A break at the biggest truck stop on earth proved educational with a library, museum, modern displays, dining, theatres--and my favorite after 2-3 days without one...showers!
Location: Walcott, Iowa. I-80 Exit 284.
Aahhh...A refreshing Sunday service & tune-up was just what I needed to keep moving succesfully across the highway of life!
Upon discovering 'River Walk' road near the CREngland Terminal, I was excited to explore its destination.
So I did & discovered (after a few detours) 'El Rio Grande' under one of the main transport bridges between the US & Mexico, a sound sleeping pelican (I came within 5'!), a bunch of beer cans/bottles (drink & litter responsibly!), and (surprise) a cautious & concerned border patrol officer--'Be Careful'.
Careful (according to my standards) I was & we arrived safely back to camp in a Freightliner Classic XL next to dozens of other trucks waiting for trailers.
Well we're back on the road enjoying the highway of life--including some good grubbing at the Robert & Dennis Diner. Plus a ride to Cheyenne to meet up with my trainer Everitt.
My nieces Kaylee & Tiona put together quite a performance of my favorite part from Ice Age: Dawn of The Dinosaurs.
Buck (the weasel we're imitating] get's swallowed by the 'Beast', but weasels his way out!
This falcon/hawk/big bird treated us to a sweet view of her tasty sparrow/small bird meal. . .
. . .creating feeding time at my parents 'zoo around you'!
Update! Arie, a fellow urban/rural camper, just informed me this is a Cooper Hawk.
Meet my nephew Jarem (a firecracker) my neice Lexi (a sweetie) & my sister-in-law Alisha (a stellar mom).
We're setting up camp in Salt Lake City for a few days while Everritt, my trainer most likely, makes his way from Florida.
We'll hit the road early next week.
I simply wanted a glimpse of these Rio Grande guys passing by...but they pull over, a border patrol truck pulls up to my left, and I stand in a swimsuit by the border surrounded by guys with guns. . .
Blah!
Luckily my swimsuit was dry, the officer in the truck was cool with my explanation and the water guys were just taking a break for a few--whew!
I'm now up early though to get our load to Mexico. We stop in Laredo, Texas & let the Mexicans deliver Mexico, yet me gustaria ayudarles uno de estos...
My first time resting my head in a rig at Walmart went well. Sleep in a non-moving vehicle (besides the earth) is nearly always easier.
Served straight from the cream machine spicket...cereal on the road gets easier (& more economical) everyday--thanks coffee drinkers!
Life on the road is a taxing & tiring adventure--we're delivering 33,362 pounds of fresh (unlike me) tomatoes & cucumbers from Mexico to Michigan. The truck, trailer, & tomatoes seem to feel no fatigue compared to me.
Thanks to a delayed load I took some time to explore & scratch the surface of U.S./Mexico trade via trailer y dinero. I also walked around the block & talked with a couple Mexican truckers from Nuevo Laredo, Mexico who had crossed the border to pickup or dropoff. They say Americans rarely cross the border...Laredo, USA being the main hub.
These ants (fire possibly?) were supposed to storm the curb and come after you like they did me at another ant pile, but plans don't always go as expected...whaddya do? Accept the unexpected, be flexible & fix the damage--I put that dirt in place much quicker than the ants could have, but not near as persistantly & precisely.
Dallas Texas will be my backyard for a few due to another trainer trade/upgrade. Drivin' & Jivin' ain't easy. Going cross country with two to three distinct personalities in a 77 sqft. cab condo (2 bed, no bath) is like living in your bathroom!..minus the facilities!! Yet the view from the throne is incredible.
It's not often I'm able to sleep in the top bunk because the truck is usually moving, making it unsafe for sleeping (too easy to fly through windshield). But we're immobile tonight & I'm taking advantage!
I kinda like kick'n back in the bottom bunk watching the world go by (it's flying by, inviting me to arch the gaps in my life & run steady as a river). Plus I'm getting some good geography lessons--that's the Mighy Mississippi running next to the St. Louis Arch. The Missouri feeds (or exits?..unlikely) the Mississippi further north.
While we weren't exposed to the most fertile parts & plants of New Jersey (we visit warehouses) we'll be back--Cincinnati's awaiting 43,926 pounds of Arizona Sweet Tea!
