Rainy, rainy, rainy. An unexpected turn of events: I noticed a Nissan Leaf plugged in for a recharge, unaware that the EOU campus had such facilities for electric cars, and when the owner came along, conversation ensued and culminated with driving (yes, me at the wheel) around several blocks in the neighborhood. Recharged, the owner took off for his home in Pendleton — and he tells me that if he drives moderately, he can make a Pendleton-La Grande round trip in one go. Both the conversation and the driving experience turned out to be quite pleasant and informative.