Enjoy Yourself On The Road

It all started out innocently enough..

Typically I like to get out and explore, or at the very least go for a walk whenever I get the chance. But over the last couple of weeks I've been dispatched on a series of runs of 2K miles or more, leaving little time for anything more than eating, showering, sleeping, and getting ready for the next 11 hour drive day.

When times are busy like this, I usually get a chance for a reset. Well I got the chance, but it rained all that day so I just cribbed up in the truck.

So when I parked yesterday afternoon, I was going on a solid 2 weeks of relative inactivity besides sleeping and driving. I needed to exercise and get some blood flowing. My first thought was just to walk a few laps around the parking lot. In doing so, I kept looking at the little town downhill from the truck stop (Loves-Williams,AZ). The little voice told me I had to go check it out.

It was probably a mile or two down to the town, and when I got there I found it to be a typical touristy Rte. 66 kind of Main Street with the restaurants, gift shops, bars, etc. People were everywhere with shopping bags, to-go cups, and children in tow. I'm not into the whole tourist thing, so I was just wandering aimlessly, people-watching.

I caught a whiff of some glorious aroma coming from this little sidewalk cart. I couldn't put my finger on what it was, but it smelled delicious. I didn't know if she was Mexican, Native American, or what, and I didn't care. I just wanted some of what she had in that cart. She pronounced it twice to me, but I never did understand what she was saying. It ended up being some of the tastiest food I've ever had. I think it was Indian, but I really don't know.

As I'm sitting on a bench eating my food, another fella sat next to me and we sparked up a conversation. He had been visiting the Grand Canyon and stopped in this town to grab some last minute gifts. I remarked how I am not a gift shopper whatsoever. Even the thought of shopping makes me break out in chills and a backache.

After a surprisingly interesting and enjoyable conversation with the guy, we parted ways and I set off back towards the truck. I passed a gift shop and spotted through the window a perfect little cowgirl hat for my granddaughter. When it comes to her I am totally wrapped, so of course I had to go in and get it.

While in there I grabbed her a couple more things, and I even saw a nice turquoise necklace that my wife would love, so I picked it up too. That's when it dawned on me:

I'm turning into that guy! I'm changing from a truck driver into a bag-toting tourist! This is not good. I needed to get out of there before the metamorphosis was complete, so I hit the bricks.

On the way back I sidetracked through the Grand Canyon Railway Station for a little more sightseeing before eventually making my way back up to the truck.

My wife had stayed at the truck to do a little cleaning without me in the way. She never even questioned why I was gone so long. After over a quarter-century together, she's come to expect my little unplanned excursions. But she didn't expect that necklace!

I'm not really sure why I told you guys this story. Maybe it's just to remind new and old drivers alike to get out of the truck when you can. Not only did the exercise make me feel great, but it also turned a simple walk around the parking lot into an experience I'll never forget.

You have to enjoy the little things!

Sounds like a lot of fun. I am actually a little jealous haha. I really need to motivate myself to make myself get out of the truck and enjoy things around me. It seems I drive, sleep, work. I think if I did like this and done a few things I wouldn't feel the burnout at times that I do now and won't be so irritable. This is motivational to me. Thank you for posting this.

Great share! I hope you stopped and smelled any roses along the way as well! :-)