I am now sitting at a truckstop in Washington state. It was a pretty good trip from Wisconsin in spite of the back injury I suffered Saturday. The trip did take a lot longer than it really should have as I could only drive three or four hours at a time before stopping to stretch my legs and try to work the pain out of my back.
Stopping in Wyoming, I visited an Applebys for a few beers and chicken fingers (never seen a chicken with fingers), and had a lengthy conversation with a guy who works for the company that finances Freightliner trucks as well as a short conversation with the red-headed bartender that didn't seem to like me very much. I have no idea why.
The finance guy and I conversed about everything from trucking to liturature and had a pretty good time although I would have much rather had the conversation with the bartender. Still not sure what she had against me. Maybe just doesn't like truckers, who knows?
Stopping in Montana I had a conversation with a young man who does painting for a living but would rather be a trucker. His three DUI convictions pretty much ruled that out What the hell, I bought him a beer. I did have a pretty good time talking to the young blonde bartender there. Seems she doesn't have a problem with truckers wearing Stetsons.
And speaking of my Stetson, it was blown off my head in a stiff wind and some damn JB Hunt driver ran over it. *Sigh* a $200 dollar hat reduced to a mass of shredded beaver felt.
All in all though, it was a good trip. All along interstate 90 from Wisconsin through Washington is some of the most beautiful scenery in the country. The badlands of South Dakota, the mountains of Montana, Idaho, and Washington, and the wildlife along the route make the trip very pleasant.
I saw deer, antelope, and bison, as well as a group of alpacas all standing alongside the highway as I cruised past. Even caught a glimpse of an eagle as it dove into a field to catch some unfortunate creature that would provide it's next meal. All in all, a very good 2000 miles.