18 Jul Laura: Bad vibrations

Morgan County, Colorado – Ryan left several days ahead of us to get started in Colorado. I had several more days of paperwork and preparation before we left home again, so I was relieved to finally have it all done and hit the road late Friday morning. As soon as I hit top speed, we experienced what I would call a “major” vibration. I exited on the next road. Nothing was visually off, so I circled around and tried again… same thing. The kids thought is was hilarious and great fun. They were laughing and making the “aaaahhhhh-ahhhh-ahhhhhh” noise along with all the vibrating. I could feel my frustration rising. All the while, I said prayers of thankfulness that this happened only a couple miles from home. A few back and forth calls with Ryan, a few calls to local mechanics to see who could get me in last minute, a couple shakes at Wendy’s to pass time with the kids, several laps around Wal-Mart and visits to the pet department to watch the fish, two plus hours later we were ready to roll again. Thankfully it seems that something had just gotten out of balance, and it was nothing more serious!

Despite the delay, the kids were champs on the trip to Colorado. Upon rolling into the field, Lady A was starting to wake up and immediately yelled, “Daddy! Daddy! Daddy!” Little Man came to and was asking for a combine ride. They were thrilled to be reunited!

Harold, Opa, joined us here in Colorado to help. Ryan’s brother-in-law has a little extra time as well this summer before teaching resumes. We usually temporarily add a few more people at this point in the season. As an added bonus, Ryan’s sister came out for the weekend, so it was exciting to have another lady on the crew.

The weather was gorgeous this evening. We enjoyed visiting with the family we are cutting for, and they kindly brought pizza to the field for us. Yields have been averaging 40-50 bushels per acre though we’ve seen a low outlier of 35 and a high of 70 bushels per acre. Test weights are strong at 60 plus pounds per bushel.

So happy to be back with her Daddy! (Photo credit: Laura)

Pop-up storms are fairly common here in the afternoon! (Photo credit: Laura)

Harold is back on the harvest trail. (Photo credit: Laura)

I love how the clouds cast shadows on the field! (Photo credit: Laura)

Another obligatory wheat picture. When it’s this beautiful, it’s a must! (Photo credit: Laura)

Next load ready to head in. Sometimes you have to show the tarp who’s boss!  (Photo credit: Laura)

Pieter delivering pizza to the combine. Sometimes the cart driver seconds as the food delivery man, since he visits all the machines! (Photo credit: Laura)

Collecting their “favorite” rocks. Aunt Kathy for the win! (Photo credit: Laura)

When the cutting is this pretty, is it even possible to have too many equipment pictures? (Photo credit: Laura)

And another. (Photo credit: Laura)

Pieter knows how to make him happy. He gets little bits of wheat to fill Little Man’s toy combine.

Ready for action! (Photo credit: Laura)

Proof I was actually here! (Photo credit: Laura)

All Aboard Wheat Harvest™ is sponsored by High Plains Journal and John Deere. Laura can be reached at laura@allaboardharvest.com.