Go far it and don't look back. Enjoy! life is short. Things could possibly get worse before they get better.

I'm going to meet friends at the Lake this weekend and we are going boating. I'll pay for my share of the gas.

Gayle

Do not feel guilty!!! If you can afford it, go for it. That will be a wonderful vacation, imagine all the things you will see. Have fun!

Why should you feel guilty - you are the ones having to pay for the high fuel costs. Probably cheaper than 2 people flying somewhere and at least you will have more fun getting there by driving.

Enjoy your trip.

Anne

Enjoy your trip, and stimulate local economies by stopping to buy trinkets and food along the way.

:0)
Dee

Don't feel guilty, Rita.......just look up in the sky and remind yourself how much fuel those jets are burning. Are the airline CEOs feeling guilty? Ha!

If you want to, though, I'll let you feel guilty that your nice red trip line doesn't come anywhere near my house.

Hey, cool truck! (I won't ask about the fuel efficiency.) :-)

You should not feel guilty, and actually, you're helping me with the same decision. We wanted to go to the Smokies last fall for our 25th anniversary but couldn't, so I've made reservations for this October but have been waffling for the same reasons you listed. But I'm thinking unless something REALLY drastic happens, I'm going dadgumit!!!

So thank you!

PS: The blog is a GREAT idea! You're too . . . um . . . experienced to be a virgin, anyway.

Enjoy your trip, Rita! As Anne said, it'll be fun driving all the way. I liked your blog :)

Pranjal

PS: You ARE a goofus for feeling guilty!!! :D

Y'all are making me feel better - honest, you are!! We'll buy trinkets (may have to ship them home for space reasons). I'd especially like to support one of the artists in the Adirondacks if I see something I like. *grin*

Brenda, it's a tough call, isn't it? The hardest part was just making the decision, though. I'm not waffling any more, but I have felt guilty--almost like I need to explain our actions. (How dumb is that?)

Oh, and we get 18 mpg on the highway, Susan. :-) Even our "average" driving, which is a mix of town/highway, we get 15+ mpg. Could be worse, I guess! LOL!

We can afford the trip, but it's not like we just have spare money laying around to travel across the country staying in 5-star hotels getting spa treatments. We'll use our tax rebate and tax refund and some other money we had in savings. I guess my biggest fear is that later on we might wish we hadn't done it. I can't worry about that, though, huh?

Y'all do make me feel better! Thank you!

Signed,

GOOFUS

Don't worry about feeling that way... isn't the saying something like " noone ever looked back on their life and said I wished I had worked more"
ENJOY!!!

Sorry but even with higher prices and having to try to cut expenses, it would be a pretty dull world if we just sat in our darkened living rooms, without much heat in winter or AC in summer....eating the cheapest hot dogs and drinking water. I think I should use intelligence and good sense all the time in spending the money I have. I am basically a frugal person. And by doing that, then I can maybe afford some luxuries too. Have fun on your trip. Enjoy it as much as possible. If you go and regret the money all the time you're gone, THEN it's my belief you wasted money.

Shirley

Have a WONDERFUL trip!!

Don't give guilt another thought Rita. You said it all when you said that you two work hard all year. That's certainly reason enough to get away and enjoy life. No question you two deserve any happiness and relaxation you can gather. Just pack up that truck and don't look back. I hope McC and I can get away for a few days before long. We just can't worry about the cost of fuel or we'll go bonkers.

My gosh, 'Writer! I'm one of the people who started a post on changes brought on by high prices, etc. I say, "Go Now! Before it gets where you CAN'T go!" LOL

Enjoy yourself, girlfriend!

You ARE worth it!
Go, enjoy, have a blast!

You are worth every dime...go for it and don't look back!! There is nothing more beautiful than the United States...enjoy every moment!

Guess I forgot to mention that we'll be staying at the homes of all you supportive KTers and eating your groceries. Now who thinks we should still go... LOL!

Seriously, I do appreciate the shove out the door. Like ya ya said, we may never get another chance! And I like what Shirley said about sitting home in the dark. We do that the rest of the year. LOL! And having regrets would be pretty foolish, huh?

As they used to say on CBs, "Hammer down!" Well, maybe just a light touch on the accelerator. :-)

Well Rita, you asked for it so here goes--YOU'RE A GOOFUS! Sounds like a beautiful trip and you'll have lots of fun, but you gotta shed that guilt first!!

We're going to my niece's wedding in July and driving about 1200 miles each way. It never occurred to me to feel like we shouldn't.

Have a great trip and we'll be waiting for you blogs.

Go for it and enjoy every minute!

