beemerchef
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Posts posted by beemerchef
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Vagabonding to Capitol Reef, Utah
In the beginning “nice” was having an Internet connection… today nice is taking off knowing that there will be none. “Destinations” were planned, today it is just wandering with only a eye out for the weather going the opposite direction of the clouds. There will always be a surprise in Utah that will materialize as it did these past days. It was Gooseneck Point and Capitol Reef and a nice cool shaded campground. Shade is good these days as we are entering the hottest days of the year. It makes it for interesting viewing when finally coupled with the laptop looking back at all the pictures taken.
I felt bad for some riders the other day on their way up to an Annual BMW Rally. They still had 10 days to get there but their leader never taking his helmet off while gassing up kept honking the horn while others and I where chatting and taking pictures. Memories of blurred miles markers versus seeing so much beauty they will miss… hope that some day they will slow down… Been there, done that… “this” is much nicer…
Check out the Blog… and be well, Ara & Spirit
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You should be... roads as I have written have taken a different Life! As #12 from Boulder to Torey, which we just rode these past days, summit +/-9000 feet, was not paved till 1986! For that reason there are still many other dirt roads rideable for us. We will be going back soon to talk to the Host at the summit (Welcome Center!!!) who has been returning for the past 9 years... He has many stories to tell me... will report it all of course! The Gorge in Capitol Reef is another one that was carved in 1935!... (I think...). Incredible road... we were just on it at 5:30am this morning... as slowly the sun rays made their way painting the canyon walls in more colors than you can imagine. #12, #24 and #89 are just so incredible...
You guys are great and I thank you... I think Spirit does too!!!
A simple Sunrise this morning in the Gorge... but you had to be there, the picture is only a picture...
Be well, Ara & Spirit
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Is it more than just a road? More on Hell’s Backbone… Utah
Since joining American Road Forum, the more scenic and difficult the road traveled gets, the more I want to read about it, find out its history, and cannot help thinking about its past, sometimes visualizing the hundreds of people that have built it at a time where the machinery used was definitely not what we have today! Hell’s Backbone has been one of those, specially when around a curve one can suddenly see about a mile of it as a ribbon following the curves of its mountains.
I am also finding myself having to be detached from the kitchen where I spend my first day working solo. Finding out that all these years have followed me, are still part of me. It is a great job as I have to tell myself to go in, do the work and leave without any thoughts of… improving this or that! When I see Spirit behind that screen door I am content that Karma has presented this path for us, we could not have asked for more.
I think the Blog says it all… Be well, Ara & Spirit
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I could not have said it better Dave! The back roads become Home... where time suddenly stops and yes, much chatting goes on mixed in with also the aquaintance of other travelers! They have taken a Life of their own...
The kitchen in Boulder?... It is always complex when someone else owns it! Better to leave it alone... go in and go out... keep it simple!
And "thank you" for your generosity... we will make it, the Journey will not stop... whatever it takes! You are very kind.
Be well... Ara & Spirit
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Hell's Backbone road and Bridge truly have been the icing on the cake after reading its history, geological formation and riding it so far a couple times... as there will be more!
I just want to "Thank" the Forum for awakening those experiences truly never thought about before... as it was always beyond the right shoulder or the left shoulder!
I have written about it on my Blog... expect a bit more traffic!... as I hope others will also slow down and take it all in by reading this great Forum.
Be well... Ara & Spirit
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I wonder if they will come through Utah and if they have a site with their route!!!...
Would love to see those guys... maybe they would like to see Spirit!... Mr Spirit that is... everyone else does!!! I am just the 'chauffeur'...
Be well... Ara & Spirit
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There will be more about this road in the next Blog also... the road itself has a lot of interesting facts!
Hell’s Backbone loop and bridge, Utah
A name that stands for the fact that it follows a ridge with sheer drops on each side, but also must have been given for its washboard quality unseen from my part before!
It is a spectacular trail, they say suited for a passenger car, I say “not really” unless an SUV, some good suspension and patience.
We have the company of a reader, Pete, from near San Diego, with a unique trailering device as he is riding his 1974 Honda Sabre pulling his Suzuki DR 350... You read right! 2 motorcycles, one rider on his own Journey for a month.
An unhappy “morning grouchy” Spirit… a 5am wake up call is too early for him, I will let him sleep in a bit today!
