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beemerchef

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Posts posted by beemerchef

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    Falling into our 7th Year. Texas.

     

    “Day of the Dead” in Terlingua was Friday and so was an Anniversary of our past departure from Georgia [Dawsonville to be precise] 7 Years ago, pretty much with no destination, mental or physical for that matter. Aspects of entertainment are at their highest here. One would not think so while crossing 80 miles of Desert from Alpine or Marathon or Marfa Southbound. There is a lot “happening”. At the same time we made new Friends as they have been traveling from London to South America in their little and efficient “Lada” with their Buddy “John”. No need for a Turbo charged top of the line vehicle, this one does it all as you can even watch the video I posted on the Journal with many Photos also of Friday's Celebration which this Year brought in a nice [and painted] larger crowd. In the meantime we are tomorrow morning taking off for the Park. I don't know yet which one, which direction, maybe Spirit will point the way as he always does.

    Enjoy the Journal, much local colors.

     

     

    Be well, always.

     

     

     

    Ara and Spirit

     

    7th Year, the Stars, living under them…

     

     

     

    www.theoasisofmysoul.com The Journal

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    Gray Days, Colorful mind. Texas.

     

    Lingering here at “The Oasis” will do this. “This” meaning erasing clocks, calendars, any source of outside interference with our lives. A Heaven of tranquility and ecstasy and more, so much more it becomes harder and harder to describe what these millions of acres laid out ahead of us bring on day in and day out. Some of the past days have been hot, some have been covered with a ceiling of dark clouds, a cold front made it's way for a couple days and too quickly found the exit door, night time riding or daytime, nothing has stopped us from doing so, including a video of a bit longer nature. Winter is not yet upon us, not yet, this part of the Country seems to avoid it for as long as possible. Regardless of it all, today, as this little screen passes on images of the brutality with which Mother Nature has punched the East Coast I start thinking about such unfairness of the devastation. Cost of lives, homes, businesses, health for so many of the elderly, it is all very much so on a speechless path trying to wish everyone affected a speedy recovery. Wishing. Life has it's twists and turns of too many. Doesn’t it?

     

    Be well, always.

     

     

     

    Ara and Spirit

     

    7th Year, the Stars, living under them…

     

     

     

    www.theoasisofmysoul.com The Journal

     

     

    www.beemerchef.smugmug.com The Photos

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    “35”. October 13ht. From “The Oasis”. TX

     

    And then they are the times when the Road does not spare the hard times unlike some might think it is always the blue skies with no clouds. Lance's Birthday will of course not stop coming around and down again through memory lane the mind takes it's own Journey. There is no need for avoidance, this is what Life had planned. Learning to embrace the good ones, that is the good memories, and live uplifted by them is always the key to those days.

    The space here is conductive for such a play of the hours going by. It is “The Oasis” with acres of beauty, miles and miles of roads, paved and unpaved, Friends that welcome us back for those times we will be here in and out this winter. This always has been the ultimate retreat and remains as such.

    In a day or two we will however be leaving for Wyoming to retrieve “Old Faithful”, one more step to have it all together here.

    The shoulder is getting better. We were able to take a long ride yesterday through Big Bend Park, always a treat. Paying the price a bit for it today, but this too shall pass.

    More on the Journal...

     

    Be well, always.

     

     

     

    Ara and Spirit

     

     

    6 years, the Stars, living under them…

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    Time to regroup at “The Oasis”. TX

     

    Turns out to be a good thing this little piece of land here in the middle of nowhere. Way South in Texas. Once a Year it is that time to regroup, specially with a new Hack which is not quite done, not quite accessorized for our needs. “Old Faithful” is still in Lander, Wyoming, it is going to be a long round trip haul to bring here down. Soon I hope. This “Terra Explorer” by the way is now named “Crusty” and she excels off road, “Old Faithful” is more the touring hack it seems like. I was able to pick up some interesting items while in Germany, at least get to know those items which I am showing in the Journal. They are mostly winter camping gear. Some that have shrunk in size and weight specially my kitchen, some that will keep us warmer. We have some big plans and I always kind of smile at my plans as I know too well none always go as thought. Past experiences are the proof.

