People always like to know where our next stop on the hotdog highways will be.  While we were in San Francisco, we heard a theme developing when we mentioned we were headed to Reno: “Do you have chains?!”  I’m a Midwestern girl and have seen my fair share of snowy winters, but chains were something new to me.  Soon, I would learn all about chains and driving through the snowy passes of the mountains.

We cruised along with our fellow travelers snapping pictures of us and enjoyed the stretch of highway that looked nothing like the California we had left behind.  Snow, chains, and mountains make for a long trip, but at least the view was bunderful!

Curious visitors at the Wienermobile always ask the Hotdoggers what the best part of their job is.  For me, discovering the quirky traditions of American cities is something I relish about my hotdog travels.  San Francisco has one ritual I will never forget.

Look at all those pillows!

Is that snow in San Fran?

Once the clock tower struck six, the Valentine’s Day fighting began. Thousands of people crammed into a usually-peaceful square in San Francisco and began attacking each other with fluffy bedthings. There was bomping and whomping, swatting and squishing, but these friendly fighters came bearing smiles and took turns giggling.  Soon a soft layer of feathery snow covered the ground.  After an hour of wielding my pillow, I had to retaliate to the sidelines. I had swallowed a few too many feathers.  The more experienced San Franciscans fought into the wee hours of the night.  And why not?  This was a dream come true.

On the road, we’re constantly impressed by strangers’ generosity. The members of Full of Faith, a Tennessee-based ministry that feeds the homeless in Nashville, are no exception.

This group of six approached us at our events and told us that they spend each Saturday delivering hundreds of sandwiches to the hungry in Nashville.  Their meat of choice?  Oscar Mayer B-O-L-O-G-N-A, of course.

They were jazzed that we drive BOLOGNA, a Wienermobile named after their favorite sandwich.  We’ve gotta admit, it made us smile, too.

Nashville, Tennessee- There have been some strange and wonderful vehicles on the Hotdogger Blog: race cars, fire trucks, dog bikes, Wienermobiles, and wanna-be Wienermobiles (check out the archives if you missed any). Here’s yet another set of weird wheels. Imagine our surprise when we saw bikes as tall as the Wienermobile!

Saylor Firemen washing OH I WISH

 Halfway through the year, we switch partners and regions.  Accustomed to the beautiful weather in the Southwest, I was glad to be heading South again, away from the snow and the issues it brings.  Yet to get to the South, we made several stops along the way from the Oscar Mayer Headquarters in Wisconsin. The first was Saylor, IA.

All was well and good, and I got used to maneuvering the Wienermobile in the snow.  When Johnny Salami and I found messages written in the exhaust, sleet, snow and salt — we knew we had to give OH I WISH a wash.  After searching for miles, we couldn’t find a car wash big enough for the Wienermobile; it was 7°F, none were open!

So later at an event we met a Saylor fireman who invited us to his fire station.  “The firemen will help you wash your Wienermobile,” Kevin assured.

That they did.  I’ll let you judge by the pictures, but I don’t think OH I WISH has been shinier since his creation in 2004. 

Orlando– Lola the Beefy Bulldog

Can it swim?

WEENR was lucky enough to make a guest appearance at the National Automobile Museum in Reno, Nevada.  The Wienermobile joined the top dogs of this amazing collection, including vehicles that have driven their way through history, movies, and American culture.   My favorite was this futuristic ride from 1937, which we dubbed the Shrimpmobile.

Which vehicle would you put your money on in a race? Don’t forget that the Wienermobile really hauls buns…

Reno, NV prides itself on being the World’s Biggest Little City, so we were excited to bring the world’s biggest hot dog on wheels to town!

As I always say, “When in Rome, do as the Romans do.”  While we were in Reno, we did just that!  We decided to try out bingo with some of the locals.  We didn’t cut the mustard, but we did have buns of fun!

St. Augustine, FL– While visiting Jacksonville, Florida I managed to stumble onto the Fountain of Youth much like Ponce De Leon. I guess time will tell if I stay young.

Jacksonville– The bakers of Winn Dixie in Jacksonville might want to think about going on “Ace of Cakes” because these cakes are Franktastic.