Heading towards the end of March

As we continue on the road in the month of March there was no sign of winter. Could it be that we were like Rip Van Winkle and slept through winter? I know that they say that as you grow older time passes by faster. If this is the case, slow down ..please.

Here we head into the Big Walker Tunnel. These tunnels amaze me as to the that went engineering into making them. If there weren't the tunnels then it would have to be up and over the mountains.

The tunnels aren't very long and are well lighted. I guess it is for those who are wearing sunglasses during the day, and forget to take them off.

I wonder how long it took them to lay the tiles that are along the walls of the tunnel? It would be interesting to find out. Something to save for another day.

Some of the sunsets are so full of color. They aren't as bright with fire as those in the west. There are more purple and pinks in the clouds.

Soon we found ourselves in St. Louis, Missouri. The St. Louis Arch has always been my favorite structure to see from the Interstate. No matter how many times we pass it I find a different view to take a picture of it.

There is a park at the base of the Arch along the St. Louis River. One day I would like to be able to take the tour to the top of the arch. They say that from there you can see for miles. Last year the arch was closed for a few weeks. The elevator that takes you to the top, quit working and a few tourists were stranded. There are steps to take you back down, but I think it would take a person just a little bit of time to get to the bottom.

Finally we are passing through Dalhart, Texas. This is a quaint town and a lot of charm.

Some of the streets are made with cobble stones. It gives the area an "old world" charm about it.

As you can see from this picture, there are no mountains to be found in Texas. Just a lot of blue sky.
As you can see there is not hint of winter anywhere, except that the trees are bare of foilage. Some are starting to get buds on them, early than normal.

A few days later we are in New Mexico. This is where we found a little bit of winter. On the mountains there is a dusting of snow. The snow isn't so much of a problem on the roads. It is the ice that forms when it melts and the temperatures turn cold enough for it to freeze.
This is what can happen if you don't respect the roads in the winter time. Just before we came upon this accident. There was a car that was in too much of a hurry to be behind a truck and tried to pass us and then cut in front of the truck at speeds that would be ok on dry roads, but not on roads we were on that day. Needless to say they put on their brakes and ended up doing a 180 in front of us into the left lane. There was no need for anything that happened to them, if they would have been just patient and took their time. Thank goodness there was no one hurt, just the driver might have had to change his pants. I looked down at the car as we passed and the girl in the back seat was looking up at me and mouth the words, I am ok. Maybe next time the driver will have a little more respect for the road conditions.

We have pass over the Contiental Divide so many times. Have you ever wondered just what is the Continental Divide?

The Continental Divide of the Americas, also called the Great Divide, separates the watersheds of the Pacific Ocean from those of the Atlantic and Arctic Oceans. It runs from the Seward Peninsula in Alaska, through western Canada along the crest of the Rocky Mountains, including through Glacier National Park, Yellowstone National Park, and Rocky Mountain National Park to New Mexico. From there, it follows the crest of Mexico's Sierra Madre Occidental and extends to the tip of South America. It is crossed by the Panama Canal and by the two outlets of Isa Lake in Yellowstone National Park

As I was looking up the information on the divide, I found that there are different divides. I have seen the sign for the Eastern Continental Divide, but never gave it much thought.

The Eastern Continental Divide separates the watershed of the Gulf of Mexico from the Atlantic Ocean. It runs from the Twin Tiers of New York and Pennsylvania along the Appalachian Mountains to the tip of Florida. The city of Atlanta sits atop this divide.
Doing this blog, I learn something each time I write it. Just a little triva for those who care.


We usually stop at the rest area in Lupton, Arizona. It is right on the border of Arizona and New Mexico. There is a truck stop right along the state lines and you can either pay the Arizona price or go to the pumps on the New Mexico side and pay that price.


As you enter the rest area and look up to the mountain there you see a bald eagle and elk up on a ledge. At first sight you think they are real, but they aren't. It is beautiful to see each time we stop. On the Indian Reservations you see the pride in their heritage in one form or another.

