When people pull up to the gas pump these days they usually want to put on a blindfold.
Gas prices are enough to induce fainting spells.
Soon everyone may be taking out short term loans when the gas gauge starts trying to get too familiar with the mischievous "E".
As soon as the gas tank is filled that playful little "E" starts giving the gas gauge indicator pin those come hither looks.
Oh well, such are the times.
The price of gas sure does cramp traditional vacation plans.
Or do they? No, there is a solution.
All that needs to be done is to get creative close to home and discover the hidden local wonders.
Don't be intimidated by that pesky gas gauge.
There is still hope for fun family times.
There are plenty of things to do that are close, cheap, and easy.
Even though the family road trip may be rapidly becoming a thing of the past there are still many options for the creative family.
There is entertainment gold in every American's back yard.
Take advantage of the attractions that exist in every town in America.
For instance, about 40 miles south of Houston is found one of the most interesting and inspiring locations in the country.
NASA is the nerve center of space exploration in the world.
Many Houston locals would be ashamed to say that even though they may live no more than fifty miles away they have never been to NASA.
Most never visit it until relatives come in from another state.
Visitors to southeast Texas almost always request a visit to NASA.
Most who take their relatives there are awed by the opportunity that has been there right under their nose.
What a shame.
There are so many treasures to be found right in the neighborhood.
Try an interesting experiment.
Look at the place you live from the standpoint of a tourist who just flew into town.
Forget that you live there.
Get a good guidebook to the region.
Go exploring new and interesting locations that are close so gas expenses are minimal.
You just can't miss.
Every region has attractions that remain virtually unknown to the local residents.
Take up a new sport such as geocaching that can be done with the whole family.
Geocaching has been around since the year 2000.
All you need is a gps unit, sneakers and information that can be found on the web.
The site can be found at geocaching.
com.
A geocache is a small box or container that is hidden in some significant location.
Often they are hidden in plain sight.
People are always amazed at what they don't see until they try out this wonderful sport.
Geocachers make a visit to the website where they simply register.
Then a geocache may be located by zip code, address, longitude/latitude, county or country as well as other criteria.
More than likely there are several within five miles of your home.
Pick out a close geocache.
Load the kids in the family truckster and go hunting for the cache.
The cache will be in a small container anywhere from the size of an ammo can down to a tiny pill box.
When these containers are found there will be a signature booklet or sheet.
Sign the booklet to show that you found the cache.
Often there are small items to trade.
Just remember to trade something for what you take, be sure to place the cache back just as it was found.
Always try to leave the location cleaner than you found it.
Most geocachers carry a trash bag with them so they leave the area cleaner than when they arrived.
There are caches close to any home in America.
Most of them are in interesting local locations you would never see if you didn't hunt the cache.
Geocaching will take you to places you never imagined were in your own backyard.
Natural wonders always exist close to home.
Near Houston there is a place on the map that might as well be labeled "here there be dragons".
Well, not exactly dragons.
Specifically twelve foot long wild alligators can be found at the Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge.
There are hundreds of them.
The place is crawling with alligators as well as a wealth of other wildlife.
At any refuge the whole family will be thrilled with the possibility of seeing wildlife of all sorts.
The country abounds in national parks, state parks, city parks and natural sites you may never have thought existed.
Many people spend their whole lives near a natural wonder they will never see.
People from places all over the world even as far away as Australia and Germany journey all the way here to observe birds and wildlife in our parks and wildlife refuge system.
Pack up a picnic lunch, appropriate wildlife and natural guide books then check out the fabulous natural resources you may never have imagined existed within half a day's drive.
Check out the local museums that are found in your town.
Natural Science museums, art museums, automobile museums, technology museums and so many others are available close to your home.
One of the most unique museums in the country can be found in Houston, Texas.
It is the Art Car Museum.
Have you ever seen a drivable armadillo or a speedy dragon made from a station wagon? They are all there housed in a steel building with turrets and decorative features that rival a medieval castle.
Another fascinating discovery to be found in Houston is the National Museum of Funeral History.
Their motto is "any day above ground is a good day".
While there you will discover that people have gone to their eternal rest in coffins shaped like giant chickens, rockets and even cars.
But, of course, you don't need to travel to Houston.
There are similar unusual and fascinating museums all over the country.
Check your local paper, especially the weekend editions, to find local concerts, lectures, tours and other events.
You may find a festival just a few miles out in the country away from your home.
Your family may find fresh home grown vegetables, crafts and demonstrations of country skills such as weaving and wood carving.
When the day draws to a close there may be a free concert or fireworks.
One thing is sure.
There will always be good food.
In every town you will find theatres, musical organizations and festivals that are close to home and easily accessible.
The opportunities are endless.
So don't let the gas prices keep you home.
Drive a few miles to an attraction in your own home town and laugh at the gas pump as you drive past.
So what if the Grand Canyon has to wait for a while.
There are Grand Canyons that exist right in your own corner of the world.
Just seek them out and you will find them.
Now get out in your town, go exploring close to home and laugh while you pass the gas pump.
Bon Voyage!