My Boys and the Load Out in Steeler Nation!

(From L to R) Matt, Jim, Vic, Greg, Vince

 It is always nice to have faces to go with names. So last night I got these pictures of the drivers that you will be hearing about over the next six months.  Matt is a sweet guy from Kentucky who is a great mechanic.  He is the strong silent type who is really funny when he does pipe in with a comment.  Jim is our wisecracking Texan who keeps me in stitches.   He is always up for exploring the cities and finding new restaurants with us.  Jim and his second seat Bo Bo love their sports and have a satellite so they can keep up on all of them.  Vic our elder statesman since he has been moving the show the longest is from Pennsylvania. He taught Vince the ropes when he started with Clark in 2003. Vic also called to check in with Vince during his dad’s illness and when Vince was recovering from surgery in 2007 which I greatly appreciated.  Greg also from Pennsylvania is always asking questions and I do mean always, many times the same questions.  He is the self appointed inspector of all the trucks and trailers.   

Since Vince is the only married guy of the group, that makes me the only “skirt” (One of Jim’s references to me on last year’s tour) on the tour.  I love it because at times they treat me like one of the boys and at others because these gentlemen have great manners like a lady.  Bet the trucker stereotype might have prevented some of you from seeing that coming.  So these are “my boys” who keep me in stitches with their stories and who I know would protect me should danger strike. 

Bo Bo ready to drive should Jim need him

Vince and Jim in the cold at Pittsburgh - That's the reflective tape on his jacket not Jim's aura

Happy to report the load out in Pittsburgh went smoothly.  Load out started at 3:30 pm.  Matt and Jim were gone by 5:30 p.m. and by that time the grumbling of the local crew started to became apparent.  The theatre people were also definitely in a hurry to get us out of there as well. Vince and I were out of the alley behind the theatre by 7:30 pm and Greg and Vic weren’t too far behind us.  The downtown area was not busy when we arrived at around 1:00 p.m. and became a ghost town by kickoff.  Our trip across the PA turnpike also reflected the loyalty to the Steelers because we mainly shared the road with only truck drivers.

Right after I took this photo the load on the forklift took out a light at the top of Jim's trailer.

 We are now on our way to Norfolk for a 5:00 am call time on Tuesday morning.  Hopefully we will find warmer weather there. Stay tuned. 

Matt's Old School Cabover

Jim's Peterbilt

I will get close up pics of Vic and Greg's trucks in Norfolk since I didn't in Pittsburgh

The show is getting rave reviews while we pass the time outside Pittsburgh.

Well after three days of sitting at the Petro, I am happy to report the truck is definitely clean. After all there is not much to do but clean since there is nothing around the truck stop. Thankfully we at least have a computer signal since we have no television signal. The computers help us to see what is going on in the world and to track the weather.  We have lunch or dinner with Jim and Matt, two of the other drivers on the show and in the evenings watch movies that we keep in the truck.   

The down time did allow me the chance to catch up with my best friend/sister-in-law, Nancy on the telephone Thursday. It was great to have the time to talk, because when we are traveling and sleeping odd hours it is hard to do.  For those who may not know Vince is Nancy’s brother and we have all known each other since elementary school.  I also talk to my brother, John daily to find out how things are going with our mom.  Although I call her everyday, she is not happy that I leave and will not always answer the phone when I call. John’s updates help me keep up on things with her. Without John and Elaine, my sister-in-law, I would not be able to go on these trips. Vince and I are very grateful to them for taking care of Mom so we can be together.

Also let me just share that I love Skype!  Vince got me a camera for Christmas so Elizabeth and I could talk to each other via Skype.  Last night we used it for the first time and it was great being able to see Elizabeth’s facial reactions when I told her funny stories.  If you have family or friends that live out of town I strongly recommend connecting with them that way.

