"The Oasis of my Soul"... a Lifelong Journey on the road...

[beemerchef]

Great links!!! Awesome... thank you...

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Old Maverick Rd, BB Park, Texas

I hope that you check out the Blog today and take a good look at Luna’s picture and his home. The man lived to 108 and so much wish he was around. A great smile, the man looks like someone I think we would have loved to meet and spend some time with by his humble Jackal… around the fire, maybe cooking some and listening to his stories!!! I wish so much that you would “all” have the desire and the ability to join me and start feeling the experience of being on the road as we are, senses developing as time went on and just being transported on this incredible stage. It is not about riding anymore, photography, cooking or eating… it is just about “being”.
“Terlingua Abaja” was also a stop for us on that heated day… with more pictures on the site (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/).

You be well…

Ara & Spirit

[beemerchef]

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Santa Elena Canyon and some, BB Park, Texas

This is now into the end of the day, a short hike into the Canyon, a closer look at Mule ears, a bit cut short as the heat was getting intolerable. But good news as for the first time last night I had to use the heater… finally the weather is changing and this is going to be the perfect time for some longer hikes and more comfortable day trips. About time I was thinking!
I interrupted this above “big guy” from crossing the road that day… he did not seems to be very happy about it as his moving speed increased, finally taking refuge within some vegetation… he ran but could not hide!!!
More on the site (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)…

Be well…

Ara and Spirit

[beemerchef]

I know this might not be a big deal for many, but today I saw an EarthRoamer... took some pictures... met the owner who let me inside but did not take pictures inside... WOW!!! What clearance!!! However... small inside but... of course very well designed... I will post the outside pictures soon if anyone wants to see them... and OK, I will stop drooling!!!

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“Many Stones”… Dual sport riders, Terlingua, Texas

For such a little town far away from it all so much is going on outside the Park. This is the weekend for the TRH National Suzuki dual sport ride with about 150 riders in town having a great time on the local dirt roads… A visit with Ring yesterday, the owner of “Many Stones”… a unique gift and rock and Cacti shop… and I am finding out that some musicians from the 3 week long Kerville Music festival are camping near by… A great dinner at the Crisis Center aka the Cultural Center with some great local talents… I don’t know what else (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/) to say… never a dull moment.
Be well…

Ara & Spirit

[beemerchef]

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One year, 200 Blogs later, Texas

Have we really been on the road all this time?… I asked myself this morning. There is not much sense wondering why it has gone by so fast, it has been a good year with the help of your company, and I can only enjoy “now” at any given time, but cannot hide the excitement of times to come. Spirit and I have grown attached more than ever, he has matured and gained a care free happiness that was not there before. He is now a “traveling dog”! From smell to smell he has established these months many territories… his tail has been wagging more than ever… he is a kind soul to be around.
Some, most, train their dog… we have built up a mutual understanding… we live together and I have learned… a lot from him! I guess we have trained each other…
We have been surrounded this weekend by about 150 dual sport riders, mainly from Texas, lots of pictures here (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)… great times!

Be well…

Ara & Spirit

[bajasurf]

I enjoy your blog and your photos. I keep asking myself "I wonder what camera is he using?" So, I have decided to ask and if you have had this request in the past I apologize. George Lanning, Currently living in Baja

[beemerchef]

No need to appologize... had to do a lot of research myself!!!
It is a Canon 30D with a 28-135mm lense IS. I like it...

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“Art Car”… Murals… Errands, Alpine, Tx

Combining a great ride with errands is always the ultimate. Spirit with his yearly shots, myself with a prescription renewal and many carbs at a local Bakery proved Alpine is a great little town. The closest town to Terlingua, about 160 miles rounds trip.
And then we saw an Art Car! The Camera Van… it is something that left me speechless wondering if I should think about a new project called… “Sidecar Art”? Maybe the attention Spirit gets is enough!
Enjoy the pictures and description of it on the site (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)…
Be well… Ara & Spirit

[beemerchef]

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“Viva La Historia” Terlingua, Texas

It was one of those events not to be missed, and we did not! Sorry it is not about riding… parks… the roads… or even Spirit. It is about much more, Life itself over many generations finally back together in this one little town around a cemetery to celebrate it all together. It was tears, laughter, food, music and kind people opening their arms to even myself passing by here from so far away. The emotions surpassed any gathering I have ever witnessed, you had to be here… I hope the Blog (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)and the pictures can relate as close as possible the experience.

You be well…

Ara & Spirit

[Scenic WonderRunner]

Looking good Ara and Spirit!

I'm enjoying every minute of it!

My friend is asking me to come with her to Texas and help move some of her things back to San Diego From her parents house.

I told her..........

ONLY if we can go down through Big Bend!

I need to try some of Ara's cooking!

I'll let you know if it works out.....I won't have the "SWR"......but maybe I can squeeze Spirit on my lap in the side car!

Do you have Doggels that fit me?:arabia:

.......(sorry Spirit....just deal with it!)........hehe


Now.....This is funny!

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[beemerchef]

Come on by... Spirit has spares! Blk... red... will see which color suits you!!!

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Am I just an old “hippie”? Tx

We took off for the day to the Park yesterday. Much needed for the both of us, it was time to spend some time trying to answer some questions running through my mind fueled by such empty spaces. Since Spirit is not allowed on the trails we pretty much stayed on Croton Springs Rd and Paint Gap Rd, riding some, hiking some. It happens always… the magical effects of Big Bend. In a couple days actually the Mountains themselves will be our view! A good friend of mine has offered some great first row space on his property for us to stay on. So today we are packing for tomorrow’s move, Karma again has been good to us.
More on the Blog (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)…

Be well…

Ara & Spirit

[beemerchef]

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Our new Home, BB, Texas

Due to the generosity of Roger, a friend we met last year, we moved onto his property yesterday morning… beautiful! What a view, what an incredible peaceful and serene space with the landscape of Big Bend, The Ghost Town, Terlingua… 24/7!
These are busy days! Another friend from Louisiana is arriving today, some riders from the Texas Two Wheel Forum also tonight… the Chili Cook Off has started… we have a free pass for the complete event as I volunteered at the gate last night…It was a good time with good people. A new recipe… a new Magazine page… all on the Blog (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)…
Be well…

Ara & Spirit

[beemerchef]

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A Celebration, “The Day of the Dead”, BB, Tx

A Mexican Holiday celebrated here in Terlingua, a friend from Louisiana, the Chili Cook Off, the Texas Two Wheel riders in the area… and you thought probably that there is never anything going on around here!
On our way right now to the finals of the cook off… much more on the Blog (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)…
We have to run!!!
Be well…
Ara & Spirit

[beemerchef]

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The Chili Cookoff, Terlingua, Texas

Terlingua has regained its composure yesterday afternoon, the many events that took place these past weeks are over. Millions of stars where shining down on us last night as the town near by was dark and quiet. We spend some time at the Chili Cookoff, the craziness was just starting as the chili’s were turned for judging. The Showmanship competition was on its way, amazing imagination, laughter, colors and music… as always!
Spirit will pose for pictures as long as needed… it was a great sunset and no exception, he sat patiently and waited for the camera to stop its shutter noise! What a dog…
Enjoy the pictures on the Blog (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)… there are quite a few!

Be well…

Ara & Spirit

[beemerchef]

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A bit of my Dog’s Life riding and living on the road…

We did live on 16 beautiful acres at one time in Northern Georgia when my buddy rescued me from the shelter with just a couple more days to live. I heard many people telling him not to take me because I am a Pit, so I proved him wrong for over a year now!
Life is good, the smells are good, the food is to and so is his affection and Love for me. I have my own sidecar, I get to ride and watch my other buddies walk the streets instead. Of course I have to give in often for all those pictures he takes of me, same goes for all those strangers that have never seen me riding with my goggles on… but oh! Well… small price to pay… check it out (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)…

Thanks for the scratches you always send me…

Spirit

[beemerchef]

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Pinto Canyon loop, Texas

Take a truck, a jeep or a dual sport bike, but do not miss this road. It is not only the 22 miles of dirt and rocks, it is also the paved road that leads to it and River Road which will take you back to Terlingua… Can I add it is the baked goods of the Bakery from Alpine eaten on the side of the road while baking under the afternoon Texas sun?
It was a great day of riding for us, new roads are always welcomed. So much to see that the road is still new as we will go back to ride it again most likely. The side roads are inviting, the Hot Springs are too!
Part I is here (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)… the rest next time.

Be well…

Ara & Spirit

[beemerchef]

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More of the Pinto Canyon, Texas

More pictures of the rest of the ride from Pinto Canyon. We are planning to do it again soon, maybe even spend the night at the Chinati Hot Springs if there is such accommodations. I have not checked into it yet and the weather is suddenly changing, I was told that it is erratic here…
Well, this is the first picture of Mr Spirit as a Biker Dog with his helmet… he is putting up with it… but he does not like it! Don’t ask… he tolerates it. Maybe he will just wear it in bad weather and on long distance rides… and you don’t want to know what happens when we stop! I now know what celebrities like him go through with the paparazzis… He is on his own… if he could only talk (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)seriously sometimes!

Be well…

Ara & Spirit

[beemerchef]

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A quick tour of Lajitas, Texas

I have always been intrigued as to the feel Lajitas would give when there… I do have a favorite spot, a short river crossing to Mexico a bit past the town, in the old days before border crossings changed that was some busy sights. But the town itself was eerie, sad, not only because of it being deserted but because its authenticity has been stripped, replaced by some “look alike” buildings trying to fool the tourists that modernism can still look old! It still made for some interesting pictures! There was no one to get in the way of the camera including specially a quick stop at the “International Airport”…
Spirit’s helmet fits better… we had to remedy to his unhappiness of the previous day… and we are planning some long… long… rides!
All on the Blog (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)….

Till next time, you all be well… and enjoy the Sunrise!

Ara & Spirit

[beemerchef]

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Old Marathon Rd loop, Tx

We are indoor this morning, the winds blowing like mad all night had me even reset the Dish! This is the clearest skies we have ever seen so far, would make for great pictures if only the sun would come out and take this grey cast away. I think it is happening as I write this!
It was a great ride yesterday, again isolated inland roads with this time some degree of difficulty for us… a street tire in deep sand is never the best scenario!
Thinking today was Friday, I realized it was not and we have now one more day to get ready for a weekend in Alpine for the Open Gallery Night, where we will try to find a little obscure corner to spend the night! It was a customary fashion in the 60’s! Including much hitchhiking…
And yes, Spirit will have his blanket!!!
Be well… enjoy (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)…

Ara & Spirit

[beemerchef]

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Artwalk in Alpine, Texas

Another great event in this area… the Alpine Artwalk! Nighttime open Galleries, rubbing elbows with the Artists… eating and eating again… and much chatting!
We left early in the day, the weather turning cold last night made us came back the 80 miles, missing only one deer in the dark. I keep thinking… some day! Some day it is going to happen… so far we have always drawn the lucky number.
Such a great time that we (I did anyhow!) thought about maybe going back tonight.
Enjoy the show (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)… and a Holiday Recipe…

Be well…

Ara & Spirit

[beemerchef]

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A couple events in Terlingua, Texas

More going on here every week that passes by. The local talent was in full force at a benefit for the recycling program, including an incredible Fire Dance at the beat of the Drums… a nostalgic tour at the “Menagerie Press” where Lauren uses two almost 100 year old letterpress presses to print cards and pages… no click of the button here… no switches, but true hard work one letter at the time.
We are on our way to the Chinati Hot Springs which we missed the last time we rode Pinto Canyon. The weather is still warm ahead of a forecasted cold spell, and we better get on and take advantage of it…
That is about it for now!
Almost forgot (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)… lots of pictures in the “My First 100 Years” last article…

Be well….

