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beemerchef

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Posts posted by beemerchef

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    “Gotta' Keep Movin' on” . NM

     

    Camping at “Three Rivers”, New Mexico, has only been the tip of the iceberg. This great gifted State we have never quite explored before however is still in it's cold state of mind with shorter days increasing the logistical difficulties. Maybe not difficulties, only the discipline getting back to camp for some dinner cooking, feeding Spirit before darkness prevails. Ah! Just short days...

    Besides the many branched out unpaved roads present, a single area with over 20,000 Petroglyphs, a little Church at the bottom of the adjacent Mountains where we spend the day on Lance's Eight year passing away Anniversary, one of the main highlights has been the White Sands Dunes National Monuments. Wishing we could have stayed there for days even if the winds sandblasted us and yet having enough reprise to take some photos of the area on a day so lucky with the skies filled with clouds.

    A couple entries, has been quiet times, painful on January 26th, another year ahead of us to confront and stay strong. Thank you for your support...

     

    Be well... Always.

    Ara and Spirit

     

    www.theoasisofmysoul.com The Journal

     

    www.beemerchef.smugmug.com The Photos

     

    www.store.theoasisofmysoul.com

    The Recipes

     

    5 years, the Stars, living under them…

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    “Gotta' Keep Movin' on” . NM

     

    Camping at “Three Rivers”, New Mexico, has only been the tip of the iceberg. This great gifted State we have never quite explored before however is still in it's cold state of mind with shorter days increasing the logistical difficulties. Maybe not difficulties, only the discipline getting back to camp for some dinner cooking, feeding Spirit before darkness prevails. Ah! Just short days...

    Besides the many branched out unpaved roads present, a single area with over 20,000 Petroglyphs, a little Church at the bottom of the adjacent Mountains where we spend the day on Lance's Eight year passing away Anniversary, one of the main highlights has been the White Sands Dunes National Monuments. Wishing we could have stayed there for days even if the winds sandblasted us and yet having enough reprise to take some photos of the area on a day so lucky with the skies filled with clouds.

    A couple entries, has been quiet times, painful on January 26th, another year ahead of us to confront and stay strong. Thank you for your support...

     

    Be well... Always.

    Ara and Spirit

     

    www.theoasisofmysoul.com The Journal

     

    www.beemerchef.smugmug.com The Photos

     

    www.store.theoasisofmysoul.com

    The Recipes

     

    5 years, the Stars, living under them…

  3. Amen.

     

    Unfortunately, I'm one of the ones that only has ~2 weeks to take off for a road trip. Not enough time, by a long shot, but I make do as much as possible.

     

    Awesome pic with this latest entry, too.

     

     

     

    Thanks... We all do the best we can.

     

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    We will be escaping the January Blues... TX

     

    I am writing these lines already from Las Cruces, New Mexico, where parked for a couple nights at some Dear Friends Home going over some maps of the State and... eating good food! Spirit is playing with Luca, Guy and Jones! You have never seen four dogs as such having the time of their lives. “The Oasis” is behind us. Took a while to pack as we are trailering “Old Faithful” with “Sherpa”, a new set of logistics, a bit odd for us, strange and yet comfortable for these winter times as expecting to hit some snow and bad weather. It sure was nice yesterday morning to drive away in freezing temperatures with the heater on and some tunes carrying us away toward this destination. The last days in Texas where spend with much mechanical preparations, new tire, oil change, this and that while going over the machines that will carry us these coming couple months till we return for even more mechanical aspects on “Old Faithful” early April, changing the rear main engine seal before the oil sippage reaches the clutch! Before it turns into a leak.

    Very exciting times, it was a must to get away from the too much comfort those few acres left behind where providing us, it is a mental must to experience new spaces as we are going to...

    The Journal says it all.

     

    Be well... Always.

    Ara and Spirit

    www.theoasisofmysoul.com The Journal

     

    www.beemerchef.smugmug.com The Photos

     

    www.store.theoasisofmysoul.com

    The Recipes

     

    5 years, the Stars, living under them…

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    1,895 or so Days later, my 700th Journal entry. TX

     

    All is a bit overwhelming when I think of so many taking a week off or maybe two, barely enough time to taste what the Road offers. It is overwhelming to feel as we have just left and yet such time has passed on. It does not seem time means anything anymore, only the "moment" does, "now".