We will be ready to get out of here tomorrow and start heading to Norfolk.  Vince learned today that there are lane and parking restrictions in downtown Pittsburgh due to the Super bowl. We are to be at the theatre tomorrow at 2:30 pm and hope to be out of there before the game even starts.  Just so you know the crew from the show Vince was on last year, of which none of our current crew was a part of at the time, got thrown out of this theatre last year when the load out took too long. I remember walking to the back of our truck and seeing all this stuff in the alley and asking Vince what was going on.  He told me they were being thrown out because it was past the time they were scheduled to be there and the theatre people wanted to go home.  It was 12:30 am and you couldn’t blame the theatre people but it was really shocking to see it happen.  While we don’t expect those same problems this year, because this crew gets what it takes to move a show, it is still one of the first moves so who knows how long it will take

In the meantime we were happy to learn the show got a rave review from Thursday night’s show.  It is always good to see that the show is entertaining.  I have attached a link to the review if anyone is interested in seeing more about the show.  Be on the look out tomorrow night or Monday morning for the load out post.

http://www.observer-reporter.com/or/hayley/link/02-04-2011-madagascar-live 

Madagascar – We dodged a bullet – A clear path to Pittsburgh

Ice in the service plaza on the PA Turnpike Tues am

Marquee for Benedum Theatre

Across the street from the theatre

When we woke up on Tuesday I thought for sure it was going to be one of the longest days of our lives.  We had heard the sleet hitting the truck throughout the night and as you can see everything was iced over by morning.  However, as our relatives across the Midwest were dealing with ice and sleet that lead to power outages, icy sidewalks and dangerous roads, our temperatures continued to rise as the morning went on. So our travels throughout the morning were in light rain/mist on wet roads.  As we approached downtown Pittsburgh last night in a driving rain storm I kept thinking about what it would be like if it were sleet and ice instead of rain. It was not until we actually got stopped that I believed we had really dodged the bullet.  All day I kept worrying the temperatures would drop just enough to make our lives interesting, but thankfully they didn’t.  I can’t imagine how long yesterday was for all the truck drivers traveling through the middle part of the country yesterday. 

This morning the temperature was 40 degrees and as you can see two of the four trailers, were already in the docks for our 8:00 am load in.  I took the additional pictures of the area around the theatre to give you idea of what the Pittsburgh theatre area looks like and how the unload goes. 

In the dock ready to be unloaded and yes it is as tight as it looks

Trailers in the front and back

Fortunately we were unloaded by 10:30 am and are now at a Petro truck stop out side of Pittsburgh off I-70 until Sunday.  Currently the wind is rocking our 37,000+ lb tractor and empty trailer, the temperature is dropping and we are getting snow off and on. But the sun is out so things aren’t that bad because for some reason the sunshine always makes everything better.  Hope everyone in the Midwest is safe and warm and that those on the east coast are braced for yet another big storm.

Area around the theatre - there were people walking around this area at 11:00 pm last night in the pouring rain

 Approximately  85 % of the people I passed had a cigarette in their hand (young, old, middle aged didn't matter) Not something I usually pay attention to, but it was so noticeable that I started counting. I think I will open a smoke shop in Pittsburgh if I need a third career.

Our trailer - tractor and  trailer weighs 71,000 lbs fully loaded

The trucks are unloaded right onto the stage

Our trailer as it was being unloaded

York, PA – The first Madagascar load out

Sunrise in York- Tennis Court Lot

2011 York - View from the dock

the road to the docks

Well as you can see there was snow in York, but not like last year.  With all the talk on the news about the east coast snow storms we expected more snow.  But trust me we were not sorry that the drivers didn’t have to work around snow piles that may have impeded there ability to get down the streets and into the docks.

 Load out started at 8:00 am, so that meant call time was for 7:00 am and the waiting game began.  Vince and Jim, our lead driver from last year and owner of our tour mascot, Bo Bo,  left around 7:30 am to walk up to the Pullo Center which is on the Penn State at York campus. They walked up to the center to re-familiarize themselves with the road leading to the building and the dock area.  I joined the guys around 8:30 am and was glad to get the chance catch up with the other drivers and some of the crew from last year’s tour.  

Bo Bo - Our Tour Mascot

Around 11:30 am it was time for us to move to the dock and by noon our trailer was loaded with the merchandise cases.  However it wasn’t time to leave, but to return to the lot and hook up to another trailer.  Today there were a total of 6 trailers to be loaded.  For the tour there are four show to show trailers and one merchandise trailer. For this first load out a returns trailer was needed.  The returns trailer was loaded with additional equipment that the show will not need for the tour.  That equipment will be returned to the shops in New York and New Jersey.

