The first observation is that in my entire life I have never seen so many car carriers with new cars on the interstate. The entire length of the country, the interstates are full of car carriers. I do not know what new car sales have been and will research the same when we get home, but if the interstates are any gage, the demand for new cars has gone up.
The second observation is that Alabama has really done a good job of cleaning their roadsides in the last thirty years. It is night and day difference as Alabama has really become what their license plate says.....beautiful.
The third observation is that Georgia has the dirtiest and trashy roadsides in America. I used to think PA had that honor but last time we drove through they had really improved. Also my state by state prius count had southern Florida full to the brim....really too many to count. Georgia we saw four in the entire state traveling 75. Last year we saw none. Between Chatanooga and Nashville we counted forty three and quit counting because KY also has a great many prius, as does Illinois. We saw more than ever in Alabama, but Georgia remains basically Priusless.
Fourth observation. I have never seen so many fuel efficient cars on the road. It is unbelievable in one year the difference of the newer fuel efficient cars which are on the road. Not as many pick up trucks. The lowest fuel price was $1.95.
fifth observation. Help wanted electric signs asking for mechanics, machinist, warehouse, restaurant, and truck drivers.....everywhere on the trip, but particularly in Nashville. While we had a late breakfast at Waffle House they had help wanted sign, and we got to listen to the manager interview and instruct the future employee to get his background check with an agency......America is humming like I have not seen in a decade.