Ara & Spirit

[beemerchef]

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Oh! That look!!!…

The Chinati Hot Springs, Texas

Yes, still in Texas… the big and friendly State with so many places to go and events to attend! When “things” get busy somehow my mind always go back to our stay in the “Joshua Trees”, the “Belle” campground, all the way in the back by the big rock where we sat there for hours… days really! I guess it has left quite an impression on me. Chinati Hot Springs will became the same, in the middle of literally nowhere, isolated from it seems the rest of the World, as they say, it is a place to get “restored”!
Even if the journey there was kind of a fiasco regarding food and sleeping accommodations… my own smart lack of planning!
Don’t miss it if you are in this area… more here on the Blog (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/).

Be well…

Ara & Spirit

[dirtysouth]

Hello Ara and Spirit, good to see you guys still getting around. Are you guys going to be around Big Bend from Jan.5th-12th?

[beemerchef]

Hello Ara and Spirit, good to see you guys still getting around. Are you guys going to be around Big Bend from Jan.5th-12th?

Do I know you??? Ah... you are the one...:roost: :gunt:

Of course we will be here... Are you coming with Flux and Gert...???
Nice to hear from you... been a long time!

Let me know...

Be well... Ara & Spirit

[dirtysouth]

Do I know you??? Ah... you are the one...:roost: :gunt:

Of course we will be here... Are you coming with Flux and Gert...???
Nice to hear from you... been a long time!

Let me know...

Be well... Ara & Spirit



Yes sir I am hitching a ride with Flux and Gert, we finally nailed down the date today. We were hoping you guys would be there.

[beemerchef]

E mail me when it gets close (ad is on the Blog). I will be leaving right about that time myself for ATL!!!
Be well...
Ara & Spirit

... and you cannot have your radio back!!!:wings:

[flux]

Hi you 2! Cannot wait to see you here hopefully very soon. Ara, your pics have gotten AMAZING. I love how Spirit has collected a wardrobe all his own now. From goggles to helmets (he needs a doggie XD!) to bandanas and jackets, I am betting he has more clothes than YOU. :D

I have been really enjoying your pics of Big Bend...I cannot WAIT to get out there. I wonder how I am going to explain to Jen that I am not coming back to Georgia? :D

[dirtysouth]

Hi you 2! Cannot wait to see you here hopefully very soon. Ara, your pics have gotten AMAZING. I love how Spirit has collected a wardrobe all his own now. From goggles to helmets (he needs a doggie XD!) to bandanas and jackets, I am betting he has more clothes than YOU. :D

I have been really enjoying your pics of Big Bend...I cannot WAIT to get out there. I wonder how I am going to explain to Jen that I am not coming back to Georgia? :D




About time you came over to where it's a little more how do you say, grown up?

[beemerchef]

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Mature I woud say?>..

Holiday in Big Bend, Texas

We actually spend most of the day in Alpine, working at cooking! It was a fun day putting to use what I know best. Had not help from Spirit, nice think carpet in front of the fireplace, that was his pad for most of the day! This dog is not a fool…
Change in weather so suddenly made us ride in a bitter cold wind that somehow even came through the helmet and my ear plugs. Price to pay I guess… It even snowed last night up on Chisos Mountain where we tried to take a ride up this morning, but even with my heated gear including the gloves, we had to turn around… just a bitter cold. It will warm up… soon.
Recipes and pictures are here… on the Blog (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/).

Till later… you all be well…

Ara & Spirit

[beemerchef]

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A Journey with no Fences and Gates? Texas

We are going to Fort Davis tomorrow. A change in the scenery, it is about one hundred miles north of here and it will allow us to explore the area without the 200 mile round trip every time. Makes sense…
The weather has been warming up nicely, some great riding in the area should make it for a pleasant stay. Having quite a few friends visiting Big Bend in December, we will be back here before heading… East… for a very short while.
Some thoughts (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)today… somehow I see the fences surrounding us also being part of our own Life…
You be well…

Ara & Spirit

[beemerchef]

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Marathon, Texas

Repeat to myself “never write about our next destination”… repeat to myself…
So we are still here… we did leave… came right back! Not strange if you consider that the Powwow is happening this weekend, the Bug Show… and the “Run for Stupidity”! Only in Terlingua… you would not want to miss seeing all those events on this Blog… would you? So only to please you (!!!) we unpacked again and forced ourselves to stay… just for you! I insist…
We did take a ride to Marathon yesterday, a nice ride and a cool little town as you will see on the Blog (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)…
Our “Spirited Doggie Treats” (Spirit’s new hobby!) would have been a better choice for lunch than what I had…. But… maybe I will have better common sense next time…
You be well….
Ara & Spirit

[beemerchef]

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A Powwow in Terlingua, Texas

I think the ones that did not show up for this event missed out on a lot. It was a beautiful day, we are back to short sleeve T shirts by the way here in south Texas, and the event kept our senses awake all day. Just a few miles from camp, this will never be considered as a ride report! It really is better, a true ride for the mind surrounded by proud people within their rich history.
A new experience making me happy that we turned around to come right back a few days ago.
Enjoy the pictures on the Blog (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)…

Be well…

Ara & Spirit

[Scenic WonderRunner]

Repeat to Self.........

Check Ara and Spirit's Thread.......Everyday .......for more Laughs!

I can't tell who is Funnier!


Thank you!..........:jump:

[beemerchef]

He is... he is... specially today!!!

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The rest of the weekend, Terlingua TX

I have to clarify what I wrote today on the Blog regarding the Powwow and my feelings toward the group of Native American Indians present… I am speaking about who I saw, what I saw and what I felt this weekend. Of course I know about the Casinos, of course I know about the millionaires in Palm Springs… but “this” was here, it was “now”…
Spirit again had a package in the mail, he has his own fan club… many spirited (!!!) followers most likely. Some stickers for his helmet… and now he will get noticed even more, trust me that my job as his “bouncer” has just become more difficult.
As most of you are feeling the cold and maybe buried under the snow, the weather here? Come and experience it… nice and cool in the morning… nice and crisp during the day, not a cloud in the sky lately… this even beats Florida weather!
You can also check out the “Bug Show” and the “Race for Stupidity” on the Blog… (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)Till next time… be well… and let me know what you think!

Ara & Spirit

[beemerchef]

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Wandering through other Texas towns…

An empty and desolate road, some turkeys I could not get close enough to take pictures of, nice cool breeze, this was all on the way to Ft Davis. Terlingua is behind us for a little while, I long for some bit of distance riding, some new roads and new scenery. The highlight of the day was seeing Ron and Marsha Cox making brooms! Something you probably don’t even notice in the stores… replaced by these noise making machines called vacuum cleaners. These are the same brooms made since the 1800’s. You might even think that the Desert might be getting to us, as Spirit is of course part of this (!!!), well, maybe. But, besides just riding, it is also fun to watch and learn Artisans at their Craft, specially when it is such an ancient one.
Lots of little Texas towns around here… because, yes, we have moved to Alpine… near Alpine anyhow.
It is all in the Blog (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/?p=220)…

Be well… Ara & Spirit

[beemerchef]

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A little more riding, Texas

Sometimes I just don’t know how to title the day! Do they all need a title?… sometimes it is helpful and sometimes not. Today is the continuation of yesterday, such common sense… right? There is always so much that happens, so much we see and experience, which makes me wonder if we could ever live any other way from this point on! Maybe if we had to. More time spend in Ft Davis, a visit to the Mc Donald Observatory with an invitation to return tomorrow morning and check out the behind the scenes of this unique telescope. The fog is rolling in right now, rain or shine we will be there!
More on the Blog… (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)

Be well… Ara & Spirit

[beemerchef]

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Spirit goes to School! Texas

He did! Valentine School, between Marfa and Van Horn… We had a great time, touched by all the kids (there is only 2 seniors) that wanted and did play with him and fed him treats. I think they will remember him as I will remember them. This was today in some great weather in contrast with yesterday’s storms and rain and fog while we did go for a private tour at the Mc Donald Observatory which we will write about next time.
Just so proud of him… thinking just a few years ago he was in a shelter laying with his head down not even barking when all the other dogs were! He has come such a long way… today was proof of it!
More on the Blog… (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)

Be well… always…. Ara & Spirit

[beemerchef]

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A private tour of the HET, Texas

HET stands for Hobby-Eberly Telescope, near Ft Davis, in total fog the day we went back for the private tour. Quite an experience I must say. A beautifully designed telescope, Artwork in my eyes, the world’s 3rd largest instrument for astronomers to study what is millions of light years away… It has brought up some thoughts about how minuscule we ourselves are in this vast Universe as we are passing through comparatively for such a short time.
Spirit patiently waited outside, cover and coat on without a complain. As usual, cool and collected just waiting, such a perfect companion and buddy.
Hope you enjoy the few pictures of this memorable day, all on the Blog (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)…

Be well…

Ara & Spirit

[beemerchef]

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The Christmas Art Show, Texas

Well, it was not all that bad after all. Sold about 2/3rd of the 75 Art Cards had had prepared, mostly local scenes, and a few bags of the Spirited Doggie Treats. Learned a couple lessons of course! Never set up outside on fine dirt in windy condition even if I am told to do so… because obviously the locals had reserved, most likely a year in advance the best indoor spots!
It was nice to talk about our Journey to the curious ones, watch the expression of the on lookers stopping to glance at the table I had set up, listening to the local talented musicians and of course eat some excellent home made tamales…
Sunny today, but cold… 27 degrees this morning and the heaters are still going full blast!
Enjoy the Blog! (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)
Be well… Ara & Spirit

[beemerchef]

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Last call for Terlingua, Texas

The Chisos did not hold back their last curtain call on our departure from Terlingua. It was not a spectacle to miss or will forget soon. Could the word “WOW” say it all?
350 miles or so to the east we have already covered, primitive camping near Del Rio, right on the water in the Amistad National Park. Back to the basics, no running electricity or water. There is a sense of dependence on ones self living as is, and I like it. We are only a few miles from Acuna in Mexico, and as a Blog reader, Mary Jo also traveling with her Pit Bull is camping near by, we will join forces and go to town to explore a bit of the local colors.
I could not help myself writing a few more thoughts about the Christmas Art Show… it seems like I say it the way it is on the Blog (http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/233855243-L.jpg).

