My morning started with me waking at 4 and then waking late again at 6:45. I meant to be out by 6:30-7, but I managed to get out at 7:30. I got a message about constructions and found myself rerouted through Portland to avoid 217, but I drove that way anyway, and it was fine. The Nav reset, and soon, I was on my way.
The Air VW the Gray Nav included finding and routing to charging stations. Mostly, Electrify America stops, which I have credit for as a new VW driver. These are fast-charge stations, but not as fast as Tesla stations, which I still cannot use (there are after-market devices to breach this, but they are not approved by Tesla or VW). I wait about 45 minutes each time and charge 100%, not the 80% often recommended. The cost is zero, but the amount is about $32 a charge, which, when I translate it into 22 miles to the gallon, is about $3.20 a gallon. This is stiff pricing; remember, the state gas tax is NOT included. This is all going to the corporation that made the charging station, but new infrastructure is never cheap, and there are few government programs to defer this cost. Also, the type of energy production is not visible. I could fill the EV with power for coal-fired plants! The charger is green energy at the house and at a much lower price. It is also a level 2 charger and takes twice as long to charge. Best to use overnight when power use is low in the Pacific Northwest and time is available. Travel pricing is what I am facing, just like buying gas on the turnpikes in the old days. Always the highest price paid on a trip.
Deborah detected that I was sad today. Depression and grief sneak up on me. There is a strange letdown when I finally start something I have planned. I was also more tired than I realized. I got some coffee and food and was better. Just something I will have to watch for.
Weather is my challenge, and the snow and the rain is harsh. My wipers run at full and still have trouble clearing. Passing cars or, when I pass, throw water, blinding you for a moment. The EV slips on some water, but even at high speeds, it handles well. Unlike the Volvo, I must be careful as the steering is tight. My attention is entirely on driving once the passes approach and temperatures fall. I get down to 38F but with clear roads. I have socks as traction devices, but I do not need them. I never feel at risk, but it is an exhausting drive for four hours in the mountains.
Two charging stops, one in Medford, Oregon, put good breaks in my trip. I have some food at each stop. I also take a rest stop at Seven Feathers. The rest stop road is covered with sand and rocks as the mountain streams overflow and cover the streets. Back to driving and get to the other side of the storm!
The storm became less on the other side of the 4,000-foot pass that leads to California. Four inches of snow fell near the road, the roads were clear and wet, and the winds closed Ashland ski lifts, I read later. I nearly run the EV off the road trying to take a picture of the sign to California! Oops!
The rest of the trip is easy, and I arrive in Weed, California, and find my corporate Comfort Inn. I miss the fact that there is a fast charging station there! The desk clerk, Preston, suggests dinner at American-Asian BBQ. I am shocked as the rain and clouds clear, and a perfect image of Black Butte is at the hotel!
It is a hole-in-the-wall place, and I spend $35 for two perfect beef ribs. The best I have ever had. But I would seldom pay that, but it is open, and I am there. I eat it there on a plastic chair and chat with the cook.
Yes, we are in California!
I return to the hotel. I was talking to Deborah on the charging stops and at the hotel. I rest and sleep until 11. A surprise. I take my meds, close my eyes, and do not wake until 4ish. Roll over and start at 6 with my alarm.
Thanks for reading.
I wrote this while charging at the hotel. It was icy, so I decided to let things melt a bit and then travel, which allowed me to get charged.
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