THE MISSING TRUCK... Postscript

Just an Empty Space

WELL... SHE'S GONE FOR GOOD!

 

After my last lament regarding the missing truck, so many readers wondered, like I, what the hell had happened to her.  One, was my son-in-law Steve.  He didn't just wonder... he called his friend Kevin. 

2011 San Juan County Fair

Now, there is a show on the History Channel called 'American Pickers'... kind of the poor man's 'Antique Roadshow'... where two guys go around the country combing junkyards, garages and people's 'collections' finding hidden treasures, just as worthy.  They would have a 'field day' at Kevin's.  He is San Juan Island's Premier Collector.  Island Stage Left needed a rusty old-fashioned radiator for their latest play... Steve called Kevin... they have a rusty old-fashioned radiator for their latest play.  At our County Fair each year, one of the highlights is 'Trash to Treasures' hosted by Kevin.  So, who better to ask about a missing roadside attraction. 

Old Island Landmark

Kevin knew all about my truck.  She is a 1946 Ford Flatbed, with a flathead V8 engine.   In fact, he had offered to buy her at one time and was told the owners of the property just liked having it sit there... they enjoyed looking at her while passing by on the way to their ranch.  It seems a neighbor did not share the same affection and deemed her an eyesore.  Word has it, that a scrapper had permission from the non property owner, and took her in the middle of the night.  As Kevin says... "These guys scrap first and ask questions later".  The goods are carted off the island to be sold for scrap metal to one of the mainland salvage yards.
 

Gone but not forgotten

They call these guys Tweekers... as most are methheads, trying to score their next 'eight ball', so they can make it a few more days.  So, that's what my truck became... 1/8 ounce of Methamphetamine.  Steve, Kevin, their friends in the collecting community and the Sheriff knows who they are... but, you can't do much if you can't catch them in the act.  And you can't station someone to watch the ferry lines night and day.  Unfortunately, the problem has spread to outright theft of property, not just abandoned vehicles. 

I have never shed a tear upon hearing of some mainland fool being electrocuted while attempting to steal the power company's transmission wires to sell.   I hope that does not start happening here... or maybe...

Island Stage Left's latest Production 'Someone Who'll Watch Over Me' plays at the County Fairgrounds Theater from April 5 - 29...