    I am actually writing this from Lubbock, Texas. Tomorrow “Crusty” is getting a much needed side case for more gear! Mr Spirit is doing well. His clowning has not stopped and I think right now he is a bit anxious to get back.

    All the new gear in this new entry with always many "Thanks" to our kind Sponsors.

     

    Be well, always.

     

     

     

    Ara and Spirit

     

     

    6 years, the Stars, living under them…

     

     

     

    www.theoasisofmysoul.com The Journal

     

     

    www.beemerchef.smugmug.com The Photos

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    A blank page at “The Oasis”

     

    Kind of limping with a bad shoulder and upper back we made it back to “The Oasis” and it is only just now getting back the ability to freely moving around. More or less! My patience is not the best when it comes to halting everything. Frustrating under medications awaiting feeling better is a better explanation.

    This space has become the center of my Universe where we are all alone enjoying the silence and these past nights with a Moon getting full all is lit as daylight.

    It is lounging here as being in a “Twilight Zone” literally loosing all sense of time and days, I cannot even tell how long we have been here.

    This is what Big Bend will do to most when they let go of their Urban minds and slip into the present covers always so welcoming.

    It rained like mad, stormed like crazy and today again the skies are blue as I think the good Spring weather is here. So welcoming.

    Enjoy the Post Cards images of “The Oasis”.

     

     

     

    Be well, always.

     

     

     

    Ara and Spirit

     

     

    6 years, the Stars, living under them…

     

     

     

    www.theoasisofmysoul.com The Journal

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    The mapping of our Lives. Some “hang” photos, we live them.

     

    It has become a bit thoughtful all these years. Maybe too much. All is slowly being replaced by contemplating adapting this mental mapping which is taking place. Lately. They are spaces I know of longer times taking roots are of an attractive greater choice. The connections are of only Mother Nature and maybe of a distant village somewhere not too near by. Nothing is holding us back, it will just be a bit more of planning when I return.

    Bitter sweet it is this afternoon as Spirit is only a couple feet from a suitcase and a carry on ready for tomorrow morning when I will be flying to Munich for a couple weeks. There is much excitement spending some true quality time with my Mother and much sadness leaving my buddy behind.

    Compromises are always everywhere seemingly a daily ritual one cannot avoid. As someone said the other day, as long as they are “positive compromises”. He is and will be in good care, there are no worries and suddenly before I know it back again it will be so we can both go on to Texas and regroup while meeting “Old Faithful” which I also miss.

    In the meantime it was a couple evening rides up the Mountains southeast of us when the 100 degree days cooled off, a nice road called “Box Canyon”.

     

     

    Be well,

     

    Ara and Spirit

     

    www.theoasisofmysoul.com The Journal

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    Intermission times... AZ

     

    Helping Friends with some house sitting, the same Friends which will take care of Spirit while in Munich for a couple weeks in a week spending some quality time with my Mother. Here sheltered from the heat of the day, reorganizing photo galleries and more, all of it leading to some down time.

    The local rides however are of many as Mt Lemon provides elevations up to 9000 feet pretty quickly while experiencing the afternoon summer monsoons, meaning buckets of water always a few seconds before rain gear can come on, Arivaca Road, Madera and Box Canyon or just sleep all day and stay up all night!

    The thoughts are present and yet they are also ahead of these times. Wondering how things are doing at “The Oasis”, looking at maps for winter camping, reading feed backs for better warmer gear for those coming days as now, with “Terra Explorer”, the ability to travel on some forbidden trails are of the past.

    It is a bit odd as always to be planted in an urban environment. We are enjoying it as much as we can, yet I feel as I am biting my time missing the open spaces.

    The fever for outdoor living is now permanent and will only get worse.

    Enjoy the local colors...

     

     

    Be well,

     

    Ara and Spirit.

     

    www.theoasisofmysoul.com The Journal

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    A serious case of debriefing. CA

     

    Our Summer descend South has started. Too early for my taste but... always a but! House sitting a couple weeks for the same Friends who are going to take good care of Spirit while spending 2 weeks in Germany with my Mother. This is what happens when such events are planned right in the middle of Summer. Yet I am finding such a Season to be a difficult one since we like cold. Mosquitoes have never ceased, the heat is always present even if hovering around 10.000 feet, maybe need to switch our path to a different one. Pretty much stay put in the summer and confront the snow and colder elements in the winter in areas we have not seen covered with their white blanket. We now have the vehicle to do it with as “Terra Explorer” is turning out to be an amazing machine with a Old Soul trying to grow up a bit too fast!