A bit wondering where winter will take us, where would be interesting good weathered lands for those cold months, the third round for us since on the road…
All in the Blog… As always, be well… Ara & Spirit
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Kodachrome Basin State Park, Utah
Hard to believe how long we have been in Utah and the discoveries just will not cease! Kodachrome Basin State Park is a “gem” to be savored, all the colors throughout the many intensities of the sun rays culminating with the incredible hues of the “pipes” and rocks at sunset makes one wonder through the photos if it is even real or Photoshoped! It is not!!! Almost fluorescent for a few moments, for the last minutes of the day they are as unseen anywhere else.
It was a hot day, a bit absent minded forgetting many things we needed, but… with a bit of imagination a couple hikes were possible!
Hope you get to experience it soon… and yes, Dogs are allowed on the trails, how refreshing.
You be well… Ara & Spirit
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You will see much more of Kodachrome! I saw the poster near the big rock where they made the movie in 1943! I forgot to take a picture of it... I was too involved with that rock just there out of nowhere with many of its variations embedded in it! So... let me know when you get over here!!!
Will have a Kodak moment in Kodachrome!
“One door closes, another one opens up…”
If you believe in above, well, it will happen as it happens to us quite often, one reason to stay calm when some doors shut hard, the draft of Life will ajar another one fairly quickly!
The bottom line? Cost of living has tremendously gone up these past two years, in fuel, food, tire and oil changes alone the budget has been screaming! We are here to explore this incredibly large area, at the same time stumbled on a two days a week work situation that you need to read about! Just too good to pass it up… it is a Dog loving circle where… you “have” to bring your Dog to work with you! For now it is all good and will just see what happens later as the cold weathers will come back and will need to move on as we always have done… I cannot even think that far ahead… So no excuse to not stop by and see us, either in Escalante or Boulder where we will be two days a week… working hard, meaning I will… with Spirit’s supervision! As usual…
“The Burr Trail Grill and Outpost” is the name by the way…
Be well… Ara & Spirit
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That is really "noble" of you. Sounds like their is an nderground network to transport those Dogs, and that is a good thing. Sorry to hear about the one that did not make it... that is so sad, but as you said she as surrounded with Love...
We might go back to "Friends of Anumals" again in Kanab soon... that was quite a place!
Thanks for writing and keep up the good work... they all deserve it!
Saving Spirit and the end of “that” ride, Utah.
A reader asked me, rightly so, how it came about for Spirit and I to be together… It is amazing how some moments are never forgotten and one can relive them! It was then, 3 years have passed and I can just hope for many more to come by one day at the time.
And then the end of a great day’s ride to Gosverner Arch, a bumpy road with much washboard and deep sand combination testing again the limits of the rig with a knobby that is almost gone. We are going through rear tires a bit too fast, those knobbies disappear “like butter”, but it is our only way to handle the local back roads. Riding the black top to get to them does not help either.
Happy 4th of July to you all… be careful with that BBQ! We need to find one ourselves, it is good weather for it.
Enjoy the Blog, the long weekend… till later, you all be well.
Ara & Spirit
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Widstoe, a ghost of a Ghost Town, Utah
You definitely have it all here. The Red Canyons, the flat Desert and the high altitude unpaved forest roads of the Dixie National Forest. Take your pick as we did trying to find the ghost town of Widstoe passing right by the area that was on fire last week. From what seemed to be Widstoe, southbound to the entrance of Bryce Canyon, a little detour while closing the loop back to Escalante to Grosvernor Arch and even as we were by then loosing the sun just a few minutes at the Kodachrome State Park where the trails are many and so are photo opportunities. Sometimes I feel as we are still scouting the area as some of them we need to go back and spend more time.
The big aspect of it all has been the lack of traffic in this area. Maybe this will all change as the Fourth of July weekend is coming up? This all feels as we are in a separate part of the World, so far from anything one might have a need for… even finding decent food sometimes is a task waiting for the days of delivery! Be well… Ara & Spirit
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But now my eyes hurt!... OK... I'll get Spirit to do it!!!
Interesting concept... will look into it!...
Be well... Ara & Spirit
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You won’t please 3D purists with handheld one camera shots, but the rest of us will enjoy them!
Be safe, and give Spirit a pat on the head!
Keep the Show on the Road!
Dave
Is 3D the same as above HDR I fooled around with today?... I used 3 pictures that I had bracketed, could use two...
