The toll takers between Maine and Pittsburg were a merry bunch this past weekend. Maybe there’s was one of the few public sector unions to retain collective bargaining rights. Whatever the reason, every single one took the time to smile and ask about Dirigo. Even at the congested Verrezano Narrows Bridge she didn’t seen to mind letting all the cars pile up behind while I gave the short version of Dirigo’s story. That story continues to be one of making people smile in wonder at this little wooden trike. Driving at night in the rain in western PA, what I thought was lightning turned out to be flash bulbs from cameras in passing cars. What they could see in those conditions one can only imagine. We arrived at the Seven Springs ski area near Pittsburg, venue for the Mother Earth News annual fair after an easy fourteen hours. Aside from the rain from Hartford to Harrisburg it was as pleasant a long drive as I’ve had in a while. Not too much traffic and only an occasional jam, and surprisinly slow flow of traffic speeds: generally about 70mph. The show was packed with interesting people who love to build stuff. All our cars were a big hit and well attended both days. More than one person came back numerous times to pick up the thread of earlier conversations and dig deeper into both the political and technical ramifications of the high mileage cars. I’m beginning to notice a shift in attitudes away from the fear based reactions toward small cars to a deeper yearning for alternatives to what’s on offer from auto makers. I continue to wonder at the barriers to importing efficient models from US manufacturers sold only in foreign markets. Dirigo’s next event is later this month at a local Vocational/Technical School. There will be a group of high school kids from a variety of trades, trades all well represented in the construction of Dirigo.