    We spend a grand time in Mc Cloud for about a week in a house loaned by our Friends, and now within the heat of Tucson we are pretty much staying put besides a magical evening a couple days ago North of Tonopah filled with storms and cooler temperatures.

    Those will be photos for the next time. Right now it is all about Northern California...

     

    Be well, always.

     

    Ara and Spirit

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    Dropping South, Crater Lake, Mt Shasta. OR. CA.

     

    Seems as usual the days of summer get away so rapidly. I savor the long days without much interruption and sleep is curtailed to less hours than ever. I even feel tired at times when I finally realize midnight in the woods has approached and the first sun rays jump start me so early. It has been quite some “couple of weeks” nourishing the relationship with “Terra Explorer”, I must say a more than pleasant one when riding those narrow trails without any apprehension. Reverse and two wheel drive leave me always speechless.

    Yet we battle with Mother Nature at times. Looking for elevation, escaping the mosquitoes, running away from the high temperatures, summer has it's charm and challenges.

    I forgot to mention “running away” from crowded spaces also, but when I saw Crater Lake I could not help wanting to spend a few days exploring the circle it makes. It was not too bad, traffic was light, one and only “tent camping” space was fairly quiet. We did escape it before the Friday and Saturday's exodus of the weekend warriors happened and dropped a bit more south to the top of Mt Shasta. As far as the road could take us anyhow.

    The experience of a Sunset and a Sunrise (so far) adorned with a sky filled with traveling clouds left me just sitting in my chair and taking it all in. Act One, Two, Three and more...

    I forgot. We also spend a few days in “Plain”, WA, coaching many cook outdoors with provided “Snow Peak” gear and the get together organized by “Overland Journal”.

    The Photos will speak for themselves on the Journal.

     

    Be well, always.

     

    Ara and Spirit

     

    www.theoasisofmysoul.com The Journal

    www.beemerchef.smugmug.com The Photos

    www.store.theoasisofmysoul.com The Recipes

     

    www.printfection.com/spiritedoasis T Shirts and more

     

     

    6ht years, the Stars, living under them…

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    A few days in Salem. The road to... OR

     

    The stage has been #20 ~ #26 westbound toward Salem. Rural Americana with it's rustic remainders of now almost defunct villages and the farmlands adorning the shoulders mixed in with the entrances and exits of the various National Forests. As sad a bit such little villages are today as I could only guess from the faded storefront signs of their previous wealth, they provide a slice of History never found in books or pamphlets. The price of today's now as an antique standing tall fuel pump denotes the year when slowly the main street folded giving way maybe to a bypass or just the fact of a new generation leaving for the big town where the jobs might be more rewarding.

    “Sublimity”, “Gates”, “Idanha”, “Unity”, “Prineville”, “Sweet Home”...

    We stop when the old oaks have enough shade to cover us from the hot sun for Spirit and I to stand all alone within the silence of a non existent traffic and just be, sometimes often still hearing the noises of the past glamor today vanished.

    We could have spend weeks covering such short distances, but we had to be as we are right now in Salem awaiting for "Terra Explorer”. A surprising turn of events for us as seemingly this Journey has always brought on.

    More Photos on the Journal... Enjoy.

     

    Be well, always.

     

    Ara and Spirit

     

    www.theoasisofmysoul.com The Journal

    www.beemerchef.smugmug.com The Photos

    www.store.theoasisofmysoul.com The Recipes

     

    www.printfection.com/spiritedoasis T Shirts and more

     

     

    5 years, the Stars, living under them…

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    4th of July, a Rodeo, Friends and Nature’s Fireworks. WY.

     

    No lack of excitement these days. Staying above 9000 feet, trying to and leaving only when Mother Nature decides to throw in her own Fireworks. Spectacular I must say when witnessing Mountains blowing up at Brooks Lake. A little Parade in a little town called Dubois, a Rodeo in another little town called Lander, all this is taking place in Wyoming. Brooks Lake up to the moment when the Mountain erupted only 9 miles from us has been one of the best space found with cool temperatures and many off chute roads we yet have to ride them all. Snow was even present when we arrived. I saw it as free ice even !

