AN OLD MAN'S JOURNEY: 6/17/12

Friday, June 22, 2012

WHAT GREEN MEANS TO US

AS IN THE PAST, WE WILL STAY AS ENVIROMENTALlY FRIENDLY AS POSSIBLE [sorry cannot stop the methane farts].

At the present time we have the bikes themselves and good bags. Just ordered a Sierra Designs Lightning HT 3 tent and 2 BOB Yak Plus trailers, as well as the rear rack for Aggie's bike.Will have to perform a few modifications like drilling and tapping for A's rack, and modify the trailers for the solar set up, including voltage regulator inverter etc, so will be very busy. Getting more and more excited.

So now the fun begins. What can we afford: a lithium-ion battery pack, 4.4 lb for $450, or a sealed lead acid battery, 12 lb for $43? Folding solar panels for $400 or solid for $100? [Already decided on the solid ones -- they'll be mounted on the bikes as we ride.]
Now can A have her personal lubricant? Of course, but how big a jar?
How much beer can I carry? [*#()% that sucks!]
Heaviest weight is the gun and ammo!!!!! How much? Probably be our only source of meat except in town. No we are not vegan, but invite them to ride with us. :)

GREEN MEANS TO ME:

Minimal petro [fuel for stove only when necessary].
Bike instead of motor home.
Pick up TRASH instead of leaving it, even if left by others.
Bury organic waste, i.e., feces. We don't like stepping in it.
Have the guts to tell folks who litter.
And most of all, enjoy ourselves while we model respect for the planet, do internet readings, and make and sell jewelry from the bikes. (The jewelry tools are probably heavier than the gun.)

Anybody got one of those good 1 micron water filters they don't need?
Love ya
THINK GREEN
BLESSED BE
C&A

PS I would like to thank Cindy and Nancy for paying for our tent... We love you.

BACK ON THE BIKES!!!

First, a brief history of this old man's journey. Here's Cougina

back in 2010, age 86, on his most recent bike trek. In case you think he was traveling light, take a closer look at his loaded bike. I think most of you, like me (Aggie), want to travel as lightly as possible when we are packing it ourselves. This guy was loaded up with 150 pounds on a mountain bike (a nice one,but still heavier than a road bike), plus a 30 lb. dog. To me, this pretty much spells "crazy."

Cougina and Aggie became a twosome in June, 2011. If you've followed along, you know that we lived for four months in our van, Augustina, selling western hats on the side of the road to support ourselves.

Last summer, Cougina got hit hard by the West Nile virus (usually deadly to those who get the severe form).

We eventually made the necessary move to settle into a casita in Phoenix.We've had a good time here. Cougina had been homeless most all his life, starting with being born into the circus, and continuing with various episodes of living in or on boats, horses, buses, motor homes, and bicycles, so this was a new experience for him. We've had a beautiful, green desert vegetable garden, and great friends.

Now that we're healthy, we are getting restless. What started as a December kickoff has moved forward with every conversation -- now we're aiming for August 1. We are looking forward to living a relatively green lifestyle, and to new experiences. We'll be keeping you updated as we develop and purchase our rigs.

Blessed be,
Cougina & Aggie