Ambitious (Overly?)

I have paid deposits on 3 trips for 2027. The plus side is that I no longer have anxiety about whether to go or not. Literally, have put paid to that. The negative: have I deluded myself into what I am physically able to do?

First was deciding about seeing the Bayeaux tapestry. This has been on my mind for the past 2 years since I read about its upcoming exhibition at the British Museum this fall and next spring. I joined the museum to get early access to tickets. One slight complication is that I decided to go in May and also attend the Chelsea Garden Show. Tickets to see the tapestry March-May don’t go on sale until January, probably too late to join any garden show tour. And I think the flower show would be too much walking for Grant. What to do?

I asked Peg if she’d like to join me. I would have a traveling companion who is comfortable making trip plans a year or more out. She liked the tour I’d found and, when I dithered, insisted we put a deposit before the spaces were gone. Done. I will get tapestry tickets for us as soon as they go on sale.

With that momentum, I looked at last-minute Viking tours with little to no walking for Grant and me to enjoy together. I thought I’d found a French Christmas market along the Seine, but it was for 2027. What the heck, we will probably be alive then. I opted for the Normandy tour leaving right after Thanksgiving: same waterway, more excursions, and I know the Christmas markets open mid-November. I will finally see Paris.

Then, I probably went a little nuts. Orange Audubon has a birding trip to Peru and Machu Picchu next April. Definitely too much for Grant, and Peg said her knee wouldn’t hold up. I ignored the thought that I am too old and sent in my $350 deposit. I have 6 months to get in shape. How hard could it be?

I am back to doing core or arm exercises first thing in the morning. Now I must add cardio. Perhaps the exercise bike or swimming. Or both? Something to get my heart strong enough to be able to bird at 14,000’. Or die trying.

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