Driving toward downtown St. Paul along Interstate 35-E.
YOU NEVER KNOW WHAT you’ll see while traveling the interstate. Too many motorists engage in risky behavior like tailgating, weaving from one lane to the other, texting, talking on their cells when their full attention should be on the roadway and more. It’s a crazy driving world out there.
I admire these MnDOT responders who aid motorists, here in the thick of interstate traffic near downtown St. Paul. It appears a mighty dangerous job.
I’m no fan of heavy traffic or travel in the Twin Cities metro. But then I suppose many people aren’t. Rural roadways can be just as unsafe.
Is the tanker actually carrying coffee or simply advertising it? Photographed northbound on I-35 toward the Twin Cities metro.
What’s the final destination of this outdoor enthusiast headed eastbound on I-35E?
How does the boss drive?
All of that aside, I always spot interesting scenes along the interstate. Interesting to me, anyway.
Southbound into St. Paul along I-35E.
TELL ME: What have you observed while traveling along the interstate?
© Copyright 2017 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
Is that tanker carrying coffee? You betchya and its headed for my house.
So it’s coffee that fuels your creative writing…
Drive like a boss? And do I want to share the road with him/her.
Good question.
We commented on the city traffic yesterday when we were in the thick of it. It’s not fun to drive in!
And even worse with road construction.
Since I spend a lot of time on the freeways in the Twin Cities, I’m used to all the traffic. My favorite thing to see, though, is when large flocks of birds swoop over the backed up traffic late in the day just on the edge of downtown Minneapolis. I wonder if they’re taunting us or reminding us that we’ll get where we need to be?
What an interesting observation. At least the birds are providing a diversion to waiting in traffic.
I’ve seen the coffee tanker trucks here in California too and am always taken aback by the thought of that much coffee. It’s great ad placement for those truckers/travelers thinking about where to get their next cup.
It’s definitely eye-catching.
The tanker is hauling gasoline or petrol based on the flammable liquid placard seen in the photo.
Good eye!
The roads down here are an interesting experience most times, especially long bridges, snow birds, spring break and baseball spring training. The road at times can become a parking lot if an accident happens, especially on said long bridge aka no where to go. Just have to be aware and prepared – always have an umbrella, water and a snack bar with me. Plus at least a half tank of gas. Here’s to trucking along . . .
Your motto could be: Always be prepared.
I love coffee too but the hazardous materials sign on the lower left of the truck trailer indicates that it is hauling either gasohol or gasoline. I recall traveling the interstate from Minnesota through South Dakota and seeing all the “Wall Drug” signs is that still a common sight? Bill boards are outlawed in Alaska and I miss seeing that, as long as they do not get to out of control………..
Another reader just pointed out the same thing, the hazardous materials sign.
Thirty-five years have passed since I’ve followed the interstate from Minnesota to the Black Hills. I would assume the Wall Drug signs are still there. I think it’s good to have restrictions on billboards as they can clutter the landscape in there are too many. But they do provide a diversion while traveling.
They are still there, and since there isn’t much to see along the interstate in South Dakota but grassland, I think the billboards help keep people awake! 😉 Wall Drug, Badlands, Wind Cave, Flintstones Campground in Custer, Reptile Gardens and Bear Country, U.S.A. in Rapid City, etc., etc. It builds excitement for the kids, especially, and helps make the drive go a l.i.t.t.l.e. faster.
I think you’re right. A l.i.t.t.l.e faster.
I was cognizant of the haz mat sign on the truck being that I was just checking for the haz mat signs/labels on some trucks and trailers that just came in and are going out this weekend on an aircraft to a gold mining operation.
That makes sense. So they still mine for gold in Alaska. I didn’t know that. But then there’s a lot I likely do not know about Alaska.
“Roads and Paths“
Each and every road or path
has its beginning and its end
and all that it comes down to
is how much you’ll have to spend.
For be it time or love or money
or the mere beauty of the sight
be it the summer’s warmth in daytime
or perhaps a family’s Christmas night.
Yes, each and every road or path
has its start and has its finish
but let that not, your journeys cease
and nor the lust for them diminish!
~Jack Downing~
May 8, 2017
Jake, I am honored that my post would inspire you to write a poem. Thank you. What you write is so true and something we all need to remember.
How are you? I check your blog and see no new writing. You should repost this poem there.
Thanks Audrey, I just might do that today..
Yes, do!
You have a very interesting post about the interstate traffic situation and Metro traffic. I drove a gravel truck pulling a long pup in the Twin City area, worked on most of the interstate highways that connect the two cities together, this was back in the 1960’s/70’s, so I have many stories I could tell about driving in traffic in the metropolitan area. After that, I drove semi from Sioux Falls South Dakota hauling meat to Arizona and California for many years and produce back to the Twin Cities and Duluth. I believe I can write a book about what you see from a truck window. Some very shocking!
Oh, I bet you could share many a story. How about sharing one that is publishable?
We traveled this same path on the weekend. Last night it was raining so hard that I really had to keep my eyes on the road (It was my turn to drive) but yes, the interstates are interesting in many ways, I would rather rather be on smaller hi-ways and country roads 🙂
I’m with you. I’d rather be on the smaller highways and country roads. But then you know that about me.
Not sure that I want to drink coffee out of that truck. Great pictures
Several commenters tell me that tanker is NOT carrying coffee.