End Of The Trail

This will be my last post for Hiway Journals. The roads and highways I've traveled so often have been long and dusty but the people I've met and the things I saw along the way are lasting memories. I praise God and give Him all the glory for keeping me safe these past four years just as I pray He will keep safe my colleauges I leave behind. So ends another chapter of my life and what better way to end it than at my home watching this beautiful sunset. All I can say is "ITS BEEN QUITE A RIDE". My next adventure will be with my wife Kathleen back on the Antique and Collectible circuit again. If anyone is interested, my new blog called "The Antique Road Again" is http://theantiqueroadagain.blogspot.com/

Elvis Has Left The Building (Red's Retirement)

The big day finally arrived and it was the end of the work day on September 10, 2010. We had a party that Friday morning. Dale brought a cake and the guys gave me a "gold" watch and a "Fist Full of Dollars". All I could say was "Thank You! Thank You Very Much". Dale took this last photo of us drivers and its something I will treasure for a long time. I wish the best for each of you. (Just click on the picture for a larger view).

Another Old Barn

Last week I had a delivery in Igo and couldn't resist getting a shot of this old barn. Its located on Platina Road just before coming into Ono. The stop was atop a mountain on Rector Creek Road. It was an auto part so I was very happy that the recipient was there to sign for it. (Just click on the picture for a larger view).

Fire In Corning

These pictures were taken yesterday while traveling north on highway 99W from Corning to Red Bluff. I believe the fire was in an area where several old motor homes and travel trailers had permanent residence in an olive orchard. I've delivered to these places before and I hope all got out safely. If you zoom in on the second picture you can see a helicopter that had just dropped water on the burning area. (As always, just click on the pictures for a larger view).

A Field Of Sunflowers

This field of Sunflowers is seen from Highway 99W and Gerber Road in the community of Gerber, California. Last year this same field grew Corn. There shouldn't be a shortage of Sunflower Seeds this year. (Just click on the pictures for a larger view).

New Eating Place In Tehama

The tiny community of Tehama must be growing because there's a new eating place that just opened. It's called Tehama Pub & Grill and they serve Burgers and Beer. Just to the right of the building is the Sacramento River and the bridge separating Los Molinos from Tehama. Maybe I'll have to eat here sometimes but without the beer of course. (Just click on the picture for a larger view).

The Stop In Platina

I've passed by this sign many times going to Platina and wondered if I'd every have to make a delivery somewhere on this road. Well, today I did. The delivery to 4369 Tedoc Road took me 4 miles up and 4 miles back down along a dusty, pot-holed gravel road while hugging the side of a mountain (see pictures) and going 5 to 15 MPH. The young man in the picture is the recipient of an auto part for his ancient Volkswagen Beetle. Its ironical but I saw this young man getting his mail at the intersection of Highway 36W and Tedoc Road and he followed me up all the way eating my dust. If I had only known......(Just click on the pictures for a larger view).

New Additions At My Cottonwood Creek Ranch

The population is growing at my Cottonwood Creek Ranch here in Cottonwood. These little colts were born recently and it looks like they all take their naps at the same time while their Mothers watch over them. (Just click on the picture for a larger view).

A Delivery To Paskenta

Yesterday I made a delivery to Salt Creek Conservation Center in Paskenta. On the way back I took this picture of a mileage sign on Round Valley Road. Its hard to believe I'm that close to Orland. (Just click on the picture for a larger view).

The Far Reaching Boundaries of Red Bluff

For a small city, Red Bluff has far reaching boundaries. My stop here at 29650 Highway 36 E is 22 miles from the center of Red Bluff and just a stones throw from the border of Paynes Creek. Other directions from Red Bluff reach out even further. (Just click on the pictures for a larger view).

A Patriotic Red Bluff Citizen

I pass this home on Baker Road almost daily but decided only today to take this picture. As you can see every branch of the military is depicted here and very nicely done. (Just click on the picture for a larger view).

Abandoned Barn

Couldn't resist getting a picture of this old abandoned barn just before entering the very small community of Paskenta. On the other hand it could be an abandoned house. It looks like some of the places we lived in as a kid in rural Mississippi. Those were the good old days compared to now. (Just click on the picture for a larger view).

Those Long Hot Dusty Gravel Roads

Had this stop today on Butte Mountain Road out of Corning on my way to Paskenta. Naturally it was a dusty gravel road that seemed to go on for miles. I only saw two ranch houses on this road and my stop was at the second one. Sure was a relief to get back to Corning Road and some pavement. (Just click on the picture for a larger view).

Another Example of Working Man vs Money Man Routes

Working Man John will have to load tight to get all these packages into his truck. He has his work cut out for him today. Money Man Dale looks kind of skimpy with his five packages. Think you can handle this load, Dale? I wonder who will have the bigger payday. (Just click on the pictures for a larger view).

The Pistachio Tree

There are quite a few Pistachio Orchards on my route and this is one of them. Its part of the Crain Walnut Shelling Company in Los Molinos where I made deliveries quite often. As you can see by the second picture, pistachios grow in clusters like grapes. It looks like its going to be a great year for Pistachios, Walnuts, and Almonds. (Just click on the pictures for a larger view).

