Adventures of the Truckin' Duo: Wyoming

Sunday, August 12, 2012

Surrounded by God's Beauty

And God said, "Let the water under the sky be gathered to one place, and let dry ground appear." and it was so. God called the dry ground "land," and the gathered waters he called "seas." And God saw that it was good. Genesis 1:9-10

Working our way from Mississippi to Washington...one beautiful state after another. No matter how many times I ride through the Western states I am always amazed at the beauty of each one. The last time we were out that way everything was covered with snow. This time it was all green with bursts of yellows, purples and oranges from all the wild flowers. The streams, rivers and lakes were crystal clear....like looking through a piece of glass. I loved looking out my window watching the rushing streams as we were riding down the highway. It was like riding through a painting. We even got to travel in the light of a full moon and didn't have to try to peek through towering trees to see it.

Full moon peeking through clouds in Wyoming

Northern Idaho

Northern Idaho is a lot different from southern Idaho

Northern Idaho full of mountains. Southern Idaho is a lot
flatter with farm land..potato country

I am always hoping to see wild horses and cowboys. No wild horses this trip but I did get to see me some Montana cowboys. They probably thought I was crazy because I was hanging all out the window with my camera taking pictures. They just waved and smiled with a smile that said "You've never seen a man on a horse!" Why, yes I have but not one in a cowboy hat and tight jeans riding across the hills of Montana.

Montana Cowboys

Montana

The weather was perfect. Cool nights and mornings but as soon as the sun starting peeking through, the temperatures started rising. We got so tickled because Washington had weather advisories a few days before we got there. The temperatures would be soaring into the 80's....what?? We are used to temperatures soaring into the high 90's low 100's....now that calls for a weather alert. Even though the afternoons were warm, the water was still very cold..just think about it a few months ago there was snow and ice everywhere. But that didn't bother those people, they are some water loving folks. Every creek, stream, river and lake had people in it. We saw more people enjoying the water than we do when we go to Florida. Boats, jet skis, canoes, rafts, kayaks...if it went in the water they had it. I can't image swimming in freezing cold water but if you live up here and you love the water...you do what you have to do. I do love the water but swimming and skiing in freezing temperatures just isn't on my bucket list of things to do. We also saw a lot of bike riders....not motorcycle bikers....bicycle bikers...in the mountains.....up and down, up and up and up the mountains. I am sorry but riding a bike in the mountains is also NOT on my bucket list. Every campground was packed with campers, motor homes and tents. Oh my goodness, and if the campground was near water you can bet it was packed. Some of them looked like little towns with tents stacked on top of one another...it was crazy. I wouldn't mind camping in a camper with a toilet and running water but getting up in the middle of the night traipsing through the woods to a bathroom is not my idea of fun. So, I guess you know what else is not on my bucket list. By now you're probably wondering what is?

Couer d' Alene lake...Idaho

Rimrock lake, Washington

Wanetchee National Forest, Washington

Another lake in the Wanetchee National Forest

One of the things that amazes me the most is how the landscaping changes within each state. We saw more changes in Washington than any other state on this trip. The northeastern part was farm land nothing but fields as far as the eye could see. The northern middle part of the state was mountains then over to the northwest...the coast. Our final stop was the very top...coast and mountains....absolutely beautiful. As the landscaping changed, so did the temperatures. We went from hot to warm to chilly and from sunny to overcast to rainy. The one thing that never changed was the beauty of it all.

Washington farm land- outside Spokane, Washington

As far as the eye could see

Rolling hills and farm land..beautiful

LC is not a fan of the mountains

White Pass, Washington

Washington coast

Cathlamett, WA...riding the coast

It is always nice when we can find view points to pull into so we can take in all the magnificent wonders of God's work. Of course, those view points usually lead to some hiking. Carl quickly told me on one occasion before I had time to say a word "Now we are not hiking on this stop." Right...only because it was a steep cliff and there was no hiking trail...other wise you know what we would have been doing!