I got some great air fares to Washington DC back in January. We plan on renting a van (and that's pricey enough) to see Virginia and North Carolina. I can hardly wait! We will plan our trip to get the most of our driving miles but I don't plan on letting it get me down. It probably cost us more to go to Disney World a couple years ago and we didn't drive anywhere! So, maybe we won't be eating more than a couple seafood dinners to cut some corners. That's ok.
After reading some of your blog, I'm excited for you too.

Yeah, what everyone else said.
Only one condition..... I want to see a bunch of pictures.

Ron

You should be proud that you are spending your stimulus check to help the economy! Enjoy yourselves and don't feel guilty at all.

It looks like one of the red lines is going through my house! We are 60 miles west of Washington, D.C.--just east of the I-66/I-81 intersection in northwestern Virginia. You are certainly welcome to stay with us--free food and comfortable accommodations. You can e-mail me through "My page". (The guest suite is booked June 12-13, but free any other dates.)

I think you are confusing two issues. Conservation for money savings because the gas prices are so high, and conservation for reducing one's "carbon footprint".

The conservation posts I have seen on this board have been how are you saving gas (because it is so expensive) or saving money (because costs in general are going up).

No need to feel guilty about the trip if you can afford the fuel.

Now. As to the carbon footprint, I have to say I nearly fainted when you posted your mpg ROFLMAO! If I remember correctly what I have read, your driving trip should still leave a smaller footprint than flying as far as emissions go. And if you stimulate the economy by eating and purchasing items and using the hospitality industry along the way (those hotels LOL), then I think it is a good trip. You get to spend some quality time with a loved one rekindling your friendship.

Sounds good to be all around.

Enjoy your trip and drive safe!

OK- Stop feeling guilty. If you can afford it then go. I think it's a great trip. It's you and your DH paying for it so what's it to me?LOL

In 2004, we went to South Carolina to see our son graduate from Military basic training. We couldn't really afford it, I had to take a week off work with no pay and DH had broken his leg 3 weeks before that.... But, we had saved some money up and used some tax refund money too so we went for it.

***We had the BEST time!!!!***
We even drove about 100 more miles and went to Myrtle Beach because DD and DH had never seen the ocean.
We all still talk about that trip and how much fun we had!

So GO already and get those memories started!

Don't feel guilty-enjoy your trip-you deserve it! You have amnesty from gas conservation for the next two weeks!

Go for it Rita. You've earned it. I wouldn't give up your vacation, until some of the 'powers that be' give up a little wasteful spending. And I wouldn't feel guilty.
Leslie

Vacations in general are well earned. I can't think of any better way to spend a vacation then seeing another part of the USA. Go and don't feel one bit quilty. Like others have said the only reason to feel quilty would be if you really can't afford it.

I need to look up your map, I missed it.

BTW, if you are still feeling the least bit bad about this, you could fill the backend with maybe 6 to 12 of us KTers to help you feel like you are sharing the wealth! LOL

Don't feel the least bit guilty.
We don't fly. We take alot of road trips, short and long.
In a van yet. No guilt here whatsoever...just a gasp when we fill the tank. Sure not going to sit at home.

I'm just grinning from ear to ear. :-)

{{gwi:1697276}}

Don't cha feel just a little guilty about NOT staying home and watching the grass grow???? Just kidding, go for it and enjoy ~ I know we do, and yes we 'justify' the trip but it doesn't stop us from going. LOL

Rita - You should be ashamed of yourself! How could you think about driving nearly halfway across the country without stopping and visiting each and every one of us. Heck I'll even give you all the gas in the gas can that I use on the lawn mower.

That red line is running right over my house too. Let me know what time you're heading up I95 by Philadelphia and I'll park on one of the over passes and wave to you as you breeze by. You could hop over the Betsy Ross Bridge from Philadelphia into New Jersey and take a refreshing dip in our pool. We're about 10 miles from the bridge.

Do you have a wireless access card to use with your laptop or are you planning on stopping at Starbucks to log on?

Seriously - I hope you and your husband have a fantastic trip. We'll all be reading your blog to check on your progress. If you need anything while you're in my area (from Philly to Trenton) just give a holler.

Have a nice trip! We want pictures!

From the looks of your map you'll be driving right through the town I live in, in Maine. Make sure that in Mass you get on 95 North from 128N/95N, not 93N. You don't want to miss the North Shore of Mass or the NH Seacoast. Maine's a beautiful place, you'll love it!

Have a great time and when you're on 60 going east from Springfield you'll pass thru Mt. View, about 15 mi. south of me, I'll be thinking of you. Have a wunnerful time.