    Tomorrow starts another leg in the Journey. Salem, Oregon to pick up... ( another surprise for now!) and on to Leavenworth, Washington, for a couple cooking Classes with the combined efforts of Snow Peak and Overland Journal.

    One day at the time. Schedules? Never... We try not to anyhow.

    Enjoy the photos of our past days.

     

    Be well, always.

     

    Ara and Spirit

     

    www.theoasisofmysoul.com The Journal

    www.beemerchef.smugmug.com The Photos

    www.store.theoasisofmysoul.com The Recipes

     

    www.printfection.com/spiritedoasis T Shirts and more

     

     

    5 years, the Stars, living under them…

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    Lake City, Blue Mesa Reservoir, Salida and now Colorado Springs. CO.

     

    The heat wave is following us or is it we are falling into it's heated arms? 100 +/- in Colorado Springs were we have stopped for a few days catching up on mail and errands. I feel as they should have a Weather Map for the Country indicating any regions under 70 degrees daytime. Not wanting to be stuck on a Peak we will probably soon move on North, a couple more days here it will be.

    In the meantime we did spend a few days around Lake City and on down to Blue Mesa Reservoir and Salida to replace a passed away “will join the pile of dead electronics somewhere on Earth” smart phone.

    I don't know why I seem to have lost a bit of stability. Maybe just have not found yet this space which will talk back to us and invite us to remain a bit longer than we have lately.

    “Father's Day” has not helped neither these past days. Seemingly, the better the memories, the harder present times are.

    I feel as we need a fresh start. Summertime and the roads await, we will find those empty spaces appealing to the senses. They are there and as before, they will be “here”. A couple entries: “Postcards from Colorado” and “Salida. CO”.

     

     

    Be well,

     

    Ara and Spirit.

     

    www.theoasisofmysoul.com The Journal

    www.beemerchef.smugmug.com The Photos

    www.store.theoasisofmysoul.com The Recipes

     

    http://www.printfection.com/spiritedoasis T Shirts and more

     

     

    5 years, the Stars, living under them…

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    Summertime roads... CO

     

    This is the time, the months, these precious moments when being in between four walls with a nice wifi connection is truly rare. These are the times chasing cool weather at high elevations meaning lost on some dirt road opening into a meadow reflecting the blue skies staging the pure and white clouds chasing each other. Sometimes blended with grays by the end of the days. Once in a while, as today, we find us a nice Library as here in “Lake City”, Colorado, and the communication again opens up, catching up on the well being of others, of Friends and acquaintances. I am seeing and feeling Colorado as never before. Maybe as every year that goes by new senses develop? I don't remember the colors so bright and so intense. I don't remember seeing so many unpaved roads going right and left. Posts keep going up on our Journal, we do have a great Webmaster, he makes it so easy for us. New Photos, thoughts, that is what these past years have been about... many thoughts. Maybe too many.

    Talk soon and be well... we will be in Colorado for a while, the price of fuel is not much of our Friend lately!

     

    Be well, always.

     

    Ara and Spirit

     

    www.theoasisofmysoul.com The Journal

    www.beemerchef.smugmug.com The Photos

    www.store.theoasisofmysoul.com The Recipes

     

    www.printfection.com/spiritedoasis T Shirts and more

     

     

    5 years, the Stars, living under them…

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    Without a “Philosophy of Life...” AZ

     

    Unusually have not been here in a while. A couple entries on the Journal, the one before last with many more Photos of "Chaco Canyon". Between playing hide and seek with some return and sending oil hoses which were wrong four times [outside vendor], picking up then “Old Faithful” to ride it and trust it, moving on here to the “Mormon Lake” area near Flagstaff, Spirit a bit under the weather with a Vet that wanted a series of expensive tests... Life on the road seems to finally lighten up for a breather before Overland Expo starting in a couple of days.

    I had no idea this area is so beautiful and plentiful of unpaved but very well maintained roads. Cool weather throughout the days, cold as we [at least I !!!] like it.

    I am slowly trusting this new [for us] engine, the feel is different, stronger of course with only it's 30,000 miles.