Till next time, you all be well…

Ara & Spirit

[Scenic WonderRunner]

Ara & Spirit.........

The Restless Spirit Duo..............!


God's Speed!




....always enjoying the updates!



.

[beemerchef]

Always the kind word... thanks!

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In Acuna, Mexico

All yesterday’s pictures while in Acuna, Mexico, have this grey cast, a blanket that would not lift itself off. Today in contrast the weather has heated up, the skies are bright and blue and we are wearing short sleeve T shirts! Acuna is only a few miles from here and will need to experience one more time, with Spirit also… as I left him behind in camp alone for a few hours. I missed him and at the same time my cautious mind was glad to have the experience alone and judge later how we would do together back again. I remember being in Germany visiting my mother where dogs where allowed everywhere, even in Restaurants! Now that would be a great world to live in, it would actually be so incredibly nice. But, not being the case we do what we can with what we are given.
A nice day it was, hope the Blog (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/) transports you there even if it just for a little while.
Be well…

Ara & Spirit

[Ursidae69]

Awesome sunset photo Ara. :clapsmile


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[flux]

Hi Ara, so you ditched Big Bend, then? Sorry we will miss you. I hope our paths cross in ATL.

Spirit looks absolutely THRILLED to be in those reindeer antlers!

[beemerchef]

Sorry Flux... we just needed to move on!!! WE WILL see you in ATL... before Jan 22nd or after Feb 21st... for sure! Have a great time in BB... look for UNCLE... say Hi to Kathy...

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More of Acuna, Mexico and some Pies…

What an irony that on this incredibly sunny day the wind kept us inside! One of those where I had to reset the Internet Dish 3 times and add some tie downs for fear of it to blow away. We were also told to stay close as Law Enforcement was looking for 3 smugglers on foot… and wet after bailing out of their boat when caught by the Border Patrol… How exciting and… relaxing day before the Holiday creeping up on us. We went to the incredible “Whitehead Museum” here yesterday in Del Rio, I don’t think very well known, but definitely not to miss, so I had many pictures to go through for the next Blog. I am also getting ready to make Spirit’s Christmas present… you will see it soon!
Reorganizing some cabinets… you know… all that boring stuff that needs to get done eventually.
Today’s Blog (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)is the rest of our visit in Acuna and also a couple Pies that I made which I hope you will try to duplicate. Always feel free to send me your questions… love to help!
Till next time, you all be well and hope that you and your family are ready to celebrate.

Ara & Spirit

[Scenic WonderRunner]

Ara and Spirit............

If you ever make it back out to San Diego sometime.........

You have a spot reserved in my Driveway. ......for FREE!

I have 110 and 220 Volt......and sewer/RV dump in my garage floor.

Come visit!

[dieselcruiserhead]

Excellent writeups and photos, nice to come back to this thread and see where you are! Cheers, Andre

[beemerchef]

Hi Andre...
Scenic Wonder... now that is what I call "LUXURY"!!! You might see us... after Moab!!!

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/235314680-M.jpg

Happy Holidays from the Road, 2007

It is all quiet now, one camper, I can barely see them either, and that is about all for this whole area! Many ducks on the water, but they just don’t know what day it is.
Spirit’s present is ready… a huge… but you will have to wait for the pictures!
Even the Internet is quiet, amazing how one can feel it being here remote from it all.
I think tomorrow we will go back and spend Christmas Day in Acuna. I have no idea if the vendors will be out on the streets, if the celebration will be present, as if it is, should be very colorful and joyful. I do know “Feliz Navidad” and we will get along just fine…
In the meantime, some pictures of the “Whitehead Museum” and Happy Holidays to you all… friends, readers, everyone we have been in touch with at some point or another and everyone we will be in touch with!
Our Best Wishes (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/) to you all… as always.

Ara & Spirit

[Scenic WonderRunner]

Hi Andre...
Scenic Wonder... now that is what I call "LUXURY"!!! You might see us... after Moab!!!

Ara & Spirit

Come on Over..........Ara and Spirit!

I'm Serious!

Plenty of local restaurants around for some spare change for you!

Warm and sunny winter.........

Heck.........

Maybe you could even become somebody's personal chef on a Luxury Yacht>?!!!!

Cruise Baja!:wings:

The possibilites are Endless!.........hehe



.

[beemerchef]

You know, we were in Anza Borego this time about last year... I know we will return. It really sounds like a plan... that would be cool... for a while!!!
Thank you...

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/235830198-L.jpg

How was your Christmas? TX

We have started to move on today, and besides the border towns in Mexico, hopefully will see Piedras Negras tomorrow, the area does not excite us. We feel back into civilization, and for that reason I think we will take a bit of a Northern route to head East. Maybe Garner State Park… and then on Galveston State Park… Louisiana…
We had a fun day yesterday, specially with Spirit’s Christmas present… He did not quite know what to make of it first, but, as the official tester of the “Spirited Doggie Treats”, he gets an A+ for approving the new Peanut Butter flavor!!!
The heater is fixed… a little gizmo the size of a button was fried… all is well.
Lets see where we land tomorrow! Tonight is Eagles Pass…
You be well… and thank you for all the Best Wishes (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/) you have send us…
Ara & Spirit

[beemerchef]

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/236854879-M.jpg

Piedras Negras, Mx

As usual we have not kept our word regarding the taken route and are now parked in Luling, Texas. Slowly going East… confronting civilization, loosing ground on the open spaces… deserts… canyons.
We are visiting a friend, Donna, who is also a motorcyclist. This is the start of her own Journey and it has been interesting to watch how others handle the many daily situations that arise.
She researches everything much more than I do. In less than 24 hours I have already found out about “things” I did not know… I have a simpler approach to it all… there is no right or wrong as long as we all remain safe on our path.
A short visit to Piedras Negras on the Blog… wishing I had some of those Tacos today again for breakfast! I will need to start making my own…
San Antonio is near by… we have been thinking about seeing the lights at the River Walk at night, would be for a cold ride back but we both have heated gear.
Enjoy the pictures (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)… lots of them today!!!
You be well… as always.
Ara & Spirit

[RoundOut]

... we have not kept our word regarding the taken route and are now parked in Luling, Texas.

Be sure to have some BBQ at the Luling City Market.


.

[beemerchef]

I have to go there today actually... (HEB), will force myself to stop by... and will hold you responsable for any damage occured to myself and Spirit!!!:chowtime:

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/237726758-L.jpg

A bit of San Antonio, Tx

Another last day of the Year! Our second New Year on the road, in Texas as the last one! Quiet here, but no so quiet when we went to San Antonio for the afternoon with a friend of ours, Donna.
No picture taking allowed inside the Alamo, have no clue as to why… yet. Still, it was interesting and so was the River Walk packed with tourists… night and day situation considering the time we have spend in the Desert. The rehabilitation is hard, I will not hide that fact, on the both of us.
You all have a Happy New Year, wishing you a prosperous and healthy one to come, many more actually… It is always a good time to figure out where we are going and how we are getting there, maybe there is a better way… a better path?
Enjoy the Blog (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)… the last one this year!

Be well… Ara & Spirit

[beemerchef]

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/238278835-L.jpg

And a Happy New Year… Tx

Just Spirit and I celebrating, what better company. He was actually asleep by the time midnight rolled on… food, play, sleep and keeping an eye, most of the time both, on me, are his fulfillments in life. Don’t we wish sometimes…
28 degrees this morning, nice and warm and cozy… just relaxing in the Texas countryside before moving on to Louisiana soon, I don’t really know how soon! I know that we are 400 miles from Baton Rouge and then on another 550 miles to Atlanta… I have already checked out the mileage back to Moab, 1700 miles! With the price of fuel this might be our last chance on the East Coast for a while.
I hope that you all had a great New Year’s Eve. Downtown San Antonio was truly a fun place to be for that evening, specially around the Alamo with the lighted Carriages and also by the River Walk, the actual festivities with bands and much crowd was happening a couple blocks away.
Wishing (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)you all a great prosperous and healthy 2008...
Be well… Ara & Spirit

[BajaTaco]

Happy New Year Ara & Spirit.

Please give Spirit a heartfelt thanks for sending out the package of treats to my four-legged friend in Tucson just before Christmas. From what I was told, she was absolutely thrilled when she figured out that a package had been delivered just for her, and she was able to open it and find the treats inside. One bag went into the freezer so she might get to enjoy some in 2008 too. She loves them. Good work!

I see your thread here at ExPo has well over 7,400 views so far and a 5-star rating... we all love the posts and the photos and the blog. Thanks for taking so much time to share your odyssey with us. We look forward to many more stories in 2008!

[beemerchef]

Thanks for the comment! Very kind... also for the Treats. Another 10 years of this?... will we run out of places to see?... I doubt it!

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/239328924-L.jpg

Who said BBQ? Texas

Our last day here in Luling before moving on to Booth (southwest of Houston) tomorrow for a few days. We are having a get together on Sunday… come and join us… Let us know as we will be also cooking… bring your dog… you bike… your car… Carl and Collete are the hosts and it has been real nice for them to put this together.
“WE” discovered real Texas BBQ yesterday… I am so tempted to go back today for some more of those ribs! I get the meat… Spirit gets the bones! It was quite a kitchen with smoked walls, a real hard hat area. I forgot who recommended the place, City Market, but “thank you”… my Dr will love you too…
A few more pictures of our New Year’s Eve outing in San Antonio… and that fills the Blog (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)today!
Till next time, from Houston… you all be well.
Ara & Spirit

[RoundOut]

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/239328924-L.jpg

Who said BBQ? Texas...

“WE” discovered real Texas BBQ yesterday… I am so tempted to go back today for some more of those ribs! I get the meat… Spirit gets the bones! It was quite a kitchen with smoked walls, a real hard hat area. I forgot who recommended the place, City Market, but “thank you”… my Dr will love you too…

You are welcome! Isn't that place GREAT!

.

[flux]

Hey Ara, a wrench got thrown into our plans to head to TX...going to try again in Feb. Hope you get in touch with us while you are back in town. Take care

[beemerchef]

Sorry to hear that... we will be in ATL this month, 17th... take of again the 22nd till feb 21st... then loose again. Lets get together that 17th weekend... We will be camping at Meatheads construction site... any better ideas??? Omar?... let us know... soon!!!