    A huge Gift came our way a couple days ago in the form of an incredible time while riding Big Bend National Park. That's Texas. I knew the moments leading to Sunset were going to be spectacular. Cloud formations of all shapes and colors played incessantly in turmoil and at times calm as on cue for each minute passed. “Sotol Look Out” was were I wanted us to be when those final moments took place, when finally through myriads of hues of reds and crimson and magentas and so much more splashed against the skies background.

    One of those Days again which will remain forever in the pages of my own memory and one I share here and on the Journal with the photos taken, and a video.

     

    The game of repacking has already started. Not a strange fact that we are going West instead of East, again! And who knows truly which direction we will go. Nothing written in stone till we pull out. Whatever feels good and right, that is the key encompassing the quality of the moment and not quite as much the destination or it's quantity.

     

    www.theoasisofmysoul.com The Journal

     

    www.beemerchef.smugmug.com The Photos

     

     

    5 years, the Stars, living under them…

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    And which “Face” should we wear? Texas

     

    The Journal is some paragraphs I wrote over the course of the week leading to New Year's Day. The end of the Year brings on many thoughts as I am sure with everyone, it brings the streamline of the outstanding episodes of months past. Maybe some resolutions are taken, maybe not? Forward momentum is always a good one. Terlingua, mainly the Porch, was an entertaining and kind space for us to spend the Eve and the Day back to back. Much Music, many Friends, Dogs running everywhere, the black-eye pea cook off with again more Music, the best decision for us escaping the sometimes too much solitude of this time of the year. All that chatting with familiar faces and new ones never met before made me think about our reach with each other. For lack of better word, I used “face”. It came to me because we are who we are so deeply spending time projecting our “inner” face, when alone, when “riding” as far as concerning myself, but I am sure for others when driving, sailing and more. And why so have the “proper” face when with Friends... why not be “truly” who we are all the time, speaking freely always from the Heart. I know, all this might be so complicated, but in reality is not... as someone wrote "People are always telling me that I let folks “know too much” about me…but I feel that I am who I am…".

    Enjoy the Videos, it was some real good Music and good People...

     

    Be well. Ara and Spirit

     

    www.theoasisofmysoul.com The Journal

     

    www.beemerchef.smugmug.com The Photos

     

     

     

    5 years, the Stars, living under them…

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    Strings attached or not?... Texas.

     

    No week is ever alike, and neither not a single day or hour or minute for that matter as forward is always the constant motion, the non changeable common denominator of our Lives. The ones of 2011 somehow are passing by me as a fast forward reel, every frame inducing such mixed emotions and yet, encompassing past Health issues, mechanical ones, here we are... all well, only missing to hear that 12th ring of the clock with my so much missed Lance. It stuns me always. The motion thought of how did this all happen? A mystery I try to not rebel against anymore, the always “bitter-sweet” thoughts. “My “Gratitude” emerges as learned these past Years. It is a must as to not sink in into a space where I was on the first curves of this Journey of ours. I have so many to “Thank” for. Spirit “my shadow” and the extension of my being here “now”, my many Friends and their incredible support always myself hoping I am worthy of their embrace, Mother Nature having been kind to us even on her days of dark and cold and somber days. Our complete surrounding as it is always “what it is” I bow to with much acceptance.

     

    This past week has been cooking a private dinner mixed with a slide show and some videos played, some of our experiences, spaces we have lived on. It has been rewarding. So much so I would love to offer more of those and share as such with others throughout the Country we criss cross. It has been a Doctor's visit finally and much medicine to get over this non sense of a bronchitis. Letters from another Traveler questioning his own Journey and my replies... Never a dull moment.

    Wishing you all the Best and Happy and Healthy upcoming new 2012 Year...

    Be well, always.

     

    Ara and Spirit

     

     

     

    www.theoasisofmysoul.com The Journal

     

    www.beemerchef.smugmug.com The Photos

     

     

     

    5 years, the Stars, living under them…

  7. Yep, 4th. First was November 1977, second was March 1987 and third was January 6, 2003. All 3 of these were relative to the pulmonary valve I was born without. Pig's valves used instead. This fourth one (11/11/2011) was to replace my aortic valve which had become way too large. I have a cow valve in place of my aortic valve now.

     

     

    More great photos from you!!!