    There will be a big crowd at Overland Expo, many Friends we only see once a year, some maybe twice. Lots of cooking, chatting, giving a “One~Pan” cooking Class for all the three days. Traveling without refrigeration as we do... simple and clean and good.

    There will be I am sure many photos from all attending vehicles, maybe a couple videos, the area is huge. Much excitement ahead I must say...

    Till next time. Enjoy the Photos from “Mountainair” all the way to “Mormon Lake” including “Pie-Town”.

     

    Be well, always.

     

    Ara and Spirit

     

    www.theoasisofmysoul.com The Journal

    www.beemerchef.smugmug.com The Photos

    www.store.theoasisofmysoul.com The Recipes

     

    www.printfection.com/spiritedoasis T Shirts and more

     

     

    5 years, the Stars, living under them…

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    More of “Carrizozo” and “Chaco Canyon”. NM

     

    This vast space has touched us. Carrizozo is till fresh in my mind, the quaint feel and friendliness of the locals, the proximity of so many new roads, all makes me want to make it an “Oasis” for us next winter. Will see! Maybe. As everything else on this Journey of ours. “Chaco Canyon” where we also spend a few days, well, none has yet sank in due to the enormity of what we encountered. The past remains of a Culture so intense, the many dwellings standing and preserved from an era when yet “metal tools” where just not around.

     

    “Old Faithful” is up and running. The anticipation of the repairs dollar amount was a shock, of course, like everything else, yet, it has been done right and can only hope many new miles are in store ahead of us.

    To compound it all however half of our camping gear has been stolen from one night in Albuquerque, simply lifted off “Old Faithful”, another shock, another setback.

    Sometimes the skies open up and the storms drop to no end. That is how it right now feels as we try to move on toward Flagstaff. Check out our Merchandise section...

    Enjoy the photos, the roads. On we go for more... Trying!

     

    Be well, always.

     

    Ara and Spirit

     

    www.theoasisofmysoul.com The Journal

    www.beemerchef.smugmug.com The Photos

    www.store.theoasisofmysoul.com The Recipes

     

    www.printfection.com/spiritedoasis T Shirts and more

     

     

    5 years, the Stars, living under them…

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    Northbound. In lust with “Carrizozo”. NM

     

    Sometimes it happens as in a few years ago when arriving in Big Bend and Terlingua. There is an indescribable sensation that penetrates one's inner senses and makes it all happen, happen as “I would like to spend some serious time here...”. That is what “Carrizozo” did to me while after leaving “Valley of Fire” [NM] to come into town when my stove lost a part. Will see... might be a good space for next winter.

    In the meantime we are circling “Mountainer” having accepted the hospitality of new Friends and tomorrow is “on the way to again Albuquerque” to saddle up with “Old Faithful”.

    “Sandia BMW Motorcycles” in Albuquerque I must say has done everything possible for us to get rolling without much delay. Quite a task I must considering installing a new engine and the intricacies of reinstalling the sidecar. A bit more complicated on the GS [R1100] while there is not front frame and engine bolts are forward the main supports.

    Seems as it has been an eternity. Seems. Will not be that much longer till the three of us again are reunited and rolling, this time toward Arizona.

    Enjoy “Carrizozo” photos. There will be more.

     

    Be well, always.

     

    Ara and Spirit

     

    www.theoasisofmysoul.com The Journal

    www.beemerchef.smugmug.com The Photos

    www.store.theoasisofmysoul.com The Recipes

     

    www.printfection.com/spiritedoasis T Shirts and more

     

     

    5 years, the Stars, living under them…

  17. No promise they said but Saturday should be rolling... Thanks for the support.

     

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    Trying to swim upstream... Texas

     

    I have to be so glad all this is happening now and not within a hot and dry Desert while isolated and miles away from civilization. “Old Faithful” awaits in Albuquerque. She is in good hands at Sandia BMW Motorcycles, she has the best mechanic taking care of her while a replacement engine is on it's way. 2 years newer, with only 30,000 miles on her, it is as a new heart is being transplanted without loosing her Soul. Yet, it has been strange, specially the first few days. Amazing how a “machine” can develop such a Soul which when not together leaves an empty daily space.