Have a great time! See things and do things that are wonderfully fun! Eat new things! You never know when you might get the chance to go again!!
My husband always says..........GO, Do, ENJOY!

Sounds like a great idea, not just a great escape. Leave that guilt behind and escape from any thought of it.

Looks like a good route, but when you get to W VA, just hang a right some where and drop on down into VA. It would be a shame to be so close and miss the Skyline Drive, Shenandoah National Park and all the various history sites. And ME!

Sue

Why feel guilty? We are still going on our vacation this August high gas prices or not. We all work hard during the rest of the year. Don't think twice about it. Have a fantastic time.
Looks like you may be passing through my town (York) on your way back in Maine. If you do, stop and see Nubble Lighthouse and have some of the best tasting ice cream at Brown's. So many flavors to choose from. Yumm! Drive safe and take lots of pictures! NancyLouise

Don't you dare feel guilty. If I could afford it I would be going somewhere too. Have the best time ever!!!

I'm sorry but I just went back and looked at your map. You all are coming right smack through my neck of the woods in Kentucky. If you get a chance, go to Mammoth Cave National Park. They have a lot of different cave tours to choose from and it is worth it. You can get a nice meal in the Snowball Dining Room which is actually down inside the cave. Have a blast

To me, that you were feeling a bit guilty says you've been concerned about other expenses. Since you can afford it and don't give yourself a vacation 3 times a year, you're certainly not being wasteful. Go for it and have a great time.

I'm far more concerned when people have to run to the store every night because they don't know what to have for dinner, have to wash the car twice a week (ever hear of rain?) and don't appreciate what they have.

Be proud that you can afford it and are doing something you want to do and still being frugal about it. Yes, frugal people can spend money, they just spend it wisely. I think this is a wise trip. Have fun!

I need another word on this one!

You know, I've had more than one friend and family member who always waited until the time was right. Unfortunately, they never made it to the right time....my dearest friend was dying and we all knew it. I was supposed to go to Florida with my DH and asked her what I should do: "Don't wait" she almost shouted to me. "Promise me you will never wait to do the things you want to do".

Enjoy yourself, and please don't put it off.
Dee

I think you should go!

I agree w/ deemarie5500, don't wait!

And don't apologize for driving--the places you're going through ARE the trip! What a great way to see your own country.

(but, to assuage your guilt, maybe, and maybe save some $--since pickups get pretty bad mileage--could you investigate whether you'd save enough on gas to justify renting a smaller car for the trip? Since it's 2 weeks and thousands of miles, and gas is SO? A "compact" (bigger than "economy") car from Enterprise Rent-a-Car in Oklahoma City would be $345.00, though maybe more if you have to pay extra to be able to leave the state in it--150 free miles, plus 20 more per mile over that)

1,808 one way from Norman, Oklahoma, to Portland, Maine (I know, not the real towns; I just grabbed ones from the map that seemed nearby, for an estimate)

times 2 (round trip): 3.616

at 17 mpg (somewhere between your two numbers): 213 gallons of gas

times $3.89 per gallon: $828.57

If you got a car that got 25 mpg: 145 gallons of gas

times $3.89 per gallon: $564

Difference in gas: $264.

So, never mind.

(except, if you thought it would be more comfortable to ride in a car instead of the pickup. Or, if you could swap cars w/ a family member for the trip)

I'm with everyone else. GO FOR IT and don't feel guilty! You might always regret NOT going. I just love road trips! My husband and I are taking the Amtrak to the Grand Canyon in July (we live in Illinois). I too have been feeling guilty thinking maybe we shouldn't be spending the money, but life is short and we both enjoy going places together and one never knows what the future holds.

I'm in much the same boat.

As you know, I'm a frugal character, but that's not the issue with me - it's "wasting" Precious Petroleum. Plus adding to pollutants. And global warming.

As I've said, part of my reason for fixing my 19-year-old car last year instead of scrapping it, at higher cost than I'd paid for it, was the amount of energy used, plus additions to global warming and pollution that are required to build a new car, and the proportion of another old car that I'd be using instead of fixing mine, that I believed would have quite a number of miles left in it.

My Dad, a farmer, had trouble breathing in this part of the country over 60 years ago, so pulled up roots and moved to the west, where he had about exactly 40 good years of life, healthy. And liked his new life.

I plan a trip through MI, WI, MN, ND to Sask for a family reunion (mother's side) at my brother's in early July. I'd hoped at one time to travel to British Columbia in June, visitng old colleagues and friends, but that's not going to happen.

