What's your current fuel prices?

Hi All:

Now it gets serious.

Thanks in part to this current $0.10/gal off fuel price discount from the Love's Truck Stop app, I took advantage. The Pilot station stop was supposed to offer $0.10/gal from their app but only offered $0.05/gal so I stopped planning to use one of their fuel stops with others at a lower price.

10-13-2024 - El Paso, TX - Love's - $2.599


10-14-2024 - Tyler, TX - Pilot - $2.509


10-15-2024 - Biloxi, MS - Love's - $2.479


10-15-2024 - Brunswick, GA - Love's - $2.419​

Wayne

 

Hi All:

For the return to Nashville, I stopped at the lowest price station between Brunswick and Nashville. That ended up being Adairsville, GA at $2.489 with the $0.10 off per gallon app discount. There was a Buc-ee's across the street at $2.499 but I was getting used to Love's so Love's it was and I saved a few cents.

10-15-2024 - Adairsville, GA - Love's - $2.489​

The Buc-ee's also had Ethanol Free Fuel. 87 Octane was $0.50 more per gallon than E10 at $2.99. They also had 93 Octane E0 at $3.199, just $0.10 over 93 Octane E10. 93 Octane, E0 fuel for $3.199/gal is a steal imho. If you need premium fuel that is.

Wayne

 

Hi All:

I made my way to Chicago but first, pick the lowest price fuel for the next 4 states. The Love's $0.10/gal off came in handy yet again.

10-19-2024 - White House, TN - Love's - $2.469​

Wayne

 

Hi All:

After the Nashville to Louisville run and Chicago to Libertyville, IL job, I had to drive from Chicago to Appleton, WI yesterday. Along the way with a $0.20/gal discount on the Fuel Rewards App in hand, I refueled in Milwaukee.

10-20-2024 - Milwaukee, WI - Shell - $2.559​

Wayne

​

 

Hi All:

And like all good road/work trips, there is always a return...

10-22-2024 - Davenport, IA - Love's - $2.599​

From here, I was called to head up to Minneapolis for two quick jobs before getting back on my path to CA.

On the way back down towards IA, I was on an asphalt county road that was detoured to gravel roads to repair culverts or something. And the gravel roads turned into this while I was trying to get back on asphalt and drive into IA.

​

10-23-2024 - Algona, IA - BP - $2.799​

Unfortunately I had to stop at this somewhat expensive BP for < 2-gal fill as the less expensive fuel along the IA/NE border was 150-miles ahead and I was just about to touch low fuel.

10-23-2024 - Sergeant, IA - Shell - $2.549​

I used my T-Mobile and Fuel Rewards discount of $0.20/ga to refuel on the IA/NE border above. Next stop, the Rockies!

10-24-2024 - Thornton, CO - Shell - $2.569​

​

Remember it was just over a week ago when I was driving on the lowest elevation US Interstate in the US, the I8 across CA and parts of AZ. A little over 100' below sea level near El Centro, CA. And of course what would a road trip be if we did not cross the highest US Interstate elevation in the US on the I70 over the Rockies.

​

A UT sunset was a nice stop. With a rest area stop shortly after UT at night in the middle of nowhere, the Milky Way Galaxy was in clear view above. My Smartphone cannot pick that up unfortunately.

10-25-2024 - Utah on the I70.​

With even more expensive fuel ahead, it was time to complete shorter distance fills and grab the least expensive fuel as I made my way west.

10-25-2024 - Filmore, UT - Love's - $3.099


10-25-2024 - Las Vegas, NV - Sam's Club - $3.279​

And finally back in California.

10-25-2024 - NV/CA border on the 15​

I have approximately half a tank left and will consume that in short order only to refuel at some of the highest prices in the US before heading back to TN next week.

Wayne

 

Hi All:

And back to the California grind. And it "aint" cheap.

North San Diego county is on average more expensive than OC, LA, Riverside, and West San Diego county. That said, this local non-brand was competitive at $4.099 if paid in cash.

10-28-2024 - Oceanside, CA - G&M - $4.099​

With the recent WTI oil price settling down in the $70.60/bbl range today, prices have come off their recent small jump. That said, this Costco dropped prices by a dime earlier today so why not.

10-31-2024 - Escondido, CA - Costco - $3.899​

I will be heading back to TN in just a few days and hopefully we will experience some of that low energy, winter fuel, price decrease through to the end of the year.

Wayne

 

Hi All:

Another three days, another trek across the country.

