A week off, final move from Denver

We're flying off tomorrow for Denver. We still have a van's worth of left over (keeper) stuff to move, friends to see at a farewell party, and some lingering business (MD, DDS, dinners, etc). We're staying with Zeke (Bob Fleming) in Golden for a few days then Judy and Steve Cooley (Hobie friends) for the weekend. We need to buy a egress style window well (5 ft deep, 4 ft wide), cover and ladder for the basement, which is not common out here. The prices and availability are better in Denver, so we'll throw it in with the other stuff. May buy a portable table saw from Tool King (good prices and selection, just north of the USGS on 6th Ave) in Lakewood. I'll have to rip window and door trim before long, so why not buy it now and do our part to get the economy kickstarted.

The moving van business has evolved over the years. Nowdays, you rent the van (10-26 ft) for a one-way trip based strickly on miles and they give you a week-10 days depending on distance. U-Haul and Budget are common, but we prefer Penske. Their trucks are newer plus he's got a great racing team. The fuel costs are about as much as the move. For example, for this one we have a 16 ft van (two axle) that rents for about $900, and gas (8 mpg) will be about $650 (1500 miles = 185 gals at $3.50). With the 26 ft diesel we used for the main move, we spent about $900 on diesel (6.7 mpg commonly at $4.50+ two months ago) and $1200 for the truck. Because of the expert packing ability of Ren Thompson and Tony Crone (both USGS), not a single item was broken. The few scratches that occurred were the result of 1500 miles of bouncing around. There's nothing like 3 long days behind the wheel of a large truck to remind you what hemorrhoids are all about.

Update (10/23) We're back from our little trip to Colorado, which went well. Perfect weather, did some USGS business, and had a great time at the farewell party. Gas costs were a pleasant surprise, if you can say that. Gas was $2.62 at Rawlins, WY and high at Brigham City, UT ($3.25), but averaged about $3.00/ gal. Plus the truck got 10 mpg, so the return trip was about $450 for gas. The truck ran well, but Penske is in trouble with us for sending the truck out with two low tires (fronts, 20# each, one with a moderate leak), and a flat rear tire (duals). The flat was replaced quickly in Denver, but there office there was negligent in sending truck onto the road. More later as I vent with Penske Corporate.