     

    Regardless, our “Presentation” went on real well, the slide show mixed in with a couple of “Spirit's Videos” [of course!], narration of a few close to my Heart destinations, mixing in a bit with tips also throughout the Tech Session that followed, all I must say was entertaining as we also made some new Friends. Standing room only, the hour went by fast as “Old Faithful” was rolled in into the room. I think she also enjoyed the time present with so many.

    We should be rolling a week from today... should be as the new engine is being dropped off on Monday. Packing and on our way tomorrow on a slow pace this time exploring more of those back roads around Albuquerque. 55 being one of them.

     

    Be well, always.

     

    Ara and Spirit

     

    www.theoasisofmysoul.com The Journal

    www.beemerchef.smugmug.com The Photos

    www.store.theoasisofmysoul.com The Recipes

     

    www.printfection.com/spiritedoasis T Shirts and more

     

     

    5 years, the Stars, living under them…

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    Our “Fate” in Albuquerque. NM

     

    I know it is a Monday. The Dealership is closed. “Old Faithful” is sitting 600 miles from here, should I say “a blown engine”? That is basically what it is! Yes, after spending days changing a clutch and a rear main engine seal. Different department! Till this morning, as the expression says, I did not know if I was coming or going. Trying to regroup. Yet, our good fortune tagged right along with us. We limped right into Sandia's BMW Motorcycle Service door! Our Presentation was the next day. They bend backwards and so quickly determined what was wrong. Everything. “Old Faithful” gave it her last breath to take us there. That in itself was amazing. More good Karma as within a couple days a Friend living near by gave us a drive back here to “The Oasis” where we are waiting, unpacking what has been thrown in the car, repacking to hopefully go back soon and continue our Journey. A new engine has been found, 2 years younger and with only 30,000 miles! Will this give us another 250,000 miles to go? Hoping and projecting. It was bound to finally happen, Nothing lasts forever and I am so thankful all is falling nicely together even though my emotions are at their highest. The Presentation went very well to a full packed house... More on that the next time. The backroads to Albuquerque... Enjoy this new entry.

     

    Be well, always.

     

    Ara and Spirit

     

    www.theoasisofmysoul.com The Journal

    www.beemerchef.smugmug.com The Photos

    www.store.theoasisofmysoul.com The Recipes

     

    www.printfection.com/spiritedoasis T Shirts and more

     

     

    5 years, the Stars, living under them…

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    Heating up on “Big Bend Flats”. Texas

     

    I write a bit every day. It is part of my breathing it seems like. Breath out to allow breathing in. The heat index should have been proud of reaching the three digits for days on end while having us as a must to remain here. Of course now, this evening, a large storm moved in with much rain, wind and cold air. So my Journal is only true for the past days and not today. Does it really matter? It was then those days past a must to go on riding, hot or not, part of Life's Therapy to ride, a familiar loop to Terlingua, and on River Road to Presidio, Marfa, Alpine and back here. From “inside my helmet” I should often call the pages created. That is when it happens, the voices express themselves. An “Art Show” in Presidio lured us in. The most important aspect of the week however was “Old Faithful” going, not under the knife, but the wrenches. New rear engine main seal, clutch and a variety of maintenance aspects which will allow us to once again get rolling. Was it my doing? Of course not. My ability does not go that far and my good fortune to have a Friend such as Paul in charge of it all, well, there are no words for my gratitude toward him as not only he is the best “mechanic” around, but also an incredible “Human Being” when truly experiencing the Man one on one for a few days. It is all done, finished, rolling... 3 days it took, 3 days of Spirit being unhappy seeing his car away and apart on one wheel! This body is a bit sore from pulling, lifting, aspects uncommon throughout our “regular” days. On to Albuquerque... should be a good ride.

     

    Be well, always.

     

    Ara and Spirit

     

    www.theoasisofmysoul.com The Journal

    www.beemerchef.smugmug.com The Photos

    www.store.theoasisofmysoul.com The Recipes

     

    www.printfection.com/spiritedoasis T Shirts and more

     

     

    5 years, the Stars, living under them…

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    One Book, a "Milestone". Texas

     

    Standing still. We are. The triple digit on the heat index is not. "That" keeps jumping. We are just so much not used to any kind of heat. The kind that drains, takes away thoughts and any desire to accomplish anything of worth. A couple more days, "Old Faithful" will be taken apart, we will be headed North. Yet, everything happens seemingly for a reason as I seat here and read a Book that is enlightening me. Yes, it is about the struggle of Life when loosing someone Close and Dear. It is as the pages have been written for me, it is about the path we have taken, it is telling me of an approval as never heard or read before. It is liberating to know as such, that once a while back, my decision for these past years and today has been the right one as difficult it can at times be, as challenging the simple aspect of surviving on all aspects month after month can be. It is so many things.