I'd thought once to maybe drive daughter back to AZ from the reunion (she booked her flight Phoenix - Minneapolis - Regina/return last week): would take too long away from work to drive. (Gosh, it's nice to be retired ... and enjoying continuing good health's a bonus).

I'm to attend a reunion of former Korea missionaries in NC at the end of July, then visit niece's family in NW GA.

It was at that gathering 3 years ago that, after a discussion of U.S. foreign policy, I approached one of the presenters, saying that it has seemed to me increasingly since 9-11, that had the U.S. treated Israel and the Palestinians much more even-handedly during the last 55 years plus ...

...that those planes would have never hit those towers.

Looking at me searchingly, he asked whether our talk was off the record.

When I asssured him that it was, he replied, "I agree with yu ... 100%", with some emphasis.

To add to my dilemma ... my daughter has invited me to her "new" home in AZ to celebrate my 80th birthday next Jan.

By plane? - hard on fuel, but I'll probably do that, for I don't have others to visit while in that area. To drive? - (my little car, standard tranny, that costs down hills and to yellow lights, though some say it's illegal)?

I plan to do it ... but with some compunctions.

We're stealing our grandkids' heritage (of which I have none).

I could go to brother's on the bus ... but want to run around visiting friends.

I may ride with others to NC - but then have trouble getting to my niece's.

I could ride the bus to AZ next Jan ... and may well do that ... but daughter (different generation) takes for granted that it's to be by plane.

Actually, I bussed to Edmonton (over 2,000 mi.) when that niece was married in '85 ... then rode with Dad back to Ont, when he came on his annual pilgrimage to visit friends and relatives.

Actually ... I don't have much of a dilemma, for I'm going to make those trips, if I continue in good health.

But I'll feel some guilty while doing it: one of the dilemmas of life. God trusted this precious world into our hands, to use its resources carefully , wisely and for the benefit of all: does S/He love some more than others? Not according to the Bible that I read. Not only that - my version of common sense says the same thing.

Good wishes to all of you for a lovely spring weekend.

ole joyful

P.S. Sure am thankful that I got my driver's licence retreaded!

o j

Enjoy your trip! I wasn't going to go anywhere this summer because I'm trying to get out of debt but decided to go anyway on two very short trips. I plan on making it up by working overtime when I go back to work.

I can't wait to see your pictures and hear about your trip. I've always wanted to drive up north and see all those northeastern states.

Now that you've put to rest the GO or NO GO thing, lets discuss some practicalities that may make your trip more enjoyable. Do take a camera,a backup camera, and if one is a digital, take several sets of recharable batteries with a recharger that will operate off the cigar lighter and regular outlets. The places you are going are full of photo-ops. You can keep your cell phone charged up, too.

If you are going during the first part of October, beware of 'leaf lookers' weekends. Motel rooms within 25 miles of the Blue Ridge Mountains are booked solid by 3 pm on leaf looker weekends. When the maples turn, it is gorgeous all the way from NC to Maine.

Vermont and New Hampshire are noted for sugar maples colors. In my opinion, New Hampshire has as much if not more color than Vermont. Both Vermont and New Hampshire outshine Maine for Fall colors. Maine has its own brand of charms.

Go prepared for rainy days. When I toured Vermont and New Hampshire in October, it rained about every third day. Weather systems blowing up the coast sweeps over New England bringing cold rains and fog.

Both Vermont and New Hampshire have many covered bridges and small towns with church steeples. These are picturesque in fall.

When in Maine, don't expect to drive along the Atlantic coast line. The coast-line there is riddled with many small inlets that reach back for a few miles. As a result, roads that make continous progress in the E-W direction are about 10 miles from shore, beyond the reach of tides in the inlets. of course, you can drive to the shore, but to get anywhere, you have to drive back to a main rosd and will find that you about 10 miles away from the shore.

Vermont has a matorium against advertising signs along roads and in many towns. In fact, we found that this absence of signage carried over to the populance to a degree that there was lack of informative road signs. Street and road names are often buried in grasses and no one cares if you can see them or not. Small villages my have severe restrictions against signs on main street. You may find business signs are small and posted on the building. In one case, I found one sign at the head of the block lisitng all the names of the establishements on that block and there were no more signs.

Out in rural areas, all the locals know where the roads go, so why spend money on signs. It pays to have a good road map showing the local county roads and you will be navigating by distance and counting intersections. A working trip meter on your vehicle is useful.

Rita, my husband says you only get two things out of life...the things you do and the food you eat. Go for it and have fun...never look back!

I'm glad someone bumped this! I no longer feel guilty, but I'm getting anxious about leaving.
Even though they'll be well cared for, I'm gonna miss my furbabies!
:-)