought was US2 followed by a lower cloud deck to the east blocking my view of the ground.

Seatbelt sign went off again at 1:21 and I felt descent begin and simultaneous with that seatbelt sign went back on at 1:44. Announcement was made updating weather conditions at MSP with overcast and visibility of one and a half miles, ceiling at 1,200 feet, snow showers and winds gusting out of the west at 25mph. Then an announcement was made we would be in a holding pattern for about 10 minutes and temperature at MSP was 12F. The hold was finally cancelled and we swung out farther than expected making for a longer flight.

I saw precipitation on approach. Gear went down at 2:35 and we landed on a snowy and icy runway and I saw blowing and drifting snow during taxi of 9 minutes. We arrived at gate G19 50 minutes late. When I deplaned I saw some snow in the jetway.

I checked the monitor and saw my next flight was to leave out of G1 and was delayed only 10 minutes. However I checked the arrivals and saw the flight originated in Bismarck, ND and was not estimated to arrive until much later so I knew the delay would be more lengthy. The delay kept growing and a gate change was ultimately made to G3. The delay grew enough that another flight to LAX was scheduled to go out of G2 but was changed to G17.
In the meantime I got a sandwich to take on the plane and got a bite to eat at McDonald's.

Northwest #309 MSP-LAX A-319 Seat 9A Exit Row Cruising altitude 36,000 feet Estimated flying time 3:18, actual 3:24 Scheduled departure 19h20, actual 22h04 Scheduled arrival 21h18, actual 00h05 +1

Since I had an exit row seat I was able to board before most of the rest of coach (except elites). There was further delay as there was confusion as some people who were to take this flight got confused by the gate change for the other LAX flight and mistakenly went over to G17 and those people had to be rounded up and finally they boarded and all or nearly all seats were taken.

Pushback was 2h44min late followed by taxi/hold of 25 minutes but no deicing. Takeoff was to the west. Weather was clearing so I saw lights of the MSP metro area immediately after takeoff. Then I could not place my location for quite awhile due to it being dark outside.

Seatbelt sign went off by 0:17. There was light chop and seatbelt sign went back on at 0:23 and off again at 0:35. There was drink run at 0:40 and I got whole can of soda and ate sandwich I got at the airport. There was more choppy air and some good bumps so seatbelt sign went on at 0:48 and stayed on until 2:17. Smartsnacks was offered for sale but declined. There were a few more bumps but seatbelt sign stayed off. I went back and used the lavatory and upon exiting I saw the lights of Las Vegas out the right windows at 2:46.

Seatbelt sign went on again at 3:00 and it was announced we were 130 miles out of Los Angeles. I felt descent begin at 3:02 and saw the lights of the greater LA area and there were a few bumps. Gear went down at 3:20 and we landed east to west. Taxi was 11 minutes and we arrived at gate 24
2h47min late. I claimed both bags 20 minutes after arrival and took a shuttle home.

Ah, nothing like winter in the midwest! As always, thanks for sharing. I really enjoy your TRs.

Great read - and to think I worry about a fly/drive to France in the summer (at least you were driving on your usual side of the road)

Thanks for the report, Loose Cannon. You have a terrific eye for detail, and that makes for a great read.

Another great read, LC! Do you generally drive the truck to the church services, or do you get picked up? I have this image in my mind of a parking lot filled with family cars and one huge truck.

Do you find out about gas prices in advance, or do you just eyeball them as you pass?

Keep up the reports. Love reading them!

Church: Sometimes I get picked up, sometimes I park truck in lot if it is large enough and sometimes street parking is allowed. And the parking lot is not always filled, sometimes there are just a few cars.

Fuel prices: I have a general idea what areas have lower or higher prices and TRY to use the lowest available. Flying J truckstops generally have an Internet booth and though there is charge to generally surf the web the Flying J website (including diesel prices) can be accessed for free.

I love your posts and look forward to reading them. Did I miss something about a credit card - I've seen a couple of references in your recent reports?

For reasons I won't go into in public I no longer use credit cards. I've "cut the plastic" so to speak and now operate strictly cash only. That means when I pay for a air ticket now I do it in cash.

That must really cause some hassles with hotels and rental cars. Do you get the "SSSS" boarding pass because of paying cash?

Regarding lodging there have been two places so far that wouldn't rent to me and in both occasions I was able to find a room elsewhere. I think it is outrageous that a hotel or motel would refuse to rent to someone who does not have plastic.

Regarding rental cars if it is necessary for me to rent a car I will ask the company I contract to rent one for me. I do understand that NY state has a law making it illegal for car rental companies to refuse rental to someone without credit card. I don't know if any other states have that.

So far I paid cash only once for ticket that was F9 at SLC and the person at the desk was not at first able to make correct change. Eventually he did. I did not get the SSSS. Perhaps using my FF# helped.