Yes, that's right we traveled 10,342 miles in less than four weeks. When I walked into our dining room upon returning home I realized how much time we had spent in the truck, because the rooms in our home just seemed so big. It made me realize that we had probably spent 21-22 hours in the truck most days throughout the trip. I remember having to make this spacial adjustment after returning from my very first trips in the truck, but it had passed until this trip. After being in the small space of the truck for that long a period of time, it really does take a few hours to adjust to being home.When I figured up the miles for this trip I was really blown away that we had traveled that many miles because it was what I use to put on my car every year when I worked. I guess when you zig zag across the country that is what happens.
Our trip from Stockton, CA to New Jersey reminded me of my platform on toll costs. Our trip across I-80 through Illinois, Indiana Ohio and Pennsylvania cost Vince over $130 in tolls. I hope all of you will remember this post the next time you pay $1 for a toll. Remember that a trucker pays around $9-$12 for your $1 and when you pay $12 on the Ohio Turnpike, truckers with a trailer pay up to $40. Elizabeth learned not complain to me about tolls after she and Roman had paid tolls in West Virgina while on a trip to North Carolina. When I told her what Vince pays, she immediately promised to never complain again. I get that trucks put more pressure on roads due to the weight so they should pay more, but that much more, really? Don't forget trucker also pay fuel taxes that are suppose to go for road repairs each time they fill up and since Vince gets an average of 160-180 gallons every time he fills up, they are contributing plenty toward road repairs all over the country. But I have to wonder where that money is going, especially when we found bumpy and pot holed roads in most states on this trip. However, I must give a shout out to the Ohio Turnpike because it was definitely the smoothest road we traveled over and the clean service plazas with free showers for truckers are such a nice touch too.
This week is my time to adjust to home. After these month long trips it takes me about three days to adjust. I have mail, filing, laundry, a grocery list to figure out, and of course the adjustment to our home bed from the truck bed. It has been nice this time to have Vince home with me. Don't know why, but when I return home alone I am usually struck by an over powering feeling of loneliness. But for some reason when Vince is home with me, then leaves I'm not hit with that feeling. Vince heads out tomorrow for Appleton, WI but the good news is he may be back next week for a day or so since he is headed to Cleveland from Appleton.
After all those miles, I am looking forward to being home and catching up with friends. But hopefully I won't be home too long, because I would like to get more time in the truck in nice weather since it seems like I am always sharing stories about icy roads and cold temperatures. Finally, Happy Father's Day to all Dads who will be home or away this weekend! Hope you all have a great day!
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