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“Good for me.”

When we got back on the road, the map lady told me to take I-90 eastbound and we headed for Wyoming.

Montana/Wyoming State Line.

I pulled into the welcome center so we could both use the facilities, have a smoke, and take a break from white line fever.

“Wyoming, Travis. I’m writing this state in my travel book and I would take pictures on my phone like tourists do if I had a phone.”

“Shit, Tammy. Why didn’t you mention that you wanted a fuckin phone? I never thought about it because you’re usually with me and I never have to call you.”

“Never had one so I guess I don’t miss it too much. Tibor said I couldn’t have a phone because he couldn’t trust me.”

“Yeah, I can see him saying that. I’ll get you a phone when we stop for the night.”

“Where do you think we’ll be by then?”

“Umm… Colorado, maybe? I’m not sure of my geography.”

“Me neither. I never went to school past the eighth grade, so I don’t know a lot about anything.”

“You do well with what you do know, Tammy. You’re just fine the way you are.”

After she used the ladies’ room, Tammy stared at the row of vending machines lined up between the two washrooms.

“Do you want something? How about a candy bar?”

“How does it work?”

I pulled a dollar out of my pocket and handed it to her. “Put the dollar in that slot and press the number and the letter of what you want. Go ahead and try it.”

She fed the bill into the machine and it took her a few seconds to decide. Picking a Hershey bar with almonds, she pressed the letter and number and it came flying down into the slot.

“Reach in and get it. It’s yours now.”

Tammy pulled the chocolate bar out laughing. “That was so much fun.”

“Come on, girl. Let’s see what Wyoming looks like.”

Holiday Inn. Cheyenne. Wyoming.

When we got to the intersection of I-90 and I-25, we took I-25 south and drove through the state of Wyoming.

I hadn’t set a goal, but by the time we reached Cheyenne at the southern end of the state, I was beat and decided that was far enough for our first day.

I pulled into a Holiday Inn and parked the truck and the trailer in a spot reserved for large trucks and RVs. “As soon as we get our room, we’ll come out and take care of Outlaw and let the dogs have a run.”

“Want me to wait here with the dogs? They’re whining to get out.”

“Yeah, wait here and I’ll get the room key. Once we get the chores done, we can clean up and go for dinner.”

“Okay. I never stayed in a hotel before.”

“Someplace to sleep, and I’m tired.”

“I saw you moving your arm a few times. It’s hurting, isn’t it?”

“Yeah. Just tired, and I need a couple of pain pills.”