    The Journey when we leave will take a turn, I can feel it and know it. So many spaces are awaiting, the ones not many have heard of, the ones one can blend in and be part of it's creation in contemplative aspects so too often ignored by many.

    In the meantime, here, evening storms have made for some photos depicting always the beauty of Big Bend Flats which might not be the proper name of this area, but that is what some of us call it. All this is about some rides in the neighborhood.

     

    Be well, always.

     

    Ara and Spirit

     

    www.theoasisofmysoul.com The Journal

    www.beemerchef.smugmug.com The Photos

    www.store.theoasisofmysoul.com The Recipes

     

    www.printfection.com/spiritedoasis T Shirts and more

     

     

    5 years, the Stars, living under them…

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    Always "rediscovering" myself... Texas.

     

    The route back from Death Valley took us through Mojave and Joshua Tree. We just could not make it a straight line to "The Oasis", this space awaiting for us "again", right now a bit hotter than what we would like to be, yet, with not much of a choice considering "Old Faithful" will be soon in a few days going through some major overhauling. Patience. Death Valley was as kicking us out or sucking us right back in. A ride report! It is never a physical ride report. The stages we are on play too much of their own feelings toward my senses, my Soul, my mind... It has become endless, it has become my own "World" as I discovered for the first time not long ago, just a few days past, it is "OK" to be in our own "World". It is fine even if so not agreable by many for the only reason of it being so different with the lack of switches and a comfort seeked. The "comfort" is within, the dimmers have too often a mind of their own moved around by so many tangents I can only be ahead of them all or too often behind.

    So we are here, Spirit with his own freedom to run around as the forever Clown he is and myself these first days being lazy as never before! The word "summer" is sharpening daily. Where will we be? How far can our fuel loosing it's value will take us? Are we going to give in? We cannot. Colorado sounds enticing. The back roads of the many Forest service trails will see us parked and enjoying the coolness of such summer.

    In the meantime we are also getting ready for a sharing of the Journey in Albuquerque on April 11th at Sandia BMW Motorcycle Dealer. How to share the so many years within such a short time? A slide show, tid bits on how to move on as we do while writing, photography, meeting new Friends on the shoulders of the roads, the ones paved and unpaved, cooking, all positive aspects of this road taken... The same path will take us to Overland Expo on May 18~19~20ht in Flagstaff. There will be more... Sharing is what it is all about.

     

    Be well, always.

     

    Ara and Spirit

     

    www.theoasisofmysoul.com The Journal

    www.beemerchef.smugmug.com The Photos

    www.store.theoasisofmysoul.com The Recipes

     

    www.printfection.com/spiritedoasis T Shirts and more

     

     

    5 years, the Stars, living under them…

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    I need a “wake up” call. Texas.

     

    “Death Valley” is behind us, physically only, my Soul has yet to leave “Warm Springs” Rd, the hills off “Skidoo” Rd and the few others we were lost on. Since exchanging thoughts with others having also experienced “Death Valley” I have been pleased to know that I have not been the only one a bit “intimidated” by such vastness. It has a been what I call a “Life changing experience”. It has reinforced how strongly is the need for “getting lost”, how fully such isolation avoiding the “tourist traps” can keep us afloat days on end. We are now back at “The Oasis” where the skies on the first night welcomed us as never before with a Sunset of epic proportion. The photo above is only one of them, all taken within less than a two hour span. We did drop south through Mojave National Preserve, finding more primitive camping by the Kelso Dunes, and then on “Belle” campground in Joshua National Park, this time around a bit quick for our taste but we needed to get back here and apply myself to some logistical issues. A few days, some serious maintenance and on again...

    Enjoy...

     

    Be well, always.

