Staying or going?

By Published by The Editorial Board

Published: August 27, 2008

It’s never too late. The rains that drenched Rockingham County, eastern North Carolina and southern Virginia this week, though belated, were welcome, despite the inconvenience caused by some flash flooding.
We’re cognizant of the fact that the rains we received Tuesday and Wednesday – several inches in some areas – were the result of a deadly tropical storm. And we’re also watching another storm brewing in the Caribbean – Gustav – that, forecasters say, has the potential to be a Category 3 hurricane. New Orleans could be a target, and our prayers are with that great but beleaguered American city.
Between 4 and 5 inches of rain fell in Reidsville throughout the day Wednesday, according to National Weather Service forecasters. A spokeswoman for the Upper Piedmont Research Station in Rockingham County said 3.5 inches had fallen between 8 a.m. Tuesday and 8 a.m. Wednesday
This leads us to the question of travel, and whether Americans – especially those in the East – are planning to leave home for the Labor Day weekend. Fuel prices have fallen lately, with a gallon of gas in Rockingham County costing about $3.50 per gallon.
That’s good news, but we’re still paying about 80 cents more when compared to the same time last year. We could fly, but the airports are busy because of fewer flights because of, well, the cost of fuel, which also has affected ticket prices. There’s also that drive to the airport, whether it be to Greensboro, Raleigh or Charlotte.
Forecasters say the skies will begin clearing, and the weekend forecast calls for warm temperatures and a slight chance of rain throughout North Carolina. But, unless you’re prepared to spend time shopping or visiting an aquarium, that weekend trip could be an expensive proposition. And we’re all trying to save – anyway and anywhere possible.
“Though gas prices are down, it’s still higher than what it’s been in the past, even just a year ago,” Carol Gifford, a spokeswoman for AAA, told us. “So it’s a good sign the price is going down, but it may still be more than people are prepared to spend.”
For those leaving work or school early Friday to take in the waning days of summer, have fun and stay safe. For those deciding to spend the weekend on your deck or front porch, well, that’s not so bad, either.