Great story! I know what you mean about "The Wave". In this cyber world in which we all seem to live, a simple wave between two people seems to take on an even stronger meaning. One of the reasons I love riding the Old Highways (Route 66, The Lincoln, etc...) is because most of the route followed the railroad. Railroad service roads became highways. One point through New Mexico I paced a mile long Santa Fe freighter for about 100 miles. It really brought back the feeling of old school travel. Good Stuff!