     

     

     

    Cort | 38.m.IL | pigValve + paceMaker + cowValve | 5 MCs + 1 Caprice Classic

    * Radio.HolidayCDshowcase | 12.24.2011 | Noon-4p.CENTRAL | www.wrmn1410.com *

    "He came to town on a cold dark night" __ Collin Raye __ 'What If Jesus Came Back Like That?'

     

    Amazing!!! Stay well...

     

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    A “Colorful” Christmas Week... TX

     

    "Winter Soltice Day"... The shortest day of the Year, Sunrise in company of the Moon.

     

    Wishing a very Merry Christmas to all our Friends, from Spirit and I, wishing for Life's path to smile on yours with much Health and Happiness as it should be.

    It has been a trying week! Finally, a bit late but did it anyhow, a visit to the Dr ending up with a couple shots and much antibiotics which are barely doing now their job making me feel 3/5 human instead of none these past days. Enduring some bitter cold and even snow in Alpine, not happy with the heating solution anymore, something has to change, I know I am getting softer by the year and yet rare are these frozen nights and days.

    I feel as these past times have been as a forced mental vacation flowing also on the physical side as efforts are just worthless. Sleep, read, try to eat... repeat! Poor Spirit did not get much of any enjoyment throughout his own days but I think he is happy having also done some catching up on his own sleep... I can hear him snoring right now, a nice and peaceful sound as probably he often hears me as such!

    It is on to Terlingua today and have a meal with some good Friends, it is nice and nicer to have access to driving a car!!! I do have a big smile behind the steering wheel when the conditions are this rough. Like a kid driving for the first time... I remember those days.

    Enjoy the black and white photos on this“Colorful Christmas”!... stay safe.

     

    Be well, always.

     

    Ara and Spirit

     

     

     

    www.theoasisofmysoul.com The Journal/You Tube Videos

     

    www.beemerchef.smugmug.com The Photos

     

     

    5 years, the Stars, living under them…

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    Roller Coaster Days... Austin, TX

     

    I differ agreeing with some to the fact that my Journal can be controversial. I do agree with the fact if awaiting for a physical ride report, it is just not it. It can be very boring for the ones that search for such pages within the ones I have written. I think photos left untold can portray better than words. How many times could I have written “We rode 176 miles, stopped to eat a Cheeseburger and drunk a Coke, we got fueled up, the Sun was bright, the engine roared at over 100mph... and we almost hit a cow” and on and on... It is not. I simply think if it is the case, everyone is then on “controversial” as each of us are so uniquely molded to be who we are, do what we do and think how we think. There are not two alike individuals. It is what makes the Spice of this Life. Everyone has their own intricate path coming and going and everyone is riding this roller coaster we are on, up and down, fast and slow. I just happen to write as such for each turn of the wheels. Our wheels. That is about all so very plainly said. I run away from controversy, as fast as we can...

    I always take away and remain with good memories as was our few days in Austin. I instantly went on overload mode, it went away. Outstanding hospitality, Friends taking us out on the town and foremost Ardys “One Million Mile” ridden Celebration at “Lone Star BMW” Dealer in conjunction with their Christmas Holiday Open House with such an incredible array of food.

    Now back at “The Oasis” after a good old time ride, meaning cold, rain and fog, I am nursing this cold and sore throat! Everything comes to a halt... Spirit has to also endure my lethargic time for now.

    Maybe too many photos on the Journal today!

     

    Be well, always.

     

    Ara and Spirit

     

     

     

    www.theoasisofmysoul.com The Journal

     

    www.beemerchef.smugmug.com The Photos

    5 years, the Stars, living under them…

  9. Woops ... sorry!

     

    OHS = open heart surgery. Just had my 4th, 11/11/2011!

     

    :)

     

     

     

    Cort | 38.m.IL | pigValve + paceMaker + cowValve | 5 MCs + 1 Caprice Classic

    CHD.MCs.CC + RoadTrips.hobbies.RadioShows.us66 = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort

    "Yuletide carols being sung by a choir" __ Nat King Cole __ 'The Christmas Song'

     

    4th!!! Wow... Had 5 bypasses when I was 47... 16 years ago! I hope they have advanced from the cracking of the chest!!! I still feel the pain...

