I Am an Adventurer - Trying Out a Hybrid Car

We have scheduled all of this year's travel for the fall months and though the suitcase is still warm from our trip to Europe, we are packing to leave tomorrow morning for a road trip to Northern California.  As we mature, we have gained a greater appreciation for vintage items and our cars, both 1993 models, fall into that category and are not reliable enough for a long jaunt.  So seeing this as a great opportunity to try out some new technology, we have rented a hybrid, a Toyota Prius, for the trip.

Jay with rental Prius

Jay is a scholar, scientist, economist and has spent the last few years immersed in the study of the energy crisis; peak oil, sustainability, carbon-footprint are words that float around our house.  Here was a chance to put our money where his mouth is and see how we might like to drive a more energy-efficient automobile.  After a trip to the local Toyota dealer to test drive a model and find out how to turn on the windshield wipers, we picked up our rental car from Enterprise and have a day to become comfortable with it before we set out.

Remember the days when you simply took the key, slid it into the keyhole, turned gently to the right, placed your foot on the accelerator and then eased forward?  Well, no more.  We spent much of the day becoming acquainted with the Prius...first watching a carefully-crafted manufacturer's DVD, then sitting in the front seat, manual open in the lap, hunting for the bells and whistles.

Prius Dashboard

We are eager to experience this new car.  At the same time we are reminded of how quickly technology is developing and how easily it is to be left behind in the dust.  There is a sense of trepidation and disorientation as we take these first steps.  Is the car really on?  I don't hear anything! What was that double beep?  Why is that icon flashing? Is if off now?  We felt these same feelings when we bought our HD television, our little Netbook, our Kindles.  Yet each time we master a new skill or figure out a new piece of equipment we feel a bit smarter, a bit energized and yes, a bit "younger!"

I am reminded of something Eleanor Roosevelt said..."Life was meant to be lived, and curiosity must be kept alive. One must never, for whatever reason, turn his (her) back on life."
Now about those smart phones...