Before we could hook up to the second trailer Vince needed to take a crow bar to the pile of ice and snow that some nice plow driver dumped in front of the trailer while clearing the lot.  As you can see from the picture of the tennis court parking lot the piles were pretty high and very icy, trust me.  After Vince’s first attempt to hook up to the trailer didn’t work I went out to help him with the mud flaps which needed to be curled up so they wouldn’t be pulled off the frame as the trailer went through the snow.  While Vince was working on the flaps I started hitting the ice with the crow bar and moving the snow.  As I was hitting the ice I realized I must have had some pent up frustration or anger because it felt great and was an excellent release for a day of sitting around.  Thankfully on Vince’s second attempt he was able to slide under the trailer.  So then it was time to wait once again.

From 1:30 pm until 4:30 pm we hung out in the truck in the tennis court parking lot.  In warmer weather we usually hang outside with the other drivers or explore the area but not in winter.  It is just too cold.  By 4:30 pm Vic, the lead driver for this year’s tour, called for us to head back to the dock.  This time electrics and audio equipment were loaded onto the trailer, and by 6:00 pm we were headed back to the parking lot.

 Since this was the first load out no trucks were released to go to Pittsburgh until all the trucks were loaded.  Sometimes things don’t always go as planned when loading the trucks so the crew didn’t want to take the chance of running out of space at the end and having no way of making adjustments.  Trust me we know first hand that this in fact can happen since we saw it happen on last year’s tour, so we understood the need for everyone to stay. By 7:30 pm all the trailers were loaded and it was time to head out. 

We are traveling with Jim and Bo Bo and have stopped for the night at a service plaza on the Pennsylvania turnpike about 150 miles east of Pittsburgh.  Of course, just like the rest of the Midwest we are about to deal with the predictions for snow and ice for tomorrow.  Since there would be no parking for the trucks this late at night at any service plazas or truck stops as we got closer to Pittsburgh, the guys knew we couldn’t go on into or near the city tonight.  So Vince and Jim will have to deal with road conditions in the morning and since the predictions have varied regarding the time and types of precipitation it should be interesting. We will just have to see how things shake out and what Mother Nature sends us.  This will be my first time being in the truck during any type of ice storm so I’m sure I will have a story or two.  But as you know the trucks need to be there by Wednesday at 7:00 am because the show must go on. I promise to keep you posted.

Vince in the dock

On our way!

York 2010 - Taken from the dock area - Can't wait to see how high the pile is this year!

Vince and I are finally on our way after loading up the truck with all my stuff and our groceries.  Have I mentioned lately how much I love the bigger refrigerator?  Every time we head out I swear I’m not going to over pack and usually I don’t.  But this time I may have over done it. Every nook and cranny is definitely filled with my clothes, shoes, magazines, computer and a vase (hey Valentine’s day is coming you can’t blame a girl for being prepared). I am blaming the over packing on the extra space.  When I told Vince I was sorry for taking up so much room he simply replied “you know what that means?  we need a bigger truck”.  He is such a guy sometimes and I so love him for it.  He always goes with the flow and never cares how much space I take up.

We are at a Flying J in Smithton, PA for the night and will head to York tomorrow.  I can’t wait to see how much snow York has this year, because as you can see they had plenty last year.  The streets are very narrow in York anyways, then throw in a lot of snow and getting the trucks through can become really tricky.  We are looking forward to catching up with our friends tomorrow and Monday.  Then it is time to load out so be sure to check back in on Monday cause we are about to “get the show on the road”. 

York 2010 - Snow was piled  high last year! Betting this year will be higher!

Could you live with your spouse in this semi truck that has a shower?

As the excitement of returning to the road next week builds for me, I was thinking about how different things will be this year with the new truck.   Last year we existed in a space the size of our bathroom, this year it is more like our kitchen.  It really is wonderful to have the extra space but many people have told me they can’t imagine how we live together in that small an area for days on end.  For us it is easy and actually great fun, but I know it’s not for everyone.

Before we head out I wanted to share pictures of the new truck to give you a better visual of our living space.  As well as share some information about the truck and Vince’s hours of service.

