Friday April 11, 2008

In the truck stop several drivers with loaded trucks told about the wind blowing them into the next lane.

We heard about four-wheeler accidents and jackknifed trucks.  A truck drove by us that had obviously jackknifed.  I was so surprised that she was still able to drive the truck that I forgot to take a picture.

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Cerwin decided that we weren’t going anywhere today.  If the wind moved a loaded truck, we would be in real trouble.  It was rocking the truck, and we were parked in a line of other trucks.

One of the best things I bought for this trip was this lighted mirror.  The cab is not well-lighted where the other mirror is located.

After getting dressed for the day, we enjoyed coffee from our thermos – filled the night before – and watched trucks and people.

By late afternoon the snow was beginning to melt, and we had seen every color and style rig.

I asked the girls at the fuel desk, how many trucks get fuel here in one day.  She said about 119 get diesel for their rig, and the same number get fuel for their refers (refrigerated trailers).  She thought they sell fifteen to twenty thousand gallons of diesel a day.

This is a refer – meaning his load probably needed to be refrigerated.

The lot holds 100+ rigs, and was full last night – until noon when some began braving the Interstate.  Many parked at Cabela’s across the street – according to the CB.

Almost every truck we saw today had a sleeper.  Most were this size, a few were a bit smaller.  We saw only three day-cabs (without a sleeper).

Then this one came in!  Cerwin said, “Look at that wheelbase.”  We talked to the drivers in the restaurant at lunch time.  There is even a washer and dryer in this rig.  They are a husband/wife team (both drive) from Florida, and are on the road three months at a time.

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The loads varied even more than the cabs – reminding me of the quote, “If you wear it, walk on it, sleep on it, drive it, eat it, or use it – a truck probably brought it.”

Cattle truck (or “bull wagon” as the truckers call them)

Specialty loads.  (This equipment is on three trailers.)

Cars

We saw lots of farm equipment – especially John Deere.

There was other equipment as well

Cerwin said this trailer was probably used for moving an entire household.

Dry bulk hauler

Large things covered with tarps

Milk

Pipes

Furniture

Sraw

Lots of oversized loads with strange and unusual equipment.

Oops!  Someone locked their door with the keys inside and had to call the locksmith.

It looks like they still us a trusty coat hanger or long wire – notice the green arrow at the upper left.  It took him less than a minute to open it!

The garage was to our left, and on a day like this we saw the tow truck go by many times.

Then there were things installed or lettered on the trucks – like this Bible verse.

I expect the picture was a memorial to this little person.

A cute hood ornament.

Animal guards in front of the bumper are more common in this part of the country than in the east coast.

Lots of truckers have pets with them, but this cat is the only one we saw in a truck.  We did see a driver walking his dog earlier in the day.

We used some of the time to let our children know that we are okay.

After sitting most of the day, and eating breakfast and lunch in the truck stop restaurant, I told Cerwin that all I needed for supper was water!

He did talk me into sharing a taco salad.  He also had a slice of pecan pie.

Photographers are always looking for something to take pictures of – even when spending most of the day in the cab of a truck!

Just before dark, after I thought I had taken every picture I could – from my seat in the truck – this rig pulled into the fuel island. 

I told Cerwin, “Look at that load.  Someone must raise really large birds to lay eggs that size!”

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So went our day.  It was interesting, relaxing, and fun. 

We expect to pull out shortly after 4:00 in the morning.