Over the River and Through the Woods For the Fourth — Dave’s Diary

 Are you heading out of town for the Fourth of July weekend?  Maybe looking to beat the predicted 104-degree heat? With a three-day weekend to play, you won’t be alone.   AAA estimates that 41.9 million people will travel 50 miles or more from home -- an increase of 0.7 percent from last year, and the most since 2007.

Maybe you’ll call it one last outing before the gas prices begin to rise to pay for 16 years worth of state road projects. If so, this trip will be a pleasant surprise because gas costs an average of $2.78 per gallon, which is 88 cents lower than the same time last year.

So what’s the reason so many people are hitting the road?  Has Grandma’s rhubarb pie improved that much?

One possible explanation: CBS News suggests the better economy and lower fuel costs are thought to be leaving families with more disposable income. (CBS News)