Highway to Mexico, Day 8
Posted by Cheryl Budjak
on Mar 10, 2012
Venturing out of the city proved to be easy as no one left with injuries. We travelled through approx. 30 kms of construction out of the city. Once the improvements are done, it will be a great road to drive on. Miles and miles of dessert were the main focal point for a long time, then green appeared. It was a wonderful sight driving thru the flowering trees and farms. Seeing the 100’s of acres... and miles of corn, tomatoes and other produce really brought it home to understand where some of our items come from. There were many farm hands working the fields by hand and with small very equipment compared to the equipment you see in our fields.
Everyone knew today would be one of the longest days of travel yet. Only stops were for fuel and to grab some lunch from one of the truck fuel stops about 30 kms north of Culiacan. Not long after that we were able to see water to the far west of the road once, you had to really focus to see it but it was such a welcoming sight.
Everyone seems a bit tired today as there is not is not too much chatter on the radio until we were about 200 kms out of Mazatlan. Then luckily the tanker truck (aka… California girls) heard the direction to make the turn for Mazatlan when asked to do…..we are not sure why, but they keep wanted to turn for California.
The day went really well with only a few very small items that required attention. During one fuel stop, Harm and Percy checked the tank truck differential fluid level, all was good so duct tape and the fixings were used to plug the hole, and Murray and Mike used their muscles to get the red fire trucks hood latch to catch. Mike then had to reattach the siren controller as it fell from the roof and he wanted to ensure he could play with it as he drove into Mazatlan.
Mike and Tracey are driving one of the green fire trucks. This unit was purchased for $2500 from the MD of Opportunity and in great working order. Thanks to the County of Grande Prairie for taking off the pump drive shaft as it was better for the truck to run the 5,000 kms without it attached to protect the bearings in the back of the pump. Mike is well seasoned as this is his 4th trip and Tracey’s first. As they travel south, Mike provides a fabulous play by play of what is up and coming, keeping Tracey well entertained.
What a great feeling driving into Mazatlan. We were greeted by local Rotarians and locals who are watching our vehicle’s at a local park. With exactly 5,000 kms traveled from northern Alberta to Mazatlan, we know our job is just about done. Throughout the next week, it will be an honour to hand over the keys of each unit. Sounds like a busy week is planned, we promise to keep you posted.
Everyone knew today would be one of the longest days of travel yet. Only stops were for fuel and to grab some lunch from one of the truck fuel stops about 30 kms north of Culiacan. Not long after that we were able to see water to the far west of the road once, you had to really focus to see it but it was such a welcoming sight.
Everyone seems a bit tired today as there is not is not too much chatter on the radio until we were about 200 kms out of Mazatlan. Then luckily the tanker truck (aka… California girls) heard the direction to make the turn for Mazatlan when asked to do…..we are not sure why, but they keep wanted to turn for California.
The day went really well with only a few very small items that required attention. During one fuel stop, Harm and Percy checked the tank truck differential fluid level, all was good so duct tape and the fixings were used to plug the hole, and Murray and Mike used their muscles to get the red fire trucks hood latch to catch. Mike then had to reattach the siren controller as it fell from the roof and he wanted to ensure he could play with it as he drove into Mazatlan.
Mike and Tracey are driving one of the green fire trucks. This unit was purchased for $2500 from the MD of Opportunity and in great working order. Thanks to the County of Grande Prairie for taking off the pump drive shaft as it was better for the truck to run the 5,000 kms without it attached to protect the bearings in the back of the pump. Mike is well seasoned as this is his 4th trip and Tracey’s first. As they travel south, Mike provides a fabulous play by play of what is up and coming, keeping Tracey well entertained.
What a great feeling driving into Mazatlan. We were greeted by local Rotarians and locals who are watching our vehicle’s at a local park. With exactly 5,000 kms traveled from northern Alberta to Mazatlan, we know our job is just about done. Throughout the next week, it will be an honour to hand over the keys of each unit. Sounds like a busy week is planned, we promise to keep you posted.