Columbia River, Washington
No hiking here...only because of the steep steep cliff

Carl is learning a little history

A river in Wanetchee National Forest, Washington that ran along side
of the road. Another beautiful stopping/viewing point.

Carl would not put his feet in

Just had to put my feet in and yes it was very cold!

Sometimes our loads can get us in a pickle and this was one of those loads. We had to travel some narrow winding roads along the coast to get to our destination. It was beautiful but I am afraid I am the only one that really got to enjoy it. Carl was having to focus on all his surroundings.. me on the other hand...I was hopping from one side of the truck to the other trying to take pictures. Carl tried to imitate me at one point and was like "Which way do I go...which way do I go?" There were views on both sides and I could not decide which side was prettier.

On our way to Cathlamett, WA to make our 2nd drop
Helena, MT was our 1st drop

Road to Sequim, WA for our final drop

Where we made our 2nd drop..Cathlamett, WA

Carl contemplating the game plan

God's amazing beauty is everywhere and in everything. We just happened to be in enjoying the beauty of the west. I hope no matter where you are that you can enjoy the beauty around you. The beauty of the stars shining bright at night or the sounds of the owls as they hoot in the dark. Sit outside and watch the sky change colors as the sun is setting. Watch and listen to the birds as they call one another during the day. Listen to the rain as it is falling on the roof. Just sit and take in all the beauty around you. Listen for the still small voice of Jesus speaking to you.
"Be still and know that I am God." Psalm 46:10a

Til we meet again!

Only by Grace!

Lynne

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Another day another dollar

Another day another dollar! Thankfully we were able to get unloaded this morning in Salt Lake City, UT. I am not sure which is worse, tarping or untarping a load...man we were worn out and dirty. Thank goodness the weather was pleasant...in the high 70's this morning. Yesterday it was a cool 94. It is amazing at how different 94 feels here and how it feels at home. The men at the plant were talking about how hot it was yesterday...they would die if they had to deal with the heat, plus the humidity, plus those aggravating gnats that we have back home. Anyway back to our day...after wrestling with those tarps today Carl said we were going to have to get back in shape after all the sitting we did the last 4 weeks. I told him to speak for himself. I still did my walking and exercising. I tried to get him to let me carry the last tarp but he just laughed and was like "sure go ahead!" They only weigh 100lbs....heck I can do that!!!

We were hoping to get a load from there going to Los Angeles, CA but the customer on the other end wanted us to haul it for free. Like we're out here riding the roads just for fun...well we are but this is still our job and we need to make a little bit of money. So, once again, we are sitting and waiting. I told Carl to tell his dispatcher that we have done so much sitting lately that we have calluses on our fannies. That didn't work because we are still in Salt Lake City. I know the LORD has a plan for us and the perfect load will come up just when we need it.

After we got back to the truck stop and took a shower, I got all dolled up so we could go shopping. You guessed it......to WALMART! I know it's just Walmart but I have to take advantage of every chance I get.

As we were traveling through Wyoming and Utah Sunday and Monday, I just couldn't get over how beautiful it is. The last time we were out this way everything was covered in snow and now it is all green....absolutely breathtaking! People ask me all the time "Don't I get tired of riding?" No, I don't! I love seeing how the landscape changes from state to state and even within each state. Even though we may travel through the same areas over and over I still see something new. Carl says it is probably because I was sleeping the last time we went through that area. There is just something about my seat that puts me to sleep. He keeps waiting for me to fall out of it. I keep telling him I'm not sleeping but he has yet to buy it.

The other morning in one of my devotions it was talking about having a special place to spend time with God. My special place is riding in this truck and taking in all of God's beautiful country. Even with Carl sitting beside me I can still have my quiet time with God. Carl has his quiet time sitting outside on the trailer drinking his coffee in the mornings. You don't have to be at home in a special room or chair...it can be anywhere!! I hope you can find you special place to spend time with God....you will be blessed!!

'Till we meet again!
God Bless!
Lynne