beemerchef Posted August 28, 2008 Author Report Share Posted August 28, 2008 A bit more of Artwork, Nevada This last day trip has obviously left an impression within me and rekindled some expressions of my mind and much thought about this Journey. Every step was a picture opportunity, so many shapes and colors within the sandstone, it was an endless array of beauty mixed with the spiritual presence of the Ancients. Choosing the right time for such excursion is becoming more and more important. With temperatures peaking at 107 degrees such adventure would have been more enjoyable later on the year and my future planning will need to be a bit smarter! We are getting ready for Toroweap, we are leaving tomorrow early morning and hoping to spend a couple nights within one of the most isolated area of this country overlooking the Grand Canyon. I am excited about it. The errands continue, almost done as our southern destination awaits us. More surprises I am sure! Enjoy the photos… there are many today. Be well… Ara & Spirit Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beemerchef Posted September 2, 2008 Author Report Share Posted September 2, 2008 Adventures in Toroweap, Arizona 180 miles of deserted and isolated roads can turn into an adventure following a couple mechanical failures and close to two inches of rain resulting with some nice wet and sticky “calachi”. A new word I will not forget it’s spelling very soon. But it was some fun days, some spend in the tent reading and eating. Preparedness has always been the key in my traveling and it paid off big time. We actually arrived back last night with water and food left, mainly also because of a couple four wheelers including the Ranger stopping by to make sure we were alright. Spirit is my Hero, more than ever the bond has just heightened another step. Moving right along with never a complain, only love and affection throughout those a bit rough couple days. Toroweap is a must to experience and hard to describe its grandeur, its breathtaking depth, a true test of heights. Tired but satisfied, some of the Journey is on the Blog, part I that is as there is more to come! Be well… Ara & Spirit Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Keep the Show on the Road! Posted September 2, 2008 Report Share Posted September 2, 2008 Ara, As always, reading your blog and experiencing the photos is like traveling with you. I have visited Toroweap and the road there only via maps and satellite images, so you have been my eyes and heart. What a place! I recall roads in the Canyonlands in the 1970’s like the one on which you got a tow, but I had a four wheel drive to crawl in compound low over them. As an aside, we had a labor day picnic with family and I was telling them about your and Spirits adventures, and my daughter said she had seen you on TV. My stories don’t usually get much “hang time,” but when I said we corresponded on the American Road Forum, I was the center of attention (for a few minutes ). She said to tell you that she really respected what you are doing. Looking forward to part two! Keep the Show on the Road! Dave Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beemerchef Posted September 4, 2008 Author Report Share Posted September 4, 2008 You are a funny man Dave!!! I am glad I provided to your... hummm... fame? You are a good man. Wonder if you have ever read any CIRCA magazines? I have borrowed some right now and it seems that the more I explore, pages or live, the more destinations I find!!! Camping on the road to Toroweap, Arizona Sometimes a couple sticks in the spokes, such as a broken bolt, a few tire punctures at the end of a 90 mile isolated road might not be the best scenario. Technically is was not, but always ready for the worse, with 2 inches of rain turning the road into an impassable one the adventure was great while camping on the shoulder waiting for it all to pass. Kind of wish actually I would have still been back there, peaceful and quiet setting, much food and water, even some exploring after the deluge waiting for the road to dry. And it did as also the decision to leave came upon us for a great ride back Would definitely do it again, it was all good. More pictures and the story on the Blog. Be well… Ara & Spirit Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beemerchef Posted September 5, 2008 Author Report Share Posted September 5, 2008 Out of Toroweap’s mud, back on the road. AZ. I cannot help wishing we were still stranded. Strange maybe but the space given to us those couple of days were such a serene space one can only travel far to find. The ride back was one of the best we had including a great sunset with of course many stops to take it all in. Where do we go from here? Texas soon, kind of strange knowing that we are actually going to leave Utah very soon with yet so many destinations unseen. There will be I hope next year when we come back choosing our weather patterns a bit smarter. It has been great visiting Michael and Sandra, giving me the ability to leave Spirit behind at times when needing to run errands, the annual ordeals to go through! I think a Lifetime