Today was fairly uneventful in our travels…and a much shorter day of driving! We left Cottage Grove, OR for the 120 mile drive to the Portland International Airport where we would pick up Ethan. He’s going to be spending the next few days with us on the road in preparation for joining the team next season.
He arrived in Portland about 40 minutes later due to some flight changes and we pulled our 65 foot truck pulled through the “arrival” lane. We missed him the first time around so had to make a second trip. This time he spotted us – he was on the top level, we were below! He ran down the stairs, across the lanes, and jumped onto the back of the truck with his luggage. Nolan grabbed him and pulled him in. What a way to get started!
Once back on Interstate 5, we were just miles from Washington. I pulled into the first Weigh Station and they didn’t bother to check me out at all. They gave me the green light to keep on going…but I pulled over to make sure I didn’t need a Trip Permit in this state (most western states require them). I had this problem a few days ago in California and it costs me an extra $100 from the tax man! I didn’t want that to happen again. I went inside the office and was told I would have to GO BACK an exit to buy the permit since I was required to have one before I actually entered the state. I understand that it’s my responsibility as a “motor carrier” to get that information but a little assistance would be appreciate from the state officials!
We drove south an exit to purchase the permits at their version of the Dept of Motor Vehicles. That was another challenge – no place to park a truck our size BUT this is the place where I’m supposed to buy the permit? Literally, there were NO TRUCK PARKING signs everywhere. I finally pulled over in front of the building and just turned on my flashers. I finally got the permits and we were on our way. I’m good for six days in Washington state and it only costs me $60. Welcome visitors!
We drove into Kelso/Longview and stopped at the mall for dinner before heading to the hotel. Once parked and checked in, we took a little walk to the shopping district for a few supplies…and found a city park with a giant squirrel!! Tomorrow is the show at the Columbia Theatre…and a nice article in today’s newspaper.