    Heal well... rest your mind and body... :mellow:

     

     

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    And another Sunday in and around Terlingua. TX

     

    My chronological aspect of writing and then on visiting here I am finding odd at times while loosing track of it's days. Does it really matter? We were there... we saw... we felt! Sundays are becoming a ritual riding to Terlingua. It actually started with a planned ride to Big Bend National Park and on to Marathon, to Alpine and back to “The Oasis”. Less than half way through some bad weather turned us around, some good Karma took us back to The Porch, even better, a big crowd were finishing the “Crazy Bicycle Race” (why not? Have to devise some self entertainment often enough) and another big crowd with their arms filled with Musical instruments entertained us. Again. New faces, new sounds and much talents later why not at 5pm endure the good and filling $1 Tacos at the Starlight Theater Restaurant. A cool ride back, mind, body and soul satisfied and filled to the brim with goodness... what more can one ask on a December day?

    Photos, thoughts, videos... enjoy them all on the Journal.

     

     

    Be well, always.

     

     

    Ara and Spirit

     

     

    http://www.youtube.com/user/beemerchef?feature=mhee

    The Videos

     

     

    www.theoasisofmysoul.com The Journal

     

    www.beemerchef.smugmug.com The Photos

     

     

     

     

    5 years, the Stars, living under them…

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    On “Oasis” time, our time… TX

     

     

     

    The weather has been some form of a miracle this week, Sunrises and Sunsets as never seen before, I even asked myself the question “what is going on?”. My own way to take it all in has been “doing nothing”. Trying anyhow. Just be within this Paradise absorbing every minute given with no relief yet in sight. It could also be taking it all in because we are in route for Austin next week, celebration for two Dear Friends of ours in conjunction with Lone Star’s BMW Christmas Party (???) on Saturday the 10th. Ardys Kellerman and Voni Glaves having reached their Million Mile marker each on their motorcycle. A Lifetime achievement I would say. It will be a nice ride for us, rain or shine, another stage filled with Friends I am sure. “Old Faithful” did get some care though this week, one set of headlights working again, brake fluid change, new handlebar grip covers and a windshield extension. All with the Hippos (hand covers they are) should keep the wheels rolling in a bit more comfort. Spirit has always his cover when the skies start dropping on us, also shelters him from the cold winds if ever. We are prepared… always. Almost forgot! Much Music on Sunday in front of the Starlight’s Parking lot. Yes, that is how it happens here. Friends get together and make Music.

     

    Enjoy the video…

     

    Be well, always.

     

     

    Ara and Spirit

     

    www.theoasisofmysoul.com The Journal

     

    www.beemerchef.smugmug.com The Photos

     

     

     

    5 years, the Stars, living under them…

  11. GREAT shot!!!

     

    Hope you had a good Thanksgiving!

     

     

     

    It was great, Thank you. Much solitude with Spirit. I am sure yours was also the best.

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    “TASCATE 2”... A Star? Yes... TX

     

    Totally enlightening few days Spirit and I roaming “Big Bend Ranch State Park”. Another million acres of desolate land set aside for us it seemed liked with so few others most likely because everyone being so scattered. All unpaved, some decent ones, some bad ones meaning “good” and some we ourselves did not attempt! The campsites are solitary, miles away from each other, it is as the bare spaces are on loan for the duration to be enjoyed, for one such as myself rummage the mind and soul of this Life I have chosen. Clear skies one day with mid thirties throughout the consecutive nights, clouds another day offering the most incredible Sunset witnessed on Thanksgiving Day, and rain for the remainder. Much needed yet allowing us to exit with much ease. It is not designed for an overnight camping! Sauceda, the Welcome Center, is out of the way, it is a space to enjoy for days on end, bags filled with provisions, they do have water. Off Road motorcycles were of a few, 4x4's and a few horses. Probably the most convenient way to get around. It was good, it was better than that!

    Enjoy the photos and the cooking!

     

    Be well, always.

     

    Ara and Spirit

     

    www.theoasisofmysoul.com The Journal

    www.beemerchef.smugmug.com The Photos

     

    5 years, the Stars, living under them...

