Montana-Yellowstone-Idaho-Bob Davis Podcast 1145

Montana Yellowstone Idaho

Firstly I’m on another big trip from Wisconsin through to Montana, Yellowstone and Idaho. Ultimately I’ll be pulling into Quartzsite, Arizona earlier than planned. But this is a great route south. Details in Montana-Yellowstone-Idaho-Bob Davis Podcast 1145.

Custer National Battlefield Monument

Secondly my Montana visit was punctuated with a visit to the Custer National Battlefield Monument. For details on that experience check out my YouTube channel here.

Soul Happy

Above all when I am traveling my soul is happy.

Juices Flowing

That is to say when the wheels are turning the creative juices are flowing.

Much To See

Also there are always amazing things to see.

Observations

Another key point is my observations on what I have experienced on the trip so far.

Old Story From Yellowstone

Certainly a ‘pass-through’ this year was a lot different from a old story about pushing a VW Bug through the park in the middle of the night.

This experience differed markedly from the VW experience so many years go.

What’s With The Bison?

For one thing people these days seem to be mad to get through the park so they can get pictures of Bison.

I’ve witnessed behavior in the same fashion at the Grand Canyon.

Jewels

As much as it is important to celebrate the fact that we Americans have these wilderness jewels to marvel over…

On the negative side I’m not sure people are actually experiencing these parks.

Selfies

They are too busy taking selfies.

Camping Booked

On the other hand I am glad the park was too busy for camping.

Pass Through

Because a pass through was just what the doctor ordered at this point in the trip.

Land Of Sky Blue Waters

Because I camped all summer as I like to say on the shores of a lake in the ‘Land of Sky Blue Waters’…

After that I am not so keen to camp.

Truck Stops

All in all truck stops are my go to these days.

Recording In Flying J’s Lot

Basically it’s pretty hard to miss in this podcast since I recorded in a Flying J Parking Lot.

Oil Cheaper

Overall oil is getting cheaper…

Winter Travel

Therefore the winter looks promising for more travel and adventure.

By all means getting down to Quartzite is my priority…

115 Degrees

But when I last checked the weather it was 115 degrees in the desert out there.

By all means the subject for my next podcast.

Sponsored By 36/LYN The Independently Owned And Operated Refueling Station

Montana-Yellowstone-Idaho-Bob Davis Podcast 1145

Loves-Truck-Stop-Love-Bob Davis Podcast 1091

Loves Truck Stop Love

Firstly it’s time for some Loves Truck Stop Love. I’ve spent a lot of time in these places. Details in Loves-Truck-Stop-Love-Bob Davis Podcast 1091.

Tom Love Passes Away

Secondly the guy who built the Love’s Truck and Travel Stop chain Love’s passes away recently at 85.

Live Podcast

Therefore it’s time for a podcast live from the Love’s.

National Highway System

Above all this subject gets me going on the history of first the National Highway System and it’s successor the Interstates.

Trucking

In addition while I am not an expert on the history of trucking I’ll spend some time on this subject.

Independent Businesses

As well as discussing the whole subject of how the truck stops starting as independent refueling stations grew with the Interstates and the US from the 1960’s.

Logistics

Certainly it’s fair to say that over the road trucking coast to coast…

And the container system with railroads…

Has contributed greatly to America’s logistics systems.

Truck Stops

Of course the Truck Stops of all kinds have been a big part of that.

Nationwide

As a result Truck Stops like Love’s are nationwide.

Most importantly the truck stops also cater to travelers and nomads.

More Comfortable

That is to say fuel, great food, products we need and showers make life on the road a lot more comfortable and enjoyable than it was back in the day.

When The Interstates Were New

Likewise I am old enough to remember when the Interstates were still in construction.

Family Road Trips

Taking family road trips that often detoured onto two lane highways through the South and central US.

Passion For Travel

Moreover these trips fueled my passion for the travel experience.

Mom And Pop

Including the mom and pop truck stops of old.

Lamenting Change

Finally you often hear people lament the changes in this country.

Good Changes

But some of those changes have produced results that we will remember fondly someday when they too pass into the mists of time.

Truckers Travelers and Nomads

In short for Truckers, Nomads and Travelers Truck Stops are a necessity.

So here’s to Tom and Judy Love…

Built From A Small Business

And what they built from a small business back in the day.

Sponsored By 36 LYN The Independently Owned And Operated Refueling Station

Loves-Truck-Stop-Love-Bob Davis Podcast 1091

Truck-Stop-Cooking-Talking-Bob Davis Podcast 987

Truck Stop Cooking Talking

Above all there’s nothing like Truck Stop Cooking and Talking. Reviewing the Spring Break Road Trip so far in Truck-Stop-Cooking-Talking-Bob Davis Podcast 987.

No Small Talk

Most importantly I don’t do small talk.

Taking Stock

First of all as I think about the trip and some of the experiences so far it’s a good time to take stock.

The Flying J

Secondly the setting is a rather worn Flying J in Georgia, just off I-95 near the Florida border.

Driving All Day

Certainly I’ve been driving all day.

The Other Florida

People think of Florida as palm trees and beaches. And it has those things.

But much of Florida and especially northern Florida is largely rural and agricultural.

Recent Interviews and Experiences

Therefore my thoughts turn to one of the interviews in a recent podcast.

Holding Space

During the podcast I interviewed the owner of a coffee shop in a small town.

Someone who seemed to be doing what I call ‘holding space‘ for the community and her own passion for the work.

Take The Detour

Moreover this was one time where I allowed myself to take the detour and spend some time in the community.

Small Is Beautiful

In the same vein the idea of ‘small is beautiful’ comes to mind, and I wanted to talk about it in Truck-Stop-Cooking-Talking-Bob Davis Podcast 987.

Growth Obsessed

For instance small business people these days are beset with admonishments to grow.

Over Motivated

Even more we small business owners can be over motivated and ‘amped up’.

Win

Striving for growth. To win.

Losing Themselves?

On the other hand what if all this motivation causes a business person to lose themselves?

Community and Clientele

What happens to the community and the clientele as a result?

The Great Experience

In short we’re all looking for that ‘great experience’.

Where Does The Great Experience Come From?

In conclusion I am beginning to think that singular experience comes from business people who are more concerned with ‘holding a space’ or ‘holding space’.

Exceptional

To clarify ‘small is beautiful’ doesn’t mean poverty. It might just be a better way to create something truly exceptional.

Even more it’s not for everyone.

Small Can Be Beautiful

To sum up if you’re feeling down because your business isn’t on it’s way to being traded on the Dow, just remember small can be beautiful and truly special.

And A Pan Fried Steak

And so is a steak perfectly pan fried in the corner of a truck stop in Georgia.

Sponsored by The Kim Nybo Agency State Farm Insurance

Truck-Stop-Cooking-Talking-Bob Davis Podcast 987