I started off with the intention of driving at the speed limits or a little above. But I soon found out I would get run over by everyone else. I wanted to come up with a great mile per gallon average so I would drive conservatively.

The one factor I didn’t think about was the mountains I had to go over. If you have ever driven up 77 to Virginia, you know there are some big hills to climb. The Prius climbed the hills with ease. I was driving with one eye on the mpg gauge and one on the road (Don’t ask how I can do this). On the long climbs I was showing 30 mpg and on the flats the gauge was at 60-70 miles per gallon. This was pretty good. I was very satisfied with these numbers.

As I drove and the hours wore on I noticed my speed was picking up. At first I would correct it to about 5 miles per hour over the speed limit. I had to remind myself I was driving green.

I stopped for gas and bought water and a bottle of soda. Oh Oh, a bottle of water and a bottle of Dr. Pepper. A plastic bottle no less. I felt terrible but I was thirsty. I had to hydrate. I told myself I can make it right by reusing the water bottle over and over and to recycle the Dr. P bottle. I felt better but was upset I didn’t plan better. I could have brought gallon of water and used cups to drink from. Ok, Lesson learned. Oh by the way, I really didn’t need the Dr. Pepper but it was good to have.

I calculated the miles per gallon after I filled the tank. The Prius got 51 miles per gallon. I was very pleased with this.

I started on my second leg of the trip with renewed green feelings.

I noticed my speed was getting higher as I drove. I think it was because I had been driving over six hours by now and I wanted to get there. I was going 10 mph over the speed limit and felt I was making good time. I also decided to see what kind of mileage I would get if I drove real world style. This was strictly for scientific research.
The result for the second leg was 45 miles per gal. So, it made a big difference but I am happy with this figure.

Let’s see how I do as I visit my family.

So far on Monday we have eaten out every meal. My plan was to shop at the local Wild Oats store and cook food for the meals. Little did I know my family had all these other plans for the meals.

I was getting a little disappointed about not being able to cook my special meals. So I will make do with helping my family become green. I have to realize that everyone is not as involved with all with all this green stuff as I am but I did have a nice talk with my mother about what tempera-ture to set the thermostat.

Without ceiling fans to help move the air, we will have to set the temperature a little higher or lower than I would like so she is comfortable. We also talked about the money she would save if she replaces her incadescent bulbs. She agreed to change to fluorescent bulbs so we are mak-ing a change with the lighting.

My niece is in charge of the recycling in my sister’s house. She also bought two bins for work and is recycling all the paper at her work place. It’s good to see people taking matters into their own hands to get a recycling program going. My niece and I have a lot in common as far as wanting to make a difference in the world and help others to get involved.

Well, since I will be on the road tomorrow and I have to have this done tomorrow, I will finish my story of the trip next week.

Until then, stay green and remember to Reduce, Reuse and Recycle.