The beginning of the end?

I'm beginning to get a bit concerned about the lack of freight moving this week. Maybe I'm overreacting but for someone that used to run about 650 miles a day, my current average is less than 250. I can't do much speculation about the cause of our recent economic woes except to say unrestricted greed had a part in it. Besides, nobody wants to hear a driver going off about politics or the like (especially on the CB *hint*)

This has given me the opportunity for more bike time and I found a nice trail in Breezewood Pa not far from the TA truckstop. It was an old section of the PA Turnpike from back when it was 1 lane in each direction (like all of Illinois currently). I wish I had brought my headlight for the bike as there were 2 tunnels on the trail and while you can see light at the other end it gets a bit dark in the middle. Nothing like riding through blackness not knowing if you're going to hit something while cold water drips on you from above. The trail was otherwise deserted, and I enjoyed some fall foliage on the side trails. Some of the local slacker youth did a fine graffiti job on the tunnels I must say I'm really enjoying the singlespeed.

I had some troubles with my wireless card and was without net access for about 2 weeks. I gave up on Sprint tech support after the sixth time I went through the same program, format, reboot... process that they read off the screen. None of it helped much and I had to resort to my ace in the hole, a brother that is a programmer. After this and the assistance getting my bike out of the savage clutches of the UPS warlords he is definitely getting my sainthood nomination. The road was long and arduous, and I can't honestly say I did much but make it more difficult, but It's all working again. Apparently the launch program decided to screw up and didn't want to leave my computer, and the working version wasn't moving in until after the squatters were evicted. That is the most technical version of things I am able to muster, hopefully you're able to follow.

I spent a few days back home and finally got around to cleaning up the accumulation of junk in my storage unit. Every time I was home I would just empty the things I didn't need in my truck into a pile in the back. Eventually I was unable to pull my Honda in and it needed to be addressed. I had wondered where that loaf of bread went to in June, It had molded beyond the fuzzy stage to something quite scary. Thankfully the rest was less fungal and things are back in order.

The home visit was scheduled for the weekend of the FOO campout. We headed back to West Virginia for another stay at Coopers Rock. This time we camped at Chestnut Ridge instead of in the State Forest (no alcohol restrictions). The turnout was similar to last year but without the rain. It was however quite cold and the temps hovered between 30 and 45 most of the weekend. We had plenty of wood for a nice fire, something that is sorely lacking on the road. I motion for all truck stops to do away with the drivers lounge (usually a TV room with ashtrays) and put in the fire ring. There is nothing quite like hanging out with good people around a fire. We even had quite the turkey dinner with all the trimmings. It was like a little slice of Thanksgiving in October. I was fortunate to enlarge my Sheepie family to 3, the new additions being Kayla and Disco Chocolate (I could try but it would just be too difficult to explain to a non FOO member) long story short, they're little wool sheep Christmas ornaments. We were pleasantly treated to a bit of music from a wedding that was being held at the campground. At first we had our doubts, but were happy once we found out it was going to be The Halftime String Band (a local WV bluegrass outfit) known to frequent Ohiopyle. It only makes sense that it would be river type folk having an outdoor wedding in late October. The weather broke on the last day (just like last year) and we went for a hike to Raven Rock Overlook for some Cheat Gorge views.

I have officially had my first comment on the blog. I don't know how you end up finding something as action packed as my blog, but don't go expecting outlandish things like more frequent posts just because I now have an audience. I will continue to bring you all the best in sarcasm, cycling, roadside religion, and the marvel that is the Eisenhower Interstate System. (Marvel not available in Illinois).

I have been expanding on the fine art of OTR Cheffin' Above you will see the spacious and well appointed kitchen on my truck. It even has running water (during rainstorms) and deluxe overhead lighting. My most recent fancy type meal was grilled salmon with mango salsa, grilled red, yellow, and orange bell peppers, and steamed asparagus and broccoli. It was so good the night I had it in Cranberry PA I decided to do the same this evening in Greer SC (despite the running water in the kitchen). I am trying to break up the monotony of the salad while still preparing most of my own meals in the truck. I still need to work on the refrigeration technology as my cooler isn't that large and tends to freeze things when the truck gets cold at night. I do have the bonus freezer that will soon arrive behind my cab this winter.

And once again it's time for church! I've been looking hard lately but I just haven't been to too many red states. You find the best material there. As I ponder other options in my driving career (there has to be freight moving somewhere) I came across this little recruitment

Ok, I might consider it, but how much per mile and will he be bringing any of those fetuses in the truck?