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    “Gratitude” and the “Alpine Art Walk”. TX

     

    So much going on at the present time. Inward, outward. All at the right time throughout this “Thanksgiving” week. I stumbled on a great video which I posted on theJournal and as I hope you give it the 6 minutes it takes to watch it, you will realize how could I avoid sharing it with all. I watch it every morning when a connection is available. A reminder to stay grounded “now” and take in a present Life we should all be so thankful about. A far cry from times past in my Life on this path when the steps only took place in this dark tunnel with seemingly no light ever even flickering. All is now so much brighter. It all came about ahead of a fabulous weekend when the “Alpine Art Walk” was taking place which we attended both days. As always great Art displayed, smiling and friendly faces, and a parade of “Art Cars” entertaining more than ever. I also produced a video for that event and another one when the butterfly bicycles where riding around and around! You will just have to watch that one also. One more... a reminder that the “One-Pan Recipe” store is open. Would love to hear feedback, it is and always be work in progress... All this has not left much time for riding. Have to fill that void now as we will be taking off toward “Big Bend State Park” tomorrow morning. A quiet Thanksgiving we will have as soon as I find a patch of dirt to set up our tent for a few days. The weather? Perfection. Cannot ask for more.

    Enjoy... we did.

     

    Be well, always.

     

    Ara and Spirit

     

    www.theoasisofmysoul.com The Journal

    www.beemerchef.smugmug.com The Photos

     

    5 years, the Stars, living under them...

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    Soul Shuffling... TX

     

    The not so long ago “broken down situation” has since hit me hard throughout this “on the road” path taken. It was I must say the most embarrassing moment I have had, probably throughout my whole existence which has always been self sufficient. There was no “Plan B”, the thought of “Old Faithful” as such was in my mind an almost impossibility. Not so, obviously and naively I must say. Regardless the reasons why someone such as me at the age of 63 ends up with no financial savings, in this instance covering Lance's medical bills, a Child with no Health Insurance in this “not so kind” health care entity, the path has been irresponsible, unpredictable and unstable. We were saved, literally, by the many so kind readers of ours, Friends. This cannot happen again and will not. Winter times are setting in, we are not moving around as much and “time” these past few weeks has allowed me to open a new section within the Journal sharing my “one-pan recipes” in the form of an e-store and also populating my Photo Galleries. They are both work in progress as more recipes will be added as we go along, as I cook along, and more photos are also uploaded as I go through the 100,000 or more of those pictures taken these past five years. In the meantime here, at “The Oasis”, the weather has been more than perfect. Local rides, cooking for some Friends, The Annual “Alpine Art Walk” is happening this weekend, the “Big Bend State Park” is also calling us for some camping days in a bit of a different environment. I am thinking maybe exploring “Baja” soon. Will see...

    Enjoy the recipes... the photos... there will be more.

     

    Be well, always.

     

    Ara and Spirit

     

    www.theoasisofmysoul.com The Journal

    www.beemerchef.smugmug.com The Photos

     

    5 years, the Stars, living under them...

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    All in a detour... TX

     

    Strangely enough one as myself sometimes does not realize what is for grabs right under their nose such as into the spaces we went on for a few days. East and a bit North. Del Rio with it's beautiful “Amistad Lake”, Sabinal with “Nora's Tacos”, “Lost Maples State Park”, “Lone Star Motorcycle Museum” and there would have been more if the weather would have cooperated. Last minute change after a glance at the forecast and I repacked everything on Sherpa's back! Yes, it was strange, did not feel quite right as it will never be as such going down the road with “Old Faithful”, but, having a quick shelter, not needing rain gear per say, having the heater on and listening to my favorites tunes, well, as everything it was a good compromise this time around. Spirit sure enjoyed it... It was more of a need to get away as anything else, it was wanting to feel the wanderlust since we had been here for a couple weeks now only taking on local rides. Once North of Sabinal, passed Utopia, the roads turn into Motorcycle riding Heaven and the next time around it will be “Old Faithful” leading the ride. Plenty of photos... some more Music... the Museum was great! Long Journal entry.

     

    Be well, always.

     

    Ara and Spirit

     

    www.theoasisofmysoul.com The Journal

    www.beemerchef.smugmug.com The Photos

     

    5 years, the Stars, living under them...

