December happenings

Christmas splurge at MEC

December was a month of adventure.  I made a trip down to Vancouver and area to visit with family.  It was rainy, but I had a good trip.

I had fun with my nephew!

I splurged on some bike related stuff at MEC and I also bought a bell at a bike shop on Vancouver Island that will go on.  It's a World cup Soccer bell that will go on Baxter. I perhaps will find him an animal bell this Summer.  I also got him the blue USB chargeable front light.  I also bought a couple more Turtle Front lights so I don't have to keep moving the other pair between bikes.  MEC sells the batteries for them for cheap, at .50 cents a pop, so cheap to replace the batteries in the budget Turtle lights.  I bought a few more expensive ones for my Planet Bike blinky strap.  I also finally bought the Filzer Mini-Zee pump which has a gauge on it.

Out with the old and in with the new!

Zipper is separating.

I have used a blue Velo Backpack designed for cyclists.  I've had it 5 years and the zipper is going on it.  Unfortunally, it's not covered  by Warranty.  (the zipper flaw is mentioned many times in the reviews)  Fortunally, I got another one on sale for cheap.  If MEC has a sale on an item, it's not a sale.  It means that they've discontinued the item.  Oh well, I hope I get more then 5 years out of my new Red one!.  I do plan to keep on using the blue one for as long as I can though.

While I was gone, I got a few postcards:

From Finland

The translation for the Finnish postcard is:  "A hand reached from a friend can replace many words.."

Scooter postcard from Shanghai

I've made up a nice Postcrossing kit, and while in Vancouver I stocked up on postcards.  My Sister-in-law got me some stamps for Christmas.

Postcrossing box full of goodies.

I haven't been biking much since December as it's been very icy.  I feel reluctant doing that..so I just walk around right now.  I can't wait until I can ride a little again.  I am starting planning more about what bike trip I want to do this Summer, if I can find someone to join me.  I am researching the Oregon Coast.  If I bike to Crescent City, CA, how do I get bike and me to Eugene, Oregon?  Is there bus service on the coast?  I see that the Cascades Amtrak from Vancouver to Eugene has bike racks!  That's a BIG plus.

Here's to an exciting 2012!