Trust me that any of the roads we go on can be done with an SUV... not a passenger car necessarely, but SUV is good... a 4x4 is better... We will not be able to do Hole in the Rock because of a 500ft patch of sand! A 2WD little truck can make it... we will sink! Which means missing out on a few slot canyons like Pekaboo and others...
The road (you have not seen it yet) to Gosvernor Arch was for us hairy as deep sand... but we made as long as we do not slow down... Did not see a single car!!! Actually that was Cottonwood and we were only 30 miles away from 89!!! Not recommended to do it alone as we do... but???
What I say about the photos... they do tranport me back where we were but will never compare with "being there"... and that is why you need to come and visit!!! Will be waiting...
Be well... Ara & Spirit
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Thanks! But do think about the 4x4 way to go... What an irony that I don't do much post processing at all, a bit of contrast, a bit maybe of saturation because of the black background on the Blog... BUT TODAY... I fooled around with HDR!!! I don't care for it... but... it was fun!!! I use a Canon 30D with mainly a 17~85mm IS lens. Keep in mind that it is a 1:6 frame conversion is the lens is really a 28mm . I am so ready for a 5D with an "L" lens!!!...
*Picture above has been HDR digitally enhanced.
Up to the “T” on the Burr Trail…
We turned around at the “T” on the Burr Trail, we were not ready to go any further that day, but will next time and camp out going south to Lake Powell. There is an incredible isolation here on and off the roads. The “space” has changed, it is not Moab, it is not Monument Valley… it is an entity of its own, the closest being Valley of the Gods. Having lived on a sailboat for many years, it is as being out to sea, all alone and with a bit of constant thoughts, an inner, I might call it, “apprehension” maybe, as not to break down as these are not at all well traveled roads.
They are mostly demanding and definitely require an advance knowledge of the weather, they require much water specially being in in summer time. Tools and food a must… they stay on the rig 24/7 never unloaded, cannot afford to forget anything.
Much changes in the sceneries, rocks formations and even roads… that is what is on the Blog today…
Be well… always… Ara & Spirit
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4, 60, 300 and the “Burr trail”, Utah…
You will need to read the Blog to find out about the 4, 60 and 300... Somehow they all fell on the same day!
With 2 million acres surrounding us we are liable to experience some areas unadvertised as the Burr Trail. I had this vision for a moment of gates and shuttles taking the tourists back and forth within that incredible Canyon that was such a surprise to me. Hope as it did in Zion it never happens here. Do not pass Boulder without riding or driving that road including the switchbacks… they are car friendly roads, a bit of washboards, not to be adventured on in rainy times.
Whenever we stopped only smells and silence prevailed. We both needed this day, it does not cease to amaze me how vast and incredible this area is. We were not prepared to camp overnight but will soon…
Have fun following the road, this is a two part mini Adventure!!!
Be well… Ara & Spirit
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I just read some of your blog and am completely amazed at the treatment you received at the BMW Rally. I used to ride BMWs and while not much of a rally type, I did attend a few. I found them to be very cordial gatherings and much more laid back than the Harley Rallies I attended. There are bad apples in every group however, and you apparently found a few in that group.
You have obviously traveled many miles with your companion and your bike. You also obviously know the healing the road brings and my wish for you is that it heal you completely. The road is a mystic place on a bike.......no other way to describe it. As much as I like traveling in a great car or my truck, it pales by comparison to a bike. The privilege of riding has be taken from me for health reasons and I yearn for the day when I might ride again.......although it will most likely never happen. Your writing and photography take me back to the time when I did ride and for that I thank you.
If you are interested, here is a link to my last great riding adventure. We took this one only 6 weeks before I got sick. I am so glad we went as it would be impossible for me now.
http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread....hlight=hutchman
I am thinking about trying this same trip in a Jeep or my truck. I would have to bypass some of the tougher sections, but it would stll be a great adventure.
Hutch
Hi Hutch... Always easy to preach, but, regardless, as I am truly sorry you cannot ride anymore, take a different path. I know... I know... but believe it or not as with the sidecar rig there are places we cannot go, I often think about a Jeep! Like around here I will never see the Hole in the Rock... the last 7 miles are not for us... other areas might have just a few hundred feet of deep sand and that is not doable either! I miss two wheels myself at times but would not trade for the world Spirit's company. Expand your path, maybe Jeep... get into more photography... the camping istelf... Nature from what it is... you will actually be able to carry more stuff, get places easier, the fuel will be more but then stay in one place longer and truly explore as we do... We do not move as much as we use to. We cannot... we are lucky to be in an area where a Lifetime is not enough to see it all...