Just before you enter the parking area for the rest area there is a line up of old cars. Some of them I remember from when I was little and my grandfather or dad drove. And there are a few that I have drove too. Oh, to be old and remember the "Good 'ol days."

When we came into Flagstaff, Arizona we had our first and last "taste" of winter. From the way the snow was on the trees, it looked as if there was a lot of water content in the snow. That would be good, since there has been so little snow or rain in the area for the past few years. Even the Evergreens, look like they could use a good drink of water.

For awhile we were in the sunshine and then the further we went West towards Flagstaff, Arizona the sun disappeared and the snow began. And as usual, where there is snow, there is a truck on its side

or off in the median, stuck in the snow. The towing bill can start at two thousand dollars, depending on the region and the type of tow involved. My husband said that the towing company can charge just five hundred dollars just to show up. Now I know why there are so many of what they call "Big Berthas" great big tow trucks), that are on the interstates.

As you can see the snow kept on coming down. This is what a truck driver deals with in the winter time. They make sure that your grocery store is stocked with food and the bars have their beer. Has anyone stopped to think what would happen if the trucking industry decided that they weren't going to deliver the goods? This country would come to a sudden standstill and nothing would be able to function. Kind of a scary thought. So maybe the next time you get behind a slow moving truck and want to "flip him off" you might want to thank him for doing his job.

The skyline of the Las Vegas Strip has changed over the years. One day a hotel will be there and the next...poof...it is gone. They have blown the thing up and replaced it with a new hotel.

Now you can go to Paris, Venice, Mandalay Bay and stay on the same street. Just a few miles from each other, is the difference.

One thing for sure, I know I am back home is when I see Sunrise Mountain. It is one thing that will always remain the same, it is the mountain.

While we were at the TA truck stop in Las Vegas getting fuel, I happened to look over and this is what I saw. I had to take this picture, for my older grandsons, because they have dogs that are Boxers. This dude was just "chill'n out" waiting for his master to come back.

It's a dogs life..so to speak.

Well me made it home for a drive by, and heading for California. I just love to go to what I call "peopleville"..not. There is just too much traffic and people there for me. I like the quiet back roads and small towns.

So, until next time remember to stay safe and maintain the distance.

March Winds

March was a windy month for us. It seemed that no matter where we were the wind followed. There were very few days that were without the blustery winds.

We were traveling the back roads in Colorado and as we were coming up over a hill, off in the distance there appeared to be two huge caterpillars. Now I know that they say that "Everything is big in Texas", and I thought that we might have taken a wrong turn somewhere, but, no, we were still in Colorado. As we came closer, it was just a group to trees, that were planted to act as a wind break. That way the farmers dirt dosen't go too far across the road.

The ground is so dry that everything seems ready to blow away. Even the windmills were having a hard time pumping water out of the ground. There are areas that the water table is so low, that they are starting to become worried about the ground sinking. There have been areas in Florida that sink holes have appeared in neighborhoods and homes have been comdemed, because the holes were so close to the foundations. Now that is sad. But, at least in the middle of no where in Colorado, there isn't much that can be harmed, except for maybe a jack rabbit or two.

This was a trip that was sending us back in time. In this little town there is a Studebaker dealership. I wanted to stop and see what was on the showroom floor, but then again it might not have been wise, since everything we were seeing was rather strange. Just my luck, I would find a time machine instead of a Studebaker.

There was a windmill that looked like an Indian war bonnet. I wonder if it was designed that way in hopes that it would bring rain, sometime soon.

We have traveled from Colorado to North Carolina. In the town of Nebo, I caught the guys having a gab session. It doesn't matter what size of town you find yourself, there will always be a group of guys standing or sitting down shooting the breeze. More often than not, I see this in construction zones.

Traveling the back road, I found my son's name on a building that was a restaurant. I hope that they have good food, since it has his name on the front. If there had been parking, for the big truck, we would have stopped to sample the food. But, alas, there is just car parking.

