I guess it’s time for an oil change and tire rotation.
Over the last two weeks I have logged 4,000 highway miles for doctor’s appointments, family dinners, client meetings and birthdays. I love the open road–this is no joke and there is not a hint of sarcasm in my words. You will hardly ever hear me complain about driving. I especially love starting my drive before sunrise–the beauty of New Mexico is best enjoyed at first sunlight and sunset.
Photo courtesy http://www.nmcapitolart.org. This is one of Wilson Hurley's many paintings of a New Mexico landscape. BTW, if you enjoy an art gallery, the New Mexico State Capitol has an amazing collection of art by New Mexico artists.
My grandfather, I call him Poppie, was raised on a farm in rural Western Pennsylvania. He couldn’t wait to get off the farm and behind the wheel of a motorized vehicle. He says his oldest sister once crashed the family’s Model A into a tree. He was only about six years old at the time but he cried his little eyes out because the car had been damaged. Poppie spent his career driving truck for Motor Cargo and Consolidated Freighways.
Photo courtesy: http://mredinjection.blogspot.com/. Poppie drove for Motor Cargo out of Akron, OH before going to work for CF and eventually moving his family out west in 1968.
In 1990, he was honored as a 3 Million Mile driver–3 million miles all across America. Wow! He’s seen most of the United States from behind the wheel of a big rig.
Poppie in 1993 at the CF Truck Rodeo in Albuquerque.
Since retirement in the mid-90s, I’ll bet he and Grandma have logged as many, if not more, in their motorhome.
I can’t help it that I like to be on the open road. I can’t help loving the rural life, too. I’d like to thank Poppie’s farmboy roots and trucker blood.
Aw, what a nice post honoring your Poppie! My hubby loves to drive, too, and since I love to ride, it all works out well.
My husband is happy to ride along, but, he hates to drive! Isn’t it nice how these things work out?
Poppie has many stories! I hope I can find a place for more of them soon!
Thank you Janice, thanks for the memories!!!! You would have been a great Codriver. That Motor Cargo truck is a good indication of my age. Looking forward to your next . Poppie
Love you Poppie! I hope I can share more of your travels soon.
I can’t believe you put on 4,000 miles in two weeks. That’s an astounding number. You sure you’re not a trucker?
I’m wondering if there’s something like tennis elbow for drivers??
This is so cool! Totally must be in your blood.
Awesome old picture of that semi.
(i’ve subscribed so i stop missing all these great posts!)
~d.
Glad you’ve subscribed! Poppie has many great photos of all the trucks he’s driven. I need to get a look and scan them!
Being a military wife I’ve crossed this country many times myself…and I love it! I just love driving around seeing the countryside…gives you lots of thinking time…and plenty of talking time too! We’ll be making the trek from Maryland to Northern N.M this summer with all 4 kids…can’t wait!
Where in NM? Enjoy the trip!
We are actually planning to visit Mesa Verde National Park in Co. (Chicken and I have both been before but it will be the first time for the kids), and as of yet we aren’t sure the route we are taking to get there. We will be driving from Maryland and meeting up with our families from South Eastern NM ….just not sure where yet…I can’t wait….green chillies here I come!
If your travels take you across NM 64/87 please drop in!
I enjoyed the picture of your Poppy and how proud you seem to be of him. I started my driving career with Consolidated Freightways in the mid 80′s and also have reached the 3 Million safe miles milestone. C.F. was a wonderfull place to work as there were many great people such as your Poppy.
Thanks Allen and congrats on your 3 million safe miles!