     

    Ara and Spirit

     

    www.theoasisofmysoul.com The Journal

    www.beemerchef.smugmug.com The Photos

    www.store.theoasisofmysoul.com The Recipes

     

    www.printfection.com/spiritedoasis T Shirts and more

     

     

    5 years, the Stars, living under them…

  23. i-3N5JkLb-L.jpg

     

     

    Imperfect Perfection. Death Valley. CA

     

    If nothing else we have joined the mile marker "Tea Kettle" en route for the "Racetrack". Yet, there is much more when one has the chance to spend camping a few nights in that desolate space. It feels "way out there" and it is. No light pollution, a few tourists throughout the day a couple miles away, coming in and getting out as fast as they did. Sometimes I don't know why they bother, some not even removing their helmets or a quick window down and up, quick photo and back to where they came from. Mystery.

    Spirit had a blast on the Playa which reminded me a bit of the "salt flats" only smaller. One on one, closer we have become. There is a promised certitude of not leaving such a space being the same person inside out. Changes happen as it has happened. It has been a space like no other I must say leaving me to often speechless throughout the time spend.

    The "Racetrack" will become as "Valley of the Gods" have, most likely a once a year pilgrimage.

    More photos on the Journal...

     

    Be well, Ara and Spirit.

     

    www.theoasisofmysoul.com The Journal

    www.beemerchef.smugmug.com The Photos

    www.store.theoasisofmysoul.com The Recipes

     

    www.printfection.com/spiritedoasis T Shirts and more

     

     

    5 years, the Stars, living under them…

  24. i-BGr82Xz-L.jpg

     

    Lost in Death Valley. NV

     

    3 millions of acres this time around with incredible weather which does not cease to amaze me. Pass up the “tourist” traps, the paved roads and what is left are miles of unpaved paths, most with more washboard I have ever felt. Yet the worth is present when we can spend nights and days without hearing anyone present. As long as we have water! Death Valley started very intimidating, mainly because we are by ourselves, even equipped with a SAT phone and a SPOT it would not be a scenario of substance to break down. Most I come across are in groups, a wise aspect. I did see my share of it with others and their flat tires, so far we have done well and moving on smartly. A couple more weeks probably before we have to head back to Texas, “Old Faithful” is being technically overhauled. I cannot think about it yet, I am falling in Love with Death Valley and finding ways to survive camping free, shower free, a bit of wifi and cell service here and there and that is it. More on the Journal...

     

    Be well, Ara and Spirit.

     

    www.theoasisofmysoul.com The Journal

    www.beemerchef.smugmug.com The Photos

    www.store.theoasisofmysoul.com The Recipes

     

    www.printfection.com/spiritedoasis T Shirts and more

     

     

    5 years, the Stars, living under them…

  25. *** sorry about the double posting. I don't know what happened.

     

    Thanks for the kind words. No composition. I don't even use Photoshop. The lens 16~35mm 2.8 "L" coupled with the Canon Mark II is an incredible lens. It was a good Day...

     

    i-9GJSCch-L.jpg

     

     

    Fort Stanton. Ghost Town. NM.

     

    It seems as throughout our wanderings, there is always a harsher reality when the Human element has come into play with the space we are planted on. Such was the case while in Fort Stanton, New Mexico. It was as instantly Mother Nature gave away what could have just been rolling hills and a landscape so inviting while on the way. Buildings after buildings, now unoccupied, vestiges of past History, only the winds of a different pitch were the sounds of what was once filled with voices of Human presence. I read the words and pages of such History and can only find an unfairness of past acts, I know of a touchy subject, maybe taboo for most, and yet without personally much comprehension on how such greed has lead to such times. “Riding”, “The Road”... all are such incredible sources of constant thoughts, it is when they enter the mind and the thinking goes on and on, so much so I can only pull over to write them down with always the fear I will forget, or better often dictate as the memory can linger and loose them, loose the correlation between my own present time and those words making their way, jumping in some sort expressing their own reality. Yes, Fort Stanton is worth the visit. You can read about how it made me feel, maybe your own take will be different.

    Be well... Always.

    Ara and Spirit

     

    www.theoasisofmysoul.com The Journal

    www.beemerchef.smugmug.com The Photos

    www.store.theoasisofmysoul.com The Recipes

     

    http://www.printfect...m/spiritedoasis T Shirts and more

     

    5 years, the Stars, living under them…

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