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    Day of the Dead, 5 Years later. Terlingua. TX

     

    I was under the impression this one being Monday and the thought of loosing one or two calendar days comes to me at the present as the most “worthy” luxury one can posses. For the best, even better, it is “free”. I don't really know if it takes much practice or if I have just fallen into the path, but it is present or as I think it “the present is not”. Another “Day of Dead” has just come and gone also marking our 5 year Anniversary on the road since we left the Georgia/Florida area, strangely enough, having not been back yet. It is only a number, I keep thinking so unimportant truly, yet it has marked a milestone and has woken me up realizing all the lessons such time has taught and the fact that it is grand time to put it all in perspective applying myself better toward this chosen path. It is grand adventures ahead, more than ever even if winter is almost here, present right now actually for many, meaning for us to sit a bit tight and catch up on some logistics better weather does not allow... because, we don't sit still long enough to do so. As always it was the time to see again the locals of Terlingua gathered around food, much chatting but no bonfire this year. Enjoy the photos and the video in this new entry.

     

    Be well, always.

     

    Ara and Spirit

     

    www.theoasisofmysoul.com The Journal

    www.beemerchef.smugmug.com The Photos

     

    5 years, the Stars, living under them...

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    These past days at and around “The Oasis”, TX

     

    It is Halloween night... I doubt anyone will find us while out “trick or treating”... Maybe “we” should go there as it seems this year everyone is really going all out for the fun. Maybe a sign of the times trying to put away the daily increasing burdens which too much I think is being written all over the place...

    A few rides in Big Bend National Park lately, we love riding those roads, we love being spoken rudely by a Ranger as he even makes a fist branding it back and forth to show me how to restrain Spirit on a leash as he was going to start boxing... and that is without even getting out of his car. I have no clue why “we” have to pay the price almost ruining our moments only because of other irresponsible ones and their Dogs. But, whatever... Smile and go on it was. I only nodded, words were not needed.

    It will be the “Day of the Dead” Celebration soon in a couple evenings. Always a special night at Terlingua's “Ghost Town” with many Friends, much food, music and I hope the annual bonfire...

    Spending much time trying to fill and put the finishing touches to this “one-pan recipe” store. Everything as in Life takes twice as long as imagined and twice as hard. Should be soon if I was told the codes (???) decide to cooperate. We are so due for some unknown destination once all is settled as the weather has finally turned just right. Perfect I would say.

    More photos of the Ghost Town we stopped by last night to witness an incredible Sunset and also Part II of our ride on River Rd last week.

     

    Be well, always.

     

    Ara and Spirit

    www.theoasisofmysoul.com The Journal

    www.beemerchef.smugmug.com The Photos

     

    5 years, the Stars, living under them...

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    Days of “Paradise”. TX

     

    Romancing the Road surfaces within these present times when the feel and the act of the season changes are imminent. When suddenly there is a table ahead of me and not a handlebar. When I am reading in the darkness of the evening which approaches by the day faster, others past rides, drives, hikes. When the maps are laid out instead of a glance toward a GPS and slowly eyes half closed, head resting on a pillow the imagination runs wild and the questions of if we have been here or there arises to no end. A cold spell was welcome a few days ago, again the heat has come back yet without it's past degrees, however enough to harbor shade with a big welcome. I feel as we are in between costume changes, as the stage is turning around on it's own axis not quiet yet and smooth on gears which makes her hesitate.

    “Mariscal Mines” in the Big Bend Park had been calling since last winter. We could not make due with the present road. We end up in the heat of “Terlingua Abaja” instead, a road a bit friendlier. The Sunrise at “Santa Elena Canyon” one morning offered a state of mind unlike any others while within the solitude of the tall rocks. It offered photos I now cherish, the ones which bring me the coolness of that morning. A ride to one of my favorite little town “Alpine” discovering “Murphy Street” which slowly is dressing up in vivacious colors.

    The heated gear will be out soon... no doubt, I now feel it throughout every night.

    The writing goes on, the photos show up and a couple entries later standing in the middle of this vast one million acre land here we are!

     

    Be well, always.

     

    Ara and Spirit

     

    www.theoasisofmysoul.com The Journal

    www.beemerchef.smugmug.com The Photos

     

    5 years, the Stars, living under them...

  18. AWESOME pic!

     

     

    Glad all is well, Ara and Spirit ... and congrats on the new rig! :)

     

     

     

    Cort | 38.m.IL | pigValve + paceMaker | 5 Monte Carlos + 1 Caprice Classic

    CHD.MCs.CC + RoadTrips.models.RadioShows.legos.HO.us66 = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort

    "Time is a friend" __ Reba McEntire __ 'Is There Life Out There?'

