This is me last night, in the middle of Montana, thanking my lucky stars. I almost ran out of fuel in the middle of nowhere, at midnight, in the middle of a storm, with no cell phone service. My Prius has a range of about 450-500 miles depending on the octane rating of gas Im using, how fast I am driving, etc. To make things even more confusing, the tank isnt metal, its a flexible bladder type tank that holds between 10 and 12 gallons and it changes. I try to fill the tank up when I get down to my last 100-130 or so miles just to ensure I dont run out.
Well, apparently there is a road in Montana (and Im guessing a few other places) where there isnt a gas station for a good 140+ miles in between, which is what I think for the civilized world is crazy. After not seeing a station after 70 miles I was getting worried and I pulled up into the station with about 490 on the tank and 45 miles to the next city. My GPS wasnt recognizing what appeared to be a closed station either. Initially when I saw it, I noticed that all the lights were turned off. There were a few other cars stopping, looking at it, and then driving off, so I assumed it was closed. I was bummed, but I had to try the pump anyway because I was pretty much desperate. And it turns out it was on and working! 🙂 Ran my card like I normally did, filled up and off I went.
I think there is a little lesson there: I almost talked myself out of not trying because there was this initial appearance of failure and hopelessness, but in reality, a closer inspection proved that I was fine. The problem was in my head! Not on the road, tank or car. Had I panicked without checking it out and tried to drive to the next city, I doubt I would have made it.
Hi michael,
I’m just curious, When you go from town to town teaching photography. Do you go in with a prepared lesson each time or teach what each class wants to be taught? Thanks michael. Have a safe trip and remember to re-fuel 🙂
Hey Dean- Great question. As a teacher, I always try to teach according to the group. If I was teaching Grad Students it would be one way, if it was teenagers or children it would be 2 other ways. I have enough information to teach 3 full days, so at the beginning I make a quick assessment of the group and try to tailor it to them. I always try to hit all the most important topics, but we will spend more or less time on certain topics depending on their interests and needs.
FYI to all who read this-Most people don’t know that you can still pump at a closed gas station as long as you do it by credit/debit card. A good indicator that the gas is on (may not always be the case) is if the lights on the pump itself are on but you are absolutely right to have tried it out regardless.
Lots of great stuff coming. Need to drive down to Salt Lake City today. It will take a good 8-9 hours. Im excited for everything I need to post!
I love that in this situation you still manage to think of the photo op. Got to love it!
aloha michael, i just got you sppedlite dvd and it is so awesome, after returning from a ‘disastrous’ sunset shot (with a friend) yesterday fumbling with my speedlite and wanting to give up photography for good : ) i am so glad the dvd was in the mail today!
i have your canon 40d and the photoshop dvds and they are awesome too! thank you so much for putting all this hard work into making them available!
if ever you come back to maui let me know …the large pepperoni pizza will be on me!
happy travels
with aloha, clarissa
Wow, thanks so much Clarissa! Ill take you up on that the next time Im on Maui, hopefully later this year. 🙂