Exciting trip to Montana

Wow, it's a good thing you didn't hit the moose because that would have likely done extensive damage to both the car and those inside!

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(artie @ Aug 22 2006, 03:31 PM) [snapback]307835[/snapback]</div>

The traction battery would have begun its recovery even if you'd left the AC on and kept driving 80+mph. The car definitely knows how to take care of itself provided you make sure there's gas in the tank for it to properly do so, of course.

What's the speed limit on the interstates in Montana these days? Last I passed thru there (from Lethbridge, Alberta on the 15 fwy en route to Orange County, CA) it was 80mph.

 

Moose are a constant threat in AK. I've come very close to hitting one on a couple of occasions. Trouble is, the hood of the car typically knocks the legs out from under them, and the main mass of the moose lands on the windshield and invades the passenger compartment, often killing the occupants.

 

Moose can be very dangerous road hazards. They can weigh over 1000 pounds and are tall enough to easily roll over your hood. They like to roam around in the twilight and are dark (even their eyes don't reflect). On top of that, they are completely unafraid.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(deh2k @ Aug 31 2006, 09:53 AM) [snapback]312122[/snapback]</div>

That's incorrect. Moose, like most nocturnal animals, have a tapetum behind their retina. (It's actually called a "tapetum lucidum" but frequently that is shortened to tapetum in conversation or writing.) The tapetum reflects any light that is opposite the moose back into the retina, making it easier for the moose to see at night.

Most nocturnal animals have a tapetum, and that's why their eyes are often the easist part of their body to spot when viewing them at night.

Moose eyes do reflect.

From an evolutionary perspective, moose eyes are pretty cool. Their pupals are oval, which enables them to have a better horizontal view, but a reducted vertical field of view. Their eyes are located more on the sides of their head than most animals, which also increases their horizontal view, but reduces their 3D view.

Their eyes can also move independently of on another, and can also rotate in any direction. As such, they have the ability to use one eye to view what is in front of them, and the other eye to view what is behind them.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(PaPrius @ Aug 31 2006, 04:17 PM) [snapback]312357[/snapback]</div>

That's really cool--thanks for the fascinating information about moose eyes. I suppose the ones I've seen haven't reflected because they didn't look in my direction, the way deer usually do?

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(artie @ Aug 22 2006, 05:31 PM) [snapback]307835[/snapback]</div>

Yes, sir. I get the same mileage. Foot in the floor and high 30's cruise at speed limit 50 to 53 MPG. This car has perform well at take off and at passing. Thanks for your story.

 

[attachmentid=4981]<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(artie @ Aug 30 2006, 08:36 PM) [snapback]311875[/snapback]</div>

Artie,
You tell of traveling thru MT ... but heck! It's the 4th largest state in the nation! That's almost like saying I traveled thru the U.S.A. What part were you traveling through besides Bozeman?!? We live in south orange county, we have a home in Kalispell ... which is smack dab between the 31 mile long Flathead lake and Glacier national park.
You should have driven thru MT back when there was NO speed limit (except during Nixon's 55mph thingie... to thumb their noses at the Fed's ~ MT state police would give you speeding tickets that only cost $5.00). The 'unlimited' speed rule ended only about a half dozen years ago, or so. But back then ... driving between towns that are 100+ miles apart, that was when we REALLY used to fly. Personally, I never thought MT speeding fines were much out of step with other states (IMHO).
Heck their speed laws aint nothin. We just got our open container law enacted about a year ago. Can you imagine that? Driving past the police station, and saluting the watch comander with your open Coors Lite as you past by? I think last October was when open container ended. Yes, we ARE progressive. All we got to do now is get rid of the stinking smokers in the bars & casinos. I'll say, "welcome to the 21st century" !!
It's a 20hr marathon drive straight thru, comming back. We just got back about a week ago. There's a ton to see, from the aurora borealis, to skined out bear meat hanging in your neighbor's garage. Eeak! Looks way to much like a human to dwell on. Anywho ~ Glad you enjoyed your time.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(artie @ Aug 22 2006, 03:31 PM) [snapback]307835[/snapback]</div>

Just curious . . . “83 MPH and passing everyone†. . .
Is that the way you want your impressionable son to be driving in a couple of years? Or did you lay down the law with a, “Do as I say, not as I do!â€