It’s September 9, 1947—and Walt and Bert have tied the last of their belongings to the top of the old Packard. The morning is full of optimism—at least for Walt who is driving and for Bert who is snapping pictures through the windshield. This new job opportunity represents the blending of the two different sides to Walt: he has never been much for convention, but his practical side has forced him to remain firmly planted. But the chance to build refineries across the western frontier has given Walt and Bert a definitive way to mix adventure with stability.
In the backseat, eight-year-old Dondi is still sniffling over the dog she left behind—but as they surrender New Jersey to the rearview mirror even Dondi is becoming swept up in the excitement that revolves around change. She is gettin’ goin’.
Right now the family automobile is cruising down a small stretch of turnpike—the only turnpike in America. But soon the road will narrow to two lanes and they will cross many state lines on the way to their final destination: Casper Wyoming.
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