This time we make further progress eastwards, driving from Abilene to a jobsite just south of Fort Worth.
Picked up another generator, from Vestas this time.
Getting out of the industrial estate required quite a round-about route, so I thought I'd save time by cutting this corner. There wasn't a sign saying I shouldn't, so why not, eh?
Unfortunately I failed to notice that a cop had been tailgating me, and when I saw him, it gave me such a shock that I collided with the sign I was carefully turning around. I would have made it otherwise, honest. The collision left the sign leaning at an unpleasant angle, and I watched the cop approach with some trepidation. He was, shall we say, a little heavier than the average cop, and wishing to avoid a fine and delays for paperwork, I hit on a desperate ploy. "I really am terribly sorry officer. The thing is... I was thinking about the large bag of Amish sticky buns I have on the passenger seat". "Amish sticky buns, eh? And how could something like that be so distracting?" "Well, officer, why don't you try one? I think you'll understand better." I cautiously reached for the bag, seeking to avoid giving any impression of "funny business", and passed it over to the mildly porky man in uniform. "Well, in the interests of law enforcement..." he said, making a swift, well-practiced 360 degree turn of his head to check that no cameras or witnesses were nearby "... I guess I could try one. Mmmf, mnyom mnyom mnyom yes, I'm starting to see how the presence of such fine buns in the cab could be hazardous." "Have a couple more, officer" I said. "There's plenty."
"Skree-clonk-clang-thud."
"Why not take the whole bag, officer? These are obviously dangerous buns, and they'd be better off in your hands." "Well, if you put it that way," he said, and after giving our surroundings another once-over, he took the bag, got into his patrol car, and drove off, leaving us to continue on our way.
All's well that ends well, as they say.
Leaving Abilene behind us. We'll be back in Part 6 of the tour.
It's all highway driving once more to Fort Worth, nothing spectacular.
The weather wasn't good for screenshots, so decided to take a couple of hours' break. My stomach was rumbling already anyhow - I'd been hoping to breakfast on those buns.
Was happy to see things were looking a bit sunnier as we moved off once more.
Eventually it was time to come off the highway.
No sign of Fort Worth, but I think we officially 'discovered' it here on the way to the delivery point.
There are two Freemont jobsites right next to each other here.
The generator was wanted at the first of them, which seems to be some sort of quarry.
And we're done.
Took the afternoon off, and made my leisurely way back to San Angelo in the heart of Texas. We need to take something eastwards right through that green heart, and then up and round to the same 'Fort Worth' jobsite we've just visited.
Asked my secretary if, perchance, Amish Furniture didn't have any more work they need doing.
Perhaps a nice heavy contract, like a rustic traditionally crafted 43' x 16' x 10' Air Conditioning Complex, or maybe a 77,181 lb Large Reservoir Tank in the Shaker or Mission styles?
I'll even haul furniture if they, you know, need me...
Well, turns out they didn't need me, which is a crying shame as I don't think I'll be back to San Angelo again on this tour. Instead, I had to pick up something from the Metalwest cylindrical tank factory. Hmm... can't see that bulldozer anywhere. Well, no cause for alarm, it's probably working round the back somewhere.
And then we set off eastwards through the centre of Texas on what would turn out to be a very pleasant ride.
First stop: Ballinger. We'll continue the trip in the next set.
Krigl