     

     

    Thanks! :)

     

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    A Birthday filled with “Hope”. TX

     

    This week has not been about riding. A big weight descends always on Lance's Birthday, the mind takes a path always unexpected nourished only from this avenue we embraced 5 years ago. I go back 34 years when my flesh and blood screaming and rambling already in his own ways suddenly appeared, I was not aware at the time he would be such an Old Soul staying around only long enough to give me some of his wisdom and pave today's moments, the present and near past. I today so much realize the Wealth within he has given me. The ability emanating from my own desire to roam and take in Mother Nature's constant offerings, my Buddy Spirit, my constant shadow and immediate support never for one instant failing with his own gifts, my constant growing list of Friends unknown not so long ago showering me with always kind words, support and understanding of maybe this “odd” path we are on and with “hope” that myself am worthy of their time and relationship.

    Today is such a special day, I can close my eyes and relive that day past, the one justifiably we call “Birth Day” for now I understand also all of the right reasons. A quiet day. Moment by moment after a Sunrise ride on Aqua Fria Rd yesterday. A beautiful simple Sunrise to celebrate this very special week.

     

    Be well, always.

     

    Ara and Spirit

     

    www.theoasisofmysoul.com

     

    our new Photo Galleries...

     

    www.beemerchef.smugmug.com

     

    5 years, the Stars, living under them...

  19. Ara and Spirit,

     

    Back at the Oasis.....great! And with an added set of wheels, and a roof. I looked over the new rig on the web. It looks like an ideal alternate. How is Spirit taking to it?

     

    Dave

     

    Keep the Show on the Road!

     

    Ah! Mr Spirit loves it!!! But he likes his sidecar also... Funny as I have not used the car yet!!! It is like why? Soon though with the cold we will... 93 tomorrow!!!

    Thanks Dave...

     

    Ara & Spirit

  20. i-vRp6sfz-L.jpg

     

    A speechless Stage... Hwy # 79, AZ

     

    We are at “The Oasis”... we made it, trying to sort “things” out and pick up the pieces of this tent blown away by a choleric Mother Nature one night. Actually strange enough I don't see it anymore, the beauty of the surroundings and the calmness that lives here surpasses this bit of destruction.

    But my last entry was taken on this Highway which gifted us that afternoon and evening with a Sunset show unparalleled from times past. So much so, we found a side road and stood there for the longest time mesmerized by the changing cloud formations, lights as on a dimmer switch ending up as an almost glaring orange on the road past a bit of rain, the birds in unison in concert and the coyotes applauding. It was just one of those times which will forever be remembered. This is of course after hitting a sand storm a few miles before giving that particular stage an eerie feeling, something one will only see in the Movies!

    Time is again escaping me, an easy task here while making it all habitable but definitely not unpacking...

    Enjoy the photos.

    Be safe and well.

    Peace, Love and Courage.

     

     

     

    Ara & Spirit

     

     

    www.theoasisofmysoul.com

    Our Photo Gallery in the works...

     

    5th year on the road under the Stars

  21. i-PRTQV2S-L.jpg

     

    “Sherpa”, our new Friend coming to Texas with us...

     

    I can only think good “Karma” when today “Old Faithful” is following behind us toward Texas. An “ECamper” from “Ursa Minor Vehicles” in Chula Vista, CA, on an “all wheel drive” Honda Element, lifted 3 inches by CCM in San Luis Obispo. Feels very strange. Yet, the road beat us up these past years and from point A to point B this will be a shelter, well, maybe “deserved”? Park anywhere and in less than one minute the pillow will find it's place and so will Spirit's cushion and blanket and warmth when needed. Not a permanent fixture, we will mix it up at times continuing with “Old Faithful”, at times as I see snow photos in my mind, with “Sherpa” alone, often the complete convoy!

    It is winter approaching and this new Friend is more than welcome. I keep thinking daily positive feelings while planted on this path chosen and one after another the generosity of many does not cease to amaze me. The breakdown not long ago with a list of contributors I have finally started to thank personally, the negative results of a biopsy, and now “Sherpa” opening new horizons of Adventures within a vast array of destinations independent from harsh weathers.