would not be enough to see Utah… I actually have met Rangers being here 20 years in quest of new destinations and they have yet to close in on the list. Our exit from Toroweap with more photos is on the Blog by now… Be well… Ara & Spirit Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Keep the Show on the Road! Posted September 6, 2008 Report Share Posted September 6, 2008 Ara, That section of the blog was terrific! I have now been to Toroweap and enjoyed the rain!! And its good to hear that things are converging in a positive way.....on to Texas! Keep the Show on the Road! Dave Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beemerchef Posted September 8, 2008 Author Report Share Posted September 8, 2008 Will send you an e mail tonight... trying to catch up after these past couple days excitement... I think I will be taking a vacation soon... A Sister and a Brother, Utah. As a loaded spring box through a mutual Friend of now ours, my Sister Sarine and I met for the first time a couple days ago. 36 years have passed since her birth and I cannot hide the fact that those moments have been emotional. “Good emotional” as the bond, first through e mails, and now in real time, has been instantaneous, filled with great conversations and more notes comparing than one can imagine. Truly a Life changing experience as in a few months we will stop in Los Angeles to meet the rest of the Family, many I have met earlier with the years passing by however changing us, physically as I saw from the pictures shown and I am sure mentally maturing. A city girl Sister… a vast empty space Brother… but the connection was above it all, hard to describe the invisible bond that has taken place. I am sure some of you having a sister or a brother will understand. It has open a new door to a new path. “It’s all Good”. You can meet her on the Blog! Be well… Ara & Spirit Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beemerchef Posted September 10, 2008 Author Report Share Posted September 10, 2008 I will miss Utah… Of course I say that from everywhere we leave! We will be taking our time, bypass Phoenix and Tucson, take the route through Flagstaff and Albuquerque. Painted Desert, Petrified Forest might be the sources of great riding and some Photography. Spirit and I are always ready for new adventures and Texas is still a bit hot. We checked out the reservoirs near Enterprise yesterday, with barely a few feet of water I am wondering if we are taking Global Warming’s subject a bit too lightly. It was then on to Santa Clara, a suburb of St George to hike the easy “Tava’atsi” trail and find some Petroglyphs which we did. With the Santa Clara river on the other side of the cliffs it was a natural habitat for the Ancients and discovered that it will be soon an “unnatural” habitat for the “present and locals” within a new development only a few feet away called… “The Bellagio”. Progress right? Some thoughts early morning, for some reason I enjoy writing in the early hours when the World around us is still asleep. You be well… always. Ara & Spirit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beemerchef Posted September 13, 2008 Author Report Share Posted September 13, 2008 Las Vegas, Nevada… First we went south west, made a u turn, then we went south east! Been thinking about it for over a year now to spend a couple night in Las Vegas and let the camera witness the neon lights and human waves. The picture taking has been a challenge and so has been the crowds. The uneasy part was leaving Spirit behind for a few hours as I will again do tonight… with a bag and camera in hand he did not quite understand why this time he was not going. I know I will look back at this one day and be glad that I did, this is not like any other destination we are used to, it is however good for the soul, it shows me another side of the coin I could spend my Life living within. Tomorrow we will be in Kingman for a couple days to visit my Friends Anjie and Mark… I am planning to be busy in their kitchen! We all need some real food sometimes. Vegas at night… on the Blog, bigger and brighter than ever. Be well… Ara & Spirit Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beemerchef Posted September 15, 2008 Author Report Share Posted September 15, 2008 One more night in Las Vegas, Nevada. Adventuring myself a bit further this time on the Strip, truly having a good time filling up my camera’s memory card. On a Saturday night the glitter, human waves and traffic was at its peak and people watching just does not get any better. How about meeting a buddy of Spirit? Ludwig above has also the good Life being driven around by his own chauffeur as Spirit does… Where did I go wrong? Some day I want to be just like him! So we are in Kingman right now visiting some great Friends and cooking a nice dinner. Tonight will be taking a “photography” lesson from a Forum member that also lives in Kingman. I have been trying to learn how to shoot in RAW, he replied to my thread, he happens to live here… we cannot pass up the opportunity. What luck! More of Vegas on the Blog. Be well… Ara & Spirit Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beemerchef