I posted about the high gas prices earlier this year. Aunty M posted a response that basically said to stop whining about high gas prices. I spent $4.50 a gallon on two summer steelhead trips to Oregon, about $90/tank each way. Now I'm spending half that about $45/tank. I've been able to split the cost for my trips out to Forks this fall. I'm going with a buddy one day next week and maybe around T-Day. Taking the bus to and from work saves me a tank every two weeks and 300 miles.

I agree with you Irie that the rise in gas prices was the straw that broke the camel's back. I also believe that the earlier rises in real estate contributed to inflation and broke the bubble. I think the government underestimates inflation. Go to the store and see how much food and beverages have increased. Grocery prices seem to still be high and probably will only go down if fuel prices do not creep back up.