When I was a little boy, I always liked the big semi-trucks. I could name each model and who made them by viewing them from any angle. I paid close attention to them always. I used to have a red wagon that I used for my first truck. I would fill it up with heavy stuff so that the tires would mush a little and then pull it around and around the house. Sometimes I’d have to stop and fix a flat tire. I’d get my jack and bar crank out place it under a corner of the wagon and crank it up enough to turn the wheel. After inspection and deeming it good, I’d lower it and drive away. I’d spend a considerable amount of time pulling that wagon around the house. I’d have muddy spots, sidewalks, gravel, and other interesting places. I’d watch the hard rubber tires flex over each bump and study how my load shifted lost in my “truck driving”.
I was still living at Uncle Al’s when the Kids came to Zion for haps. Bruce T. told me that Bruce King Trucking was looking for me. He wants you to drive for him. I had asked what I would be hauling. Bruce told me I’d be hauling sawdust from the LP mill outside of Mohawk Michigan to Goodman Wisconsin. So, I discussed this with Uncle Al, and we parted on good terms.
I left for the Copper Country to visit King Trucking in Ahmeek. When I walked in the door, my Uncle Jerry, the mechanic, said to me “Where ya been, ya bum” and proceeded to throw some keys at me. He said let’s go. So off we went to the mill to get loaded up with 20 tons of wood chips. When we got loaded, we headed to Ontonagon. When we got to South Range, he stopped the big