Today's drive (yesterday actually) was amazing! The views of ivy-covered ledges & trees along I-75 north to Atlanta was peaceful & inviting--one area looked like terraced waterfalls of ivy! (I'll get ya some pictures & videos on another trip!) Speaking of trips here's Saturdays trip to the pool (across the street from the TA truck stop)...I just slept through Kentucky, Indiana, & Illinois--I'll be driving to Green Bay shortly.
Brother & Sister Row's backyard gate leads straight to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints chapel in Lecanto, Florida--Appealing!..Add a temple & waterpark & I'm there for the long haul!
Today I extended my California backyard exploring to the mountains by bus & feet--it's good to get out & live!
A tasty treat at the TA Cafe.
A quick expedition through The Rainforest Cafe.
Plus a preview of 'The Zoo Around You Cafe' coming up, complete with creepy crawlies magnified to gargantuan size right before your eyes!..inviting an appetizing bug bite!
Mira Loma makes a nice place to eat & wait.
P.S. You may have to wait for more content depending on training time & my trainer.
Camping in a confined cab with plenty of heat stretched me, yet was expected to a degree--I'll adapt.
Well, we're back to where blogging began: words. Specifically the written word. The attached spoken words via video/audio are not cooperating & time to fix them is lacking--I'm about to drive to Boise--Eddy (my driver trainer) just arrived & will be ready shortly.
Hence, enjoy the written word for a few...
A unique & open place to rest your head, feed your face, & start your trucking career.
A peaceful pool of pure water.
Plus some peaceful family time...which I oughtta capture & share too--I started to tonight and as I did my neice Lexi fell out of the swing onto me--blah...better results next time!
Slowly but surely we're getting better & braver!..Prepared to pass the backing test tomorrow.
Even adventures require work & have drawbacks--forward we go nonetheless! I've got a lot to offer in this 'Urban Camping' area & it will not go unoffered! Prepare to receive...
A bunch of paperwork & the usual orientation routine so far...plus the discovery that this training includes weekends & possibly Labor Day--Blah!
So much to learn from the Lord about life...& what better spot than His House!
Yes indeed, we finally made the complete connection between Salt Lake & Bountiful on foot, via City Creek Canyon (Salt Lake) & Mueller Park (Bountiful).
The City Creek side is a little rough (wear pants!) with an overgrown, less traveled trail...
...while the Mueller Park side is worn & well-traveled.
Creating a safe & sound arrival into Bountiful's Mueller Park full of friends, fun...
...and food!
Indeed the 'Flowrider' creates quite a ride for landlocked surfers (& random observers).
Wow, I find this 'Peace Officer' title incredibly hard to attach to Police Officers (do they know this?!), yet Utah Code 53-13-102 clearly classifies 'law enforcement officers' as peace officers...
53-13-102. Peace officer classifications.
The following officers may exercise peace officer authority only as specifically authorized by law:
(1) law enforcement officers;
(2) correctional officers;
(3) special function officers; and
(4) federal officers.
I just informed a police secretary of this title over the phone and she agreed they 'keep the peace'. In a world at war within our homes and communities it's more an attempt to re-create peace (quite a quest for any police or peace officer!) so I see the difficulty. Yet I sincerely question whether the police force has a working model for peace force--whoa!..is forced peace possible? We are definitely trying overseas with weapons and war, yet is it working? Either way, 'The Peace Force' just doesn't fit! 'The Police Force' fits and describes the role law enforcement officers abide by much better. Hmmm...was this the 'Peace Officers' originally intended destination?..or just the code writers?
A little bubble play produced some new tricks including this one catered to those you know & love.
The Lagoon/Farmington trail was well worth the detour 2 avoid some I-15 traffic delays.
This much mistrust will destroy us!
I mean how will we ever learn to live in harmony one with another and break down walls when we feel threatened by a guy who offers 'it's likely the starter motor' when an open hood invites help?..Later backing off to work on some bubble wands and try'em out when you (two Brigham City Sisters) request for a flashlight goes unfulfilled.
A call to the police only creates greater walls as this alarms the bubble blower...suddenly realizing he may have something to do with this--Absurd! He decides to find out (Uh oh!) and goes directly to Officer Enos Slivers who says he isn't sure I'm involved or not "Let's take a look at my Laptop." 'Ih. Text me your discovery!' I say to myself as I go to you gals talking with Officer Kohl and ask "Do I have anything to do with this?" "No!" one of you answers immediately likely following Officer Kohl's advice. So I head back to my bubbles, wand in hand, coming face to face with Officer Enos who asks why I didn't listen to his 'come back' request--"I went to solve the problem directly" I counter quickly.