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/240560880-L.jpg

A gathering in Booth, Tx

It was a fine day, with fine people and… I think fine food (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)… some days are like that! Just fine!!! The weather cooperated, the spirits where jovial and even though some did not show up… excuses… excuses… it was a good turn out.
Tying up some loose ends these coming days, tires, presriptions, going over the route planning, you name it! Highway 10 might be our only option to Louisiana… hard to believe that we are actually leaving the State of Texas!
Spirit has been having a blast being off the leash these past couple days, his eyes, leash or not, fixated on me, he does not leave my sight… finally it is happening as it did to my previous dogs… love and patience, that is all it takes. I know what some of you are thinking… I will add that the leash will be back on as we leave here.
Till next time… you all be well…
Ara & Spirit

[flux]

Ara, I will ride out and visit you at Meathead's construction site...I am sure he won't mind...will run it by him first. If not we will see each other somewhere. If you need anything while you are in town you know you can get in touch with me and Jen...garage, tools, place to sleep, whatever.

Take care

[beemerchef]

Arriving the 17th... free fri/sat/sun... till the 22nd. Love to ride up also...

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/241522728-M.jpg

Spirit… the Clown! Tx

Pits have an incredible amount of energy to spend everyday, being here has proved it. They are Clowns that love the attention while running… falling… faking moves… Spirit puts up a daily show for us. We will miss this place, him as much as myself, as we will leave tomorrow very early trying to avoid Houston’s traffic on our way to Baton Rouge, Mississippi and finally Atlanta where we should arrive by next Thursday… Schedule! Something foreign for us… we are trying to stay on top of it.
Internet problems have finally been fixed, suck lack of knowledge by Alltel sales people have really made this an expensive repair as damage was done… we never stop learning!
Till next time on the road, you be well… more on the Blog (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/).

Ara & Spirit

[beemerchef]

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/242423942-L.jpg

Busy… Busy, LA/MS

It is going to take us all day to catch up… making some Treats… printing some Art Cards and getting ready for our last stretch to Atlanta. Moving makes life busy. The George Ranch we visited near Booth, Tx, a couple times these past days was a worth outing for sure, yesterday’s ride with the Louisiana Dual Sport Rider also was a great event and now at Walt’s and Paulette’s in Mississippi, well, brings back some memories as this was our first stop when we left to live on the road. The dogs, chickens, ducks, goats are still all here as Spirit also found out.
We are staying in touch as well as we can… it is all on the Blog (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/), most of it anyhow.
Be well… Ara & Spirit

[beemerchef]

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/243514562-M.jpg

Moving on, MS

We had the best night sleep at a Truck Stop overnight, can’t figure that one out! Do people live at Truck Stops permanently? They sure are enough of them! Would it do for an interesting Blog? Not really I think!
Great weekend riding with the Dual Sport Riders of Louisiana, familiar faces and some new faces, some black top and some primitive roads. We had it all… including some entertainment! Some duck grilling… at Walt’s and Paulette’s
We will be in Birmingham, AL, by the time you read this, and the next time in Atlanta, exactly where we started 15 months ago.
Of course many thoughts are going through my mind…
I will talk about it later, we need to keep rolling East… in the meantime enjoy the pictures on the Blog (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)…

Be well… Ara & Spirit

[beemerchef]

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/244506718-L.jpg

Snow last night in Atlanta. We are camped out in Powder Springs at a friend’s office/construction site, with all the comforts needed. Yes, it is a culture shock being here after so many months “out there” as my thoughts are a bit already fast forwarding to Moab, Utah, our next destination when my mother flies back home in about a month. She will arrive here on Tuesday… we will be at the Airport in the afternoon… I can’t wait to see her, has been a couple years.
We braved the 37 degree temps this afternoon and took a short ride, not that bad really with the help of electric heated gear actually. Found out about the International Motorcycle Show this weekend which we will attend so we can show you the pictures of all the new bikes! Always something. Just posted the last pictures of the George Ranch Homes on the Blog (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/).
Be well…
Ara & Spirit

[beemerchef]

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/245126365-L.jpg

Cabin fever? Atlanta…

So we rented a car today… I don’t think my 80 year old mother would adventure herself riding in the sidecar… even though I am sure Spirit would be more than a gentleman! Almost headed out for the International Motorcycle show at the Georgia Dome, but, with much snow coming down and freezing forecast, we will wait till tomorrow. Of course it end up raining after the snow and the temps are not as cold as predicted. I guess I wanted to play it safe… relaxed throughout the show without the thought of getting stuck in town. We were suppose to meet some friends there today… there will be another waive of them tomorrow… such is Life!
Spirit shared his sidecar with Scooter yesterday. John’s buddy… and we had a great time taking some pictures. I think we will watch a movie tonight… it has been really nice to relax… and reminisce about the past (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)… looking forward to the future… enjoying the present.
Be well… Ara & Spirit

[beemerchef]

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/245907731-L.jpg

The Atlanta Cycle Show…

The Show?… well, I liked it as for the first time I saw this kind of show under a different light. Some Art, some function and purpose. Maybe because I have never been prejudiced toward two wheels… and maybe because our own rig has turned into more of a great tool than anything else… Old ones, new ones, restoration and much Art with the custom choppers… hard to believe that one can actually ride them.
My Mother arrived today… it was Airport time with an hour delay, but who does not like people watching! So keep checking the Blog as I keep on writing but might not have as much time posting on here. She is doing great for 80, I hope I am in such great shape when and if I ever get there. Oh! Dr’s check up today… complete stress test… Cardiologist… good to go for a while longer he said.
He is one of the best in the Country, a great Human Being, he knows of our Blog (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)and the fact that I do not have Health Insurance, he never charges me… what a contribution!
Be well… Ara & Spirit

[beemerchef]

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/247255141-L.jpg

Mother in Atlanta…
Bitter cold, feels like 16, no sunrises and no sunsets… much traffic and everyone is on the cell phone! How Life has changed…
Spirit feels restricted, from car to hotel room to some dirty off color and littered resemblance of greenery. I am sure we would have gone to some Parks if the weather would have cooperated a bit more. This is our last day in ATL before Tybee Island which I am really looking forward to, till the 20th of February.
Some more pictures of the Motorcycle Show… not much else going on besides lengthy conversations with my mother solving Life’s dilemmas…
Four years ago tomorrow, Lance struggled with his last day amongst us. This time I will not be alone and my mother will not be alone either. We will hold each other up… we will make it through the day as he will also be with us.
For those wondering… this has always been our Life story (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)… sometimes most everything else takes a back seat.
You be well… Love your Children.
Ara & Spirit

[Scenic WonderRunner]

Good Stuff....Ara!

Keep Going!

We Appreciate it!:26_7_2:


.

[grouch]

Ara,

For some reason I have been overlooking this thread. I am very sorry for that. Your trip through Texas took me back. I have spent a great deal of time down near Ft. Davis. I watched the HET being built over a couple of years. What a wonderful machine! I looked through your blog and I am truely motivated to start eating better on my trips. Thank you for taking the time to doccument all your wonderful times.

[beemerchef]

Thanks SW... Eating better!!! Yes... I just have had an ultimatum that I have to do even better... everything is to high in their numbers suddenly even though that runs in the family... One of my last pleasures left... food... and that has to be modified even more...
http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/248269244-L.jpg

Arriving, Tybee Island, GA
Spirit and I rode a bit yesterday on the Island, dog owners… beware as they do not allow them on the beach, truly a disappointment. The fine is $200+… will deal with that situation.
And of course I will accept my mother anyway she comes!… as she disagrees with my Lifestyle, Path, Journey… you name it! But that is nothing new… I am just trying for her to use the word “could” instead of “should”!!! We are picking up a car today, even though, just one time I wish she would sit in the sidecar. That is not going to happen.
The skies have turned blue, uplifting for sure. This is not the “Lost Coast of California”, but it does has its own charm and Savannah I know has much history of its own. We will visit other Islands also… she is following my plans (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/) as long as she is well fed and gets some rest as she is still having a hard time dealing with the six hours time change.
You be well… enjoy your day.
Ara & Spirit

[beemerchef]

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/249046783-L.jpg

A ride through Savannah, GA

Yes, this is a real Police Station and the Chief of Police Parking spot… but he never showed up for the few minutes it took us to take some pictures. It was the only available parking space, I would have explained.
Beautiful day yesterday, gave Spirit a chance to play in the big dog run, much needed exercise as today and tomorrow the forecast is rain.
It is quiet here, getting caught up on the laundry, rearranging one more cabinet, bake some Treats and print some Art Cards for my mother who wants to send some to her friends… a good customer I have here!!!
Enjoy the pictures (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/), there will be more as we are settling in nicely being off season right now.
Be well… Ara & Spirit

[beemerchef]

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/249663319-L.jpg

Savannah, for real! GA

We keep going to the enclosed fenced dog run. I just love taking pictures of Spirit clowning around and getting his much needed exercise. A bit hesitant at first, that’s me not him (!!!), regarding the behavior of the other digs present, but after talking to their owners all was fine, every one keeps an eye on them strongly.
Mother dropped off at a Mall… we went on again to Savannah’s Historical District and started playing with the camera mainly on one street only called “Jones St”… so many more… 24 square Blocks to be exact with 18 Parks!
Next we will be going to St Simon Island, Charleston… up and down the coast.
Enjoy, (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/) come and visit… we are here waiting for you!
Be well…

Ara & Spirit

[beemerchef]

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Colonial Faire & Muster, GA

An unusual event, for us anyhow. The 10th Annual Colonial Faire and Muster, reenactment day, a celebration of the founding of the Colony of Georgia at Savannah, on February 12th 1733 by James Evans Oglethorpe. Spirit and I rode there, pursuit by a fanatic reader hanging out of the window of a fast moving van… Mike Justice, “Driller” on the ADV Riders Forum… obviously a dentist… Great day… His presence in costume of the era added to our own day… On another front, great conversation, for the first time only since we have left, with a gentleman asking me “why did I bring a loaded gun (Spirit) to a Park filled with kids”… of course in the meantime so many of those kids were asking my permission to pet Spirit, and did! As he walked away shaking his own head in disbelief I wished him a great day. One cannot lead a horse to the water… right?
Enjoy the pictures (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)… there will be more to come…
Be well
Ara & Spirit

[beemerchef]

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/251515189-L.jpg

The rest of the weekend, GA

More pictures from the reenactment as the firing of the cannon is always a favorite… kids will be kids you know. Spirit did not like it too much as it was the first time he was in proximity of one. Tried to keep him away as much as possible…
I have been thinking about getting us a new buddy lately… much to think about, specially being the size of the sidecar. They would have to sit side by side pretty close. I even called “Friends Of Animal” in Kanab, Utah, which Spirit and I visited a while ago. It is a “no kill” animal shelter… we might stop there sometime when in that State… It is just a thought… I think Spirit would be real happy with a companion as also I would. Can you see two Pits riding down the road with helmets and Doggles on? Too much?
Anyhow… enjoy the rest of the pictures… (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)
Be well… Ara & Spirit

[beemerchef]

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St Simon Island… GA

When we decided to meet (mother and I) in this area called the Golden Isles, GA, my thought were of small villages by the water, quaint and quiet… Comparatively we love Tybee now as we had a chance to visit St Simon Island (south) and also Spirit and I took a ride yesterday about 100 miles north of here. All are full blown cities with major traffic tie ups, 4 lane highways and the back roads which I found just a few are now rare.
The beaches are still quiet once into a State Park, it has been overwhelming besides those area.
I know that this is going to be a trend as it has also been these past months. Checking on what use to be free BLM (Bureau Land Management) camping near Moab, Utah, I am already discovering that they have become also rare as they are now charging $10 a night and limiting the stay to 14 days. Luckily we do have some info on remaining free camping on which we will establish camp very soon. Enjoy the “tour (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)”…
Be well… Ara & Spirit

[Scenic WonderRunner]

Very Nice Ara and Spirit!

