You can land at other airports for fuel or lunch, often times more than 50miles away. Nick gets paid based on us flying even if we don't successfully do any imaging so he appreciates you trying. Obviously if the weather is crap, don't go. But you'll see some guys try and interpolate winds aloft into a reason not to go when it's close because they assume the crab will be too much. Be smart about it, but Nick always sent me notes appreciating the effort. The thing is that the airport you're at might be reporting few at 1500 (which would probably be a deal breaker) but if your project area is 30nm away and not over an airport with weather, it could be totally clear. Some guys wouldn't bother, but I'd go take a look. A lot of times you'll have good luck and get a full day in. My thought was: finish projects and you get more cross country/instrument time relocating. You also get to see more places, which means less time in the crappy cities.