He tells me to stand on the curb, but I've already decided I'm going back to my original position blowing bubbles and minding my own business (oh that I had maintained this post from the get-go!). Officer Enos disagrees and now commands I sit on the curb. I stop and stand on the curb saying/insinuating 'This is close enough'. Again Officer Enos disagrees, comes to me, grabs my arm to pull me down, I try to pull out my cell phone shouting "I'm getting this on camera!" but Officer Enos thinks I'm grabbing my cell phone gun so he knees and tackles me. Next thing I know I'm in handcuffs lying on the ground (Officer Enos is a good wrestler!) my cell phone gun confiscated and my body searched for other weapons (I must've dropped my bubble wand by this point).
Somewhere in this process my phone gun rings and I miss Lynn's call, I'm flustered by this time and request to talk to Officer Enos Slivers Boss (I feel mistreated--especially my wrists...Handcuffs Hurt!). Officer Kohl calls Officer Ward who interrogates me, siding with you gals from the get-go...beauty > truth. Officer Ward only starts to see the real picture when he talks with my mentally challenged friend Lynn who has been hiding upstairs afraid of the situation.
I yell and lie to you two across the grass 'I'm sorry I made you uncomfortable' when the truth surfaces that you were uncomfortable with me and had called the cops.
The police investigation continues with me on the grass in handcuffs and you two by your car trying to get it going--yeah, you two better be gone before I'm unhandcuffed and free to blow a big bubble your way or get you with my cell phone gun!
I'm still pretty riled at this point and request to talk to Officer Ward's boss since I'm not impressed with him at all. Around this time Officer Kohl asks if I need any medical attention. I accept the offer since my leg is bleeding, my wrists kill, and my right arm is numb--I had no idea the whole fire department (fire truck and 7 or so EMT's) would show up...to put a Band-Aid on my leg. The main EMT was too scared to look at my handcuffed aching arms (he must've heard about my bubble wand and phone gun:-). He did give me some good advice though--"We listen to the guys with guns!" Amen. Simply maintaining my post, minding my business regardless alarming police arrival, and following directions like submissively sitting on the curb would've curbed most of this mayhem. A police force open to assess a situation free from the 'Guilty Until Proven Innocent'/'Everyone Knows How To Act In My Presence' mindsets would've allowed Officer Enos to allow me to stand on the curb and get my story.
Lieutenant Tracy (Officer Ward's Boss) eventually arrives, I vent, he defends, he (perhaps all of them) realizes I'm no cause for concern and let me loose--Oh to be free...I hate handcuffs! I vent in my freedom to the four officers standing in the grass with me repeating my assessment of the situation: We'll never get there like this! (Get where they ask) We'll never get where God wants us to be--We'll never achieve unity and peace with this much mistrust...and now I add this much police intervention. Imagine I were black, hispanic, tattoo'd, had an older car, (anything out of you two small town gals comfort zone)--you'd've called the cops even quicker. The police may have acted quicker and more aggressively (unless the innocent was wiser/experienced with how to act in the presence of police and submitted to 'the guys with the guns'). Be it in Brigham City or Salt Lake City this is not how we are meant to live.
My Brigham City Sisters I am sorry you were uncomfortable, yet I make no apology for my actions--How was I to know you were uncomfortable? I'd've gladly communicated the fact that the only reason I was still outside parked behind you two was because I was waiting for a friend--but how was I to know what reassurance you needed? I felt no suspiciousness in my actions! So I withdrew and minded my business (of bubbles:-). And ended up discovering the business of building walls with mistrust and police intervention.
An entertaining & inspiring place to pass through while biking back to bed. My blood brother Boyd & sister Maritza are good to me!
We cross the Weber River (not Ogden) just south of the Ogden Frontrunner Terminal. The Ogden River flows into the Weber River a few blocks north.
Aahh...A nice mid-week hike connecting canyons is refreshing! Now I'm ready to make some connections in the work world--know anyone looking for an adventurous over the road driver/ a 'Smokin' Bubble Show'/ or a waterpark to invest in?!
Amen! What is up? What happened to your big plans, your frequent posts, and your fearless & fresh Jedd Eye perspective?!
Hmmm...pretty simple really: sin. fear. grief. (in that order) took a hold of my heart & soul destroying my peace & zest...
