Steph: Road to Texas

Gilliland, Texas – I had a nightmare last night that my tractor/grain cart load fell off my trailer… never had I been so happy to be jolted awake by reality at 3 a.m. Sometimes road stories are bizarre and out of control like that. This road story is the exact opposite.

We were graced with perfect travel conditions and the road to Texas went off without a hitch. When we were embarking on our final travel day this morning, Bossman John asked me if I had $16 to pay for the campsite since he had no cash (and also said he would give me $20 back. As an economics major, that’s a no-brainer). I had $16 exactly and not a penny more.

At one point in the travel day, I turned left when everyone else turned right and had to fly solo from the convoy for a spell. I drove through Altus, Oklahoma and did not hit a single stop light all through town. The odds were without a doubt in our favor. It’s official — we had made it to our first stop on the run, everything intact and everyone accounted for. My excitement to get to experience harvest in Texas this season is through the roof!

Upon meeting Farmer Glen, he corrected me as to our harvesting location — Gilliland, Texas. There is a solid 40-miles between Seymour and Gilliland, and I respect the small town pride concept. Now the town will get the spotlight it deserves! Speaking of spotlights, it should be noted that Shattuck, Oklahoma has a windmill museum alongside Highway 283. Windmills of all shapes and sizes! We passed through today, and I drove by at the absolute slowest mile per hour to take it all in. My windmill obsession is alive and well.

I know in my intro post I said I would be running John Deere combines this year, but I half lied. John, the fearless leader of Anderson Harvesting, decided to trade off one of his John Deere combines for an 8240 Case, which is the machine we will be running this AAWH season. That combine with our John Deere tractor/grain cart combination can only mean one thing — Merry Christmas from Anderson Harvesting!

Here in the Gilliland area, they’ve been the victims of some sporadic rain showers since Thursday, and our fields have received 3 inches since. We are optimistic that we can get started tomorrow (or at least take a sample, so we can get our wheat withdrawals under control).

Quote of the Day“Sure wish this campground was a few clicks closer.”

Steph - Road to Texas

No technology will make-up for a Rand McNally.

Steph - Road to Texas

Roads and rainbows. Made for a nice view as we drove through SD!

Steph - Road to Texas

Pit-stop.

Steph - Road to Texas

Oversize load.

 

Steph - Road to Texas

Anderson convoy.

Here is a little segment I’d like to call “Take the Selfie.” It will be making appearances throughout the harvest. This time will be used to give you a short introduction to each member of Anderson Harvesting.
Steph - Road to Texas

Meet John, fearless leader of Anderson Harvesting. Enjoys copious amounts of coffee and long walks in the wheat field. Better known as Captain Red Beard.

Steph - Road to Texas

Meet Matt, general hired hand and certified tech guy. Can be found wearing his camouflage headset 90 percent of the time. Better know as Matty Ice or Peanuts.

Steph - Road to Texas

Meet Steph, trucker, blogger, and bringer of sarcasm. Always up for an adventure or a cold sweet iced tea. Better known as the “stubble stomping harvest queen.”

Steph - Road to Texas

One of the many windmills.

Steph - Road to Texas

It’s blurry, but it’s Texas!

Steph - Road to Texas

It was too pretty not to capture, even if it was from the truck seat.


All Aboard Wheat Harvest is sponsored by High Plains Journal and John Deere. You can contact Steph at stephanie@allaboardharvest.com.

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