I'm Loving All of it!

Outstanding Pics!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:wings:

Keep Going!


Aloha! .............Mark..............."SWR"



.

[beemerchef]

Hi Mark... Thanks! Wonder if anyone from this board will be in Moab for the big 4x4 week March 15th... we will be there!!!

Is there a thread for it maybe?

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Hunting Island State Park, SC

It is a fine Park well worth visiting with a beautiful Lighthouse and beaches, so serene and peaceful, specially off season. A day trip from Tybee Island, it was just Spirit and I and the camera. Found a great BBQ joint in Bluffton where actually they took care of “us” real well thinking maybe we had not eaten in days! Maybe my diet is working… not on that day though after a couple pounds of food!!!
They also have a campground for $28 a night… I am always wondering why these prices are soaring like mad as if the cost of fuel to get from point A to point B was not enough! One reason for always look for BLM land or National Forest as long as it is safe and free…
Enjoy the shots (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)… Savannah again and Charleston are next on the agenda.
Be well… Ara & Spirit

[beemerchef]

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An afternoon in Savannah, GA

We keep going back to Savannah, after all, when was the last time we have witnessed a city built in 1773!… Quite a few moons ago. Busy on the weekend, much nicer during the week and much easier to find any kind of parking space. Our stay on the coast here is nearing the end, we are still planning to sightsee Charleston tomorrow as the weather has been awesome. It should be a nice ride with Spirit.
Sometimes I have a lack of words to express why we are on the road on this Journey, seems somehow that the images are a bit clearer now and that is the content of today’s Blog (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/).
You be well… Ara & Spirit

[beemerchef]

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Charleston, SC

A nice 300 mile round trip to Charleston from Tybee Island, cloudy day, cool temps specially with much wind when coming back the same day. Spirit’s patience does not cease to amaze me as we did more sightseeing than dog walks on the grass… and then again the sidecar is his second home!
The Historical City is amazing with its ongoing restoration all approved by the Charleston Historical Society, down to the mortar used, door handles and every details imaginable. Beautiful houses, narrow streets and tour guides dressed from the past era.
One of the highlights was the “Three Dog Bakery” which you must visit if and when in the neighborhood… even if you do not have a dog!
With too many pictures taken that day, there will be a part II of the visit! Hope you enjoy it (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)… we did.
Be well… Ara & Spirit

[kcowyo]

Excellent Ara. :clapsmile

Charleston is the jewel and the heart of the South. The food, the architecture, the history, the gardens, the southern accents, the coast.... One of my top 3 favorite cities in the US.

But I'm with Mom, you can have my share of oysters. ;)

[beemerchef]

You are too funny!!!...

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More of Charleston, SC

Thinking back I cannot decide which was the highlight of Charleston! The Historical City or the “Three Dog Bakery”? Spirit thinks it is the Bakery… of course. Yes, those are made for our buddies… can you believe it? More pictures are on the Blog.
Our stay is coming to an end, today is the last day for our car rental, we will have a couple more days to reorganize it all before we head back to Atlanta where we will spend a few days regrouping. We will take a straight route to Moab stopping in Birmingham to visit the Motorcycle Barber Museum and couple other visits planned on the way. I know that we will arrive a bit too early for warmer weather, but I would like to witness the biggest annual 4x4 week planned in that area.
Enjoy the pictures (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)…
Be well and stay well… Ara & Spirit

[beemerchef]

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/256349528_LHfmj-L.jpg

Lasts days on Tybee Island, GA

Bittersweet on this last day here. Excited about going back to Atlanta tomorrow morning, ride my old stumping grounds “The Georgia Mountains”… check out the old neighborhood where we use to live… have the camera cleaned professionally… Sad and thoughtful about my mother’s departure back to Munich, Germany. We have been a scattered family all our Life as much as we love being together. We probably would not know what to do if we all lived in the same town! Mother in Germany, aunt and uncle in Belgium, cousin in Ohio, aunt and uncle again in England, another set in Australia, my favorite cousin in Thailand… and the list goes on and on. And us?… roaming around… it has been hopeless.
We all checked out the Savannah Wildlife Refuge the other day, a well worth visit if you are in the area. Unlike us, try to spend the whole day, I know there would be no regrets.
Enjoy the Blog (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)… we have to start packing…
Be well and stay well. Ara & Spirit

[grouch]

Ara,

I just made your chicken with tortilinis at work to test out my new MSR Dragonfly and it was great! A buddy I worked with enjoyed it as well.

[hrjaw]

Ara,
parev. inch bes es? lav es, I hope. hello to a fellow Armenian. I just found your post and blog. wonderful writing. best to you. I will be following your trip.
Roger

[beemerchef]

That is very cool!!! Chat lav em... Has been a long time, shame to have been loosing the language... Stray in touch.... Rhode Island?... maybe in a couple years!!!
I have fallen behind on the recipes... will be more as soon as we get to Moab and settle a bit!!!

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/257453849_u7AMA-L.jpg



Idling in Atlanta, GA

Yes, it has been raining since we arrived here, non stop and we are on the verge of cabin fever. We are almost there… Good thing dogs like to sleep a lot and once this is behind us I think we will stay up for days! Wish I had Spirit’s patience, I am learning very quickly in times as such.
Georgia Mountains maybe if things clear up a bit, would love to take some of those well known roads and some last pictures of the area before we leave Monday morning.
My mother made it back safely to Munich, already a phone call to assure me of it. The next chapter of this Journey will go on very soon… exciting times ahead… we hope.
A nostalgic look back on the Blog today (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)… old photos are always fun, that is what they are for… right?
Enjoy, be well… and stay well!
Ara & Spirit

[beemerchef]

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/258177801_EZooB-L.jpg

Finally some Georgia Mountains…

All too familiar where the roads and the scenery yesterday. “Two Wheels Only” motorcycle campground, the “cooler run”, Dale’s… all was our second home, sometimes first home a while back.
Cold temperatures, specially on the way back… but nothing was going to hold us back this time as we are headed to Birmingham in a few minutes, one of the many stops on the way to Moab, Utah. So many memories came back, those were the first roads the sidecar and Spirit took when assembled after the moving truck dropped off this huge box at our house in Dawsonville… How exciting that was! And who knew at the time what would be the future… We still don’t!
Take a ride on the Blog as we did… (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)

Be well… Ara & Spirit

[beemerchef]

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/259197023_JwgoV-L.jpg

The Barber Motorcycle Museum, Birmingham, AL

So we made it here to Birmingham and how ironic that we went to visit the Museum on one of the nicest days we have experienced lately. It was custom made for Spirit who had to wait outside in the sidecar, giving us a chance however to go for walks every couple hours only wearing a T shirt! I keep thinking that even if you do not care for motorcycles, or cars for that matter, a visit to Barber is a must. It will leave you speechless as it did to me, the building itself is Art and the whole experience is worth and more its $10 entry fee! They actually have a special for 3 days, Friday~Saturday~Sunday, for $15! The problem is… too many picture! They are all going on my SmuMug Gallery soon which I will give out its link, in the meantime enjoy the ones posted (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/) as there will also be more of them on the site next time.
You be well… Ara & Spirit

[beemerchef]

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/260141192_pAsH9-L.jpg

From Memphis, TN, more on the Barber Museum…

The pictures are still endless but I am almost done working on sorting them out for the picture Gallery! In the meantime I posted some interesting ones on the site, including my favorite, one of them anyhow, the full dressed Vincent, which ironically did not sell well.
We have arrived in Memphis, and getting ready to learn what all the fuss about Graceland is… camera is also ready… Spirit will have to stay behind for a few hours. I need to find out if Elvis had a dog and what kind! Should be an interesting day…
I cannot help posting a picture of Spirit while visiting second graders in Birmingham, which I will write about also next time! You know… those Pits labeled “mean”…
Maybe we will see you sometime down the road… and hope that you are not yet tired of motorcycle pictures!!! (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)
Be well… Ara & Spirit

[beemerchef]

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/260458719_q8dXN-L.jpg

Moving right along, Amarillo, Tx

With a prediction of wind chills between 16 and 21, accumulation of 2” of snow, winds between 25 and 35 mph per hours with gusts of 45mph… that is tonight… repeat scenario for tomorrow… you would think we are in North Dakota! No… this is Texas… but not the same Texas that has been so friendly to us! For some reason today Florida sounds real good… We might not be able to move till Tuesday. Well, we have food, fuel and power… heat is good… books and the Internet!
The link for all the pictures from the Barber Museum is up.
I also posted (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)about our visit to the Deer Valley Elementary School in Hoover, near Birmingham, AL, entertaining the second graders! It was a fun day and I think the kids also had a blast…
Hope we survive all this!
Be well… Ara & Spirit

[beemerchef]

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/261429887_YEDRf-L.jpg

A visit to Graceland, Memphis, TN

Just like the flip of a coin the weather showed its smilie face in Amarillo, a welcome change. We made it to Lubbock and spend the day with Mike and Nathan working on a final proof for a T shirt and a mouse pad with some very impressive machinery these guys have! And on camping a few miles south of it, in a little town called Slaton as right downtown, at the City Park, they provide free camping for up to three nights! Awesome…
The visit to Graceland, the home of Elvis Presley was memorable, there are still crowds coming in to pay their last respect and take the tour as I did. It was a strange feeling to actually walk around in the same space that he did trying to imagine all that has gone on in the past. A step back in time as the pictures show (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)…
Less than 800 miles from Moab now, we will be headed that way tomorrow morning for the last leg of this “coming back West”.
Exciting….
Be well… Ara & Spirit

[hrjaw]

Ara,
thank you for all your updates. I look forward to reading them.
Roger

[beemerchef]

hi Roger... finally Moab... tomorrow...

