Scooter Saga

As I was getting dressed for a Sunday morning scoot for coffee with friend Barbara, Earl asked casually, "How many layers of clothes do you put on when it's cold?"  I didn't have an immediate answer, mostly because it varies based on body geography and preparation order.  How do I get my Nanook of the North look?  Well, certainly pee first, allow 30 minutes, then start. Geography: Upper body, 4 layers   Sports top for warmth, comfort, and to hold my boobs off my waist.  Old ski turtleneck for warmth and comfort.  Zipper jacket for warmth and comfort, but it's a light layer and doesn't add much to my increasing bulk.  I have to leave the final layer for last, because it gets hard to bend over to put on the other layers. Geography: Lower body, 2 layers   Old running tights for warmth and comfort. Padded snow pants have to go on before... Geography: Feet, 2 layers  Socks and UGG boots on as simultaneously as possible to prevent slippin...

Skeeter went back to Maui.  This time with Alaska Airlines and scooter transport was as equally non-eventful as it was in November with Hawaiian Airlines.  Love those airlines... It was so nice being outside in warm weather rather than in 20 lbs. of clothes.  Earl took me out on my daily scoots--sometimes walking, sometimes biking.  Heidi, Michael, Sarah and Kyle joined us for a winter getaway and it wasn't until we went to Lahaina that I discovered Skeeter had potential as a kiddie ride. Downtown Lahaina Lahaina Town is the ultimate tourist trap (crowds, the landmark Banyan tree, t-shirt shops aplenty), but it's still fun.  I had been nervous about the crowds, narrow sidewalks and varied terrain, but it's pretty ADA compliant and Skeeter could manuever most everywhere.  While waiting for Earl and Michael under the banyan tree, Kyle looks at me and asks the dreaded question we knew was coming.  "Gigi, can I ride on your Scooter?" Banya...

It's been a mild winter, but we did have some cold temperatures and a skiff of snow.  I decided to test out Skeeter's 4-wheel drive capability, not being able to pass up snow on the grass, but very little on the streets.  It sounds adventurous, but isn't.  After putting on my usual mountain of clothes, sporting my Nanook-of-the-North-look (minus the spear and standing posture) , I headed out--warm and unrecognizable, music loud, every light flashing. Skeeter actually has two sets of brakes and I can feel them engage going downhill.  The scooter slows significantly as if to say, "Whoa, girl!".  Snow and ice really brings out the turtle pace in her, but she stills stops on a dime on ice.  Four wheels, low center of gravity...my almost–all terrain vehicle just moves right along, bolstering my confidence.  It feels safer to be on a scooter than behind the wheel of a car.  As I'm scooting along, it occurs to me that I'm more likely to adversely "en...

I deal with the winter cold by putting on multiple layers of clothing, gloves, and resigning myself to the length of time it takes to get out the door, but what about the rain?  I draw the line at fog, ice, wind, and heavy rain--a semi-fair weather scooter; I’m not stupid.  I am talking about a threat of rain, a drizzle, or getting caught in a light rain on my daily scoot.  This is, after all, the northwest and if I let a threat of rain keep me home, I’d never go anywhere.  I have gotten addicted to getting out every day. The solution Earl and I settled on was the rain canopy.  If I hadn’t gotten used to looking strange a long time ago, this would have done me in.  It may cover my hazard sign and limit my vision, but you can still see my lights and the canopy itself--a mile off!  I do incur a new road hazard if the oncoming vehicle’s driver is laughing hysterically at me.  "A golf cart? no, too small; a stroller? no, too big.  It’s a la...

The challenge in Maui was to find a scooting route that had little traffic (difficult) and was out of the Hawaiian tradewinds to avoid the blowing red dirt in our eyes (never happened) .  It was fun to go with Earl and our friends on their long morning walks, rather than stay home and wait for their return.  I can maintain a brisk walking speed, but not a running speed.  I managed the local swap meet without careening into anyone (Skeeter has good brakes).  It was also nice not to have to put insulating layers of clothing on like I do in Portland. One of our treks took us down into a wash where I needed to scoot on thin wood boards someone had laid down over the deep sand (love that small footprint and big rear tires) .  Skeeter only fell off the boards once, but since I was with three capable pushers, we made it to terra firma pretty quickly.  Sometimes it’s best not to think abut a route too much; just do it. It had been so easy flying with S...

One month prior to Skeeter’s first plane trip.  It was important to us to be responsible travelers, early, prepared and as little bother as possible.  After googling Hawaiian Airlines’ policies, I proceeded to gather as much information as I could. My email We are taking  Hawaiian Airlines flight 39 from PDX to Kahului, Maui 10/28/2011 and have reviewed and printed out all Hawaiian Airlines regulations regarding motorized scooters. There is no assembly/disassembly of the motorized scooter required. I will scoot to the gate and leave the scooter intact to be rolled onto the plane. A standard airline wheelchair from the gate to the plane door would be helpful. I can walk to my seat with assistance from my husband. On arrival in Kahului, I will wait for my scooter at the gate ( prepared to be patient) . I thought that was helpful, direct and simple.  The seller had recommended that we remove anything breakable, not to do any disassembly, take the key, put...

Disclaimer:  You may not like this, particularly if you’re not USA American-born and raised, younger than 50, or male.  If necessary, contact a lawyer. Who’d have thought that Skeeter would help me indulge in one of my guilty pleasures.  I love all sorts of music--the more romantic, dumber and sappier, the better.  I remember a time when all we or American Bandstand cared about was whether you could dance to a song.  Now I can install Pandora radio on my IPhone, make ridiculous stations, not offend anyone, and scoot away.  Skeeter doesn’t have eyes to roll at 50s Doo-wop, early 60s bubble-gum music, Elvis Presley nor can she swoon at the Righteous Brothers or Il Divo.  It’s just me alone and no crap--my idea of heaven.  Earl’s music tastes are a bit more sophisticated. While we do share a love of most music genres  (Beatles, classical, Eagles, country/bluegrass, the 70s troubadors) , there is a line he doesn’t cross; he has some sta...