Posted September 18, 2008 Author Report Share Posted September 18, 2008 Kingman, AZ. Great few days in Kingman, really relaxing and not doing much besides cooking a nice dinner for Mark, Anjie and Family. Also learning how to shoot in RAW format with the help of a reader, rider, photographer that happened to answer my question on some color problems and lives in Kingman himself. Small world! It just does not get any better. We are near Tucson now, there is a bit of “I miss Utah…” in my mind mixed with the “looking forward” to this piece of land in Texas near Big Bend and hopefully getting a bit of work cooking to help the thinning wallet from these two years on the road. Riding Texas… cooking… building a structure… some small trips planned with cooperating weather… it is going to be a busy winter. I like busy! More on the Blog… Be well, Ara & Spirit Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Keep the Show on the Road! Posted September 18, 2008 Report Share Posted September 18, 2008 Ara & Spirit, I missed a couple of days. The photos and dialog for the last day in Vegas actually made the place seem appealing. There is one photo in there with the pink neon and evening sky that is out of this world. The meal you prepared looks absolutely wonderful. Saddly my sense of taste (actually smell) is mostly gone as a result of a disease some years ago, but photos like yours still make me salivate. I can almost taste the favors! They say one sense substitutes for another, so I really enjoyed the photos! Hey…does that prove that presentation counts?! And anyone reading this should go to your blog for the tip on roasting coffee at home the easy and inexpensive way. Wonderful tip! Roadhound (Rick) here uses RAW files. I have messed with the process but my photos look average no matter what technologies I use! It will be hard to improve on yours, but I look forward to seeing some. Maybe you can show a compressed shot and the same scene using RAW. Ah, heck….I’ll do it again myself and see if it makes my photos look better. Fat chance! Keep the Show on the Road! Dave Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beemerchef Posted September 18, 2008 Author Report Share Posted September 18, 2008 Ara & Spirit, I missed a couple of days. The photos and dialog for the last day in Vegas actually made the place seem appealing. There is one photo in there with the pink neon and evening sky that is out of this world. The meal you prepared looks absolutely wonderful. Saddly my sense of taste (actually smell) is mostly gone as a result of a disease some years ago, but photos like yours still make me salivate. I can almost taste the favors! They say one sense substitutes for another, so I really enjoyed the photos! Hey…does that prove that presentation counts?! And anyone reading this should go to your blog for the tip on roasting coffee at home the easy and inexpensive way. Wonderful tip! Roadhound (Rick) here uses RAW files. I have messed with the process but my photos look average no matter what technologies I use! It will be hard to improve on yours, but I look forward to seeing some. Maybe you can show a compressed shot and the same scene using RAW. Ah, heck….I’ll do it again myself and see if it makes my photos look better. Fat chance! Keep the Show on the Road! Well, you and michael will have "that lack" of tastebuds in common... he also had a nasal problem and ANYTHING is good for him!!! Vegas?... much yet to think about and write about... and then again maybe I think too much... sad town, happy town... it is everything and nothing... Tomorrow my favorite road... check the map... from near Wilcox, AZ to Chricahua Notional monument and then over the Mountain to Portal. A few years back I use to work at 5600 feet... will write about it... long story... I use the CANON RAW processor... much to handle and learn still... Be well my Friend... it is going to be quite a winter I promise!!! Ara & Spirit Dave Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Keep the Show on the Road! Posted September 18, 2008 Report Share Posted September 18, 2008 Ara, What a wonderful route!!! I have been on the east side of the Chiricahaus, in the little town of Rodeo. It has an art gallery we visied a couple of years ago. Looking into the Chiricahas from the east (looking west)... they are spectacular. I can only imagine a ride through them. Boy I am looking forward to the photos and story! Be safe and Keep the Show on the Road! Dave Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beemerchef Posted September 20, 2008 Author Report Share Posted September 20, 2008 It was a great ride!!! Much needed... A loop through Wilcox, AZ. The last leg of it before arriving to Texas, near Big Bend, where we will set up shelter, work on getting some water and who knows what else… Familiar route it was through the Chiricahua Mountains, stopping at the “Southwestern Research Center” where I use to work for a short time, then on to Portal, through Douglas, Bisbee, Tombstone, Benson and finally closing the loop back in Wilcox. I felt a bit as doing 16 countries in 12 days, one of those