RTB

 

Road Trip

3,000 miles altogether. No major drama, just a lot of windshield time. Some light rain and mainly overcast skies made for an easy drive.

Sights along the way – a ribbon cutting ceremony at a new convenience stop in Colby, KS. Given the country’s current economic picture, I’m amazed anyone is investing in a new business.

Nashville, TN is always a clusterf**k.

A convoy of nine late model Corvettes all doing exactly the speed limit.

Waiting for a tow truck – British Columbia license plate.

Special for Virtual Mirage. Opens at 10:30 so missed it this trip.

Atwood, KS motel. I’ve never stayed there but like the name.

Smoky Mountains

Sunday was left open in case family wanted to get together. Instead, they all headed to the ocean so I took the opportunity to explore some of the Appalachian foothills rural roads. Below is typical. What a great palace to own a sports car or high performance motorcycle.

I’ve seen the area from a light airplane but never from the ground. An interesting drive. Two elk alongside the road. Nearby where I took my feeble attempt at an artsy/crafty photo, a bear was halfway up a tree.

Leaving the park you drive through Pigeon Fork, TN. IMO several ghastly miles of tourist traps.

For the most part when time isn’t a consideration, I stay off the Interstates. Sometimes they are unavoidable. If you do, have maps to check against your GPS.

Between St Francis, KS and Hagler, NE was especially enjoyable. The terrain is hilly and everything was green with cattle grazing. Later, headed West on Highway 34 at a one lane only construction zone, I had the opportunity to contemplate what early settlers contended with.

Banner Report

He spent seven days at Sisty’s. He was overjoyed to see me. When I was putting him in his harness, he was so excited it was like trying to saddle a green bronco. Once back at the apartment he kept busy seeking out the treat suckers and getting lots of pets.

Opportunity

Something different for those who want to relocate away from stress but still want to keep working.

MORE

Generations of our extended family have shopped here. At one time my father set up an account there so his younger sisters could buy food.

Damn Cancer

Some sixty+ percent of our extended family have died from cancer, or are currently fighting it. The latest death was an aunt. Now, at Stage Four, is a cousin. A Vietnam Navy UDT veteran, he just turned 80.

For the record, since childhood, we have never liked each other. No real reason; just one of those things.

Home on leave in Boise, ID, he saved a life. A boy fell into a concrete lined irrigation canal with no way to climb out. Gene jumped in, grabbed the boy, and they went through five head gates before finding a place to climb out.

As always, YMMV

Pine Bluffs, Wyoming

Business took me to Pine Bluffs, Wyoming, population 1,100 or so, located on Interstate 80 and US 30 on the Nebraska State line. The town survives but has seen better days.

Like most places, you have local characters.

Before the Interstate, this was a major stopping point.

Shrine

What is very unusual is the Lady of Peace Shrine.

http://www.ourladyofpeaceshrine.com/

 

Business over, nothing pressing, tank of gas, and no rain in the forecast Banner and I took a mental health afternoon and drove the dirt roads on the East side of the bluffs. Telephone lines still exist but I don’t know if they are in use. Blessedly, no cell phone service.

Tri Corners

Our trip took us past the place where Wyoming, Nebraska, and Colorado meet. The area has windmills as far as you can see.

Once you could drive to the water pump windmill.

Inconsiderate people caused the private property owner to close off the road. Now it is a ¾ mile walk.

There is a paved road in Wyoming but the payment stops at the Colorado line. Maybe the paved road is for the Minuteman III silo just to the North.

5/5/2020

Banner and I were here before when you could drive to the water well.

https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/5926528617816553064/4411768966370232704

Road Tripping Banner

He usually accompanies me when it isn’t too hot. He does car rides easily and enjoys himself. This trip I wished I didn’t bring him. Someone must have given him a “treat” behind my back as he had epic flatulent every hour or so. The silent killer type.

We arrived home safely in time for his supper.

 Male Karens

 In our county what passes for where the “rich” live is the Water Valley development in Windsor, CO.

 http://thewatervalleycompany.com/

 The covenants probably include a requirement to be an elitist snob.

 A “frequent flyer” took exception to my being at his home. During past visits I once got into a verbal skirmish with the next door neighbor who demanded to know why I was there. In a very civil manner, I told him to fuck off.

As I walked up the driveway taking my required pictures the owner came charging down his steps. His first words were, “You piece of shit, you can’t be here”.   About mid 40’s, 5’6” and around 145 lbs he got into my space. I shoved the dun letter in his face with the words, “I’m just a man doing a job”. He grabbed the envelope (which was what I wanted) and we proceeded to exchange words, some of which were not at all civil. As I left I advised him the way to prevent my visits was to pay his mortgage.

I will do dozens of contacts with everyone being civil. I know my visit is embarrassing and make it a point to be civil, and brief. Every once in awhile I get a nutter. My guess is the domestic partner isn’t aware the mortgage isn’t getting paid (some personal experience in this regard) and now the questions will begin.

I did invite the Karen to take a swing at me. No legal danger on my part as I am now an “at risk” senior citizen. As a 78 year old dirty white boy who has seen some rodeos I still won’t back down. The old, “I’ll die on my feet before I will live on my knees” mindset. Alas, Karen was all mouth.

Economy

I smell 2008 all over again. My assignments keep coming and my “part time” job is becoming closer to full time.

 As always, YMMV.

 

Big Ones

Crew installing new power lines North of Cheyenne along US 85.

When Surveyors Disagree

East of LaGrange Wyoming Highway 151 ends (70 mph). Nebraska Highway 88 (65 mph) begins. One problem; they don’t join so a vicious 45 mph S bend joins them.

Unusual Wyoming Sight

Calm day. Over the years I’ve used this facility many times. Usually you need to park so that you  don’t need to open your door against the wind.

No Electric Cars

During my 380 mile loop yesterday I didn’t see a single battery powered car. (Picture from the web)

High Plains

Looking East not far from the foothills of the Rockies, there isn’t a mountain for over 1,000 miles.

A wandering post from a wandering senior citizen mind.

Hugo, Colorado

 Hugo

Business today took me to Hugo, CO (population 730), and another small town struggling to survive. Once an important part of the Union Pacific infrastructure during the steam era, the roundhouse survives and is being restored by the locals. For those interested some history. https://townhugo.com/?page_id=38

Texas Bound

Highway 287 is a busy link between Interstate 70 and Interstate 40. Greatly improved over the years, it is still a tough days drive.

Location, location, location

Years ago my late brother-in-law was a Weld County Deputy. This was the site of many calls he made. What irked him, other than the assholes that lived there, is the location is five feet from the next county South and a long drive from most of the area he covered.

WTH?

Seen at the gas station today.\

And her temp tag has expired.

Bannner stayed with my sister today which he loves.