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/262926634_ZdMNp-L.jpg

To Albuquerque, NM

Try spelling that word without looking!
We end up using all three free nights of camping the City of Slaton gave us as we had to regroup yesterday. What is regroup? Just a feeling that we are caught up with everything including replying e mails, baking some Treats, cleaning, filing pictures, roasting coffee and… taking a nap! That is “regroup”!!!
A bit of snowing, a bit of wind and beautifully clear this morning as we hit the road again. I will not even bore you again with the destination, seems like lately it takes us twice as long to get anywhere! More on Elvis and Graceland on the Blog (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)… while already sorting out the pictures taken at the wind mill museum and the oldest bakery in Texas.
Be well… till next time, we are rolling.
Ara & Spirit

[Scenic WonderRunner]

Looking Good....Ara and Spirit!

A couple weeks back we had a big storm here in San Diego. So I tought I would celebrate in the Ara fashion! I was stuck inside....all day long. So whats a guy to do>?!!!!

http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i156/ScenicWonderRunner/2008_0225TotallyTaco0003.jpg


I'm sorry..........all I had was hamburger. Normally...........I make them with Steak! London broil....to be exact!


drool................:sombrero: :chef: :friday:


I said to myself............now just what would Ara do on a totally rainy day>?!!!!


Here's to Ara and Spirit! ......Thanks for ALL you do!

[beemerchef]

So get to Moab so YOU can cook for me!!!... Looking good... I have not cooked much lately... need to get with it! Too much moving around... Let me know when in the area...:campfire:

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/263633307_xoo8U-L.jpg

Leaving Texas…

We are in Moab today… as soon as we made that eastbound turn on 550, a bit north of Albuquerque, big empty and vast spaces presented themselves and suddenly it was as if another new page of this Journey had been turned. Peaceful, calm and serene, mountain tops covered with snow, cattle grazing in search of green patches, it was as we had never left the West. We stopped many times as the weather cooperated fully with our last leg of thistransition, lucky I was thinking having missed the horrible snow storms that hit the towns we had just come through.
My first picture here on our way near a few miles from Moab!… The story of a T shirt, new friends and a Wind Mill Museum on the Blog (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)…
You be well… come and visit!… we will be here a while.

Ara & Spirit

[bovw]

That is an amazing picture! Makes me want to go west.

[Scenic WonderRunner]

Ara......

Start asking about Moab campsites. There are a lot of Moab Pro's here at ExPo that could point you in the right direction!

I'm no Moab pro......but I was very happy to find this beautiful spot with a view of the mtns.

http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i156/ScenicWonderRunner/2006_0919Summerinthesanjuans0330-1.jpg


Have Fun!

[Ursidae69]

Nice photo, you drove through my neck of the woods. NM is pretty devoid of people, that is one of the best qualities here.




So get to Moab so YOU can cook for me!!!... Looking good... I have not cooked much lately... need to get with it! Too much moving around... Let me know when in the area...:campfire:

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/263633307_xoo8U-L.jpg

Leaving Texas…

We are in Moab today… as soon as we made that eastbound turn on 550, a bit north of Albuquerque, big empty and vast spaces presented themselves and suddenly it was as if another new page of this Journey had been turned. Peaceful, calm and serene, mountain tops covered with snow, cattle grazing in search of green patches, it was as we had never left the West. We stopped many times as the weather cooperated fully with our last leg of thistransition, lucky I was thinking having missed the horrible snow storms that hit the towns we had just come through.
My first picture here on our way near a few miles from Moab!… The story of a T shirt, new friends and a Wind Mill Museum on the Blog (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)…
You be well… come and visit!… we will be here a while.

Ara & Spirit

[beemerchef]

There are a lot of BLM lands, some also free camping... the problem right now is power for heat! 20 degrees at 6am every day!!!... will move off as soon as it warms up... Thanks...

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/264581324_iYz2C-L.jpg

Fascinating Moab, UT.

“This” is definitely a “destination”… a smorgasbord of rides, photography opportunities, just being amongst it all can be overwhelming and glad that we will have the time to explore it all… versus just blowing by at a multitude of frames per second.
Strangest weather here, 80 in the sun by the afternoon, 20 at 6 am… 60 degrees difference within every 24 hours! Dress up and take it off… constant as even in the hot temps riding is cold…
We have only taken a quick ride through the Arches National Park, a few miles also along the Colorado River, today we will head south a bit more and try to ride into Canyonland…
Enjoy the Blog… (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)Be well… Ara & Spirit

[XXXpedition]

very cool pics

[beemerchef]

This is photography heaven here!!!

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/265611230_KHR27-L.jpg

Canyonland, Moab, UT

The possibilities are endless in this area. Canyonland was new to us and I share this with others saying that it is actually more beautiful than the Grand Canyon. Maybe “beautiful” is the wrong word, as every Park has its own personality and character, Canyonland is more intimate specially when we get the chance to do Schaffer Trail and Long Canyon on the return which both run on the lower Mesa’s edge near the White Rim.
It is also Jeep Safari week and some of those trails seem just impossible to pass through, called “rock crawling” I have only seen the start of some and we have been invited to ride in one! It has been through the drivers a good source of information as to where ourselves can go or not go. Much going on here! (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)
Be well, Ara & Spirit

[kcowyo]

The contrasts between Olympic Nat'l Forest, Big Bend, Charleston and now Canyonlands has been so much fun to see over the last few months. A not so subtle reminder about how diverse this great country is. Thanks for sharing that reminder with us.

Great stuff in Utah. The White Rim Trail is one of the most scenic in the area. I would be hesitant to take the bike and sidecar through and certainly not the RV. Sadly, the Bronco could have mad it just fine.

Another option might be after the Jeep Safari hub-bub dies down, would be to rent a Jeep in town for a day or two to take out on the trail. There are tons of great restaurants in town, I'm sure someone with your experience will land a job soon. Don't stress about it, have faith.

- take care

[beemerchef]

Hey Kcowyo (hummm... I got that right!). The white rim trail is not a sidecar problem as we will do Schaffer and come back Long Canyon, they just do not allow dogs in vehicles in the back country... Yet, Jeep Safari or not many places to go and get lost! The Jeeps are actually fun to watch... Will start working tomorrow at Bucks Grill 3 nights a week... 1/2 mile from camp... the peanuts I will get will be traded for the camping! Such is Life... Thanks!!! (and lets not talk about the Bronco!!!... with no head or shower I miss that thing!!!...)

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/266383323_E7Rt9-L.jpg

Life in Moab, UT

I think the decision to come here and spend some time was a good one. Diversified for many there is much to do for everyone that loves the outdoor, from the simple hiking (inexpensive…) to photography combined, on and off road bicycling and motorcycling, 4x4 jeep rock crawling, rafting, fishing, snow skiing in the winter times and I am sure I am forgetting something.
The town this week is filling up as the Jeep Safari event is taking place and yet the area is so vast that we can get away in other directions and find peace and tranquility.
Still cold specially in the early morning hours, we have yet to witness a sunrise in front of some red rocks glowing as on fire, but that will come soon. We are just exploring the different roads, trying to find some dog friendly lands unlike the National Parks, there are many.
Enjoy the Blog… (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)
Be well… Ara & Spirit

[XXXpedition]

i kinda miss moab...

[beemerchef]

What is holdng you back?... the perfect weather is waiting for you...:sunny:

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/267512531_BtM3R-L.jpg



As Life in Moab goes on…

So today I wrote a controversial Blog! So I have been told, all in a positive well mannered as always fashion. I generally do not dwell on situations, the words are there, they had to come out at the risk of offending some maybe which is not my style, but, it is in black and white, it is reality, nothing else. Truly nothing offending! Will there be a Lifestyle change or not… all I can say is once the words have been out I have felt filled again with much freedom as to the outcome of this Journey…
My tire is late, maybe tomorrow. We have been staying on black top discovering more and more many trails we will be able to ride without great difficulty. I have only seen them from the distance and the views are just spectacular as in “Dead Horse State Park”.
The pictures today are from a ride to Potash along the Colorado River, a salt mining plant and “that” start of more trails…
Enjoy the Blog… (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)Ara & Spirit

[beemerchef]

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/268455000_uriZP-L.jpg

Dead Horse State Park, UT

Moab is growing on us as every day, with the help of “chit chatting” with the locals, we are discovering some doable trails for us. We can ride better than a 2 wheel drive but not as daring as a 4 wheel drive! The best views are off the black top except for a ride to “Dead Horse State Park”, a natural wonder which only took 300 million years to achieve, and still under construction!
The town is filling up with the oddest 4 wheel drive vehicles, one could just sit on a corner and admire the parade going down the street. We waited for the right time to be here as this is going to take some time to explore!
Some great views today… (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)Be well… Ara & Spirit

[BajaTaco]

it is in black and white, it is reality, nothing else.

Go get 'em Ara. :ylsmoke:

Awesome photos. Wish I was there. Tell Spirit I said Hello.

[beemerchef]

Thanks!...:iagree:

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/269268921_9idXB-L.jpg

Down on Potash Rd, UT

This is one road to mark on your map, you will need a 4x4 or a dual sport motorcycle, nothing too dramatic but rough in some places. A cattle trail established in 1917, constructed further into a truck route and finished in 1952 for the ore and uranium miners, it is now used for the lucky ones that can drive it, ride it and also bicycle it. It is so humbling to traverse the canyon with the thought that all this was started 300 million years ago, one day at the time, erosion slowly with no help of human hands or mind delivering this Artwork for us to be privileged to be on. It is a geology class, it is a photography class, a spiritual journey for most it is, you just need to experience it some day… soon. There is no doubt that we will be going back while here, so much yet to witness.
Enjoy the Blog (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)… and be well.
Ara & Spirit

[beemerchef]

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/270476256_dSrvm-L.jpg

Over my head in Moab, UT

Last night we had to tow the rig back to camp after some a bit to rough riding, a deep creek crossing and the engine dying a couple miles after. 24 hrs hours later with much help from friends, it seems that it is the HEC…
Hall Effect Sensor… ignorant me, never heard of that animal lounging around deep down somewhere in the midst of all the running parts. Seems like they only last about 50,000 miles, this one must be a record with 182,000 miles on it. Repeat moisture and finally much steam from a deep bath we think gave it its final spark! So we are leaving for Salt Lake City tomorrow, a new part is already on its way to meet us at the shop we are going to! The support on the road is incredible. After posting my trouble, not even an hour later that the diagnostic replies where coming in.
We will be back here in Moab when we are all fixed up!…
On the Blog (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/), the last of the Potash Trail, definitely a road worth taking more than once as we will do again soon…
Be well… Ara & Spirit

[Paul R]

Looks great! It looks like you are having a great time in Moab :) We were just there, it is a tough weekend to be down there (spring break) lots of stupid people, but if you get away from town it gets better some interesting rigs though. Welcome to UT, I hope you are having a good time! :)

[beemerchef]

We are having a great time Paul... even if we are in SLC for repairs! We should be back to Moab in a couple of days...

