Before and after the winter program season in Florida, Capt. John McBride, as well as several other staff members, spend a fair bit of time on the Interstate between Maine and Florida. Boats, gear and other logistic equipment have to be trucked down to the Keys. The journey is never uneventful.
Here is one story from Capt. John:
Because of the combined size and weight of the truck and boat trailer that we use to get our boats to and from Key Largo, FL every year, I not only need a Commercial Drivers License but also may need to stop at any of the 18 “Weigh Stations” that happen to be open between here and the Keys along the interstates. It’s not a big deal but any driver can be asked to show his logbook and other paperwork as well as have the truck and trailer inspected for any safety violations. It’s a bit worrisome each time.
On my last trip up with boats in 2012 almost ALL of the weigh stations were open, including the LAST ONE, which is on the Maine Turnpike. There was a long line of semi-trailers ahead of me all getting waved through. As I approached the control booth a hand went up and a red light went on to get me to stop. I rolled my window down to speak with the inspector:
“You heading back to Hurricane Island?” he asked with a big grin.
“That’s right,” I replied.
“Where you been?” he asked.
“Oh, we take a few boats south each year for our winter sailing program,” I said.
“That’s great, that’s great,” he said. “My boy did that course up near Rockland a few years ago and loved it, just loved it,” he gushed.
I nodded, feeling pretty relieved now.
“Go on, go on, you’re fine,” he said, waving me along, “and have a safe trip back.”
“Yes, I will, thank you,” I said, “you just made my day!”
-By Capt. John