Days 61, 62, and 63 (Colorado Springs, CO, etcetera.)

Sorry for the entry combining the days, but we have been super busy.

On Wednesday morning, we woke up and I headed for Boulder to find an apartment. AK started running errands for Alecia and helped take care of anything she needed help with.

I got to Boulder around noon, and I decided to take the old school approach to finding a new A.P.T.. I grabbed a buch of classifieds and headed for a place to eat lunch. I lucked out in my choice as my server used to live in San Diego, and she gave me all sorts of tips about the area.

From there, I headed out to see all sorts of places. Several property managers showed me what they had to offer, and I saw all sorts of places. I needed to find an apartment that would allow my cat, Maggie, to live with me (for a photo of Maggie in costume, see "Stuff we are NOT bringing on the Equipment page of this website). Some places would not allow her to stay, while others required an extra deposit and about 20 dollars a month more for rent per month. Maggie is going to have to get a job. Another place told me that they would only rent a place with old carpet to me and Maggie. Figuring it was worth a look, I checked it out and the carpet was absolutely nasty. "I don't think my cat would walk on this," I told the property manager.

Anyway, after an exhausting afternoon, I finally called my future academic advisor, Dr. Todd Murphey for some tips. He told me to make sure I found a place without electric heat as it can be really expensive. He also invited me over to check online listings and stay the night if need be. I had packed the tent in case I needed to stay the night, but as I've always said, I like to avoid pitching the tent when I don't have to, so I took him up on his offer. Besides, the company was worlds better than the earwigs from the other night.

Upon arrival at Dr. Murphey's place, I met his wife Shelly, we looked over map and he showed me good areas to live in with regard to campus, and location. Soon we were both searching the online listings for additional options. He found a listing for an apartment attached to a couple's home which sounded perfect so I gave the people a call.

They were not home, so I left a message. Hoping they would call back, the three of us headed to a great Indian place near the apartment. Finally, on the way home from dinner, I got in touch with Tasha (one of the owners), and we headed right back to the apartment to see it at once.

The place is perfect. It is big and nice and gets a lot of naturl light. Plus, Maggie is welcome and the homeowners are friendly, young, and seem active. I really liked the place, but wanted to think about it overnight.

The next day I decided it was a good fit, so I gave them my deposit and my first month's rent and I was on my way back to Colorado Springs by 10AM.

I am really excited to move to Boulder. Bicycles seem to rule that place and bike paths extend through the city. It should be a great place to live.

I got back into town, had lunch with AK, Margaret Day and Baker, and then it was off to watch the Tour and take a nap before the evening's BBQ at Matt's place.

At Matt's place that night we enjoyed burgers, dogs and Fat Tire Ale while we chatted with all sorts of people that came to town for Saturday's big wedding.

Today, AK and I got a chance to sleep in a bit, and then AK was off to the bridal luncheon. I took the opportunity to run some trip related errands and explore the local bike shops. I picked up a few more spare spokes, and bought a few more tools too.

Right not I am in a laundromat taking care of our stinkies and then it is off to some place with internet access.

We are having a really good time hanging out with friends this weekend and the wedding is going to be a blast. Alecia, Matt, and their families have done a lot of work for this weekend, and we are both looking forward to seeing the result. It is going to be great. I am eager to get back on my bike though!

If all goes well with the rental wreck, we should be back riding on Monday. So stay tuned!

Jeff