Shop online or shop local through Bellingham traffic trying stores that all sell the same thing, not what you need if it's too specialized.

Crazy map of my errands today. I was enjoying it anyway. I was looking for a new kind of battery, but ended up ordering it from Amazon. Local stores don't have it.

Going by bicycle. Bellingham is mostly bicycle friendly, but some retail areas are more car-centric. Riding on sidewalk to avoid traffic in some areas. Beautiful day.

There's plenty of stores sprawling out in different areas and lots of traffic. No wonder people shop on Amazon. I tried to shop local, but eventually let my fingers do the walking, as the old ad for the Yellow Pages went; fingers on my computer keyboard.

Nice day to be out riding around the city. Some of this map shows other errands, but most is the battery search.

This new type of battery is a standard AA rechargeable battery, but it turns out it has to be a new kind of battery; lithium ion rechargeables with their own special charger.

Most rechargeable batteries are metal hydride and it turns out they provide lower than 1.5 volts. I have a new HD radio that needs the steady 1.5 volt current from each of it's 3 batteries. Not 1.2 volts, which most standard rechargeable batteries provide. The radio turns off in protest if the voltage is too low.

The new type of battery offers a more reliable 1.5 volts till it shuts off and asks for a recharge. It's the digital age.

HD radios can pick up the digital signals from some stations that offer more than one program on their signal; like CBU HD 1, Vancouver, BC or CBU HD 2.

Radio interests me and isn't that expensive. Most people just rely on their phones now for all of this, but I still use radios. It can give the phone battery a rest.

As Google traced my routes. I forgot to turn on Bikeometer app, but Google's got me covered. Lower GPS sampling rate, however.

Total mileage for the day, around 23. All just in Bellingham.

Hardware Sales is a good store, but they don't have it, yet at least.

I also tried Best Buy, at north end. Bought some because I forgot my glasses to see the fine print. They were the wrong kind so I took them back adding to my miles. No wonder I seldom use a gym.

Then tried a specialty battery store in a different area before going back home and ordering online.

Clear cool day with view of Mount Baker over retail parking lots. We haven't yet been hit with hot weather or wildfire smoke. - yet at least.