The most surprising result was in Phoenix where I found a Costco selling a gallon for just $2.699. Most fuel in the area was at $2.899 to $3.299. Oh well, I will take it! The $2.219 paid in Oklahoma City, OK was also a surprise and I only needed a gallon out of the Sam's Club Amarillo, TX to get there.

11-3-2024 - Phoenix, AZ- Costco - $2.699


11-3-2024 - Tucumcari, NM - Love's - $2.419


11-4-2024 - Amarillo, TX - Sam's Club - $2.349


11-4-2024 - Oklahoma City, OK - Love's - $2.219


11-4-2024 - Memphis, TN - Circle K - $2.449​

I passed a Sam's Club in Nashville, TN yesterday morning at $2.489. Later in the evening as the election was winding down, it had jumped to $2.729. I guess the election is over and some of our lower fuel costs across the country are gone for a good long time.

Wayne

 

Hi All:

I have been busy as all get out the past week...

Let's start. A quick trip up to Indianapolis, IN with a refuel at a new Buc-ee's in KY before driving up and back.

11-06-2024 - Smiths Grove, KY - Buc-ee's - $2.549​

On the way back, a refuel at a Shell just outside of Elizabethtown, KY using a T-Mobile Tuesdays/Fuel Rewards $0.20/gal discount.

11-07-2024 - Cecelia, KY - Shell - $2.329​

Wayne

 

Hi All:

Next job, a trip down to central MS.

11-08-2024 - West Point, AL - Love's - $2.469​

The following day, right back down to West Point, AL so why not refuel at the same location using the $0.10/gal Love's App discount? The next day, fuel cost $0.05/gal less which never hurts.

11-09-2024 - West Point, AL - Love's - $2.419​

Wayne

 

Hi All:

On the 9th of Nov., Marian wanted to go to Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, TN and visit both Dollywood and the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. Dollywood was like going to a Walmart for people watching but with rides and a lot of food kiosks that were actively being overwhelmed. Anyone stating the economy is $**t is full of it. All parking lots were jammed to capacity.

Dollywood is a theme park located in Pigeon Forge, TN and Co-owned by legendary country music star Dolly Parton. Dollywood features a variety of attractions, including thrilling roller coasters, family-friendly rides, and live shows. The park is also known for its seasonal events and festivals, such as the Smoky Mountain Christmas, which transforms Dollywood into a winter wonderland with millions of twinkling lights, holiday performances, and festive decorations. It was not that great but whatever.

In addition to its rides and entertainment, Dollywood pays homage to the rich Appalachian heritage with numerous craft demonstrations, traditional Southern cuisine, and historic exhibits. Visitors can explore the recreated 19th-century Appalachian village, where artisans showcase their skills in blacksmithing, glassblowing, and woodworking. The park also offers a glimpse into Dolly Parton's life and career through attractions like the Chasing Rainbows Museum, which houses memorabilia and personal mementos from Dolly's journey to stardom. With its unique blend of entertainment, culture, and natural beauty, Dollywood provides an unforgettable experience that celebrates the spirit and traditions of the Smoky Mountains.

Dollywood Express actual steam train ride around the park.​

The following morning, a quick run to the peak within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Clingman's Dome.

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is another natural wonder located on the border between North Carolina and Tennessee. It is renowned for its cultural history and breathtaking vistas. Spanning over 500,000 acres, the park is home to more than 1,500 species of flowering plants, 200 types of birds, and a rich array of mammals like black bears and white-tailed deer. The Smokies, as they are affectionately known, also boast over 800 miles of hiking trails, offering visitors a chance to explore its lush forests, cascading waterfalls, and historic homesteads.

The park's history and Appalachian culture can be experienced through its preserved historic buildings and the stories of the people who lived there. From the Cherokee Indians to the early European settlers, the Smokies hold a treasure trove of tales waiting to be discovered. Visitors can explore the remains of old farmsteads, mills, and churches that dot the landscape, providing a glimpse into the lives of those who once called this rugged terrain home.

One of the most captivating features of the park is its namesake—the smoky haze that often shrouds its peaks. This natural phenomenon is caused by the vegetation exhaling volatile organic compounds, creating a blue mist that gives the mountains their distinctive appearance. The park's scenic drives, such as Clingmans Dome Road, offer panoramic views of this ethereal landscape, making it a popular destination for photographers and nature enthusiasts. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park provides an unforgettable experience and while not the Grand or Bryce Canyon, it is yet another US destination you should consider for your own bucket list.