    We shall be back at “The Oasis” in a couple of days literally picking up the pieces of our tent that has blown away, did not withstand 100mph+ winds! Did not expect it. I was lazy to put away this monster whose fabric alone weighs 86lbs... Will now put up a smaller one and use the wood stove as a smoker much needed... It always works out.

    More on the Journal...

    Be safe and well.

     

     

    Peace, Love and Courage.

     

     

     

    Ara & Spirit

     

     

    www.theoasisofmysoul.com

    Our Photo Gallery in the works...

     

    5th year on the road under the Stars

  22. i-FGTCdv3-L.jpg

     

    Southbound in California...

     

    Sitting in San Diego right now for a few days, more precisely “Chula Vista”, awaiting for this final leg of what I feel a whirlwind passage through California. I still feel as being in a different country! We detoured through Davis for a few days visiting some Dear Friends of ours, we even stopped in Los Angeles, I think it was Sherman Oaks spending then one afternoon in “Venice Beach”, being driven luckily as I don't think we would have made it out of the Freeways in one piece and now here. Back to Tucson in a few days, Show Low and even a stop in Phoenix for a quick repair next week. These days even with much anticipated apprehension have been as chapters playing within this path so different for us and the thought alone of “The Oasis” awaiting for us I must say calms me down. Spirit himself now has been quiet, this also is not his element, what a patient being he has been all along. I think we will manage to go back as we did a few years ago to “Anza Borrego”, catch a Sunset, practice a bit of deep breathing while away from it all even if it is just for one day...

    Enjoy the photos, from the Wine Country, Highway #1, Venice Beach and more...

     

    Be safe and well.

     

     

    Peace, Love and Courage.

     

     

     

    Ara & Spirit

     

     

    www.theoasisofmysoul.com Our Photo Gallery in the works...

     

    5th year on the road under the Stars

  23. i-bBvHg77-L.jpg

     

    Rocks, Wind and Water... CA

     

    We sure have been moving around a lot lately. October will see us back at “The Oasis”, the weather should be by then cool enough to catch up on projects lingering now for years such as the Book, organizing our Smugmug Gallery and officially opening the “one-pan recipe” e-store maybe even mixed in with some cooking and camping gear well tried and proven to excel over these past years. In the meantime it was San Luis Obispo avoiding Los Angeles, Pismo Beach with a few nights sleeping right on the sand and listening and feeling the magic of the Ocean, now in Davis visiting our Friends before we head South to San Diego for the last leg of this logistical approach of a sponsorship which will be unveiled by the end of this month. An aspect which will facilitate our Journey... We stopped at “Joshua Tree National Park” for more magic under deep gray skies, a bit of rain, all good enough to cool us down and freeze some of the silhouettes present with the camera. Peaceful times, moving right along one day at the time.

    Enjoy the photos and all...

    Be safe and well.

     

     

    Peace, Love and Courage.

     

    Ara & Spirit

     

     

    www.theoasisofmysoul.com

    Our Photo Gallery in the works...

     

    5th year on the road under the Stars

  24. Thanks, we are doing well...

     

    i-TkNMLLK-L.jpg

     

    We are here and there... NM, CO.

     

     

     

    Moving on fast lately. From Colorado to a few “HOT” days at “The Oasis”, back in Tucson and at the present time nearing San Luis Obispo for a few days. Will be dropping to San Diego next week for a few needed nights and finally on back to Texas... I think! The imprints are of many, they are now marked on the map for some return visits when the times will be more leisurely as I will announce soon the reason for all this traveling, which I do not call “living on the road”. Such an incredible diversity this Country offers I realize when such occasion makes us go the miles with a pace we are truly not use to. Yet as I have given us plenty of a head start the days do linger and the many miles in big numbers are not needed. Texas was of an oven turned up on convection, it was one of those rare and actually unique time for us to be there. Like a hammer it dropped on our heads but we made it as we will the rest of this route. We will see the Ocean today, the Beaches, always a soothing time and hopefully some cooler weather.

    Los Cruces was a nice stop for us with our Friends. Jake took the time to take us to his favorite own personal space, some desolate BLM Land not too far.

    Enjoy the Photos... keep checking the new entries, sometimes the connection are rare and my visits to this Forum becomes difficult.

     

     

     

    Be safe and well.

    Peace, Love and Courage.

     

     

     

    Ara & Spirit

     

     

    www.theoasisofmysoul.com

    5th year on the road...

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