Inflation of the 70s was much worse than whats going on now.
Had fun anyway...and will find ways now.
I seem to remember 14% inflation, and a similar percentage of unemployment. I remember the wage and price freeze, the independent trucker's strike, and being the only gas station in town with gas--and resisting the urge to raise the price.
put your sandwich board down 'the end is not so nigh'
for the time being that is. the recent increase at the pump appears to be a gentle nudge - change your ways oh dinasour drinking humans.
here goes exercising the first amendment whilst abiding by the rules of this forum.
politicians, our elected leaders controlling things stateside are aware of the complicities of dealing with global markets. they too have ideas they stand by and act upon as leaders. these ideas supposedly represent 'we the peoples' ideas. isnt that how they get there in the first place (hey diebold)
[tangental thought] whats going on in Zimbabwe, 100,000% inflation!!!!!!!!
two things to draw your attention; one, the oil reserves in iraq. baghdad anyone? - Iraq Energy Expo 2008
I read this article, and it sounded like they were blaming their bankrupcy on one of their suppliers. Companies go bankrupt even in good times.
Then I got to the last paragraph. I think this says it all:
"There are currently no plans for additional operations and the company shutdown is just one of a growing number of RV manufacturers that have closed their doors. As housing values have dropped, many potential buyers have lost the equity in their homes they had in the past used to purchase big-ticket items."
You know, some of these companies only stayed alive because there were so many uneducated people buying RVs that even a maker of a miserably-built rig could stay in business. Reduce the number of buyers somewhat -- not even dramatically -- and these guys call it quits.
Personally, I don't have any experience with Alpha, but had a few guests that owned them. And they weren't that terribly enthused.
I wonder if RV sales will pick up from folks giving up their big homes and RV it fulltime?
I thought the same thing. Not for everyone, clearly, but it could work (and is working) well for some. It'll be interesting to see. More accurately, we might see people leaving their big homes (if they can unload them) for little homes, and the people with little homes moving into their RVs.
Reminds me of an article I read years ago in a home restoration magazine--I'm a huge old house fan, anything after 1960 is too modern for me. It was saying how in decades past, architecturally speaking, the big, lavish homes were capable of then being easily turned into rooming houses, apartments, etc. in hard times. Not that they were planned that way, but the style of the day lent itself to that, which made them much more economically viable to own, even during lean years.
The big houses now (I think the distinction was anything over 2500 sqft, might have been 3000) would be harder pressed to easily convert into multi-family living, for all that they have more bathrooms than their predecessors. This makes them harder to buy and sell, as they must be almost exclusively sold as single-family homes in a market where fewer people can afford that much.
Yet more reason to fulltime in your Airstream--sell now and get out of that McMansion while you can!
I have been reading the various posts under this thread with great interest. Fuel costs are definitely "up" in our perception, but it is interesting to see the price of fuel adjusted for inflation. Check out the cost of fuel over time, in inflation adjusted dollars, via the following link:
I think the market economy will make adjustments over time. Cost of travel, via air, rail, or road will eventually meet demand, as will the cost of hotels, RV resorts/parks, et cetera. The added plus may be that the facilities are less crowded, and more intimate.
I recently visited Australia, Queensland to be specific, where petrol costs can be $USD 5.00+ per gallon, and there was no shortage of Caravaners in the parks or on the road. What I did note was the design of the trailers, which were definitely more aerodynamic than your average SOB, and therefore more fuel efficient. An Airstream owner, as the result of a decades old design, is actually riding the crest of new things to come in the industry. And best yet, has an American Icon, and a classic behind them.
Savor the wisdom of Wally, Travel with pride!
There is alot to explore, even locally. Hit the road!
__________________
'00 Safari 27' Rear Twin
'03 Ford F-250 7.3TD/CC/LB 4x2 Bio-Diesel
"Hmmm... Smells like French Fries!"
Prodigy/Enkay/Hensley/Solar
AIR 4598 / WBCCI FCU 8579
As the cost of basic necessities rise, like the stock market during good times, I weigh my priorities and interests with my budget. Whiile our economy goes through the pains and process of stabilizing, I choose to take shorter trips more frequently this year. In the past, I've ignored my on backyard and all things considered, this year seems like an ideal time to explore that backcountry. Life is full of hills and valleys, but riding out the storm has carried me though. Looking back, the fond memories far exceed the unplesant times. May this seasons travels be memorable and rewarding to all,
__________________
Larry & Sandy
08 Classic 30
05 GMC K2500 Duramax Four Courners Unit
WBCCI # 2460 AIR # 17259
Hi, the rising fuel costs are just a wake up call for your life style. I don't like it either, but some of us eat too much, causing us to weigh too much, and have the need to park three feet from the front door of the mall. We need to walk more. [I park farther from the entrances so I can walk some more and it's usually safer for your car, like in door dings.] I eat better foods now and lost about 20 lbs. We take bike rides almost daily. [better for you and cheaper than a gym membership] Less body weight means better fuel economy. We buy more at Wal-Mart and Costco to save money and try not to buy things [food items] that will be thrown away. We won't help you get Bio-fuel either because we don't frequent the greasy food places for that 15 lb bag of french fries. I like my coffee at home; That $7.50 a day Star-bucks, or whatever daily fancy treat your addicted to will buy plenty of fuel to tow your Airstream. When you buy something, Do I want it? or, Do I need it? Just this thought will save you lots of money. We need to rethink our priorities and maybe the gas prices will help us in the long run.
These are my opinions and not meant to hurt anyones feelings. But fuel costs, for me, will be compensated elsewhere in my life style.
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