ELKHART, IN to FLINT, MI: 366 miles (186 loaded + 180 deadhead).
Monday June 29th, the previous assignment delivered in Gypsum, OH. The deadhead was 180 miles which requires three hours driving. The pickup was scheduled for 3:30pm and I informed our dispatch that I would not be able to make it by then. The shipper stops loading trailers at 4:00pm but we were told that the trailer would be pre-loaded and the Bill of Lading would be left inside. I left the previous consignee at 2:00pm and arrived at this shipper at 5:30pm due to traffic, after their closing as advised. I arrived with an empty trailer as it is the norm. I had to hook up to the other trailer and move it off the dock to verify if it was loaded or not. To my surprise the trailer had not been loaded. There weren’t any truck stops nearby and I didn’t want to deal with the hassle anyway. Fortunately, the facility was fairly large and open so I spent the night there.
Tuesday June 30th, I was woken up by the shipping personnel around 9:00am and was told to move to a different dock for loading. After moving to the correct dock I started my day with the pre-trip inspection of the truck. I finally left the shipper at 11:00am and drove just under four hours to the consignee. It should have taken only three hours but I hit traffic along the way.
I’ve been to this consignee before and there are certain spots that are difficult to park in and unfortunately I was assigned one of them. After careful maneuvering I completed the delivery.
BOOK REVIEW: Talon of God by Wesley Snipes (2017), THRILLER – RATING (****)
The story seems to be a combination of the plots from the movies Constantine and Zombieland. I don’t recall how I came across this book but it peaked my curiosity since I’m a big Wesley Snipes’ fan. I was not expecting much and was prepared to DNF if it did not grab my attention. I was enthralled by the story and could not put it down. Well done Wesley.
Dr. Lauryn Jefferson graduates top of her class from the University of Chicago but she’s more interested in helping people than having a cushy job at a suburban hospital making more money. Her dad is a preacher but she’s not much of a believer. When one of her patients, a homeless man, transforms into a violent creature in front of her eyes she cannot explain it rationally or scientifically. Fortunately, she is rescued by a tall stranger, Talon, carrying a shinny sword and riding a motorcycle though it’s the middle of winter.
It’s a classic tale of good versus evil with action scenes straight out of a Snipes’ movie. Surprisingly there are continuous quotes from Scripture but all in a respectful way and not at all blasphemous. There are many side characters that keep it interesting and the purpose of this demonic revolution is explained at the end.
Overall very entertaining.
