One Tank Or Bust: Mission Accomplished
10:49am Thursday, September 4, 2008

Days Left in Summer Challenge: 0
Days Completed: 82
Miles Driven: 284


I am writing this from the international terminal in JFK Airport in New York City, which means my challenge is officially over! Heading abroad is an adventure that I will take on full force, but I will continue to have fond memories of my summer and my challenge. Airports are an interesting public transportation display: all the shuttles and trains and buses that are constantly heading in and out. New York definitely runs differently as a city than Portland does and their airports are reflective of this. As I leave behind one challenge and start another, I will keep the lessons I have learned and hopefully apply them to life in Italia!

So it is fair to say -- definitively -- mission accomplished! I haven't busted, which means that for 82 long days of summer, I conserved and saved by using only one tank of gas while in Clark County. My last full day in Vancouver (Wednesday) was one of the many days of my challenge where I was able to not drive at all, something that came easier as the challenge went along. Once walking, busing and biking became part of my routine, everything started to run smoothly and I really began to enjoy my challenge.
Along the way, I learned a lot about different environmentally friendly companies, read numerous articles on gas prices and proposed solutions to oil independence. Between carbon calculators and presidential candidates' platforms, I would have to say as a result of writing this blog I have become a more informed and concerned citizen.

So now I'm on my way to study abroad for a semester in Italy, I am curious to see what the future holds for responsible driving in America. As gas prices edge down and the presidential election approaches, I am cautiously optimistic about the future of renewable energy, fuel efficient cars, and higher use of public transportation, and I hope that 4 months out of the country will help me gain a new perspective on the whole situation. The bottom line for me is that I care about the environment and the status of these issues, and I am proud to say that this summer has helped me make adjustments to my lifestyle, both in regards to driving and other environmental issues. If just a few people are encouraged to spend some time walking or biking somewhere instead of driving, we can all make a huge difference.

Arrivederci!

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Final Drive
12:01am Wednesday, September 3, 2008

Days Left in Summer Challenge: 1
Days Completed: 81
Miles Driven: 284

This afternoon, I took what is probably to be my final drive. I met my parents, who were both at work, for lunch at Mcmenamin's. It was a fairly lengthy drive, about 20 miles round trip, but it was something of a celebration drive, the fact that I was able to drive 20 miles without worrying at the end of my challenge.

I was expecting the gas light to come on at any moment during my drive. The needle on my gas meter has been pointing toward empty for quite a while, but I decided that I wouldn't worry too much about it until I saw the light. No matter how many times my eyes flitted down to see if the light had appeared, it stayed dark. As I parked in the garage for the last time, I realized that the light probably wasn't going to come on, and the fact that the summer is over is starting to become a reality.

As I went to get in my car at the restaurant, I noticed that my car was extremely dirty. There was dirt splattered all the way up the doors of the car and all over the hood as well. I figured a good way to celebrate successfully finishing my challenge would be to get my car washed. I was looking for a concrete way to end the whole situation, and pulling into my driveway with a shiny gleaming car was definitely a solution. Even though my goal heavily involved not driving, my car was an integral part of my summer and I appreciated every day that I was lucky enough to have access to it.

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