Craig,
You're right, the apocolypse is upon us and we're all doomed, so why not have a nice car for the end of times?
So we're running out of oil, what a horror, we may just have to fianlly make more efficient vehicles and use alternative fuels more. Rapid transit will probably see a gradual upswing, as well as a curbing of urban sprawl. Americans will inevitably be forced to adopt a more European attitude towards personal space limitations. People will adapt, though it will take some pressure on big business and government to actually force needed changes into policy. You're 1970's Sci-Fi outlook on the future seems a little more tuned towards the Deathlands concept than what will probably come to pass.
People will travel, it just may not be across the nation as often, at least by car. We're just kind of used to the United States, and tend to ignore the fact that it is a gigantic country. The concept of people driving from Vermont to visit New Mexico has a bit of a flaw in it already, higher gas prices will merely make that more apparent.
For me, my current vehicle is a 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo with a 4.7L Daimler V8. It does not impede other motorists by poking along at 50-55, and will handily cruise between 70 and 80 while getting over 22 miles to the gallon. It meets full emissions standards, doesn't leak a drop of oil, and is a pleasure to drive. With 9 inches of ground clearance I've taken it through rivers, up logging grades, and regularly negotiate seven mountain passes in full winter.............four wheel drive also doesn't effect its fuel economy much.
In the tourism game, you need to adapt, evolve, and sometimes realize that a business or service is no longer necessary or profitable. Next time you're in the desert states, take a good look at the abandoned motels and service stations that dot the highways. They've been made superfluous by more efficient and reliable vehicles. Sorta like the stagecoach barns 150 years ago..........
I get sick of everyone complaining about rising fuel prices like it's a new concept. We've had oil crisis before, but it just wasn't inconvienient enough for people to care. Prices went back down so everyone went back to business as usual. This has been coming for a long time, so now we just have to deal with it.
Thanks, Taylor
BTW, Find any interesting railroad remains in Arizona or Nevada?
