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thundering_m
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« on: July 01, 2006, 12:38:56 PM » |
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AFter 2300 miles in a 'soccermobile' filled with books, I have some thoughts as a academic traveller.
This summer a gallon of unleaded has run between $2.77 and $3.15. Related to high gas prices, the big economic opportunity I hear about is that northern Alberta is desperate for workers now that it is economically advantageous to mine (or rather, scoop) the crude oil/tar. Apparently so few people are willing to actually live that far north and isolated that they have private jets to fly people in from Calgary. Which I recall from a visit over 20 years ago as a rather pleasant and cosmopolitan city. However, I will leave that adventure for this one.
As I mentioned, the li'l ole Dodge caravan (more than 10 years old) was riding pretty low from all the books, but averaged 23 mpg which is respectable when so laden. I just unloaded them all into my new office, and it made a considerable difference driving uphill, so I will be intrested at the next filup to see if lmileage improved.
I notice the new hybrids on the road, and wonder if that should be the way to go if and when this rattletrap finally rattles its last. If it is the way to go, that will mean that vehicles I can afford to buy if not fuel will be the best bargains.
Regarding fuel for myself, I've found nearly every undrinkable cup of coffee across 7 states, but the best, interestly enough, was at rest stops. One enterprising group of boy scouts not only had coffee that wasn't too weak but homemade cookies and washed windshields, all for a donation. They got my attention and all that toll road change I won't need 'out west'. Nice kids, although there appeared to be a bit of competition amongst them that provided entertaining distraction if not demonstrating Baden-Powell's ideals.
We were camping to a great degree ourselves, dozing at rest stops, splurging on the occasional night in a motel. It's always a temptation to snack the whole way, gaining a pound for every time zone crossed. I've developed a fondness for low fat cinnamon square cereal. I tried the new salt and vinegar Pringles (recalling years of same seasoning on chips in England) but they made my eyes water and my mouth parch. So, back to lots and lots of water, which does address the worst problem of dehydration.
Finally, if you are ever traveling through Montana, I recommend the 4Bs family-owned chain of restaurants that are mostly near freeway interchanges. They have the absolute best tomato soup and unfailingly pleasant and attentive waitstaff.
Oh, and you know how Hornsby's green cider tastes like sparking apple juice? Well, it does have a 5.5 alcohol content nonetheless, so it's not the best chocie for a travel beverage.
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-TM
Thundering Marshmallow
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conjugate
Compulsive punster and insatiable reader, and
Member-Moderator
Distinguished Senior Member
Posts: 16,690
Tends to have warped sense of humor
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« Reply #1 on: July 01, 2006, 04:24:07 PM » |
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Hi, TM. Bet you're glad to be off the road for a while.
Rest stop coffee for me must be in moderation; too strong and I get acid reflux happening. Iced tea will work, but for hydration purposes I use OJ or lemonade (the caffeine defeats the purpose otherwise).
Gas where I live bumped 37¢ a gallon heading into 4th of July territory. The cheapest in town was $2.48 on Wed. or Thurs, then the next day $2.85. I rejoice that we filled up when it was cheap.
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Unfortunately, I think conjugate gives good advice.
∀ε>0∃δ>0∋|x–a|<δ⇒|ƒ(x)-ƒ(a)|<ε |
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expatinuk
Has spent over 1000 pounds but now holds a Brit passport!
Distinguished Senior Member
Posts: 6,564
From SC living in UK
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« Reply #2 on: July 02, 2006, 07:06:02 AM » |
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Gasoline here is 92p per liter (at the cheapest!) which makes it about 6.43 per gallon.
Don't complain!
Although I will have to say that it's not as expensive to drive here because cars get so much better gas mileage. My husband's Honda Jazz gets 51 miles to the gallon on the road. My car, Nissan Almeria, gets 39 miles to the gallon combined in town and highway (that's a typical tank for me). I fill up twice a month and it costs me about $80 to fill up... so my monthly gas bill is about $160.
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Expatinuk seems to be a Soviet Satellite in stationary orbit over the UK
It is what it is.
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case_insensitive
Indefatigable Maverick Giver of Gold Stars and Ever-So Slightly
Distinguished Senior Member
Posts: 12,342
Life is an endurance race. Pace yourself.
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« Reply #3 on: July 02, 2006, 07:29:49 AM » |
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Our monthly gas bills are the same.. expatinuk. Only i get worse gas mileage but cheaper gas. Scary. And i think this gas is too expensive!
Next car will be more efficient!
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Director of the CHE MYOB Professional Development Program,
An initiative of the CHE STFU Center for Professional Development.
Chairperson of the GAB CPE Series.
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thundering_m
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« Reply #4 on: July 02, 2006, 11:04:04 AM » |
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As I recall from living in Britain, we didn't drive as far, either. Lots more walking within the town center. Of course, congestion may mean you spend the same amount of time with the engine running.
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-TM
Thundering Marshmallow
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spork
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« Reply #5 on: July 02, 2006, 02:46:13 PM » |
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Regarding hybrids -- the advertised MPG for all vehicles is going to drop because of the new testing method that better approximates actual driving. Given that real-world driving never reaches the currently-advertised MGP, and small hybrids (Prius, etc.) cost $3-5K more than all-gas models of the same size, the small hybrids don't save you much if any money. They do, however, make people feel like they are behaving in a more environmental friendly manner.
IHOP no longer carries a fruit and yogurt plate.
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a.k.a. gum-chewing monkey in a Tufts University jacket
"Please do not force people who are exhausted to take medication for hallucinations." -- Memo from the Chair, Department of White Privilege Studies, Fiork University
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tamiam
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« Reply #6 on: July 02, 2006, 09:51:30 PM » |
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TM, with regard to getting rid of the mommy-mobile for something that gets better mileage -
Our plan is to keep the Caravan forever, but get a third smaller car for me to drive around in on a day-to-day basis, and just use the van for major cross-country camping trips. Which we do for fun. (Ha, I thought you'd get a kick out of that one.)
In Montana, the place to stay is Glacier National Park.
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Hey look! I have a tag line too!
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crazybatlady
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« Reply #7 on: July 07, 2006, 03:31:06 PM » |
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The snacking thing really hits home for me, TM, because I have a serious driving/eating problem. I used to smoke, and I'd chain smoke in the car on long trips (with sips of coffee between, of course). Now I still experience the "mouth need" but don't smoke, so I've replaced smoking with rabid gum-chewing and licorice-eating (healthier? I'm not so sure....)
Water is a big help, but then there's the need for frequent bathroom stops. I like to challenge myself and see if I can hold it until I stop for gas, where I fill one tank while emptying another. And of course buy more licorice, gum, and water.
A pound for every time zone, indeed.
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As always, CBL rules! All hail the CBL!
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monsterx
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« Reply #8 on: July 08, 2006, 01:00:52 PM » |
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from the subject line, I figured this was a poll:
which tastes better, gasoline or rest stop coffee?
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thundering_m
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« Reply #9 on: July 08, 2006, 01:08:44 PM » |
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from the subject line, I figured this was a poll:
which tastes better, gasoline or rest stop coffee?
*LOL* I am traveling a LOT even after arriving at my destination this summer, and have found, ironically enough, that the rest stop coffee beats the fast food joint coffee. It's hot and fresh although pretty much tasteless; the commerical stuff tastes like who knows what and tends to be bitter and undrinkable. At least along this stretch of the road. |
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-TM
Thundering Marshmallow
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