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/271210247_KfF4J-L.jpg

Repairs in Salt Lake City, UT

We arrived yesterday afternoon a bit ahead of schedule, and right away dropped off the bike at “Motorcycle Repair” and Rendezvous” where the Dr wrote all of his symptoms… Yet has to be seen if it is the HEC (sensor!). Either way that part is being changed anyhow, too old, and hopefully we will head back to Moab as early as Friday evening as they are fitting us in tomorrow. A great service considering how busy they are, everyone getting ready for the riding season.
“Hurray Pass (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)” was our last ride before all systems failed, a pass geared more toward smaller dirt bikes and four by fours than anything else, worth the pictures?… the adrenaline rush?… Will try to avoid those difficult situations in the future!
Wish we watched television after receiving this e mail:
“I didn't see you guys in Moab, but I did see you guys on the rock crawling TV channel when we were watching it late one night.” Maybe next time!
So we are at idle… catching up on e mails, cleaning and… sleeping now that this afternoon the snow is melting and the sun has made its appearance.
You be well… Ara & Spirit

[the007forum]

Awesome pictures! thats quite the journey. if you have not already, check out Gemini Bridges.

[beemerchef]

We will...

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/272258166_STXry-L.jpg

Rolling back to Moab, UT

A record or what?… considering being 230 miles away from the shop! 72 hours later Old Faithful is running again and we are so ready for some long, did I say… long rides!
I guess I do not do too well without the rig at hand… kind of lost, feel a bit trapped, immobile… even Spirit gets into this lethargic mood, eats less and asks too many questions!
I just find it amazing that the “diagnosis” was done over the Internet, the part was mailed to meet us in Salt Lake City and THAT was the problem.
The weather here in Moab is now perfect, April seems to be very promising with a dry 60’s to 70’s during the day and a perfect mid 40’s at night.
The Blog (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/) has some photos of Onion Creek Trail, the Fisher Towers and Castle Valley, another ride we took not long ago.
Be well… Ara & Spirit

[beemerchef]

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/273359512_jvXHv-L.jpg

More of the Arches, UT

No April’s Fool here as we have fallen back into the slow lane of checking out the sights, looking for the opportunity for some good pictures after this dark weather that was hovering over us.
All is quiet now in Moab, Jeep Safari week is over and so is spring break and this feels like the last stretch for summer, right around the corner. Revived energy thinking about the long days with the cold replaced by higher temperatures allowing us to spend more time outdoor.
The immediate area of the Arches National Park is a constant discovery of shapes and colors taking on their unique personality with every phase of the weather. Patience is one of the common denominator for good pictures… and luck. Always luck to be there at the right time, at the right place and not 100 miles away or even being a mile away when the window of opportunity knocks.
I don’t think we will ever be tired of the Arches (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)…
Be well… Ara & Spirit

[beemerchef]

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/274597404_NMEQw-L.jpg

Back to the Park… Moab

I hope that things do not come in 3’s as the saying goes! Ignition sensor last week… this week is the starter! Transportation is the problem if we have it rebuilt, but with this kind of mileage will have to bite the bullet and have a new one installed. We will be in Durango on Tuesday night to exchange it on Wednesday, remain in southern Utah for a bit while there and then return. In such events the situation is a bit more complicated when one lives on the road!
I am drawn to this Park again and again. The colors and shapes and shadows are different every time we ride through, we are also trying to not adventure ourselves right now in desolate places just in case the starter decided to totally quit!… Just grinds a bit now… message received!
So again I took a bunch of pictures while doing some hiking. It is, they are on the Blog… (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)
Be well… Ara & Spirit

[Scenic WonderRunner]

How did it go on the starter....Ara....?

We kind of have something in common here.

My starter stopped working in front of the pizza shop in Monticello (at least I could eat well). After an hour of cooling down, it worked again. I made it to Cortez. Found a nice little shop next to my motel. I had them order in a new starter from Toyota in Durango......and they installed it. All for half the price it would have been in Scam Diego!

I decided to just put in a new one. I didn't want to have to be banging on my starter to make it work 50+ miles from nowhere!

Still loving your pics and stories! Awesome stuff!

[beemerchef]

I'll have to remember not to park there!!! Yes, with 182,000 miles I am getting a new one also!!!... don't you think?... in Durango the price is right...

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/275440676_HjApg-L.jpg

The City of Moab, UT

The town is right now a weekend conversion destination for so many activities and quiet during the week seemingly the locals taking over. It is a nice town and I thought I would post some pictures of it. We are getting ready to leave here Tuesday morning for Durango, exchange this starter which has so far, grinding or not, has done well and have not let us stranded.
It will probably take us a couple weeks to return, Mexican Hat, Four Corners, Valley of the Gods, Monument Valley and Natural Bridges are all going to be destinations! Much to see and I am excited about the photography end of it. Hope the weather is conductive to it!
Check out the town on the Blog (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)!
Be well… Ara & Spirit

[beemerchef]

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/276830965_Rfu5M-L.jpg
In Durango, Az

Short travel from Moab to Durango, AZ, nice scenery with the hills covered with snow and not much else. The new starter is here and we are camping out a few feet from “Basin Motorcycles Works” (BMW… how smart!), a small shop run by Harry. We should be out of here by noon tomorrow and back to Utah/Az.
The more I am reading about the area we are going, the more I am discovering sights not to miss. As “Antelope Slot Canyon”… “Coyote Butte” and “the Wave” where they only allow 20 people a day with unbelievable pictures! “Mule Point” at the end of “Moki Dugway”… much more. I overlooked the fact that this area is so rich, also a Navajo Pow Wow this coming weekend in Page that I would really like to attend and some awesome roads.
I have to curb my enthusiasm and take it one day at the time…
On the Blog (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)… some interesting double takes!
Be well… Ara & Spirit

[Scenic WonderRunner]

You got the right idea there....Ara!

Keep Going!:wavey:


......dang sagebrush!



.

[beemerchef]

I was told it is Russian thistle!!!:Wow1:

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/277767512_mCXCa-L.jpg

Bluff, Utah…

Lots has been going on including some bad weather returning to Utah, Bluff where we are now, camping on BLM land… a real nice campground. It seems like Bluff is more my kind of town than Moab… A stone throw away to some great riding including a 17 mile stretch through Valley of the Gods! Free camping there also… I have never seen such vast land with such a feel and so few people. The bike is fine, Harry at Basin Motorcycle Works did a great job and we were rolling within a couple hours. It is really nice to get to know some independent good mechanics versus the big three piece suit and high rent meaning high valued dotted lines as in BMW Dealerships… I am even wondering why the parts, brand new, not rebuild, are half the price!!! It even comes with a handshake…
The Blog (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)is about my last hike while in Moab, to the Double Arches, my favorites, up close and personal!!!
Be well… always… Ara & Spirit

[Scenic WonderRunner]

Bluff is cool!

Not far from there you can head up the Comb Ridge Wash. Then if you hang a left at the right spot.........you can head up the Mormon Immigrant Trail! The views are outstanding! I know there are several old indian ruins in the area. I need to head back out there to find them and take pics.

Ara..........Send me a PM for details if you are interested.

Have fun!

Dontcha love those half price sales!

[beemerchef]

Actually I know where it is!... Have awesome map and also chatted with the local Sheriff we bumped into while in "Valley of the Gods"... That was his first outing after over a year behind the desk!!! He was HAPPY!!! Also John's Canyon by Gooseneck State Park... It is endless here... and not bad roads!!!
Thanks... keep the suggestions coming!:coffeedrink:

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/278366780_74fTi-L.jpg

A ride through “Valley of the Gods“, Utah

This will not be our last ride on that 17 miles stretch of dirt road! We might even move near it next week, pull up a chair and wait for something to happen… maybe a revelation?… maybe one of those striking moments of Life? Who knows… it is after all called “Valley of the Gods (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)” for a reason so does the legends goes.
It is free travel, free camping with no facilities what so ever and the views are also for the taking! We only met up with half a dozen cars all day, most people we talked to had never even heard of it as the near by Monument Valley is definitely more advertised… A good thing!
More and more I am finding out that “time” is in direct relationship with my surrounding as I have totally lost track of it being here. With such a contrast, the multitudes of Lifestyles does not cease to amaze me…
You be well… Ara & Spirit

[Scenic WonderRunner]

Ara! I love John's Canyon!

Did you find any ruins?

Did you make it all the way back there? I have to go back one day!

Here is an old pic from my pre~digital days of the SWR at the "Cow Gate" .....this is kind of below Muely Point.

http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i156/ScenicWonderRunner/Cowgate.jpg

[beemerchef]

Oh!... we are at Gooseneck right now!!! WOW... how did they built this one?

Sandstorm below!!!... you did not want to be here today...

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/280190647_Bxnjz-L.jpg

The City of Bluff, Utah

I am actually writing this off line from the Gooseneck State Park. If you need a facial… come on over! Have not experienced such a sand storm in eternity, one reason we could not even get in the Valley of the Gods… not rain or snow… much sand!
The City of Bluff is now my central point for my mail for a while, Blanding unfortunately 50 miles from here is good for provisions! There is nothing in between and so if you want to eat anything besides Hostess Pies and drink soda you better load up on your needs when you get here. I forgot… you can always get a plain old average $30 steak in Mexican Hat!
Bluff (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/) has a great Historical past, I think any path taken by the Pioneers has some great stories and a few pictures on the Blog to prove it…
Maybe this wind will die down and I can put up my Dish up, real impossible right now… I even took Spirit for a walk with his Doggles on!
Be well… Ara & Spirit (Dish is up!)

[beemerchef]

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/280799782_xDuEj-L.jpg

Sandstorms at the Gooseneck State Park, Utah

The winds have come back with a vengeance! The nights will drop to in between 18 and 12... So when is summer?… when is the calm? I have just checked 6 weather sites!… they don’t all agree either. Oh, yes, the mosquito count is low!!! Now that is a big help… Just sit tight… right?
We are truly camped at one of the most beautiful sight on Earth only 50 feet away from a 1000’ drop down the San Juan river… I try not to think about that fact, nightmares you know!
It takes 5 miles for this river to go 1 linear mile… what a work of Art (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/) it is right in between “The Valley of the Gods” and “Monument Valley”. We have not even started Old Faithful yet, just hiking around… maybe shedding some of the winter weight.
Ah! I guess I am ready to wear my summer mesh jacket and store my electric heated gear… Patience…
Till later… be well… Ara & Spirit

[beemerchef]

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/281488476_ckZvY-L.jpg

Living in Valley of the Gods, Utah

It’s kind of like my town now!… this 17 mile stretch of road, barely a few cars going by throughout the day and wherever you turn around a monument one cannot take their eyes off!
But yesterday the wind came back with a vengeance and the forecast is for more today, 29mph per hour might not sound like much but it is!!! Hate to move, I remember from last year, wind is everywhere at this time of the year.
Troubled by Life? Come and camp here for a while… I promise you all will change as the days go by and you will experience so serious humbling moments.
With some hope we will ride up to Muley Point today… through a stretch of twisty roads hand carved by the Natives many years ago.
Enjoy the Blog… (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/) and be well…
Ara & Spirit

[Scenic WonderRunner]

Ara...........


