Lots of things have changed

Haven't posted for awhile - too much going on.

I've taken a short leave of absence from work and we've sort of moved. Right now everything is in a container at my son's place at South Slocan, B.C. But we're back in Edmonton because Sandy's Mom died on the 28. We'll head back when everything here is settled.

We can't stay in South Slocan because it's pretty isolated at Brian's place and without a 4 wheel drive, we wouldn't get out 'til spring. We'll probably end up in Kelowna and then I'll go back to work.

I'll try to post more frequently. Phil, if you read this, we really miss you and I hope things are going OK.

Although cloudy and rainy, it was OK when we left Castlegar, BC this morning heading empty to Lethbridge. This was a great trip because I've never had a load to the Kootenays and that gave me a chance to see my son, Brian. It's been awhile since I saw him and a lot has changed

His business, Canadian Power Machines, is doing well and half the shop is full of snowmobiles he's working on. (some pretty powerful machines) You can have a look at some of his work at www.canadianpowermachines.ca. There's also a link in the right column that goes directly to his site.

Well things changed pretty fast when I started up the West side of the Salmo Creston pass. Rain changed to sleet to wet snow. 3 trucks were spun out and I was so busy, I didn't even get a picture. I was fortunate enough to be behind the snowplow. He just went around the stuck trucks as they were chaining up and I followed him. I could feel some slip, but with fingers and toes crossed, made it to the top.

Like I said, going empty to Lethbridge and waiting for a meat load to Waterloo, Iawa. That's a good run, but I wish it was ready when I get there, as we both just detest Lethbridge. Might find a place to hang out before we get there that at least has some scenery. Yes, if Alberta needed an enema, Lethbridge would be the perfect place.

No Snow Oregon

It's been awhile since I blogged, there hasn't
been anything exciting to print or talk about
till now, finally a place where there is no snow,
quite a difference since the last time we were
here in December. If you make the picture bigger you will see the geese on the river.
(Columbia River). We are heading to Tracey,California to deliver a load. We are in
Ripon,Ca. waiting for our next load it is sunny
and 51degrees F(+10C). I met some really nice
people in Klamath Falls, Oregon on Sat. Two
single Ladies 40+ Shirley and Diana.
Shirley designs custom made western shirts if
you are interested they take 2-3 days.
Tell her Sandy sent you. She is in the phone book and she has a website. I miss everyone back home,I hope to go back there soon. I need my family and friends fix. Well that's all for now, I will
post again soon, brighter days ahead I hope.

Well so much for being on time with this load. This is a picture from the www.travelbc.ca webcame at the top of the Rogers Pass on the Trans Canada Highway in BC. These trucks are lined up waiting for the highways dept to bring down potential avalances. They do that with large cannons and send explosives into the snow to create an avalance, then clean up with loaders and graders.

These trucks are facing westbound at the lodge. We're down the other side facing eastbound towards Calgary, and waiting for the same thing. When we got here at 14:30, we were told it would be about 3 hrs. It's been almost 2 hrs and I was supposed to be in Calgary before 18:00. Sorry about their luck. Just hope there isn't a lineup at London Drugs waiting for some of this stuff from Richmond.

This whole trip has been a test. Left Edmonton Tues evening and got as far as Blue River at 4:00 AM. I just couldn't see anymore so I pulled into the Husky. Everythng looked okay, but when I tried to move in the morning, I was stuck. So were all the other trucks in the lot. I tried to chain, but already being stuck on ice, that wasn't going to happen.

Eventually, the person cleaning the parking lot showed up with a backhoe. One by one, he hooked a chain to each truck to his hoe and pulled us all out. It just took a couple of feet to get rolling and then everything was OK to go. He didn't even ask for money, I guess Husky was paying him by the hour because it was their parking lot and they hadn't kept it driveable.

Hopefully we'll make Calgary tonight, although it will be late. We've already been given a load to Ohio with an extra stop in Illinios, 2 extra stops in Michigan, and a final in Springfield, OH. I know there's lots of weather there too, but at least they keep the roads in better shape, hopefully.

Hope you're all safe and upright. This winter is already harder that the last many have been.

All the best in the coming months and Spring will be very welcome from my point of view.