TEMPORARILY!
I refuse to repeat defeat and commit to be broadcast-able always! God will help me as He is now through His son Jesus Christ who is once again giving me the chance to repent and restore the zest, zeal & zing--ZUTALO!
Capital Dome.
Hydrant Dome. 
This high little guy made a powerful visual connection between different domes...& transformed himself into one also!
The wettest & best ride of all for Lynn & I tonight was undoubtedly Lagoon's Run-Through-Fountain: an irresistible option for a couple kids at heart.
I'm enjoying exploring a new backyard, though much smaller than the originally targeted North American Island, it's a pretty part of our island.
The extended island exploration is still coming up and since our island isn't going anywhere fast...there's still time!
May Trucking Company had their chance (to give me a chance) & failed. Thus we must move forward.
I'll go back to the Mormon MTC & truck some souls to heaven soon enough.
Running into my cousin Maribeth & her family worked out well as we discovered Disney's take on Dicken's Classic Christmas tale (Scrooge in 3D!) together.
Twas good to be with'em!
I'm still enthralled with how when we morphed our eyes & noses into evil characters (Scrooge [before change] or Marley's ghost) our pure eyes tamed the Scrooge & Marley monsters. I noticed this in a little girls especially innocent eyes morphed into the Marley Monster--suddenly the beast seemed to say 'I love you...can I get a hug?'
Indeed 'The light (or dark) of the body is the eye!'
This morning I met a man called Chuck waiting for shower #53 at Pilot (truck stop in North Salt Lake) who gave great advice & really wanted me to succeed--I could feel his sincerity.
Later I met a man at Flying J trying to hitch a ride to Colorado.
Even later I made a man commit to bring me in for a refresher course on Monday.
Now it's so late I can barely keep my eyes open...Goodnight!
I so wanna go back to 'My Arizona Island' & be free from recent dissapointments & delays in 'Our North American Island' exploration area - Rrrr...frustrating, yet we must face the challenge & create a better outcome.
How hard will it be to take a little refresher driving course?..and ace the test next time!
I was just welcomed to the 'Big Rig Brotherhood' by Calvin (a Driver Trainer at SLCC). Thanks Bro!
Earlier I was welcomed with the 'Driver Proficiency Test' a highly deceptive, yet hilarious, prank played to perfection by Ken involving a bottle, a quarter, and 1 other essential item he'd be happy to show you!
Thanks Guys!
My 'May in June' start date has been moved up to Monday, June 8th--Sah-Weet! The open road's even closer...
In the process of moving I come across items which move me and remind me of the potential I have to create. Such was the case late Saturday night/early Sunday morning as I came across an elementary contest picture with Pinnochio pasted in nearly 3 decades later. It is high time to unlock this potential and create a moving masterpiece!
That's right...I start driving for May Trucking on June 22!
I just e-mailed May my CDL...
And blasted a 'Boo-yah' in anticipation of the open road right around the bend!
A few of us friends
enjoyed an excellent time in Escalante & some surrounding slots recently.
One of the highlights (or lowlights?) came as we traversed a powdery gypsum barrier...
...which gave Kristen's C-RV a low blow.
Knocking it's 'Evaporative Cannister' clean off!
Jubi & I took full advantage of Tuesday time off to play
and explore a bit more. (But we're back to work now...attempting to be responsible adults).
Many moves to make in life...
Marriage is one of the best!
Can't hear any audio? Me neither! I lost audio while editing--Oops. You are missing some juicy bachelor joking about the 'Beer and Babes' Joaquin (guy in tie) said he'd bring...but we don't drink & the sister missionaries were already booked.
Hmmm...we might have something here! Take note marketing peeps--this could be your big break! The Jedd Eye is alive & prepared to promote life on the road (& whoever joins the journey).
I love May many a day--even a rainy May day is pretty pleasant with warm wetness blooming blossoms left & right, up & down, & all around.
Rice Eccles Stadium hosted a heckuva party the last couple nights for a motocross event in which many motorcycles were transported in some pretty large & well-decorated 18-wheelers.
I arrived just in time to watch'em head out (or back out;-)
Sure enough, we climbed the canyon & I scaled that puny peak!..Creating a wide snow dusted canyon view--Beautiful!
Lanning & Emily are a cute courageous couple!..Check'em out dancing fearlessly in the front yard along a fairly busy street. I'm glad they found each other--life is better together!
