Vol. 19 No. 9 - 17 November, 2015

Second time we have been in Daytona Beach for Halloween – parked the truck and bought a bag of Kit Kat's on the way to the house.  Two little ones and their parents showed up as we were unloading the car.  We don't know any kids in our neighbourhood, so didn't know how many would show up.  A 'middle aged' couple wandered past, then a group of about eight teenagers.  Definitely not a busy Halloween.

On Monday, 2 November we unloaded the PODS – one in Ocala and two in Orlando, then to the house for a couple a day.

Loaded at Blount Island on the north side of Jacksonville on 4 November.  An island on the St. John’s River, it is one of three facilities at the Port of Jacksonville.  Also the site of the US Marine Corps Command.  I often take a photo of the port from the bridge that crosses the St. John’s River – it is interesting and always something different to see.

Blount Island from St Johns River bridge, Jacksonville, Florida.

Ships at Blount Island port.

We loaded three (empty) containers at the Marine Command Center.

Headed north and delivered them to the Naval Surface Warfare Center, in Dahlgren, Virginia on Thursday 5th.  Had not been to this site before:

Internet:  NSWCDD’s mission is to provide research, development, test and evaluation, analysis, systems engineering, integration and certification of complex naval warfare systems.  Through the years, Dahlgren established itself as the major testing area for naval guns and ammunition.  Today, it continues to provide the military with testing and certification by utilizing its Potomac River Test Range.

The containers on the trailer are for transporting weapons and ammunition, and we had an escort through the center – we got a kick out of having all other traffic hit the shoulder and stop for us to pass – thinking we were loaded with weapons and ammunition!

Jacksonville, Florida to Dahlgren, Virginia.

Dahlgrens Weapon Center.

Loaded in Emporia, Virginia on Saturday morning – crane mats.  These are large wood beams joined together to make a ‘mat’ on soggy, swampy ground so machinery can move more easily at construction sites.  It was a large storage yard and ten other trucks waiting to load as well.  The moist ground and conditions were ideal for fungus growth.  Unique and fascinating!

Emporia, Virginia to Willard, Ohio.

Temperatures definitely cooler - a light frost where we spent the night in this rest area in Ohio.

We got to Willard, Ohio Sunday morning – parked in the yard at our delivery.  We were first and the only one there at noon, when we got back 5 hours later - there were eight rigs and about 15 in the morning!
Internet: Farmland surrounds the Willard community, with the primary crops being soybeans, wheat, onions, radishes, lettuce and sweet corn. 

The delivery in Willard, Ohio.

Jim wanted to find somewhere to watch the football game, we went for a walk to the downtown area but nothing was open.

The walk into Willard, Ohio.

Found the Moose Lodge on the edge of town.  Jim has been a member of the Moose Lodge for many years.  Most towns have a Moose Lodge, they have good deals on drinks and food and people are friendly.  The Buffalo Bills vs Miami Dolphins game was on the TV, and we filled in four hours there with a couple of beers and pizza.  The Buffalo Bills won - which was great!

A small IGA grocery store in the shopping plaza behind the Moose Lodge, so we stocked up on a few items for the truck.  I was amazed at the large display of fishing poles there!

Fishing poles at the IGA grocery store in Willard, Ohio.

We were first in line to deliver Monday morning, happy about that because the lot was filled and a line of trucks out to the street. An impressive frost and frozen straps, was not much fun!

A long time old friend of Jim's from Western New York lived nearby, and he met us for breakfast in Willard after we delivered.  Had a quick, but lovely catch up with Roadmap.

Up to Cleveland and loaded rolled roofing at Garland, and had to tarp it.

Cleveland, Ohio to Tampa, Florida - rolled roofing.

Were able to unload it in Tampa, Florida on Wednesday afternoon. We got there at 9am, but four trucks ahead of us - took a long time to unload them all.

Delivering in Tampa, Florida - a large roof replacement project.

Then to Daytona Beach - that was the last load for 2015! Yay!  Both Jim and I agree that this was a particularly stressful year in the trucking industry. We are more than ready for a break from the truck.

Friday evening caught up with Ron and Gina at Lost Lagoons, in New Smyrna Beach.

Saturday morning, 14 November we met with Derek and Cindy and Jimmy and all headed north to watch Cody Johncox race in Savannah, Georgia.  Three bikes and we rode mostly the back roads.

The south-east was experiencing a cold front moving through the weekend.  It was cold when we left Daytona Beach and got colder as we headed north.  Arrived at the race track about 2 pm.

Oglethorpe Speedway is actually in Pooler, Georgia, just outside Savannah.

Website:  Oglethorpe Speedway Park (OSP) entertains thousands of auto racing fans every weekend March through October.  OSP has been providing exciting racing action since 1951 and features high-speed action in many divisions.  See some of the stars of tomorrow competing on OSP’s famous half-mile clay oval.

It was Cody’s debut ride on the Yamaha FZ07.

Oglethorpe Speedway Park in Pooler, Georgia.

At Oglethorpe Speedway Park: Lesley, Jim, Jimmy and Derek. (Cindy's photo.)

Cody rode well, but did not make the finals.  It was thrilling racing!  I was cold in the stands though, we found the bonfire in the parking lot and stayed to warm up, then went to a motel.

Had a bit later start on Sunday, still cold though!

Getting ready to leave the motel in Pooler, GA.

Stopped at a B & J's Restaurant in Darien, Georgia for a great lunch.  They feature Georgia fare and home cooking.  It was busy, but worth the wait.

Next stop was Casey's Lounge & Liquor in Yulee, Florida.  We had seen it the day before and had to stop to check it out.

We got back to Daytona Beach just after dark.  It was a fun overnight trip, even with the cold weather!
Busy for a couple of days, finalizing business for the year, getting the truck and trailer stored, doing the rounds of goodbyes, and packing for Australia.  Flying out on Wednesday - Orlando, Florida to Los Angeles, California, to Sydney to Brisbane.