The Spirit Of The American Trucker – January 2014

Here is the story of the greatest picture I never took!  I was totally amazed when I saw this incredible classic rig coming up next to me as I drove across Iowa on I-80 so I started snapping pictures.  After this shot was taken and he pulled alongside me, I was surprised to see a big old man, jumping up and down inside the tiny cab, almost hitting his head on the roof, waving his hand (his whole arm for that matter) wildly at me and giving me the “thumbs-up” sign.  He had the biggest smile on his face and I could tell he really loved being a trucker!  The whole scene lasted about one second as he passed, and it caught me so off-guard that I forgot to push the button on my camera and take the shot.  Thankfully, I was able to get some photos as he approached, including the one you see here, but the “one that got away” is etched permanently in my memory.  You don’t see that kind of enthusiasm much anymore out on the road and that is too bad.  This guy really made my day.  We need more truckers out there who love what they do and consider it to be more than just a “job” – it’s a way of life!