In a quandary. Gasoline shortage.

[trof]

We were planning a road trip from coastal Alabama to visit our daughter and family near Boston.
("Were" being the operative word at this point.)

Part of the reason for the trip is to keep our 3 year old grandson while mom and dad go to an out of town wedding for a couple of days.

We'd planned to leave Monday, but now Rita and an almost certain gasoline shortage has me worried.

Worst case scenario: We get to somewhere in northern Virginia Monday night and can't get gas. Stranded.

Next worse case: We make it to Boston, but can't get gas for the return trip. Not forever, but maybe for a very long time.

We could fly (although that's a real budget buster, too late to get 'cheap' tickets), but if there's no gas available, how about jet fuel? And if people can't drive, will the airlines be flooded with passengers?

I'm thinking this is just not a good time to leave home, but I hate to let our daughter and son-in-law down, plus we'd like to see them.

Suggestions?
Thanks.

[phantom power]

1. My guess is you'll be able to get gas.

It might cost ya $4/gallon, but you'll be able to buy it.

[trof]

6. A day before Katrina, and 3 or 4 days after, gas was in short supply here.

One day there was no gas to be had anywhere in town.
Grocery stores were running out of items because trucks couldn't make deliveries. Schools closed because they couldn't run the busses.

Even if the refineries on the Texas coast aren't damaged (unlikely, I think), it will be days before they're operating again.

And then there's the matter of getting the gas out by ??? pipeline? truck? rail? barge? tanker?
How difficult will that be?
I think this could be a very long term problem.

[pitohui]

21. that wasn't my experience see my previous post EOM

.

[GreenPartyVoter]

2. I think you should go *hugs*

[KC21304]

3. This isn't much of an answer to your question but

I would think by Monday we will know how devastating Rita has been to the refineries and so you may get some idea of what to expect. You would have to put off your decision.

[KC21304]

4. This isn't much of an answer to your question but

I would think by Monday we will know how devastating Rita has been to the refineries and so you may get some idea of what to expect. You would have to put off your decision.

[trof]

7. Yeah, that's what I'm thinking.

Wait and see what the situation is.
The wedding isn't until week-end after next.

[2Design]

5. Pay for a babysitter or a close friend of theirs to take care of child

It will cost you less than trip

Plan a cheap fly in weeks from now to get to enjoy child and give couple time away in fall or during nov so they can go shopping or whatever

[trof]

8. Oh they're much better able to afford a babysitter, it's finding one.

It's an old high school friend who's getting married.
All their friends who might normally babysit are in or going to the wedding.

[Lars39]

10. Could the bride and groom be persuaded to staff a church nursery

for the wedding?

[trof]

13. That was the original plan, but we thought we'd visit

and give them a real week-end off.
They're in Boston and the wedding is in Philadelphia.

[Lars39]

16. Well, fwiw,there weren't lines or shortages in Nashville area

after Katrina. And so far gas here is at 2.659 for lowest grade.

[Eurobabe]

9. I think you'll be fine, come north

there's plenty of gas. Try not to worry, with all you've been through in AL. Peace!

[lse7581011]

11. Go!

My belief is that gas will be available albeit at record prices!

[Carni]

19. If Texas needs gas you can bet your ass northern *blue* states...

Won't have it after Rita hits--

I will predict that if Rita is as horrendous as predicted that we will not ONLY be paying 5 bucks per gallon...we're going to get shafted in blue states with so called "shortages" JMO

[bottomofthehill]

12. Canada

Most of the Gas in the Northeast comes from Canada. You should not have a problem starting out with a full tank. I dont think you will have a problem, you may need to pay a little more for gas but I would go for it. Spend the time with your grandson. It will be well worth the visit.

[trof]

14. Didn't know that. Thanks.

Now if I can just get a tanker truck to follow me home.
;-)

[bottomofthehill]

18. Airlines

Am I confusing you with another DU'r or did you fly for TWA, if so do you qualify for the AA pass program?

[Zynx]

15. I think we'll have gas, but at high prices.

[imaginary girl]

17. Extra container?

Might want to fill a gasoline container with some fuel, to help get you past any closed stations on the way up or back ...

[pitohui]

20. don't assume you can get gas, my experience

i hate to be the negative person here but in the first 7 days after katrina there was almost no gas to be had in the jackson mississippi all the way to meridian mississippi area

sometimes you had to go all the way to tuscaloosa and since you will be driving thru alabama let me emphasize this == not every gas station had gas, many ran out completely

& some of the gas in alabama was bad, contaminated w. water or rust.

if you must go, bring some 5 gallon gas cans & drive carefully, there is no guarantee you will be able to refuel at any price

i will be blunt, i think you should stay home & they should find another babysitter closer to hand or stay home themselves

there will be other times to see your grandchild when it isn't going to result in yr car in the shop getting the fuel filter changed & the whole fuel system overhauled & the gas gougers out in force