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Getting there

PETER BOGULSKI, 51

By LORRIE LYKINS
Published February 9, 2005

The starting line: Oakhurst Shores neighborhood in Seminole.

The finish line: Anywhere on Gulf Boulevard. I specialize in beach condos, so I can be anywhere from St. Pete Beach to up near Palm Harbor on a given day.

The ride: A silver 2005 Lexus LX 470 with 2,000 miles on it.

Approximate gas mileage: I haven't a clue. When it's on empty, I fill it up (the fillups for the 25-gallon tank run about $50).

The route you take: Up and down Gulf Boulevard, repeat.

Do you ever vary your route?

Yes, depending on where business takes me that day, but I primarily stick to Gulf Boulevard.

Distance/length of commute?

It varies; the most I've driven cumulatively in one day is 100 miles.

What time do you normally get home after work?

I try to be home around dinnertime, but in the summer, I can still be showing properties at 9:30 at night.

Do you ever carpool?

It's just not possible with my line of work.

How long have you been commuting?

I've been on the beach for about three years now.

How do you occupy your drive time?

I hate to say it, but I'm on the cell phone a lot. Otherwise, I listen to CDs - anything from rock 'n' roll to country/western music.

What do you like about the commute?

Not much - I'd rather be out on my boat. There is one thing - I like it when the bridges go up and I'm stuck for a few minutes. It forces me to relax and focus on the beauty around me - I can really look around and appreciate the surroundings and be grateful.

What do you dislike?

How much room do you have? I don't like the dark tinting on car windows that is so dark you can't have eye contact with the driver - there is no driver-to-driver communication. I also don't appreciate my car vibrating because some idiot's got the bass on their stereo cranked up ridiculously high. And those superloud mufflers that people install on their cars in order to make them noisy annoy me.

Any daily rituals related to your commute?

I try to stop and have lunch on the beach somewhere every day.

Is there anything that you do on the road that seems to annoy other drivers?

No, I don't think so. And my wife agrees - if more people drove like I do, there would be fewer accidents. I've never had an accident.

What do other drivers do that drives you crazy?

Drivers who do 20 mph in a 40 mph zone. Oh, yeah, and they have a dog in their lap with its head hanging out the window and they're talking to the dog. Ever see that? It's nuts.

Weirdest thing you've ever seen while commuting?

I saw a girl talking on a cell phone and putting on makeup while looking at herself in the mirror attached to the visor. She was steering with her elbows.

[Last modified February 9, 2005, 00:43:19]