May 15th and I have already completed 19 vehicle deliveries/drives. Since my last update on 23 April, three more deliveries have been completed, involving the east coast twice and the west coast once. So I have been getting around! As of this writing, I actually have three more drives scheduled. Well ahead of last year’s pace in the amount of drives!
Shortly after completing my New Hampshire to NYC delivery, which I highlighted in the last update, I was back on the road. On April 24th, I had an early morning pickup in downtown Atlanta and my destination was Thomasville NC. A historic small town tucked in near Winston Salem and Greensboro NC. A quick six hour trip that was quickly followed up with a one way rental (which I will discuss a little more at the end of this entry) to the Raleigh/Durham area.
The one way trip took about an hour and half and renting a vehicle was actually the cheapest way to make the journey.
By early evening on the 24th, I settled into my selected hotel, La Quinta by the Raleigh Durham airport. I had stayed here before and it was perfect for my next day’s travel. To deliver my one way rental at the airport and jet off to Spokane Washington (yes, the off again on again Washington trip I also referenced in my previous blog). For the evening, I did find a pretty nice, reasonable local Mexican restaurant about one mile from my hotel. El Dorado (unfortunately I couldn’t find an associated link). On the morning of the 25th, following a good complimentary breakfast, I was off to the airport.
My next location to pick up a vehicle was in Spokane WA but I had to fly pass there, into Seattle and then fly back to Spokane. Pick up the vehicle and then drive back to Seattle. Not too many direct flights into Spokane from the Raleigh/Durham airport. Although a lengthy trip, I finally arrived in Spokane and uber’ed to the next vehicle.
I was picking up a brand new, ‘23 Ram 1500 (vehicle pictured below). Prior to arrival, I was required to schedule a “pick up” appointment at the dealership. In the past, picking up new vehicles from dealerships has been hit or miss as far timeliness is concerned and this was no different. I was on a fairly tight schedule. After pickup, my time frame allotted, required me to drive straight through to Seattle which was approximately four and one half hours. I did get to the dealership about forty minutes ahead of schedule and the first person to greet me happened to be the fellow I was to deal with in getting the keys. It went off without a hitch and before I knew it, I was on the road to Seattle, ahead of schedule!!!
The drive from Spokane to Seattle via the I-90W route is actually quite beautiful. From rolling hills outside of Spokane, to the mountains of Snoqualmie pass and the final stretch into the seaside area of Seattle, very scenic. Although the outside temperatures were well above freezing, I was still seeing lots of snow (not falling thank goodness) on the mountain sides.
I arrived in metro Seattle as rush hour was on, so that slowed my progress some, but thankfully it was just heavy traffic and no accidents. I finally arrived at my hotel, La Quinta by Seattle airport, about 5pm west coast time. The area was nice and bustling. The hotel had some good online reviews but it also had some renovations ongoing so it wasn’t the most appealing. It served its purpose by providing a nice clean, comfy room. I was a little tired, so I didn’t venture out in search of a local restaurant, instead I settled on the Denny’s that was co-located. The Denny’s also served as a breakfast spot the next morning as for some unexplained reason, the complimentary breakfast buffet advertised was not ready in time. Following breakfast, I checked out and delivered the new Ram truck and headed off to the Seattle airport for my direct flight back to Atlanta.
I took a period of time off to tend to some home duty chores as well, inspect the beaches in the Florida panhandle. Always need to do that!!!
In early May, finally, I was back on the road again. May 9th, I was off to Cherry Hill NJ for the next vehicle pickup/delivery. Cherry Hill NJ to Calhoun GA. A route I am pretty familiar with.
The flight up to Philadelphia and uber trip to Cherry Hill NJ went as planned. Vehicle pick up was smooth as well. Getting out of Cherry Hill was not so easy. A lot of construction and detours basically caused me to change my plans of using the NJ turnpike (I-95) and I ended up taking I-295S out of the area. For those familiar with the area, you know what I am talking about. Both routes take you to the Delaware Bridge (first toll of the trip, $5 cash). I went this route and it got me back on I-95S. Shortly thereafter, I had to fork out for another toll ($4), the Delaware Turnpike. Both have EZ pass options. Another 100 miles or so down the road, I was approaching the Baltimore tunnels. Another toll. I opted for the Ft McHenry toll. This one was cashless. Electronic toll or as I call it, “Pay by Plate”. Finally, done with tolls for this trip.
The next “fun” phase of the drive is the Washington DC part. UUGH. I took the 495W route around to I-66W. Traffic was heavy as expected (even during noon hour) but once again, I was lucky as there were no significant jams. Another hour or so, I found I-81S and was now able to relax. Open roads and a lot less traffic!
About three hours later, I finally reached my destination for the night, Daleville VA. Knowing the area a little, I stayed at the Super 8. Having stayed there before, I knew what to expect and wasn’t let down. Great place for the price. Only drawback is the pool is no longer operational and they still don’t have a full breakfast. In the same parking lot there is an excellent Mexican restaurant, PANCHO. I happen to be there on Tuesday and that is Cerveza and Taco special night!!
The following morning, 10th of May, I was back on the road following my “Grab and Go” breakfast. Six and one half hours later (400 more miles), I was in my destination town, Calhoun GA. I delivered the vehicle on the morning of the 11th and worked my way back home to metro Atlanta. Below is a map of the route I took on this most recent drive.
Earlier in this blog, I mentioned I took a one way rental from Thomasville NC area to the Raleigh Durham NC area. I would like to close with this bit of information regarding one way rentals.
The last three times I used one, I noticed what seems to be a new trend with rentals. I am not being provided a full tank of gas, but 7/8ths of a tank This got me to thinking that there is something going on. I call it the “GAS SCAM”. We all know you are supposed to turn in a rental with a full tank, so filling it up is not unusual. Who is going to check and stop pumping at the ⅞ level? However, it would seem, I am giving them (rental agency) 2 or 3 gallons (or more on bigger vehicles) of free gas. For one customer, what does that add up to? Not much. With many customers (airport agencies rent out hundreds to thousands daily), that really adds up. So, make sure you get a “full tank” to begin with!!!
Until next time! Safe driving!! Don’t forget, I AM FOR HIRE!!