The dogwood trees were all in bloom as we traveled throughout the South. Almost every home has at least one tree. They look like big cotton balls, when they are in full bloom.

With the weather being so mild, the golfers were out if force. When I looked over and saw these golf carts, I thought I would see at least one golfer. But, no, not a one to be found. I guess they were having a conference in the rough or out looking for lost balls.

Now, this guy knows how to pass the time while he is waiting for the traffic to go by, while he is at a stop sign. He was picking his nose. I have no clue as to who he is, but just a thought... Don't pick your nose in public, for you never know when someone will have a camera.

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Now here we have our state and federal tax dollars at work. Well at least one guy is working. At least I think he is. But, then again, there could be another one down there working and the other three are watching how the work is being done. I wonder if these guys are the same guys from Nebo that were having the chit chat at the tail gate of the truck?

We are now climbing a hill just outside of Fancy Gap, Virgina. The hill you can see far off in the distance is called Mt. Pilot. If any of you remember the TV series, Andy Griffith, he was always speaking of going home to Mt. Pilot. Well, this the the mountain he was refering to in North Carolina. This just goes to show ya, that on a clear day you can see forever.

Looking down into the valley below from the interstate, you can see the tranquil setting for maybe a movie or TV series. This time of the year it is easy to see the valleys, because the trees have no foliage . When we have gone past here in the summer months, you can't see anything for the trees. Branches are good. One thing I have found that in the East there are a lot of trees, just like in Oregon, and Washington. Green and more green, but more about that later.

What a beautiful and tranquil place to live and raise a family. But, then again I am partial to the country verses city living.

Remember that song "Little Jimmy Brown", that had the little church in the woods. This reminded me of that song.

Well, my friends another day has passed, so I will say so long for now. Until the next time remember to stay safe and Keep the Distance.

February

It is amazing what you can see in the parking lot of a truck stop. As I was watching out the window of the truck a flock of pigeons were just outside of the window. There in the group of birds sat a Road Runner, all by its self. The pigeons were giving it a wide birth, and it just plopped its little self down and watched what the pigeons were doing.

The first week of February, found us in Southern California. Just across the street from the TA truck stop in Ontario, California, where construction crews were busy at work on a new overpass for the train. This guy was framed by the traffic lights and camera. I wonder if his little machine was in the "Photo Enforced" area? It has been many years that truck and car traffic have had to wait for the train to pass. If it was a long train the traffic would back up clear to the freeway off-ramp, causing a big headache for everyone. Once it is completed, it will be a great relief for the traffic pattern.

Then there is the worker down below, just waiting in the shade, with not a care in the world. Well maybe one or two. Truck drivers that aren't paying attention to where they are going, and hitting the

frame work for the bridge above him.

Traveling towards Palm Springs, California, the mountains are so beautiful. Each formation has it's own beauty.

But, then you can look all around you and there are the wind farms for as far as you can see. These huge things are all over the Palm Springs area. They might be great for making electricity, but they take away from the beauty of the mountains.

While we were waiting in a traffic jam, due to an accident, I happened to look over to the side and what did I see? A man taking pictures of the windmills off in the distance. So, I couldn't resist and had to take a picture of a man taking a picture. I thought to myself, why would he want to take a picture of those things, and duh..I just took one. Says a lot..

Just a little bit of ice can cause a lot of headaches, for everyone if you don't pay attention to your driving. This truck is going the wrong way on the road, but for the life of me, I can't figure out how he ended up going the wrong way. Another day in the life of a "trucker".

Just outside of Flagstaff, Arizona we happened to see a group of wild pigs in an area between the East and West Interstates. It was the first time that I had ever seen them, all the years we have traveled this road. It is such a treat to see the wild life in its habitat.