Just some thoughts... that was a great ride report! Enjoy the moment...
Be well... stay in touch,
Ara & Spirit
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Boulder, a cool little town, Utah
Unfortunately no pictures of the town itself today! It started storming before I even had a chance to pull the camera out of its bag. It is only 27 miles from here, there will be many more chances… We might even set up base camp in Boulder as almost at 1000 feet higher the weather is much cooler. Escalante is becoming hot. We met up with Ron, owner of “Motorcycle R & R” and that was a great time chatting… he even bought me lunch! The day could not get any better. Well, it did as we met another roadside attraction… Joe… crossing the country on Roller Blades! Yes… It is a shame that we cannot just pull up a chair and sit by the side of the road, there are all kinds of travelers coming through, trust me!
In case you do not read the Blog, many thanks for all the support you have send us including all the kind words. It is water under the bridge… The replies from the responsible parties of course almost made me the bad guy with the bad dog! Forget it… Karma will take its course! I do not carry or want that kind of energy.
Be well… always… the sun is shining today. Ara & Spirit
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“The Dog Hater”… not “Whisperer!
When a “dog hater” (as described by the Rally organizers!), an uncaring “Rally Master” and us… end up being in the same vicinity, things do not go well. I have the outmost respect for anyone that does not like dogs… as there are many flavors of Ice cream, and that is OK… but when we get insulted, well, that is not…
It was a short stay at the Beehive Beemer Rally, we met many familiar faces, made some new Friends and the good of course outweighs the bad, if only it was not for those insults and profane language I had to hear… followed by an unconcerned Rally Master, barely listening to the situation.
The ride was fine, the rides are always fine specially since our mechanical issues have been addressed. Escalante to Penguitch is such a beautiful road allowing the traveler to take in the changes in colors of the sandstone, from white to an orangey red going through the Canyon. And for you all specially that are dog owners, I think this Blog will interest you…
Be well… always. Ara & Spirit
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I was up there one year when the colors changed... I always thought GA/NC/SC where just beautiful at that time... but up there?... I had to stop the bike and I think that my hair stood up... it was just unbelievable!!! You have just given me an idea that I actually need to witness it again... would be a shame not to. Not this year... but maybe next. (Fuel!!!...).
Be well... and lets see some pictures soon...
Please!
Ara & Spirit
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Too funny... but yes, people must have been tougher... this is a "rough" area... unlike Moab area if stuck you do not have a Jeep coming by every 5 mn's! Even though, I was told that a Ranger is suppose to be drive those roads once a day... Now that would be a good job! As soon as I have a new knobbie we will get on those roads... in the meantime we are staying on black top a bit... A Friend of mine is trying to adapt a VW 15" wheel for the rig, rear of the bike... will mount a snow tire and then we can really get places!!!
Rolling again! Utah.
They came in three… they have been fixed in three! A bit of hiking with a very upset Spirit during a 5:30am wake up call, but all worth seeing the incredible colors of the Escalante Petrified Forest, another marvel accomplished by Mother Nature…
The new seal was waiting when we returned and so embarrassed to find out that it was the easiest repair I have ever done! Could not stay still too long after 3 days pretty much at idle… so a ride to Penguitch to meet some of the Rally goers and a beautiful night time ride back to camp, arriving around midnight!
All this in one day… seems that my energy has doubled since here!
Returning today, met up with some old friends at the “Beehive Beemer” get together, unfortunately it only took one, with his unprovoked profanities and foul language, a “dog hater” I was told by the registration desk, all this because Spirit was barking while I was using the facilities! A facet of a society I thought I had abandoned long time ago. As “management” was OK with it, only saying they are… “sooo sorry!“, a Charter Club, a disgrace to the Motorcycle community, we left the “space” fouled by this individual and waiting for a public apology. As I always say… “School is always open”…
Be well… all is well here!… including Spirit. Ara & Spirit
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Very touched by what you wrote Dave... They are words that I will save in my little file... Thank you... you reach deeper than you think.
