>but for a transient (such as myself) who is intending
>to be at low altitude within a tankful....

Then just put in 87 octane and call it good. What's the big deal?

I don't understand why anyone who is traveling in a vehicle that they
believe needs 87 would care if a gas station sold 12 octane. As long as
they have the 87 you need, what's the difference?

On the other side of all this, I do hope you had a great trip and enjoyed
the mountains :-)

John