When we go through small towns, you can still see some old fashioned things. This barber pole caught my eye, and it was in front of an barber shop. Long has passed the time when a hair cut and a shave, for fifty cents. The barber is becoming lost in the days of modern "hair stylists". When we pass through the smaller towns, often it is a step back in time. You will see the old movie theaters, drug stores, with hand dipped ice cream. How many of us remember going to our local drug store that had a soda fountain and they would have to make our sodas from scratch. Add the syrup, then the carbonated water. Those were the days.

I enjoy the old churches that we see, as we pass by. They remind you of some of the churches you would see in the old movies. I find it rather sad when you see the old architecture of a building integrated with modern. The modern addition to the building, seems to me, to take away from the original building.

Then as you travel down the same street, there is the home that may have been in a family for generations.

The pride of ownership shows in these homes. We will go down a residential street and some of the older homes have been converted into professional offices. So, you will see a mix of residential and business on the same street. Sometimes this is a good thing and other times, not so good.

Nature can be beautiful . Here at the end of the day, I snapped this picture of the sun setting behind some trees. The tops of the trees seem to be on fire, when it is only the sun reflecting off the foliage.

The sun is setting and now it's time for me to set too. Everyone have a good night and sweet dreams where ever you may be.

Remember to be safe on the roads and maintain the distance.

January 20012

January brought us to Omaha, Nebraska for the day. We arrived late in the afternoon and called our friend Linda to see if she would be able to meet us for dinner. She and Greg, that special guy in her life, were able to meet us for a long, long meal. Before we knew it over three hours had passed. It is always nice to visit with friends and not notice the time. What an enjoyable time to be had by each and everyone.

So, until next time, be safe and remember not to be in a hurry.

Here we are in the middle of winter, in Pennsylvania and there was not a bit of snow on the ground. We happened to stop at a truck stop in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and the clerk there told us that there had only been two snow storms so far this winter. Where ever we went it seemed more like spring than winter. As we passed farms, crops were peeking up from the soil ready for spring. It seemed as if we went from Fall to Spring and Winter was lost somewhere.

Although, there were days that Winter seemed to be on the horizon. The clouds were ominous, at times, but to no avail, no snow. There was just cold winds that brought down the temperatures.

January brought the return of my son, Joshua, from Afghanistan. Many people, in the company that my husband works for, Crete Carriers, went the extra mile to make sure that my husband and I were home on time to welcome, Joshua home. From the dispatchers to the terminal managers, everyone worked diligently. To see Joshua standing there with his fellow soldiers, was a relief. They accomplished there mission, with honors and not one life was lost. A year seemed to take forever to pass and yet, at the same time it went by very quickly. All the prayers, said daily, were answered with his safe return to his family and friends. I hope that he never has to go again, along with every other member of the military.

The 22nd of January, we finally found winter in New Mexico. We went to sleep the night before with dry ground and not a hint of snow. When we woke the next morning, the ground was covered with snow. The snow on the roadways aren't an issue. It is the ice that forms underneath and freezes on the road. This is the hidden danger to those who are traveling on the roadways. With all the trucks on the road traveling slow, cars become impatient and try to pass the trucks without thought or care about others or what could happen if there was a "slip'n slide incident.

The middle of January found us in Chicago, Illinois. The weather was great with just a little snow on the ground, and the road crews were out in force.

Being in a large city, there is always a problem with traffic. If it isn't a car tailgating it is a truck. These drivers, of the big rigs, should know better than to tailgate. They know what the end result could be, if the vehicle ahead suddenly stopped. Over 80 thousand pounds is hard to stop on a "dime", so to speak. This is why there are so many accidents, because there isn't enough distance between vehicles to stop safely.

The end of January found us in back in New Mexico. The colors of the desert mountains are amazing after a rain storm. The desert always seems to be more vibrant. I always enjoy the play of colors in the sky when the sun shines through the clouds and down upon the mountains.

We have reached the end of January. I will continue on with next month, February in my next posting. Until then, be safe and remember to keep the distance.