Not all travel is by aeroplane. No sometimes we need to drive. If you do mostly local production, you are always driving. If you are like me, your gigs are anywhere and everywhere, although we do have a lot of shoots in Boston, NY and Philadelphia.
A big concern at the moment of course is the high price of fuel. I can't take a long car trip without adequate fuel in my tank, and one must make this a priority, or you might not get to your destination. I am of course talking about coffee and the very best gas station sandwiches money can buy.
A decent (or at least luke warm) cup of coffee, an iPod full of the latest podcasts and the occasional highway rest stop make for a tolerable journey. Given adequate fuel for the body, of course fuel for the vehicle is essential, and regardless of the price at the pump, you have to transport yourself to the job.
I have to laugh when politicians and the media announce "gas has hit $4 a gallon." Obviously these folks have not visited Connecticut.
I was behind another car from out of state and noticed a kid lean out the window to take a picture of this gas station's prices. They thought it was a novelty, I took a picture because I needed one for this article!
Given the increased price of everything, I am amazed that tolls on the Mass Pike have been the same since I started driving. Another disparity exists in hospital parking lots. I realize that everyone needs to pay their lease and property taxes, but prices range from free to $40 per 8 hours. At least most hospitals take credit cards, but a few demand cash, and have an ATM located elsewhere in the hospital for your convenience.
All of this is the cost of doing business, although I'm not sure the egg salad sandwiches were part of my budget!
As the sun sets ahead of me, I approach Hartford and the lovely traffic jams ahead of me. Another journey at its end, and another pile of tapes to digitize.
Thanks for reading.
Mike
