First Two Weeks on the Road

First Two Weeks on the Road 

I put myself ‘in service’ and was ready to start my ‘hot shot’ adventure.  There were no loads in the Mandeville area, so they paid for me to go sit in the Atlanta area.  So off I went.  I have been to Atlanta many times and it is not my favorite place.  Not sure if it’s because I just don’t like it or if it’s because I am a huge Saint’s fan.  It’s probably the latter.

I get to Atlanta late Tuesday and spend the night (in the van).  I wake up take a shower (I belong to Planet Fitness and am able to shower there) and get ready for the day - as today is the day I accept my first ‘load’  It’s a big day!  It’s 9:00 am no call, 10:00 am no call, 11;00 am no call. Now I am starting to wonder, all the way to Atlanta for this?  I go to some thrift and Goodwill stores to waste some time.  1:00 pm rolls around so I assume no loads today.  I decide to go to a movie (one of my favorite things to do).  Of course, as soon as the movie starts, I GET THE CALL, “would you take this load from Lawrenceville, Georgia to New Florence, Pennsylvania?”  “Yep, send me to info and I am on my way”.  So off I went to pick up and deliver my first load.

My first load was a huge cable, 970 lbs.  It went off without a hitch.  When I pick up and deliver loads it is called “white glove” deliveries as I do not have to load or unload the items myself.  They load and unload.  Easy Peazy!

My second load was from New Castle, Pennsylvania to Batesburg, South Carolina. 

It’s Labor Day weekend so no more loads until probably Tuesday.  So I head back to Atlanta so I can be sure to get a load.  I stop in Augusta, Georgia for the weekend.

Augusta, Georgia – Downtown Augusta is historic and clean and it’s the home of the ‘Masters’, can’t go wrong.  On Saturday I went to the open outdoor Saturday market and was able to get some of that good ‘market’ food.  It is always interesting to see the booths and offerings at Saturday Markets, such as ‘Authentic Philippine Cuisine’ and ‘Sea Moss Lemonade” 

I am not sure if Augusta is on its way up or down.  Downtown was so clean and neat with so many historic buildings and very few homeless people.  But with that said, almost every building was vacant and dormant. For every three or four vacant there was an open business.  No one was walking around, I felt like I was walking Broad Street by myself.  I felt safe but then I was like “am I safe?”  I ate breakfast a this really cool place called Pineapple Ink Tavern.  The waitress told me the night life is what happens as there are a few night clubs and lady clubs, daytime there is not too much action.  Good to know.  I skipped out on the night life and headed to Augusta National Golf Club.

Augusta National Gulf Club is like Fort Knox – you ain’t getting in and you ain’t getting close.  This is where Trump should play!  I did get to see the little ranch house that Mrs. Thacker refuses to sell and still lives there to this day.  She has been offered millions by the club, but she just says “no”.  Way to go Mrs. Thacker. 

Made it to Atlanta on Tuesday and waited for a load.  Back in actions, took loads from Atlanta, Georgia to Estill, South Carolina.  Then Ellenwood, Georga to Enfield, North Carolina.

First trip done and headed home.  Took lots of notes and learned a lot like:

• People haul some crazy stuff; cables, magnets, pipe, liquid that was not hazardous but top secret.
• Sleeping in the van is not all that it is cracked up to be. I need to prepare better.
• AMC membership is worth it in this job 3 movies a week – sign me up.
• Planet Fitness is the bomb. I can work out, get a massage and shower.
• Expedited means just that – same day or next day delivery – no stopping at Goodwill with a load.
• Need to be in a bigger city to be sure to pick up a load
• Need a hard hat, vest and steel toe shoes to be able to enter into some facilities.
• Have all your personal info on hand as you will also need to go through customs in some situations.
• Last but not least – I should have gotten the bigger van – I have hit my head about 20 times with no exaggeration – I always check my head to be sure I don’t need stitches. Ouch!

 Next trip I will try starting in Texas and see how that area works out.

P.S. - The Better Bedder had a great two weeks.  Judy is working hard to get the orders out and the ads running on time.  If this keeps up, I may have to put this adventure on hold.  Keep buying and I won't have to keep driving!

 See ya when I see ya.

Nita