• The dimensions of the living area of the truck are:  94” length x 82” width x 84”  height (those dimensions are probably bigger than your bathroom but not your kitchen, remember that we will live in that area close to 24 hours a day and will do so for 28 days. Also Vince will live in that space approximately 296 days this year

• Our water tank holds 40 gallons plus a 10 gallon hot water tank which is usually good for two showers each and four days of household and hygiene tasks (washing dishes and teeth brushing).  Can you take a shower with a 10 gallon tank?  Trust me it takes conservation. Also winter can be a tough time to find water so we may end up showering in the truck stops

• The size of the fuel tanks are 140 gallons each and diesel is currently running approximately $3.40 a gallon ( I will let you do the math and bet you will think about that cost the next time you are at a gas pump)

• Vince can drive 11 hours in a 14 hour period and then must take a 10 hour break.

• Most of our driving is overnight when Vince is on tour because shows load out in the evening after the last show and we are usually expected either the next day or day after in the next city for an early morning load in. (Adjusting to the nocturnal life is always tricky for me so stay tuned)

I can’t wait to take you with us on this adventure.  Our first stop is York, PA where “Madagascar” will begin its tour of the country.  The first move is always interesting because it is the first time the crew has to figure out how to load everything into the trucks.  If you have ever moved you know how tricky loading a truck can be, now imagine trying to load four semis - it takes a lot of geometry and luck.

All this information may prompt some questions; if so please post them in the comment section and I will be happy answer them.  You never know others may be wondering the same thing.  

 

Vince’s Homicidal Thought Moment

Happy New Year!

Currently, I am home working at an administrative temp job for two weeks, because honestly after years of working, the not working while at home thing started to make me crazy.  Not working at the beginning was fun, but it just wasn’t me.  The temp assignments are great because they are never longer than two weeks, keep my business skills sharp and allow me some much needed socialization.  The rest of this month will involve running Mom’s quarterly doctor appointments and preparing to join Vince at the end of the month on his new tour.  I am sure there will be plenty of stories to share as we head out to join up with this year’s drivers and crew.

Meanwhile, Vince headed out this week for Minneapolis then heads toward Charlotte tonight on a “spot move”. Spot moves are when drivers move shows that are too big to have individual drivers assigned to them all the time, like “Wicked”, “Lion King”. As he left I remembered that I had promised to share all of our previous homicidal thought moments especially what I believe to be Vince’s moment, so here you go.

In April, 2009, after a great week of dinners and touring with family in Atlanta, we traveled northeast and dropped our “Happy Days” trailer in a parking lot across from the venue in Raleigh, North Carolina.  The show wasn’t due to go into the theatre for another week, so when this occurs the trailers are just dropped in a lot.   We were next headed to Harrisburg for a quick stop before a big trip from Boston to LA.  We decided since there was no big hurry, we would stop at a truck stop in Virginia for fuel and dinner.  After dinner we would decide whether we would stay there or travel 75 miles up the road to a truck stop near the border of Virginia and Pennsylvania. 

As we entered the truck stop to eat an ominous feeling that I couldn’t explain came over me.  You know that feeling you get that something is seriously not right.  Initially I thought the feeling would pass, but as dinner went on, it got worse and I just knew I couldn’t stay there for the night.

 Over the years I have found that not ignoring these feelings has served me well. These feelings have helped me avoid bad situations and once even helped me prepare for an unexpected and shocking death.  But just as I came to the conclusion that I did not want to stay there, Vince stated he thought he had a fever and may be getting a cold.  I looked at him and blurted out “but we aren’t staying here right?  We are going to go on?”  My husband looked at me as if to say, did you not just hear what I said?  I knew what the look meant, but I just started rambling on that I just couldn’t stay there, that I had this feeling I couldn’t explain and I wanted to go.  The way he looked at me made me believe he was having a homicidal thought.

However, being the great husband that he is, Vince agreed to head up the road the additional 75 miles.  Now I did ask him if he was sure he felt up to it and he assured me he was.  But, I’m not sure what I would have done if he said he really didn’t feel up to it, and thankfully we will never know. Don’t get me wrong I felt bad that I wasn’t being more compassionate to my husband but I could not stay there and to this day I don’t know why. 

The trip to the next truck stop was uneventful and thankfully we were able to easily get a parking spot, because trust me if that hadn’t happened this moment may have escalated. When we arrived at the truck stop I felt comfortable, happy and relieved.  Although Vince swears he didn’t have any negative thoughts about moving on.  I know the look I got was not the loving understanding one I usually get when I ask him for a favor, but the one I get when he is really not happy with me.