Well, here we are! We spent much of yesterday packing and getting ready for the caravan down to Phoenix starting Friday. There is still a lot to do but we are making progress. I will make a few more trips to my favorite places this week – the pawn shops, Habitat for Humanity, Goodwill and, of course, the dump!
I have also become proficient at using Craig’s List and have moved several of the larger items using that website. I just have a few things left that I will need to get rid of, but I think it’s all doable. After the furniture is picked up next Tuesday, I have a U-Haul truck reserved for Wednesday to make one final delivery round (Habitat for Humanity, Goodwill, dump) for anything that is left.
I will then turn my attention towards getting my bicycling gear and bicycle all packed up for my ride in the San Juan Islands. It has been challenging to squeeze in my training rides, so I’d say I’m in average shape versus great shape. That said, the daily mileage is not super onerous. I think the longest day is 44 miles and we have all day to do it. Most of the days are 25 to 30 miles. I’ve ridden several 30-mile rides with my fully loaded bike, so I’ll manage. I’m sure I’ll be grunting like a steam engine on some of the hills, but I don’t intend to set any speed records. I have a T-shirt that says, “Member of the sloth cycling team – I’ll get there when I get there,” which pretty much sums up my attitude. I intend to enjoy the scenery, stop frequently and take lots of pictures! I’m also hoping to do a little kayaking along the way somewhere, so we’ll see what develops.
When I get done with the ride, I will return to Bozeman to finish up a few things, load my Harley onto the trailer and head back down to Phoenix! Hopefully by then, Phoenix might be a tad cooler!! In addition, Barb will be fully retired by then and a free woman. We’ll then turn our attention towards getting ready to go back to Portugal in November to find a place to live and start the process of applying for visas, etc.
It will be a busy few weeks, as we are planning a few trips/visits. I’m hoping my daughter, Jordan, will be able to fly out to Phoenix over the Columbus Day weekend and then Barb and I are going to Denver for a family event for her cousin in mid-October. Somewhere in there we are hoping to get to Southern California for a few days, but we will see. Given that we will be gone the entire month of November visiting Portugal, Boston, and New York City, by the time December rolls around, I think we’ll be ready to just relax for at least a few days!!
Yesterday, seven bucks stopped by to say farewell while munching on the apples from my trees. I probably won’t be anywhere any time soon where I will get pictures like these. It’s been a good ride here in Montana, but time for the next chapter and whatever that brings!! Stay tuned.
