Boomtown Highway To Hell | Chapter 1
Dec 10, 2019
In this insightful discussion, Harvey Carrera, a tow truck driver from Pecos, shares harrowing tales from the perilous US Highway 285. Paik Rossi, a songwriter and flowback operator, reflects on balancing creativity with the demanding oil industry. Meanwhile, Lee Ryan, a local barber, talks about his barbershop as a community haven amid the oil boom's chaos. Together, they explore the complex emotions surrounding economic opportunity, grief, and the shifting dynamics in their hometowns as they navigate life in the oil-rich Permian Basin.
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Uncle Skeet’s Oil Patch Warnings
- Uncle Skeet shared his rough life experiences working in the oil patch, including using superglue and vinegar to treat injuries.
- He warns his son against the oil patch's instability despite the promise of high pay.
Boom’s Complicated Local Impact
- The Permian Basin oil boom dramatically reshapes local life and the global economy, but impact perceptions are mixed.
- Some locals feel the boom's benefits are fleeting, as busts leave workers vulnerable and broke.
Tow Truck Battles on Death Highway
- Harvey Carrera, a tow truck driver, describes his job towing damaged big rigs along "Death Highway" in the Permian Basin.
- His work is intense due to high truck wreck frequency and the specialized equipment needed for oilfield vehicles.