Hello,

This week and next week, I plan to be extremely busy, therefore I thought it would be neat to put some different reading material on the blog.

Last week, while in Pennsylvania, I remembered there was a lost section of the Pennsylvania Turnpike. As a matter of fact, I called my fellow Slice of Trucker Life, Dick McCorkle to see if he remembered this piece of highway history. He did remember and told me that he drove this route on many occasions.

When the Turnpike opened in 1940, it was a four lane highway. The only place it turned into a two lane was at each of its seven tunnels. Twenty years after it opened, four of the seven tunnels on the original turnpike received a second tube to deal with the increased traffic. The other three tunnels were bypassed and abandoned. These were Laurel Hill, Rays Hill and Sideling Hill.

I’ve included a few links to sites for your review. I think it’s amazing at how well alot of the road has held up considering it opened in 1940. The sections in the photos were closed in the 1960′s. Enjoy!

Henry

http://www.pahighways.com/toll/abandonedturnpike.html

This one has a little dry humour … http://www.briantroutman.com/highways/abandonedpaturnpike/

http://www.rays-hill.com/turnpike/home.htm

My new buddy, Nicholas

The great weather allowed for many attendees

Hello,

I had a very busy week in the northeast and have returned to North Carolina. I must say this years Make a Wish event was another successful and rewarding experience. We had a perfect day  for the 23rd annual Make a Wish Mother’s Day Convoy as the weather was sunny and warm. Many people came out to support the event by participating in the games, auction, fund raisers and many folks near and far within this community rallied along the truck parade route for a fun filled day… all to benefit these special children. On Sunday afternoon 336

Clowns spread joy to the children

trucks participated in the 28 mile convoy. I was fortuntate again this year to take a “Wish Child” along in the Cascadia.

Ryan Swanson, my friend and buddy from PA from previous events was not able to attend this year. Therefore, I sought out another child in which to take with me.  The “Make a Wish” foundation matched me with a 7 year old boy named “Nicholas Cropper”. On Sunday, prior to the start of the convoy, I met with Nicholas along with his Mom and Dad. (Ed and Connie). Nicholas even brought his Grandma and Grandpa to the event. Through conversation with the

The community displays its support for Make A Wish.

parents, Nicolas was born with a severe narrowing of the aorta and a single ventrical heart defect. His heart was mixing the oxygen-rich blood from his lungs. With the oxygen-depleted blood coming back from his body, as a result, his lungs had to work twice as hard to provide enough 0xygen for him to survive. At a very youngage, Nicholas was rushed to Penn State Children’s Hospital where at two months of age, he finally received the surgery he needed to save his life. Today, doctors say he should live a full and happy life.Ryan and Nicholas both have similar heart issues and I found out on Sunday that the two families are acquainted with each other.

Cheers for MaKe A Wish

Nicholas had a blast riding in the Cascadia and he especially enjoyed waving out the window As we drove past, the crowds cheered him on. He enjoyed blowing the air horn. I told him we’ll see if we can wear-out this air horn. As I looked over at Nicholas in the passenger seat, the smile on his face was priceless. These are the days when it’s great to be a truck driver.

When we pulled into the Burle Industrial parking lot… we said our goodbye’s. My stomach was talking to me as I remember seeing lots of food being sold throughout the day. As I made my way to the food area, none of the vendors had

It's easy to see why they sold out of all the food.

any food or drinks left. This was an amazing thing since all money goes toward this charity. I still couldn’t believe they had “No” food left. Each year, they serve the famous local Chicken BBQ and many Amish baked goods are sold at the event. Well, it was time to head out and search the highway for some food.

Sunday was an amazing day for all and I hope if you ever get to participate in an event such as this, that you will take the opportunity as this is an awesome experience and I look forward to next year. Till Next time…  be safe,

Henry

This picture sums up the meaning of the day.

Hello,

While in Lancaster County Pennsylvania this week, I ate at the famous Jennie’s Diner. The restaurant is a local favorite and many visitors stop each year while touring the Amish Country. The diner was built in the 1950′s and is located in Ronks, PA, along the historic Lincoln Highway. The establishment is a silk city built diner, with a new stainles steel vestibule recently added for folks waiting for a seat. They are open 24 hours and specialize in “Pennsylvania Dutch Cooking.”

