I needed to reach six – 6 hours on the road a day for the next four – and I would be in Kingsville right after Veterans’ Day.

Darkness had set in, and I would need to find a spot to sojurn. Worst thing that can happen is be stuck out in the interstate with no place to park except for the ramps at the highway exits. Truckers park there when there are no spots available at truck stops and when we reach the maximum hours we’re allowed to drive a day.

But it’s noisy, dangerous and definitely illegal. Heard stories of cars running into back of trailers, some going underneath. It was a scary premonition, not to mention not getting much sleep from the constant flow of traffic.

And when shit hits the fan, head to a Home Depot or Walmart. Although I have heard about Walmart taking action lately and booting trucks.

Google led me to a nearby Home Depot, and I was fortunate that there was a business that next door, that was under construction, so there was ample parking in the back.

I timed my stop early enough to go grab a bite. What was available, as I scanned Google for the list of eateries.

Had my fair share of chop suey and chow mein. Instead, I was in the mood for something exotic. Luck would have it, I found an Irie spot close by, Caribbean Hut and just in time before they closed the kitchen.

I had a craving for the wild taste of Curry Goat. Mine was served in cubes with the bone still in it. It was very tender and flavorful, better than beef stew, and it hit the spot.

Needless to say, I suffered from constipation and after driving all day, I needed something tasty and spicy to make me go the healthy way. Luckily there was a clean bathroom and no one was using it. When I was done, the manager happily led me out as she turned off the Open neon sign.

After a heavy meal and an alleviating #2, I was ready for some brew.

So, I decided to head to Logan’s Roadhouse for some stout and peanuts. I love cracking the shells with my teeth and tossing them carelessly on the floor. The intense crispy crunch, the taste of South Georgia peanuts paired with a tall glass of Amber Ale – this hit the spot after a long day behind the wheel.

A couple of years ago, someone had apparently slipped and fell and sued the company. But the bucket of nuts and littered shells were not ditched — it’s part of their identity, and that’s right made Logan’s unique.

I sat at the bar next to a couple of older dudes who were involved in a deep conversation – they didn’t notice me sit down.

“I used to own businesses and just got tired,” said the grouchy one with the white beard.”

“Oh yeah what happened. There’s nothing better than working for yourself,” the other said. He was clean cut and wore an old, wrinkled ballcap with a Panthers logo.

“My divorce was very nasty. She never worked a single day. Then when she wanted out, she wanted half of everything. “

“Yeah when she sued me, I asked her if I can have one of her breasts. After all I paid for them. $5,000. They’re assets. If I can’t have one of her boobs, I’ll take the money instead.”

I uttered a chuckle and looked over, “Yeah, medical expenses are certainly marital property. Go for it”

Both men turned their heads and looked aghast that I had said something.

“So what brings you to town?” the bearded man asked.

“I drive a truck,” I said matter-of-factly.

“That’s what I did when I was your age. When I get older and ready to retire, I’ll just drive a dump truck,” he submitted quietly. “It’s fairly routine and you get paid by the hour.”

“So are you headed south on 81?” asked the man in the cap.

“Yes, I’m parked across the street where I can easily stagger to my cab. Gonna rise at the crack of dawn, then head south by southwest.”

“Cool beans, it’s a good drive. Just remember when you get to Atlanta, don’t be a rookie and drive through the city. Get on 295 and go around. Plenty of truckers have gotten tickets.”

“Yes indeed, it’s a $500 ticket for first timers, so you don’t wanna get caught. But if you do, remember to bring a pack of blank BOLs. In the event you get stopped, quickly fill it out to say you’re making a local delivery in Atlanta.”

I looked with appreciation and thanked them for their treasured advice and smiled as the two men continued to rag on about their women.