days, however a much needed ride to clear up the mind and tire the body a bit. Spirit had never been there, always confident on my choices I was wondering if the smells of years back made any kind of impression on him! Tomorrow is Sunday and I figured a good day to go through El Paso, normally with much traffic it should be then quiet. More on the Blog… Be well… Ara & Spirit Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beemerchef Posted September 22, 2008 Author Report Share Posted September 22, 2008 Almost there, Texas that is! Today is the first day of fall, summer is already behind us and time’s traction in my Life seemingly is spinning its wheels faster and faster. It has been quite a summer and so fortunate to have the so many photos I can go back to and reminisce of the days past or close my eyes and travel in time reliving the past senses that have filled me over and over. And now, just a few miles from Texas, this friendly State that has always been so good to us, there is excitement within me as we will walk on this land of ours a bit later for the first time. Its symbol, its presence, its space already felt has filled this morning with some unprecedented excitement, a new “feel good”… The last ride taken through Tombstone and Bisbee was of a colorful one, but it brought back some shaded memories of recent years past, memories maybe I did not need to relive again. But it is all behind now, the skies are blue, the road is well paved ahead, it is a special day for the both of us… More on the Blog… Be well, always. Ara & Spirit Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Keep the Show on the Road! Posted September 22, 2008 Report Share Posted September 22, 2008 Ara, I read in your blog lots of mixed feelings today, but an air of positive anticipation. I agree that hat doesn’t flatter Spirit. The look in his eyes, just visible behind the goggles, is one of slim tolerance for his pal’s tom foolery. There is always the question in my mind when I see your photos of places I know, “Why didn’t I see that in that way?” Well, I’ll live with what I can do, and enjoy your photos all the more. I doubt anyone has captured what I would wish Tombstone to be any better than you have. It makes me sorry I didn’t look with a more open mind when we were there a couple of years ago. And you have captured the real Tombstone as well. Looking forward to the Texas experiences..... Keep the Show on the Road! Dave Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beemerchef Posted September 25, 2008 Author Report Share Posted September 25, 2008 Busy... busy!!! Monday is the move on to the land... Thought about this Forum when we "created" a road yesterday!!! Imagine that... we are going to have to name it now... ??? Our “Oasis” in Texas… There is too much going to even start describing the days! Surprises… such as Spirit as never seen before off leash as my shadow and the keeper of the land! Playful and spirited, he loves it and expresses it accordingly. The roads leading to our camp, as I will always call it, are definitely all weather accessible and the land itself is a beauty. Isolated with views as comparable as being in the Park which is only 25 miles or so away. Today we build a road… our own road through the land making sure not to damage any of the beautiful cactuses and other vegetation. A real road! Looks like the entrance of a multi million dollar estate… and it is! 10 acres to me seems huge, specially when the nearest neighbor is two miles away. Much to explore with Terlingua Creek not too far behind… So great times coming up Monday when we move “on”. More on the Blog… Be well… Ara & Spirit Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Keep the Show on the Road! Posted September 25, 2008 Report Share Posted September 25, 2008 Ara and Spirit, What a beautiful site! The clear blue skies and mountains in the distance remind me of my days in Arizona. You didn’t say anything of your first night, and maybe it was like any of your other nights on the desert. But for anyone who lives in a city, the desert night is more of a surprise and delight than the day. It looks like the perfect location for a pause, and a wonderful place to return to. Its not going to be easy, but it will be satisfying, and we look forward to the adventures to come. Keep the Show on the Road Dave Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beemerchef Posted September 26, 2008 Author Report Share Posted September 26, 2008 Ara and Spirit, What a beautiful site! The clear blue skies and mountains in the distance remind me of my days in Arizona. You didn’t say anything of your first night, and maybe it was like any of your other nights on the desert. But for anyone who lives in a city, the desert night is more of a surprise and delight than the day. It looks like the perfect location for a pause, and a wonderful place to return to. Its not going to be easy, but it will be satisfying, and we look forward to the adventures to come. Keep the Show on the Road Dave Ah! we have not spend the night there yet... we just cut the road and I was picking "bushes"... Monday will be our first night... I