Hello,

This week I’ll be heading to New Jersey to make a delivery and from there my plans are to travel to Pennsylvania to participate in the 23rd Annual Make a Wish Foundation Truck Convoy. The convoy will take place on Sunday, May 13th. I look forward to this great event each year. The Lancaster area is my hometown and each spring attending the event also offers me the opportunity to visit with friends and family.

The “Make a Wish” convoy began in 1990 when a brother and sister had a wish to ride in a big truck and talk on the CB radio and now it has become an annual event. In 2003 the convoy set the Guinness World Record for “The Longest Truck Convoy” with 288 trucks and the very next year they broke their own record with 391 trucks.

Today 350-450 trucks come together to support “make a wish”. For many it’s a tradition. For others a passion. Carrying the most precious cargo of all the wish kids. Most drivers form a bond with the children that lasts a lifetime.

Many dedicated drivers, volunteers, donors and generous sponsors make the convoy a success year after year.  This should be another wonderful event on Sunday for the kids and everyone involved. The event will include games, clowns, food, live bands, trucks and a live auction. I hope if your in the area that you stop by and support “Make a Wish”. This is always a very rewarding experience for me each year. To be able to help these kids and see the smiles on their faces makes it all worth it.

The truck convoy departs at 1:30pm West on Route 30 to 222 the Brownstown Exit to Route 772 to Route 272 North through Akron to Ephrata then to State Street, Route 322, returning to Burle Business Park. For more information on the event go to http://www.makeawishtruckconvoy.org/

Thanks,

Henry Albert

I used to make it through the week just fine without a computer... not any more though

Hello,

This past week, unfortunately, on my way out the door, I forgot my laptop. It was approximately 300 miles into my trip when I realized the computer was not in the truck. I went into the sleeper of the Cascadia to check on fuel prices for the week ahead and panic set in. I thought to myself, did I leave it outside the truck, could it be inside my wife’s car or had I left it on the step of the truck while loading my things or did it fall off as I drove away? I tried to think clearly and placed a call to my house. Thankfully, my son answered and said the computer was sitting at the kitchen table. Needless to say, I was relieved, however not very happy with myself for leaving it behind. I began to think… this week would be like the old days without all the technology. Maybe it would be a bit more relaxing. Not so…as it turned out, there are many things in which this computer is quite handy for me on a daily basis. It’s used to communicate with customers, post blogs, email family and friends and  it’s very convenient to plan my fuel strategies during my travels. My fuel discount card price per gallon is different than the posted marquee price posted at the fuel pump. Therefore, in order to know the price, I really need my computer.

My shipment from Laredo, TX to Charlotte, NC had several immediate requirements which included changes along the way. My customers needed to email much of the new information to the truck. I explained my situation and we had to handle everything over the phone. By Thursday, my wishes of a possible relaxing week had vanished and in fact, my problems without electronics began to escalate. I began having problems with my cell phone and it literally began to not operate. My thoughts of not having this cell phone makes me a bit nervous. I don’t recall seeing many pay phones lately.However, the phone managed to work until I arrived home.  I’ve been wanting to upgrade my phone for the last couple of weeks and my schedule has been too busy. 

 Today is Saturday and I’m just getting back on the computer. It became evident to me how dependent one can become to these electronic devices.  This afternoon, I took time to get a new smart phone. This allows me to have a back up as it connects to the internet.  This week, I’ll be sure to take my computer and new phone on the road. Till next time… be safe,

Henry

The old phone made it home but time was running out!

From the beginning Freightliner has been at the forefront of innovation.

I just got a call from the new owner of  my old Freightliner Century and he told me the truck is out on its first run. The reason I really liked this call was the new owner is happy with the truck and in fact he told me it is exceeding his expectations. This is not surprising to me because the truck had served me well through the years. It always makes me nervous when selling anything to a friend or even as in this case to a friend of a friend. I knew the truck and was sure it was a good fit for his operation but you just never know when things will go wrong. I am glad everything is going well and the new owner is happy and if this truck serves him half as well as it did for me I am sure he will be pleased.Till next time be safe,

Henry