April 2022 was another busy month of exploring. We saw many cool things throughout the island and were especially impressed by Canon Blanco (White Canyon) in Utuado. During that visit we also explored more of Jayuya and its rivers. In April we also went to a kite festival and biked throughout Isabela to Poza Teodoro. Stay tuned for Part 2 of April 2022.
In preparation for the move to Puerto Rico, I had to get a health certificate and be up to date on my shots. I had gotten my distemper and rabies vaccinations the other day at a scheduled visit. The health certificate is only valid for a short number of days, so we wanted to wait and get that closer to our actual move date.
When it came time for Cassie and Britton to take me to my appointment however, I was off sleeping in my secret spot and they couldn’t find me.
Well today Britton took me on his bike! Since he has no car, and no phone he had to take a chance that the vet could fit me in. So I got loaded up into my snazzy new cat carrier. It has a few openings, places for all my documents and meets American Airlines rules for dimensions. I don’t really mind that we didn’t take a car, I actually enjoy riding in the fresh air. I had Britton take a video of me to share with you all.
Because I have been continuing to work up to the end, Britton has had the bulk of the responsibility for clearing out the house. Fortunately for me, and unfortunately for the state of Colorado, we have been having heavy rains for the last 4 days or so and on Friday, they released us from work to close the county (where I work). We have not been affected by the rains or flooded very much in Greeley, but some areas nearby are crazy including parts of I-25! Especially hit were the mountain canyons.
Anyhow, this gave me some time to help with Britton in the clean-out of a few more areas of the house. It’s looking pretty good, though there is STILL more to go. Check it out:
Britton sold his Honda last week and so is down to just his bicycle when I am at work.
Bye old Civic with 296k miles!
Britton’s current form of transportation and a bike box to ship it
We have also sold the washer and dryer and the bed and nightstand are going to my mom, so we really don’t have hardly any large items left except my car.
Now is the hard part of packing and trying to get it to all fit in just a few boxes and bags. Can you believe it only NINE more days!?
Well today I was given a challenge (not unlike most days).
Objective: Go to the bank.
Challenge: It is 16F degrees.
Challenge: No driving.
I knew it was cold, but just wasn’t sure how cold it was until I started riding. I put on all my snowboarding gear (gloves and helmet) and when I did this in the house, I thought…”Oh this is silly”. When I got out on the bike, I thought “I am SO glad I put this stuff on”.
Spaceman?
I figured it was only about 3 miles there. I do that easily in the summer all the time, no problem.
Holy cow! My lungs hurt so bad by the first 1/2 mile or so I thought I was going to die. I figured this may have been because I was out of shape, but…no…It has to be the cold air. I ride miles upon miles in the summer and don’t ever have that much trouble…ever. I made it to my destination and back, but it was pretty intense. At one point I had the thought that my lungs were totally screwed and “if I died at least I have my wallet so they would know who I am”.
Maybe I over-reacted a bit, but it hurt…lol. I am back home now and feel pretty good to have gotten some exercise. I also have a new respect for the ability to drive a car and how easy it makes everything. Without a the use of a car in society you are truly hindered. I can still get stuff done, it just takes about 100 times more effort!
Also I had the thought. It will NEVER EVER EVER be this cold in Rincon.
Update: I had some other errands to do this afternoon. It was 40 degrees out and I figured I’d give it another shot. I went 9.5 miles, no problems. I’d say conclusively that my lungs did not like the cold..lol.