Desolation

Desolation...that's the best way to describe I-15 through Montana. Drove across it last night. Very little traffic (other than deer) and very few people. But it gives me time to think about things, if I'm not listening to talk radio. But at night, with no moon, it can get a little intense. The upside is, though, that it keeps you awake and on your toes. And when you're on the road for 11 hours straight, it's good to stay alert.

Really makes me wonder why people would live in such isolated areas. I never stop there, and I'm sure few people do. I think it would drive me crazy. As much as I enjoy the isolation (I could totally become a hermit if I let myself), but I like to be in areas where there are other people. Just so there's something to do. But I see some houses that are surrounded by miles and miles of nothing. I just don't see what is so appealing about it.

Delivered in Helena, MT this morning. Made it on time, which is always a plus, but there's very little freight heading out of the area, and I kinda figured I'd be there a while. And I was. After several hours waiting, dispatch told me to take my empty trailer to Idaho. Dunno why, but that's where they want it. Whatever. As long as I get paid for it, I'll head that direction.

But at this time of year, that creates a bit of a challenge. That means I have to cross 4th of July Pass in Northern Idaho. It can be pretty treacherous in the winter, as it's one of the passes that can get very dangerous in the snow. Think Donner's, but not quite as long. As I'm going over the pass, it starts raining and just a little snow. Then, I realize that while I have tire chains on-board, I don't have the tool to tighten them up, so my chains are essentially useless. Damn. I might have to fix that problem soon, since I'm sure that I'll have to chain up sooner rather than later.

All things considered, I really like driving up here. The geography reminds me of my time spent in British Columbia, which I loved. I wouldn't mind getting back to Canada soon. Might look into that.

Which brings up my next thought. Wonder if northern-dwellers up here ever worry about Canada invading? They'd be right on the front lines, fighting to keep the Canucks from covering everything in gravy. When I placed my order at Carl's Jr. tonight, I asked the girl behind the counter what her thoughts on this topic were. She looked at me strangely, cocked her head to the side a bit, and said, "Uh, you want an oreo ice cream sandwich with that?" Sadly, she didn't get my sense of humor. So few people do.

Anyway, I'm in northern Idaho tonight. Shut down because I ran out of hours. Gotta keep the DOT happy. Then I'll head a couple hours south in the morning, drop my trailer off, then wait to see where they send me next. I'd like to head back to Arkansas. I was looking for a restaurant down there that served possum, but I only saw a bunch of Denny's. My quest continues...