Nancy wrote --

>  JM> Most of the gas jockeys I spoke to were uniformly rude and gave
the impression I was interrupting something important they were doing,
even if it was just leaning against a gas pump.
> 
> That's sad...

  Yep.
  Usually if I take an unexpected side trip I can use a map to find my
way back.  The most common cause of these side trips is being in a busy
city and little opportunity to pull off the road.  Stuck in a line of
fast moving traffic, etc.
  In 1973 I was moving back to WV from CO and visiting folks along the
way.   I was going from Cedar Rapids, Iowa to Farmington Hills, MI
(outside Detroit) and was in the wrong lane to make an exit near Chicago.
 Pulling a small U-Haul didn't help.
  I kept trying to get in the exit lane with traffic whizzing by on both
sides with horns honking, getting the you're number one wave, people
yelling.  
  I was eventually allowed over and glad to get off that road.
 
> I've traveled rather extensively in NYS, and somewhat in NYC... but
> perhaps I've been fortunate enough to not need to ask for directions or
> help.... 

  I seldom ask for directions, I just figure eventually I'll run across
whatever I'm looking for.  
  The only time is if I am pressed for time.  Or way far afield.

> ..Instead of being like the song about Charlie and the MTA... his fate
> still unknown... "he may ride forever on the streets of Boston, he's
the man who never returned"...  

  When I was in NYC around 1971, I never had a problem with the subway.
  Of course being in uniform (my ship made a stop on the way to RI)
people were a bit more understanding.
  There were all these warnings about how dangerous NYC was.  I never had
a problem.  No one so much as said boo to me.  I never felt unsafe.
  The USO provided smallish city maps with places of interest here and
there, which subway/bus to take, etc.

>  JM> For years when I saw a black '48 Ford sedan I was sure that was
the driver looking for me.  
> 
> I'm sure the statute of limitations has expired on that one

  I hope so!

> ... and probably so has the owner of that sedan...  

  That too!  
  Joe
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