29 August 2013

Another Rainy Morning

Yawn. That's both a response to the rainy day and to the fact that it's another rainy day.

Seems it's been raining for most of the month, which isn't unusual. We've had only a handful of sunny days since August 1st, and that's okay. The only difference is that at the beginning, it was daylight already during the 0600 drive, and now it's all-but-dark at that hour.

Whatever. In another couple of months, that precip will be white & fluffy, so we're okay with rain for now.  :)

* * * * *

The news is filled with local wrangling over this special interest or that special interest. Everyone's got a sacred cow in the fights, it seems.

One of the issues is a perceived need for "traffic relief" on the Glen Parks Highway through Wasilla. Ever since the highway was improved/widened/repaved a few years ago - and several new traffic lights installed - the congestion has gotten bad.

But here's the rub: it's only bad in the summer, as tourists travel between Anchorage and Fairbanks. So for four months, there's heavy traffic. In the winter, not so much.

So do they build a bypass? Route traffic through existing roads around the town? Or leave things be?
There's clamoring on both sides: one says Something Must Be Done, and the other insists that We Must Do Nothing.

The more things change, the more they stay the same. Quelle surprise, eh?

4 comments:

Well Seasoned Fool said...

Know of a town in Colorado where the local merchants and restaurant owners want congestion and unsynchronized traffic lights. Theory is travelers need more time to look around and be tempted to stop.

Probably more than one. In Colorado, beware of any town that has "Springs" in the name.

Yes, I probably exaggerate.

Rev. Paul said...

I hear you, WSF, and understand the merchants' point of view ... such as it is. I've never had a problem with a "business route" that takes one through that part of a town, if that's what you want. It's the inability to avoid the congestion that's a problem, otherwise. But my, how I go on. :)

PioneerPreppy said...

Been too hot to venture outside here. Back up to the high 90's and haven't had any rain in a few weeks.

Hope this is the last of the very few hot dry spells we have had this year.

Rev. Paul said...

That certainly sounds too warm to me. I hope you get whatever relief you need.