Though I now find myself parting apartments thanks to this 'cute couple', I'm excited to scratch my itchy feet for adventure on the road across our North American Island in a big rig--thanks Lanning & Emily!
Indeed we all need to step back occasionally and take a look at things from afar so we can come closer to seeing things as they really are: Good & Getting Better!
Camping in a big rig is gonna be a breeze (especially interior spacewise) compared to caRV'ing (video with light coming soon).
I now possess a Class A CDL learners permit & will soon be on the road locally in a SLCC Skills Center Big Rig--BooYah! Which we'll rig to rest my rump (& my head) initiating an over the road adventure you won wanna miss...which thanks to TheJedd Eye you won't.
As I prepare to hit the road in a big rig & capture the adventure this summer & beyond, I better practice now!
I just discovered my video camera cuts filming once a text comes (calls likely, yet unverified) sounding the 'da da Daa' text tone at the end of this clip which, luckily, was interuptable.
Herein lies the secret to quicker breaks & ahhh...how I spell relief while driving a bus route we call 'The Ozone'
P.S. Writing your name in the snow is utterly unnecessary...but quite fun.
P.S.#2 is out of the question!
Major help needed here since most don't enjoy kinked necks nor swivel monitors.
Highly likely & certain according to a guy fishing along the river. Brave beaver!
Ford's version of an Edge created a fun post FHE activity with Robert (a friend from AZ) & his rental.
Pink: How do I feel so good sober?
Jeddadiah: Life is best-lived sober!
It's as simple as that really. We will always feel the greatest zest & zeal when we are free from unnecessary (& addictive) appetites.
(Both Pink & Jeddadiah were broadcast this morning on the 'boom bus' while escorting nurses & hospital employees to work. Pink's reach may have made it a few listeners further, but only by a few...million).
I'm really struggling to accept this 'criminal record' rejection...especially given the strong connection between my criminal record and island living. You see I was transitioning to life on my island in Arizona the night I received my misdemeanor.
I couldn't spend the night on my island so I started to stay at Indian River Bend park in Scottsdale. I had barely rested my head on the cool park grass when bright headlights shone my direction. I considered quickly walking off park premises (perhaps avoiding this whole record/rejection/reading you're enjoying), yet chose to remain calm and allow the cops to tell me to go (I had no idea they'd tell me to go get a criminal record which would last a lifetime and create a great barrier to a reef island). Inconceivable!..yet as real as it gets.
Time to go forward, forgive & live! After all, life on our North American Island ain't bad.
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'I feel sorry for whoever comes in here next' I announced as I left the mens room full of fumes (better the bathroom than the bus I was shuttling Goldman Sachs employees in). One pear had created quite a stench in my system & the surrounding air (which I had to clear a few times driving around empty with windows down & doors open before more passengers entered). What's worse? I discovered this allergic reaction to pears about 4 months ago! Thus it is air ap'pear'ent that pears & I make a poor pair.
Aaahhh...snow softly falling on my face as I float on my back is amazing! (Jumping in the snow & then the hot tub isn't bad either). H20 is a divine creation (especially in combined states) with peaceful, comforting...invigorating powers - Perfect!..after a day of skiing.
Thanks Snowbird!!!
Only drawback: While snow fails to stick to hot water, snow successfully sticks to canyon roads...thus prematurely ending our after-ski H20 Therapy--Rrrr!..'Do we have to go? Can't someone turn on the canyon road heater?! Not installed yet. Not a problem. I'm fine getting stranded up here!'
It is in!..(Finally). We filmed it, edited it, submitted it and it will soon be available for viewing via 'The Best Job In The World' Website.
In the meantime you can view a few versions of 'Recess' on my youtube site (Will add some higher quality soon--mostly used as a video viewing test before submission of under 90MB video).
Enjoy!
Recess in the Rockies for now,
Recess at the Reef in a few.
P.S. I'll let you know when it posts to www.islandreefjob.com
"Lynn, rub my ear!" Les demands. "It's hard to reach" Lynn complains. "Oh, you can...ahhh, a little higher" Les is happy having received his urgent ear massage. 
Simply a sample of the hilarious interaction between these 'special' (as Lynn likes to address himself & others mentally challenged) twin brothers Lynn & Les.
We picked up Les at the Boise Airport having flown from Fairbanks Alaska. Boise offered a better fare than Salt Lake & an exciting excursion with a couple brothers from the same mother (at the same time).
