Well OK, he didn't run the forklift by himself- but we were very proud of him anyway! From Stockertown we drove up 209 through the NPS to Dingmans Ferry. Same day but they were both estimated to be smaller loads and we figured heck, lets give it the old college try. That load could not have gone smoother either and we found ourselves settled into our Super 8 in Middletown NY by 2pm. Orange County Choppers is only three miles from the motel and it was our intention to go visit but there was a great deal of road construction off the exit ramps so we decided to check them out next time. Our motel stays are always fun (usually :) )and this was no exception. I am careful to book in advance online and always check out the properties for safety ahead of time. Still some are great and fancy and others are just basic no frills stays. This Super 8 was in a large parking lot, bordered by a deli, a chrome shop and a freight yard. No pool, no restaurants, really a trucker motel but the people inside were very friendly, the room clean, and pizza delivery was a phone call away. After a very early dinner and walk we turned in by 6pm.
The thing with going to sleep at 6 is that you are
up and at em at three and that is exactly what happened. We decided to walk across the lot to the small deli and were so surprised. The super friendly woman at the counter was more then happy to brew us fresh coffee and make us egg sandwiches. The place was hopping- a Fed Ex driver reading the paper, several other drivers stopping in for a quick cup of coffee to go. Fortified, we headed for Maine and being so early we made it through that special hell that is Connecticut traffic and sailed through Mass. By 10 we were photo -oping little Bear at the Maine border and realizing that we could very well start deliveries same day! First up was Corinna where shipper had requested we deliver to their drop cleared lot down a dirt lane. We followed the directions , easily spotting the "missing sign" and "big rock" that all signified our progress was positive! When we arrived at the clearing in the woods it turns out they really wanted the truck backed up the hill where they planned on having the trailer delivered once electricity was run. You cant make this up. The boys ran free while we delivered their load , hand shakes and hugs and we were on the road again. Still feeling good we decided to head to Mariaville which is about 45 minutes east of Bangor for our second delivery. Wound our way through the tiny wooded roads, found the dirt path that lead us into his "community" and eventually found his house. Nice house on a nice lake. He has been building it for 22 years. Its about half done. Plumbing is provided bu a garden hose run from a faucet in the left side yard, no steps up to porch, no kitchen, I said earlier it was on a nice lake. Lakefront. Great view. Did I mention NO windows in house? You really cannot make this up. I asked how he gets around in the winter. He said you cant. The road closes. He laughed and said no cars, fire trucks or ambulances can get through. He seemed very happy about that too. Said he hates people. We did not let the dogs out of the truck at this delivery and were very happy ourselves to leave. A nice full day found us checking in to the Motel 6 Bangor, one of our usual Maine stays.
The morning of September 11 dawned and found us well on our way home. We listened to the radio as we drove and listened as the names of everyone killed that fateful day eight years ago were read. Kind of reminded you to take advantage of all the good things life has to offer because you just never know. 2966 people went to work that morning fully expecting to go home that night. They never did.
We did make it home in great time- this entire trip was flawless as far as time was concerned. Looking back it was flawless in all respects. Shippers were happy, moves went well, everything rode nicely in the truck, and the four of us had some enjoyable moments. What more could we ask for? OH Yes! Lobster Rolls! For those who may not know what they are about, Lobster Rolls are all over Maine. They are basically lobster meat, with mayo on a hot dog bun (bun grilled). Unbeatable food fun! Over the years we have eaten lobster rolls in a tree house at LL Bean in Freeport ME, eaten them in many many small fishing villages in local diners and bars, even eaten them on a ferry! Of course we had to buy three so the boys could have one to share. On the crew of 39 we are all equal!!