There is a road here I am sure you know... "Hole in the Rock", the famous one that was hand built at the end to let the wagons down, or maybe it was up. Unfortunately my rig will not make the last 7 miles!!! This no country to fool around with... actually permit is needed to camp... free... But as I did many years ago I will always let someone know where we are going. That vast! yes! Thanks again Dave...
Some repairs in Escalante, Utah
We are on the road always at the mercy of a breakage. It is always the hidden factor that can change plans, routes and finances for sure. They came in threes! One more to go as far as fixing… waiting for a new rear hub seal, but in the meantime still riding a bit around the town.
The only Motorcycle Shop within two hundred miles is right here! A couple miles away… that is what I call good Karma as I was not aware of it when planning to come here. This is a main thoroughfare for two wheelers traveling, even travelers on foot, bicycles, and “Desert Doctor” does pretty well for the ill fated riders unprepared for this area.
It is getting hot during the day, I like it, just have to keep an eye on Spirit and from now on he will ride with his nice red cover on!… Never thought that one would come in so handy…
Enjoy the Blog… I know some of you will pass by here… let me know… will buy you a cup of coffee!!!
Be well… Ara & Spirit
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We are in Escalante, Utah…
If you have never done 95 and 12 from Blanding or vice versa you owe to yourself to do it as a once in a Lifetime amazing first “Utah’s All-American Road”. We are now in Escalante, our new home base for a while and will go back to explore and photograph one section at the time. My concept is always either no pictures or stop every mile!… It could have taken us weeks to get here.
There is so much that it could be overwhelming as besides the maps, the locals already have given me tips on out of the way destinations. In the meantime, Old Faithful decided to take a break by developing a rear final drive leak!… Just a seal. I am sure with the help of many on Motorcycle Forums I will be able to replace… when the part gets here! No overnight shipping in this town… So Spirit and I will check out by foot this small city… however a bit bigger than Bluff.
Enjoy the Antelope Slot “Upper” Canyon today on the Blog…
Be well, as always… Ara & Spirit
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That is the way we are going since we are in Cortez now...
There is no shortcut!!! Monticello to Blanding to the bridges to Boulder to Escalante... almost 300 miles unless we start... flying!!!
A side trip! Cortez… Co
We had to get to a big city! This is big… and I am finding myself not doing well in such of an atmosphere. Spirit neither, he is just not happy as usual. An event as the Cortez Cultural Center and meeting another traveler, Sergio from Boston, who joined us for the event saved the day and the mind… Dancing, Traditions, Story telling by an 84 year old Navajo Code Talker… it was a great evening of entertainment and culture.
We are headed out in the am, all the errands are done, mail has followed me on queue including my new tags and Driver’s License! After all I am still a Florida Resident as so many others that only live there half of the time.
I am a bit torn between continuing north in Colorado or go to… Escalante for a while. I am so drawn to the later. Maybe Spirit will decide in the morning… Bluff? You can read about it here…
Till next time… from who knows where!
Be well… Ara & Spirit
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Hey Dave, this one is for you! Dynamic HDR (free download). I did not crop the left little making. There are so many variations and curves one can do that it can take an hour per photo! Like it? Like it not? It is subjective... I bracket at times, HDR would be easy... as long as one uses a tripod or don't shake with an IS lens.
Be well... Ara & Spirit
*camping at Valley of the Gods by the way.
Lifelong Journey On The Road...
in Motorcycles
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You know I never thought about the tripod trick!!! But... I have a cheap tripod and would probably loose the camera!!! I really like using it though, even with Image stabilizer I think the pictures are sharper... Too much riding... shaky hands... The backpack... Spirit is 60 lbs... great idea but not feasable, I just wish they would change those rules! We have not gone beyond Torey... yet!
A bit more of Capitol Reef, the “Grand Wash”, Utah
Great commercial shot above!… it is a great helmet with the visor really protecting from the sun quite often. One can do the “Grand Wash” in an hour or spend all day as we almost did. Walking part of it is also a great experience between the walls of this Canyon with a constant change in the rock formations and endless colors of red hues. Stay away if ever storming, you will see the signs anyhow, the flash floods must be tremendous and happens so fast.
The “space” at the campground is real peaceful and as much as I don’t care too much for them we had a great time, a social time exchanging stories with the tourists passing by. Spirit of course is always the highlight, myself… more and more I feel as a Travel or Tour Guide agent! It has been nice to share the little bit of knowledge I have acquired from Utah…
Enjoy the Blog… and till next time you all be well.
Ara & Spirit