Seize the storm

So the Today Show is having the president of Exxon come on their show – great, I’m glad someone agreed.   He’s the only one of 5 or 6 Big Oil companies to respond.   First of all, I’d rather buy my gas from someone who is at least standing up to the pressure.   Now, to my email to the Today Show.   However insightful it may be, I doubt it will make it on.

It is sad that one of the greatest freedoms in this country is being shaved away – the lure of the open road.   No longer can we just “get away from it all”.  

At the same time, I am stuck in this paradox of being glad that America is learning to consume more efficiently but gas is becoming more out of reach for the low and middle class.   But those with the $’s can keep on filling their guzzling SUVs so they can go to the lake cabin for the weekend.  

So now I sit here wondering if I should lay down the keys of my 98 Ford Escort (33 MPG) and hop on a moped (80 MPG)…only to do “my part” to conserve?   When is doing “my part” enough?!?!   Toyota is pulling the same card as Big Oil is, demand is high for hybrids – so I definitely can’t afford one of those.

Question: I want to know where all these profits are going because if Exxon or any other Big Oil company is to outlast oil, they better be researching other ways to power a car.   This “gravy train” is going to come to a halt someday…are you prepared?

My chase mobile is now equipped with four brand new Michelin Hydroedge tires.   At 67,940, it needed a new set.   This is the third set of tires that has been on this car.   As you can see, I needed new tires:

Old vs. New Tires

On the drive home, I noticed the bumps of the road more and some weird shimmying when turning corners but I’m sure it’s just nothing and I’m trying to find something wrong.   Another weird thing I noticed was that the actual sticker tag that came on the tire says 85,000 mile warranty but the website says 90,000 miles.   I can’t wait until they take the maiden chasing voyage.

All the gallery pictures to follow have an ‘a’ for after, and a ‘b’ for before in their names.

Amy and I and another couple went down to Sioux City to have some Chick-fil-A and then head out to chase after some storms.   We made the decision to go southwest to Norfolk and meet the storms and go further south if we could make it.   We didn’t make it very far past Norfolk when we broke through the line and Pong’ed back and forth between cells.   Intense rain and brief periods of hail made driving not so fun.   I can’t wait to get the new tires on Thursday.   We did get some very pretty shots and saw some beautiful CG on the way back home.

Total miles: 534
Mileage: approx. 33.375
Cost: avg. $2.759/gal

Wildlife observed: One turkey, 3 rooster pheasants, one female pheasant, one squirrel, and many dead racoons