That's it!
The first time I passed through there was before the bypass. As a truck driver I found lots of 'short cuts', old US and state highways that could shave hundreds of miles off of a run. Even though I got paid by the mile, time is money, and the quicker I got a load delivered the sooner I got another one.
If the wheels aren't turning, I'm not earning, right?
The coolest thing about taking these shortcuts was that I got to see the fabric of America. The small towns like Boise City, Old architecture, farm equipment and old trucks, old cars, good old fashioned cafes, general stores.
After having passed through Boise City a dozen times I was shocked to see construction equipment at the edge of town. Over the next couple of passes through there the bypass took shape, and then the small town charm no longer was a part of my day.
Sad.
Not that little town will dry up and die, because the world will just drive on by, out there on the bypass.
Further up 287 in Colorado is Lamar. Quite a bit larger than Boie City, but still has that small town America feel. And between Lamar and the junction with I70 is a little town called Custer. The cafe there was very good. Stopped every time I passed by if it was open. Breakfast was always great. At lunch it was good for a BLT.
Tasty!