Solo drive back to the hotel. I followed Jaan's directions to the freeway
- down Oakland to the on-ramp, stay right and 880 S will take off from
there. I was still getting used to the clutch but it goes fine. On the
freeway at about 5:45 p.m. - Friday - rush hour, construction - but life
is fine. Cruising along I notice the red light in the fuel gauge blinking
at me. I don't want my first experience to be running out of fuel on the
freeway so I take the first exit. As I stop and look around I notice that
I've gotten off in an area that less than desirable. No gas stations are
in sight but walking my way is a gang of Latinos. I quickly decide that
getting back on the freeway is my number one priority so I get back on
the first onramp I see, Northbound. I go a little ways and get off in an
industrial area and find a way back on the southbound. I checked the gauge
and it is just slosh that's making it blink. I decide it'll make it. I
take the Hegenberger exit and edge through some slow traffic until I get
to the first gas station and fill up. I'm getting lots of looks which seems
like something I'll need to get used to. After the fuel stop it's to the
hotel for the family. It's so nice to be off the freeway!
Diary
56,624 10/3/97 
