Day Twenty.....

Day Twenty, part 1
28 January, '10

Today marks the end of three weeks on the road following truckers and coming to photograph and understand how they contribute to the fabric of American life. During that time I have traveled 5554 miles through 13 states. I have experienced everything from the winter warmth of the south-west deserts to the biting cold of the harsh blizzards of the upper mid-west. I've had the great opportunity to meet many warm and wonderful people who are happy to share their stories and their lives; and, of course, a few who were just plain nasty. I've traveled both alone and with some company. As always when on the road there are surprises, both good and bad. The good always outnumber the bad, and they are the ones you most remember and relate. The old fellow in Amarillo who, when changing Ole Yeller's oil, would have happily spent the day chatting away about my travels and the older cars he's worked on over the years. The cadre of drivers in Winslow who hooted when told the name of the project and then one of them with a huge grin bellowed , "My Mama loved diesels and the smell of diesels!!!" The clerk at the motel in Fairmont, Minnesota who was talking with someone on the phone and said, "Oh, Martha, you live up on 155th. You'll never get home tonight. I'll get a room for you here." And then on the last night in Hillsdale, WY I run into Susan & Joe Kosnik. I had photographed them 2 weeks ago on I-40 in Arizona and now find them on I-80 hauling another load of produce out east. We reacquainted, chatted for a while, said our goodbyes and went our different directions, knowing that we would probably meet-up on the road again sometime in the future. This is the nomadic family of truckers. So many people, so many stories. But now with more than 4000 images recorded it is time to put my hands in the air, step away from the cameras, and proceed to the editing room.

I'll be back on the road next month for a short trip out west on I-80 to Reno to complete shooting for the project. In the meantime, I hope you have enjoyed following this journey and will continue to check in and see what is happening. If you think you'd like to learn more about how I work and shoot, please consider joining me on one of my workshops. From the streets of New York City to Colorado's High Country we offer a variety of photographic holidays that combine intense learning experiences with great camaraderie. My trip leader, Lori Lause, and I welcome your inquiries and participation in what are always fun and interesting adventures. You may always check our websites for information and please feel free to call Catherine Turner toll-free at 888.879.3718 in our office for more information or to sign-up.

Posting a picture of the day has been both a challenge and a joy. Is it possible to encapsulate a full day with only one image? I have never been sure but have tried to give as full a flavor of the journey as I might. Today, as I sign off on this part of the adventure I'll post a few more images. Favorites? With more than 4000 images it's hard to say, but these are a few that do stand out for me.

Thanks for following along, and for those of you who have written me, a big thanks for caring and taking the time to let me know you're out there.

Til the road calls again,

Jim & Ole Yeller


The High Plains of Western Nebraska