sure hope you come and visit!!! Thanks Dave... Be well... Ara & Spirit Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beemerchef Posted September 28, 2008 Author Report Share Posted September 28, 2008 “Spirited Road”, Texas… Yes, that is now the name of our road we established a couple days ago on “The Oasis”. A couple more days in Alpine to round up what is on the list and move on Monday. That is the plan. It is like I am torturing myself by not moving on today, I can taste us being there… it has to be the right day! We took a ride to Terlingua yesterday, the Mustang Shelby’s where having their yearly meet with many powerful and expensive cars playing drag racing and reverse parking “tail in” at high speeds. Many toys displayed where I also had a chance to meet Mr Carroll Shelby himself and have him autograph my riding jacket… it’s value from faded fabric and well weathered fibers just went up! The weather has been perfect, a slight chill is in the air in the dark hours, for a change our timing getting here has been just right. I am sure we will start seeing many travelers coming through unless this far destination and fuel prices hold them back. More on the Blog…Be well, Ara & Spirit Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beemerchef Posted September 30, 2008 Author Report Share Posted September 30, 2008 All is quiet at “The Oasis” The neighbors 2 miles away must not be home as I look around it is pitch black whichever way I turn. This is reminding me of my days on sailboats anchored a hundred miles off shore, in that previous scenario however without much of a safety net. This definitely does not feel as just any land we have camped on! It is as I am expected to do something and then again we are here with Mother Nature to smell the roses… cactuses actually. Tomorrow morning already the “telephone” guys are coming! Just when I thought we have escaped it all… That is however good news, phone is a must in any shape or form and with it will come Broadband… less expensive than the Dish I use right now. An oil change for “Old Faithful” and we will be ready to roll, anxious to get into Big Bend Park again… sit at “Sotol Look Out”, my favorite spot of it all… specially when a storm passes by and the sun is setting, as it did last year on a magical evening. More on the Blog… Be well… come and visit! Ara & Spirit Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Keep the Show on the Road! Posted September 30, 2008 Report Share Posted September 30, 2008 Ara, Looking at the blog, it sounds like things are truly falling into place at an amazing rate. We will be looking forward to the pictures…..the Mustangs are great, but as you suggest, a bit disconnected from the story. I wondered about lights. The desert being what it is, it would not have been surprising to “discover” a habitation you did not know about by sighting their lights at night. With no lights in sight, you know you can sneeze without saying “Excuse me!” Keep the Show on the Road! Dave Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beemerchef Posted September 30, 2008 Author Report Share Posted September 30, 2008 Ara, Looking at the blog, it sounds like things are truly falling into place at an amazing rate. We will be looking forward to the pictures…..the Mustangs are great, but as you suggest, a bit disconnected from the story. I wondered about lights. The desert being what it is, it would not have been surprising to “discover” a habitation you did not know about by sighting their lights at night. With no lights in sight, you know you can sneeze without saying “Excuse me!” Keep the Show on the Road! Dave Smiling here... and just think... "a picture being worth a thousand words" you got two stories in one page... Now I don't know which one is the longest!!! 15,000 words in the photos or what I have written... I did see a neighbors light finally last night!!! I don't see it during the day however... very cool... Be well my Friend... will be waiting for you. Ara & Spirit Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beemerchef Posted October 2, 2008 Author Report Share Posted October 2, 2008 Our First Day in “Big Bend”, Texas First day here, first day there, all is a first including a beautiful sunset and a sunrise, the ride… it is all first row seat here. The nights are filled with more stars than I have ever seen and 24/7 there is silence, that is total silence. One can get used to this and too much of it will make it hard when the coin is flipped as it will be when we start some short adventures. Without a watch or clock the days flies by and only the sun lets me know to get a move on if I want to accomplish anything of any value. Getting into the Park has not changed, it is that content feeling while riding the familiar roads and stopping at the familiar look outs. It never fails to see a hill, a rock or colors I had never noticed before, an amazing fact for as many times as we have been here. The rest of the day is on the Blog… Be well and thanks for the company… Ara & Spirit Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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