A Good Sense of Humor

This resident out on Quail Ridge Road in Cottonwood has two mail boxes: one for surface and one for air. I wonder how much air mail he gets? (Just click on the picture for a larger view).

A Hearty Breakfast Before Work

I had my favorite stop Friday (Hampton Inn & Suites) and got there in time to have a hearty breakfast. I wasn't too hungry so all I had was an egg & cheese omelet, some cheese potatoes, three skinless sausage links, and a sweet roll. Eat your heart out, Guys. (Just click on the picture for a larger view).

I'll Get Even

My friend, Dale, took this picture of me and my load. It just happens to be the lightest day I've ever had (4 hours, 55 minutes and 155 miles). Just wait, Dale, I'll catch you with a load of only four or five boxes. (Just click on the picture for a larger view).

See Dale's Blog here: http://stoneroads.blogspot.com/

Buffalo In Red Bluff?

Yes there are Buffalo in Red Bluff and you can see this herd just once in awhile off Interstate 5 between Jelly's Ferry and Wilcox Roads. Looks like I caught them during their rest period. I've also seen long horn cattle grazing in this same place but never both Long Horns and Buffalo at the same time. (Just click on the pictures for a larger view).

Big Day For The Working Man

Its a good thing I had my favorite stop today at Hampton Inn & Suits. I needed this complimentary breakfast to handle the big route I had. I logged in 270 miles over some pretty rough roads and made 47 stops. Its a good thing Mike took one of my stops in Cottonwood as I didn't have enough cargo space to handle those three large boxes. Thanks Mike! (Just click on the picture for a larger view).

Big Load For The North Route

Dale is the boss man here in Anderson and when he says "jump" we just say "how high". He's got a Money Route but today he's got a big load for Northern California and especially to two of his favorite stops: Fort Jones and Happy Camp. You got miles to go before you sleep so we'll leave the light on for you, Dale. (Just click on the picture for a larger view).

Another Big Day For The Working Man

They say the economy is slow right now but it don't appear to be so on Richard's route. He's got a big day today but then this is just an example of the kind of load Richard has almost daily. But have no fear, Richard knows how to get the job done. (Just click on the picture for a larger view).

The Working Man's Route

Mike has his work cut out for him today with this load. But then its no surprise to Mike because he delivers this kind of load almost daily. I can't believe he got all these boxes into his van but he did. What a guy to have on our GSO team. (Just click on the picture for a larger view).

Scenic Highway 36 West

I'm, not sure what kind of trees or bushes these are but they are very plentiful and beautiful as you travel Highway 36 West from Red Bluff to Platina. (Just click on the pictures for a larger view).

On The Way To Rancho Tehama

This big cattle ranch is located on Rancho Tehama Road just off Paskenta Road. The community of Rancho Tehama is another four or five miles further west. As you can see, they just got done bailing hay and its waiting to be stored for later use. Most people think of hay in the large block style bale but the new method is in large rolls shown here. (Just click on the pictures for a larger view).

Country Crossroads

At least two or three times a week I'm at this country crossroad. South on Paskenta Road takes you to Flournoy and Paskenta and north on it takes you to the turn off for Rancho Tehama. Go east on Gyle Road and you come to Interstate 5 which takes you to Red Bluff or Corning. Last week a farmer was killed near this area when he fell into his hay bailing machine. (Just click on the picture for a larger view).

Almost Gone But Not Forgotten

I bet this weathered old barn could tell some stories and probably goes back to 1882 when Cottonwood was just beginning as a Stage Coach Stop. This one is located on Gas Point Road in Cottonwood. (Just click on the picture for a larger view).

The Dairy Farm on Dusty Way at Rawson

These Holstein Cows are not laying down on the job. This is their rest time after being fed and milked.. I guess the few that are standing are looking for a place to flop. They better watch out for the cow dabs. (Just click on the picture for a larger view).

The Working Man Route

Its usual that we get light loads the first work day of the week, but not so for John. Look at all that paper. He'll have his hands full today making these deliveries. (Just click on the picture for a larger view).

Knee Deep In Peacocks

I know there are at least two peacocks at this home in Rancho Tehama about fifteen miles from Corning. The one in the tree announced my arrival with a very loud cry as I approached the house. I heard they were good watch dogs and I can now believe it from the loud sound they make when strangers approach. The lady that lives here has numerous rose bushes and she insisted that I cut as many roses as I wanted for a bouquet for my wife. She even furnished the knife and bags. People are wonderful, ain't they! (Just click on the pictures for a larger view).

Another House of Worship

Two giant palm trees fronts the St. Andrews Episcopal Church as you travel west on Solano Street in Corning. I pass by this eloquent old church almost daily as I make my deliveries in Corning. Today was a beautiful sunny day. (Just click on the pictures for a larger view).

The Diamond Back Ranch

The Diamond Back Ranch is located on Round Valley Road about ten miles beyond the community of Paskenta. These rolling hills at the base of the mountain range seems to be ideal for the Long Horn Cattle this ranch raises. The delivery I make is medicine and I leave it in a plastic bag tied to the other side of the security gate. Since the ranch house sets way back from the gate I usually blow my horn several times to let them know a delivery has been made. Today was a cloudy day as you can see. (Just click on the pictures for a larger view).