6,643 feet ASL while standing on the 54 ft observation tower with 360-degree views, the Appalachian Trail crossing, and several trails. Actually, 50' visibility with 30 to 40 mph winds and temps in the mid 40s. Completely cloud covered.​

On the way back, a refuel at a Costco just east of Knoxville, TN.

11-10-2024 - Farragut, TN - Costco - $2.349​

Wayne

 

Hi All:

A quick run out to Memphis on the 11th and another refuel. This time at a Sam's Club. Not a bad price either.

11-11-2024 - Memphis, TN - Sam's Club - $2.389​

Wayne

 

Hi All:

Another multiple request run to Chattanooga and onto Asheville, NC. Home to the Hurricane Helene remnants. With the 40 closed near the TN/NC border, it was two lane US highways through the mountains between Chattanooga, TN and Asheville, NC. While the delivery was through the middle of the night, the big rig truck traffic on these 2-lane switchbacks was serious. I doubt a single driver wanted to be on those roads too. On the way back to Nashville, it was towards Knoxville, TN and again, 2-lane US highways with a lot of big truck traffic. Until the 40 is rebuilt - one-lane in each direction by Christmas and totally fixed by mid 2025, this is a mess. Since it was night, I did not see much damage in the Asheville area while passing through on the 40 heading east.

A refuel with two gallons at much higher prices than TN, KY, AL, and MS prices I am used too in order to get back to lower price fuel in the Knoxville area found this Ingles grocery store chain station in Asheville...

11-13-2024 - Asheville, NC - Ingles - $2.689​

While in Knoxville, a request out of Cookeville, TN back to Knoxville, TN took much of the morning to complete. While there, a refuel in Knoxville and the trek back to Nashville to finish out the day. I signed up on the Casey's App and received a $0.10/gal off purchase.

11-13-2024 - Knoxville, TN - Casey's - $2.279​

Wayne

 

Hi All:

Late Friday evening, I received a call that there was a broken passenger jet on the ground in Northern MI and they needed a specific part located in a warehouse in the Nashville area. The customer was not sold on either option 1. A tender to Nashville's (BNA) and flying it up to MI or IL for another courier, 2. A sooner flight out of Atlanta (ATL) to MI or IL, or 3. Me just driving it up covering 660-miles. On my way to the local maintenance warehouse, they changed from option 1, to 2, and finally to 3. Oh boy...

I refueled at a Love's in Shepherdsville, KY as it was the lowest price station along the 65 heading north. Sam's Cubs and Costco's on route were already closed so you refuel where you have to refuel.

11-16-2024 - Shepherdsville, KY - Love's - $2.439​

I added a few gallons in MI in order to make it back to the Loves in KY with much lower prices and another top off.

11-16-2024 - Muskegon, MI - Sam's Club - $2.739


11-16-2024 - Shepherdsville, KY - Love's - $2.439 <-- The pic sucked even after adjusting exposure levels, sorry.​

Later today, I am heading back to California on a little job with an almost immediate return with a special guest when I get there.

Wayne

 

Hi All:

And here is a very short trek for work in OK and CA ...

11-17-2024 - Memphis, TN - Sam's Club - $2.399​

The next one is actually incredible as it was a Love's in Southern Oklahoma City, OK that was offering a gallon of liquid gold for $2.219. Using the Love's App, $2.119. Let that sink in, $2.119. I was carrying (2) empty 5-gallon fuel containers to drop back off in CA and I thought what the hell, if I fill the two with 10.5 gallons of fuel, I can actually skip refueling in California and its $3.80 to $4.50/gallon refuel altogether.

11-18-2024 - Oklahoma City, OK - Love's - $2.119 <-- BOOM!


11-18-2024 - Amarillo, TX - Sam's Club - $2.219


11-19-2024 - Albuquerque, NM - Sam's Club - $2.439​

And here was also another surprise. This time in Phoenix, AZ. A Mohson appeared online - a local brand to my CA home. While the station was trash with pump screens out and having to pay inside, just $2.589/gallon when everyone else was in the $2.70 to well over $3/gallon range made the stop worth it.

11-19-2024 - Phoenix, AZ - Mohsen - $2.589​

When I arrived back in Carlsbad, CA, I had about 300-miles of work and refueled with the two containers. I added the last 3.5 gallons of the 10.5 gallons to the Sonata HEV.

Wayne