Gasoline prices won’t stop Labor Day travelers

Grousing about high gas prices is one thing, but let them get in the way of a good vacation?

Never.

Despite gasoline prices climbing to levels averaging 20 cents more a gallon than this time last year, Americans are expected to hit the roads in record numbers for Labor Day weekend vacations.

About 34.1 million Americans will travel more than 50 miles from home this weekend, and most of them will drive, according to AAA.

That’s up about 2.2 percent over last year.

Nationwide, gas prices are averaging about $1.87 a gallon for self-service unleaded. In the Inland Northwest, prices are hovering around $2 a gallon, up from about $1.80 last Labor Day weekend.

“The cost of fuel is an issue,” wrote Spokane resident Jim Mansfield in response to an e-mail inquiry. Even so, he plans to head to a state park above the Grand Ronde River canyon with his fifth-wheel trailer for the weekend.

“Vacation times and holidays are very important to people. It appears that they are willing to make adjustments to other parts of their budgets to take those trips,” said Janet Ray, spokeswoman for AAA Washington.

Putting the gasoline price increases into perspective, Ray pointed out that the cost differential could be made up by packing a picnic lunch rather than eating out.

Those who are sticking around Spokane and Coeur d’Alene cite reasons other than gas prices for their decisions. Who wants to miss Pig Out in the Park or the Spokane Symphony’s free concert Monday at Comstock Park?

“We are usually so busy the rest of the summer, Labor Day is an opportunity for us to ‘kick back’ here at home and enjoy Spokane,” wrote Chuck Young.

And if your schedule is your own, why vacation at the same time as all of us working schlubs?

“Being retired, I see no reason to needlessly contribute to freeway traffic during the holiday,” wrote Coeur d’Alene resident Richard Halvorson in response to an e-mail question about his Labor Day plans.

Rhea Kline said in a telephone interview that she and her husband Bob have been on several trips this summer, even driving down to Reno, but are sticking close to home in Spokane for Labor Day.

As for the price of gas, “We don’t let it bother us,” Kline said.

But for those heading out of town, if you can get out today, do.

Traffic will likely jump considerably Friday.

By way of comparison, about 34,000 vehicles made their way last year over Snoqualmie Pass on the Thursday before Labor Day, according to statistics provided by the Washington state Department of Transportation. By Friday, that number jumped to more than 54,000.

Saturday and Sunday traffic counts were the lowest.

The good news for Spokane and North Idaho residents planning a trip to the Puget Sound area is that there are far fewer of you than there are Puget Sounders looking for some camping sunshine over here. Come Monday you can breeze on by them as they stack up waiting to cross the pass to get home.

No matter what you plan on doing (even if it’s working), enjoy the weather. Forecasts call for the current crud to leave us by Friday. High temperatures in Coeur d’Alene and Spokane this weekend should reach the high 70s. Mid-70s are forecasted for the Puget Sound area.

All in all, a nice end to a toasty summer.