I've always loved Dolly. She and Kenny Rogers together were brilliant. Starting from San Francisco we will take the Greyhound bus north to Seattle with Dolly and her road crew. It's a long trip with a few stops only like at Redding and Portland. Over 800 miles and 16 hours at least. From California to Oregon to Washington. Beautiful forest country. As one of the two drivers, I Frank, checked the weather and seeing a storm front double checked we had our snow chains for the tyres. Tools and even a chain saw, shovels, axes and even a heavy duty winch with various cables. Even one big and 3 small radios. Our little kitchen has many preserved foods. I turn a blind eye to passengers cooking up their own food, as long as they clean up after themselves. One toilet only at the back, next to our vending machine. Junk food mainly. I got in some very nice meals for Dolly and Co. Only a small mark up too. The trip may take longer if it snows but the road is good and the bus is in peak condition with even free wi fi.We just go slower in bad weather. I've also got a usb with all of Dolly's hits. I must get her autograph and a selfie with my idol. That's not me with her, it's Kenny Rogers. We do look similar tho, except for the bouffant hair.
She was riding in a parade when I took that picture. She was way up high on a float. That is some kind of seat belt to keep her from falling off when it goes over bumps or around corners.
"That's not me with her, it's Kenny Rogers. We do look similar tho, except for the bouffant hair." @Terence Eames , yeah, I believe that. You look like Dolly?
Dolly has her beloved dog along. As her guests, part of our duty is to make sure nothing happens to Charly.
I'll make special stops for Charly when he needs to go. One of Dolly's crew Jeff has a great harness and strong retractable lead for Charly her dog. Jeff is her Can Do, Clean Cut Smart young Manager ....I like him. No sass and diplomatic, yet with a list of pertinent questions which I answered without hesitation nor flaw. He smiled and thanked me. I smiled back. I allow Charly paws on the side dash with Jeff's over sight. Not really needed. That dog is smart, and then he wanders back to snuggle up with Dolly. Lucky dog. Charly's Pee stops are a bit of relief too for the passengers, especially the smokers. The wee stops we all need. Gives me time to check the bus and chat to the passengers. One of Dolly's crew came out with a guitar and everyone started singing. It's good to stretch one's legs, and lots of little towns for snacks, toilet,.. gas, ..news. Since Kenny Rogers died just over a year ago, it may be best to be tactful about that near Dolly. I edited my playlist a bit for that. "Please feel free to browse our selection of free wi fi movies. I put heaps of Dolly's music on 'must watch!' " I say over the pa. "maybe a live singalong, and a big Hello, to Dolly's diehard fans here. You're very welcome and from Dolly's young Manager Jeff, one can buy Dolly shirts and other Memrobillia, like Selfies in this quest to the very NW, barring Alaska. Where? Overseas somewhere I think. Time I had a nap and dinner. Where's my co driver/mechanic? Still snoring I bet. wake up! I shout , the coffees's hot and sweet.We have a great host/cook/waiter/nurse too and some great employee bunks. We all have first aid and even some decent med gear like a defibrillator, oxygen tanks and mask, epi pens, you name it. Lots of other meds too with some under lock n key. Long, long hours, multiskilled, but the pay is good and steady. I love gabbing on about the scenery, history and terrain which I love. We three crew at your service. They were fascinated as I told them the storey of Lewis, Clark and Sacagawea, even inspiring Dolly's musos to compose a song with that story of exploration. I love my Country and Western music, the only two true types of music, but this rendition of Sawagawea's tale opened my ears. Even Dolly joined in, I cried and smart phones were flashing and recording like Jeff with his huge contorted camera which made him look like a spider alien. That's when I started laughing. Wrong! Thankfully my faux pas was quickly forgotten as a light and steady snow started to fall. A large gentle front not worthy of chains, but a small slowing of speed nevertheless, for safety. I pulled over anyway so all could witness such a beautiful event and no wind. Strangely it cowed Dolly's dog Charly who neither Jeff not Dolly could get off the bus. I finally convinced him with my fatty salami slices, and then he did a huge pee. Strange dog. He then ran back in hiding under Dolly's seat? Many of the men peed too, which saves me greatly on my toilet duties. I think I smelled some of that strange green baccy too. My rule is to wander away. I see one of our passengers is a tough looking Military Sergeant. He lights up a Malborough and winks at me. I try to wink back.
I forgot to mention that Charly is an accomplished escape artist. She probably should have named him Houdini. The last time he escaped, he was missing for a week. Dolly offered a $50,000 reward for his return. He was found on a farm a hundred miles away, wearing a straw hat and herding goats. Here is Charly. Terence, is your name in this story Frank? I want mine to be Fancy. Craig, what do you want your name to be?
Staff Sgt Richie Wentworth US Marines at you service folks. Traveling to my home town of Winston, Seattle for a two week furlough.
Yes Fancy, I am Frank one of the bus drivers. I am ernest too. What's your story? I didn't realise Charly was a lady dog, my bad and all her long hair. A little escape artist too, no wonder Dolly's manager Jeff has her on a harness and a retractable strong 6 yard lease. Welcome aboard Staff Sergeant Richie Wentworth. Always great to meet one of our noble soldiers. I do a little salute. I know the suburb of Winston in Seattle and I think we can make a little detour to drop you off there, at your destination, if you wish? Happy to oblige as a past soldier myself. It's near Dolly's way too but that's a secret. Would you like me get her autograph for you? I served as a Sergeant during Desert Storm. Semi retired now but I do this run to keep busy. I saw from your ticket, you're got a return journey booked for two weeks. I'll be on that trip too. I'll book you the best seat, and free upgrade if possible. That's where Dolly Parton is seated. First class. What do you think of the snow, it seems to be getting heavier? My big bus big tablet here is starting to show a big cold front coming in but winds are only mild. Some talk about snow ploughs starting up. That's good at least. Keep half an eye on that guy 3 seats up on your right, he seems a bit tense to me and wouldn't chat except to order a microwave meal. Let me get you some of Dolly's special food, no charge. Beer? You carrying? Fancy, have you met our Staff Sergeant here? He's a Staff Sergeant of our noble US Marine Corps. A Man's man! ...and no, I'm not queer..
Yes I noticed that tense guy. He was shivering too. Drugs perhaps or a fever? Best keep an eye on him now. What is his name. Must be listed on the passenger manifesto.
You know what???? I'm not sure if Charly is a girl or a boy. It's hard to tell with all that hair. Y'all want to look and see? Good idea, SS Richie. He may have heard about Dolly paying a reward for the return of Charly and have a nefarious plan to dognap him/her.
That is a distinct possibility. I'm sure Dolly Parton will be traveling with her personal bodyguard. He needs to be notified asap if his boss is in any danger......
Frank and Fancy that mysterious guy's name is listed as Ignatious Sterm. He is from Chicago and is a alone passenger. He is also using a one way ticket. Later that morning.. Mr Storm has nothing to do with any dognapping.. Dolly's personal doctor says he is suffering from some unknown fever/malady. Thus the shivering I saw............
Good grief Fancy, I hope not. The snow is falling harder now and the weather predictions are getting worse. Next Charly pee stop I will put on the snow chains. I certainly won't look under his long hair to see if if he/she is a boy or girl. I'll just ask Dolly I think, or her can-do man Jeff.