I commute via train for $60 net after my employer reimburses me $100 of my monthly ticket.
Even so, I generally spend $60 once a month just for getting to and from the train station (8 miles round trip). My wheels get terrible mileage in the city and it would probably be worth it to get some putt putt for that round trip.
If you'd have asked this question two years ago, the answer would have been, and was even at $2/gallon "yes"... money was tight. Tight as in putting $3 in the tank to get to payday. But now, well no. Spending $40 - $75 in gas for a night or two of observing a month seems reasonable given the amount I have invested in equipment. Plus of course $7 for starbucks, $10 at subway (or $15 at The Corner Bakery) for dinner and a late night snack... etc...
I am surprised at a few of the reactions written here. I expected there'd be a lot more tree huggers chiding us. (Please reply off list if that offended you as none was meant.)
However energy prices are yet another good reason to enjoy solar astronomy. No travel needed (at least not down here).
---------------------------------------
Jeffrey D. Gortatowsky
Fullerton, California
"Madam, there is no such thing as a tough child -- if you parboil them first for seven hours, they always come out tender. " - W.C. Fields
"What wretched scoundrel stole the cork from my lunch?" - W.C. Fields
----- Original Message ----
From: Mark Wagner <mark.wagner@No-Spam>
To: The Astronomy Connection <sf-bay-tac@No-Spam>
Sent: Tuesday, March 4, 2008 3:14:08 PM
Subject: Re: [TAC] Are Auto Gas Prices Changing Your Astronomy Hobby?
Peter Natscher wrote:
> With gas prices now hitting $4, and forecast to be higher for this summer, what effect does this have on your travel to observing sites?
I will not go out unless I know it is going to be good. This means
missing some skies that turn out okay, but the thought of blowing $50 in
gas several times a month seems nuts to me.
I'll save my "for sure" money for summer, the big star parties, and
other trips with a high probability for success....
And, I work at home... I have no idea how commuters are handling this
(meaning, the gas greed).
Mark
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--
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Received on Wed Mar 05 15:46:41 2008