Yeah that’s me taking a sly shot of the officer who pulled me over within a mile of leaving my Washington apple pick up. It’s been quite a while since I saw the flashing red and blue klaxons behind me. As I signaled and pulled over I did a quick run through of the last few minutes. I couldn’t come up with anything concrete as to why I was being pulled over so I decided to just be my usual charming self. Yes, I’m shameless.

The officer came to my passenger side and climbed up on the truck and the exchange went something like this.

Officer: Good morning, I just stopped you for a routine Inspection.

Me: Oh good because ::cough-cough-coughing up a lung-cough:: I didn’t think I had done anything wrong. This is the first time I’ve been pulled over for an inspection. ::cough-cough-who needs lungs-cough::

Officer: *Looking concerned* Are you all right miss?

Me: Oh sure. I’m just slowly dying of this horrible cold some evil child gave me in Chicago. Nothing to worry about. *queue another coughing fit*

Officer: Well you might want to get that cough looked at. I’ll be quick so you can get on your way and get some rest.

So he does his thing; runs all my info, runs my truck, runs the trailer, looks at my logs, looks at my bills of lading.

Officer: Everything looks great. I just need to get your paperwork and you can be on your way.

Me: ::coughing uncontrollably:: Nods and waves

Officer: You really should have that looked at.

When he comes back we chat a bit about the weather, his respect for what I do because he could never do it (which I echoed when it came to his job), and general pleasantries. He suggested again that I go have my cough looked at and I thanked him for his council and concern.

Cha-Ching! That was the easiest $100 I’ve ever made, as that’s my bonus every time I pass an inspection.

The rest of my time in Washington was actually really beautiful. It was in the high 40’s, the sun was shining, and the drive was easy and familiar.

I really loved the shadows and reflections of the mountains in the Columbia River.

This load was a two stop pick up. As I wound my way to my second stop I pondered the world and my place in it. Reflections aren’t just for water, you know.

At my second stop, I was still feeling rough. Luckily they had just what the doctor ordered.

An apple a day and all, right?

As I sat there being loaded I started to do some trip planning and opened up my weather app to see what was going on in Wyoming (because that’s what you do this time of year).

Well….shit. None f that looks good. While it could be gone by the time I got down there, I decided to look at alternate routes and decided staying north of I-80 might be in my best interest for this run.

My first stop was back in Post Falls, ID which is always my first stop for fuel when leaving Canada. There is a Mexican restaurant I’ve always wanted to try so after I got parked I walked the block down and was happily surprised.

While I would usually order tacos (because tacos are life) I decided to have the Carne Asada Plate so I would have leftovers in the morning. Also, pictured is my IPad because I was writing my last post and my scurvy preventative drink.

Up the next morning and off to Montana. There I raced a bit with a train and was having a great time looking at the graffiti art along its side.

I love the smoking frog. I know some say this is vandalism but I seriously have a very soft spot for good graffiti art. It’s more than just scratching a name on a window. It’s expressive, colorful, and oftentimes playful. A good artist not only makes his mark he/she also makes a statement.

Currently I’m in South Dakota headed towards Iowa. Not much to report today.

Until next time my lovelies. Xoxo