One more thing about the Portland trip. Gas prices. We are being gouged here in Bend, my friends.

Here’s the deal. On Wednesday evening, (9/7), I went to a Chevron near my house to fuel up my car for the trip to Portland. I paid $3.12/gallon for 87-octane Regular Unleaded. This was not the cheapest nor the most expensive brand-name* gasoline in town. The same day at another Chevron on the north end of town, I saw 87-octane for $3.19/gallon.

Anyway, we start our trip on Thursday. Gas prices had not changed significantly. The first place I noticed a price discrepancy was near Timberline Lodge. That remote little Chevron south of the pass (and this camera) had 87-octane for $3.02. This is usually an expensive gas stop, due to its location. I made a comment about it, and continued on into the city.

Once we were in Portland, I was shocked to see gas in the $2.75-$2.85/gallon range. When we left on Saturday morning, I filled up at $2.74/gal. Bend’s price when we returned was still upwards of $3.10.

So what’s up with that? We don’t get gasoline from the Gulf Coast. Our supply didn’t change. Why is there so much fucking greed here in Bend?

*I can tear your engine apart and tell if you’ve been burning shitty gas.