Written one day later, some things may have already been forgotten.

Left out at first light. There is a restaurant on-site so no free breakfast. But we did have a couple of apples that we needed to get rid of before entering CA so that was breakfast.

Starting out we had about 100 miles to spare of fuel. By the time we got to the top of the pass we were short miles. Coasting down the pass we had 150 to spare but by the time we got to the drop we were at less than 60 miles to spare and our goal had been 50. Pretty close.

No questions at the produce inspection, first stop at the rest area near Gold Run.

Traffic is not bad, only once dropping below the posted because of traffic and then only for a couple of miles. Roads have changed again but we made it to the 49er Truck Wash in Sacramento. After 45 minutes waiting, no one had left the wash bay. Someone waiting for the other bay could have moved over ahead of us, but they thought the guy ahead of him was about done ... so he moved into our bay behind us. Just under two hours at the wash.

Ten miles down the road to our exit, final fuel at Valero in Davis. Another two blocks and we were at the drop. Same crew that used to be at Rancho Cordova. They said it would be a half hour so BB wanted a block back to Enterprise to pick up our car. BUT because we were two hours late, they 'had given it away.' And we got a van instead. Bigger issue is we dropped it at a different location after hours and still haven't been billed for it. Be calling on that tomorrow.

Half hour later they were done with both, clean inspection.

First we call the computer to get released from our trips, then I call CA dispatch about getting a bus. He wants me to call back in 15 minutes.

We drive down to In-and-Out, fight off the homeless and make our way inside. Crowded when we walk in, emptied out by the time we left. Half hour after the first call I call CA dispatch again. He doesn't know what, but he will have a bus. They release them at 4:30 so we have a couple of hours to kill.

We find where we are supposed to meet him and then went a couple miles away to an outlet mall. Walked the mall for a while, then walked it again looking for Haagen Dazs. Found it right in the middle of the food court ... and it was the last place we looked.

By now it was time to meet the dispatcher so we headed back, he was going to be 45 minutes late because of traffic. Then we missed him as he went past, couldn't get the security guard to answer at the gate. This all took time and it will soon be dark.

Finally we got in and met the dispatcher, short conversation, he had lots of work he had to do. Instead of looking where we saw the first bus when we drove past, we go in the other direction to where he said they should be, they were not. Mine was almost bumper to bumper in a line, but I got it out without hitting anything.

Oh ... GREAT NEWS. Dispatcher said as long as BB was a driver for the company in general, she could ride with. So now we have a direct answer.

By now it is getting dark so BB puts the stuff in the bus and heads to Enterprise to drop the car. The only issue I have with the bus is an alarm going off that I ask another driver about ... before he gets to my bus I realize it was the alarm for NOT wearing my seat belt. Other than that all looked good. I did go back and ask the dispatcher about permits. Nope, only trip permits, these buses are not overweight.

We are going to Monroe, LA. And he wants me back as often as I can make it.

Interesting notes about moving buses. Do not tape over the camera's. If you are running with someone, leave ONE MILE between you and the other driver.

Security comes and finds me before I get to the gate. They need a copy of my inspection and a copy of my drivers license.

Within a couple of miles it is dark. I had written notes for the street names, but not a map. The first two were easy, the streets dead ended at a T. The next one was supposed to be Livermore St, so I turned when I got to L St. Wrong one. One block off, then I turn at the next block to get on the other street I wanted. Right in 'Old Town,' narrow streets in the dark.

I remembered a couple of buildings and then it seemed like forever, I thought I'd missed a turn but I was still on the correct street. Found it, but no where to pull over for most of a block and when I did I was blocking two driveways. BB got there quickly and we were moving. Until we got to the freeway which was still mostly stopped.

She looked for first motel and found where we had stayed before in Wesley at a Days Inn with a Subway next door. We got there within a half an hour and still had an hour drive time left but no motels within that range. I pulled into what looked like their truck lot and saw a 'tow' sign. I tried to pull around the front of a truck until I was within a few inches of him as I turned into him ... only to find trash in my exit so I had to back up. Finally had BB get out to watch as I backed around the signs, the truck and the garbage building in the dark, finally pulled forward across an old curb to get out of there. NOT something I should have been doing that late in the day.

Sometimes I can back around all kinds of items and feel in complete control. Tonight was not one of those nights, seemed I was too close to having not seen stuff. But not issues, no damage.

When we checked in the person kept asking what time we were leaving. 'Daylight' I said but he wanted a clock time. Not sure why.

Zapped. This is the longest day we've worked in a long time and lots of new things that we were trying to figure out. 13 plus hours, is the longest day for a long time.