A Tumbleweeds View of Scrapping

Survival and life is a challenge in this part of the country. This time of the year the geese have migrated south, the deer are in their winter ranges, cattle are in feed lots in case of a blizzard, and people do not move around much without a good reason. If I see one vehicle driving 15 miles into town it is considered a traffic jam. To put it into perspective, the closest stop light is 55 miles away, the closest stop sign 15 mi., and within 15 mi. there is two gas stations, four bars, and a grocery store. This is human hibernation and some wonder why we did not have to shut down our businesses because of the virus.

We are in the fly zone so pictures like this are common in the late fall and early winter.

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The posts above are a sample of the grace and wonders I enjoy everyday in my office, the great outdoors. This work and lifestyle is totally dependent on mother nature and you learn to survive in the elements. So it is time for some of the scrapping.

Vehicles are prepared by removing all fluids, non ferrous with easy access, gas tanks, cats, and all tires. After the initial stripping, vehicles are turned on there sides to access underneath.

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This is a picture of a typical scrap site when I show up.

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A torch is used to remove lug nuts from the wheels since most are rusted (welded on). Sometimes things go haywire and a tire will catch on fire. This is the result:

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This is one of the loads hauled from this site. I explained earlier in this thread how I secure these loads, so it will not be repeated. I have been complimented by the Highway Patrol ( I got stopped twice in the last eight years for tail lights) so it is assumed it is legal at least here.

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That is my forty ft. trailer in the previous post. It will haul up to six vehicles when loaded correctly.

Another example of the beauty that is presented on a daily basis. I do not watch much TV and now you will understand why.

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My life is blessed in many ways, many pastimes that I love, beautiful scenery, and total freedom. Contrary to our governors advocating it, please do not plan to move here, you might just get in the way. Just kidding.

The next pictures are down the road from our cabin in Wyoming. With all the rules for social distancing and isolation, I thought some might like to see what the real world is like. I am not a professional photographer, just an old fart that is finally taking the time to stop and smell the roses.

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Building a good relationship with the scrap yard has benefits. This is the last of the load from the previous job site. It is parked next to the loading area for the rail cars. Most customers have to be unloaded in the yard, waiting in line to be unloaded so it ca be sorted. My loads are always clean so I am unloaded up front directly into the gondola cars. If I have to go back into the yard for unprepared items I am moved to the front of the line because I can maneuver my trailer to back out before the load ahead of me can move through the maze.

I have not hauled much in the last few years, but my relationship and reputation still allows for this treatment. This is not meant to brag, only to help others maximize their profit. Show respect for the employees and they will make your life a lot easier.

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