Very nice!

Still loving your pics and stories.

One of my favorite areas!

Have you been down to the Green River for a dip yet?


V.O.G. .............

View from my campsite Sept. '06

This spot is about half way in, at the back corner..........just before the hard left turn/down hill to head south toward Goosenecks.


http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i156/ScenicWonderRunner/2006_0919Summerinthesanjuans0008.jpg



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[beemerchef]

Is that an... SUV?... (smile!!!). We did a bit of Johns Canyon yesterday... turned around at the narrow... narrower part by the cliff... wish I had some company in places like that! No... no dipping yet!!! Come and join us! I'll even cook!!!

:steak:

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/283181610_yzFK7-L.jpg

Muley Point, Utah

Another space not to miss! Muley point… Moki Dugway unlike what I was told is an easy ride up or down, gravel and black top on the curves. And then you get to the top, make a left on another mild dirt road, #241, a few miles later you will feel as you are on Top of the World. Gooseneck underneath, below also is the road to Johns Canyon. This is where you can camp for weeks at the time with no one ever taking sight at you. One form of therapy!
Every day the decision to move or not due to hellacious winds has crossed my mind. One more day I keep thinking, as my head feels like being beat up by a 2 x 4 by evening… and the forecast, well, totally wrong on all points. A little ride back to Bluff today to check the mail, we have been here a week now and we are self contained for at least another week including water and food! Even Spirit is beat, he does not even want to lay outside in the midst of the howling! Our daily Life on the Blog (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)!

[Scenic WonderRunner]

Thanks for the offer!

I was even thinking of heading out to SE Utah this Spring!

You need to find a nice canyon to settle into during these very windy days...........and let the winds blow over the top of you!:camping:

I don't normally like to camp in canyons. I prefer spots like Muley with forever Scenic views. But I don't like the wind either.




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[kcowyo]

According to friends from Missoula, MT down to Santa Fe, NM the winds are howling down the spine of the Rocky Mountains. The big winter melting off is creating strong winds all over the region. They will be tough to escape.

You're in a great spot Ara. There is magic out there. I would love to be spending the week in VOG. I'm sure the winds make it difficult. Hang in there and hang on to something heavy. ;)


"To achieve the incredible, you have to attempt the impossible."
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[beemerchef]

Send you an e mail KC... hope to see you this weekend...

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/284393931_zWY7f-L.jpg

Back in Bluff, Utah…

That view, that serene… and windy (!!!) space is no more as we have moved back to Bluff trying to get some tranquility with the weather. There is no rest when it blows in the Desert, and so strange as there is really not much of a danger, must be a mind thing!
Just hanging out here, will be dealing with some tires that should arrive shortly. Seems that the nearest shop that could mount them is a Norton Dealer in Dolores. I have send them an e mail to find out if they could also balance them.
It is time to clean up a bit, everything we own is red, dusty and beat! Not a forgiving environment…
More roads to explore around here, trying to figure out where we are going next besides again Monument Valley where none of my pictures turned out!
More on the Blog… (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)Be well… Ara & Spirit

[Saline]

Great photos! I feel your pain on the wind. We have had 6 cold fronts come through Utah & Western Colorado in the past 2 weeks, causing hellacious winds every time! The good news...we should be done for a while!
Be safe!

[beemerchef]

yes?... when?... I keep checking the weather sites... and none match!!!
Great name... I have two step sisters, one named Taline, and the other Sarine!

KC... where are you?... you stood me up!!!... and then again... I never plan any more!!!

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/285773101_Xckv3-L.jpg

People we meet and a bit of Monument Valley, Utah

At this time of the year, a ride is a gamble trying to see the sights… always the wind which can change within even 10 miles from one place to another. We tried Monument Valley twice and got lucky once, but we will not camp there as we will be headed a bit north again, probably camp at the Needles, the southern part of Canyonland. Eventually back to Moab for a bit… and then… who knows!
We meet some interesting people on the road, they are out there, just have to bump into them or make a U turn and chat!
That is mostly what is on the Blog (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)today, specially Joff, I lift my hat to him… you need to check out his website.
You be well… see you on the road… everyone seems to be going somewhere.
Ara & Spirit

[beemerchef]

Thanks for visiting KC and Mia... awesome time... I will forgive you since you end up camping in heaven!!! I would have done the same...
Good shot in the Blog!!!

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/286800515_mfTv7-L.jpg

Around and around in Circles, Utah

We had the good fortune to meet a big group of balloonists the other day going through Mexican Hat and end up spending a great morning with them, learning about the intricacies of the sport… It seems like a sport after all with more people on the ground helping than in the air. A great bunch of people and some shots which turned out not too bad after all.
We will be most likely writing from Needles next time, the southern entrance of Canyonland. Many friends are suppose to show up in Moab also but… will see how that goes.
We are doing good here, things have relaxed since being better sheltered, amazing what some nasty weather can do while living on the road…
Enjoy… the balloons! (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)
Be well… always…
Ara & Spirit

[Ursidae69]

The balloon pictures are awesome Ara, nice work. Glad KC found you and Spirit too. :friday:

[kcowyo]

Ara, it was a real pleasure to get to spend some time visiting with you.

We really appreciated you letting us horn in on your Sunday afternoon. We loved the White Elephant and seeing you and Spirit going down the road together. I will always remember spending a wonderful afternoon talking in the shade of a Cottonwood tree, while Spirit rolled around like a big puppy at our feet.

Thank you so much for sharing your time, photos, home and thoughts with us. And I don't mean just myself and Mia, I mean with everyone here on the Portal. I believe you are on a very special journey with a wide open ending. But for now, I just want to read the next chapter.

I hope the "move" today went well. We'll see you down the road -

http://s170537965.onlinehome.us/KcoWyo/gallery2/d/4021-1/Utah+W080.jpg

[Saline]

I guess I spoke too soon. It snowed today in Grand Junction/Fruita. Travel safe!

[beemerchef]

Hope we get to do it again... and, well... the move was not too smooth... sandstorms... but will try Needles again tomorrow!!! (we had to come to Moab!)
Glad that you all made it back... Seemed that it is snowing everywhere about 2 feet north!!!

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/288143764_T4Wzo-L.jpg

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/288161391_2FdJr-L.jpg

Great day!


We will not fight against the weather anymore! Utah

Always trying to get somewhere! Just not taking “NO” for an answer… We had to yesterday, amongst more sandstorms in Needles. And I look at the forecast as we pushed north now, at Ken’s Lake right before Moab, and none of it looks much more conductive. So we will wait… eventually this will change also… Maybe we should have stayed in Bluff, well sheltered and warm.
But the road to Needles is something to see! Just so incredibly beautiful. Soon!
We are warm inside, we have food and good health… what else do we need really!… All things must pass as they say and this will too… Soon it will be over 100 degrees most likely… that thought feels already good…
Today is like an “opening” day as our project hanging pictures in a Gallery is done! You will see it on the Blog… (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)
Till next time, always wishing you well…
Ara & Spirit

[beemerchef]

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/289107329_oY6QT-L.jpg

Towards Needles, Utah

It was a beautiful day, one of those you know, A Gift from Mother Nature! Headed toward the southern entrance of Canyonland, leisurely, just relaxed with no fighting of the elements and stopping too often to take a picture and even hike a bit amongst the blooming cactuses… and sometimes chat with the tourists!
We are actually going back today to look for another campsite for next week sometime. BLM has much free camping, fenced and gated, but I checked and it will be like having our own piece of land for a while!
Interesting Petroglyphs also… all on the Blog! After all this time I still don’t know… “in” or “on” the Blog (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)! Does it matter?
Be well… Ara & Spirit

[hrjaw]

Hi Ara! hope all is well. give Spirit a hug for me. :elkgrin:

[beemerchef]

All is well... Thanks! He appreciates it!!!...

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/290786043_Q3hiM-L.jpg

Needles and back, Utah…

I started wondering if we will ever leave Utah!!! Tomorrow we are actually moving to the Needles area. Some friends have a great site and are moving… we are going to replace them! Maybe spend one night side by side… company will be nice.
The sights are endless, every step of the way is a rock, a formation so different from each other and I love rocks! I keep imagining how their shapes over those billions of years have changed to the present. It makes me feel so minuscule!
The scenery itself is changing. We rode the Colorado River yesterday and it was like a new ride… all has become green and actually we are going back today as the sun sets to take some pictures of the glistening waters…
The weather? THIS is the time to come and visit… T Shirt and Gear Jacket… that is all!
Today’s Blog (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)is the rest of Needles first visit and some odd Artifacts from “The Hole in the Wall”…
Be well… Ara & Spirit

[beemerchef]

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/291883484_85fYg-L.jpg

La Sal Mountain loop, Utah…

I am writing this from Lockhart Pass, Needles area (Lat 38 10 / Long 109 40)… just in case you are in the neighborhood! Away from the campground, not too far from the road where I have already seen a few two wheelers go on probably to do the loop toward Hurray Pass…
But couple days ago we did the “La Sal Mountain loop” and one should not miss the incredible scenery, the fresh air and the nice curvy roads with still a bit of snow on the shoulders, enough to make a snowman for Spirit… or maybe it was a snowwoman?
Met up wit many riders coming through Moab including a group of old Indians from Holland! What a Hub it is…
Will be here a while… off the grid.
Enjoy the Blog (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)… come and visit, plenty of room here!
Be well, Ara & Spirit

[beemerchef]

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/292744520_xuPFy-L.jpg

Near Needles, Utah that is…

Great campsite and always much to see and experience! Today we are going to a Festival! Just found out from a reader a couple minutes ago… The Blue Hollow Festival near Monticello… have to talk to Spirit about it!
We have been here a couple days I think and doing not much… great sunsets… a cold snap… some good wind filled with sand to clean my teeth… just mellowing out and taking it all in.
Spend one night on the same site with some friends, a good dinner, some good laughs… I have to say that the company was great… A little ride into Needles… it has been all good.
I am starting to read about others coming to this area… I have the feeling we will meet more friends very soon… It “IS” that time of the year…
Check it all out on the Blog (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)…
Be well, always… Ara & Spirit

[beemerchef]

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/294335949_PSZw2-L.jpg

Blu Mtn Fastivel, Monticello, Utah…

A good time is always what you make of it. When we arrived to the Festival after a change of plan as usual, the organizers where really disturbed at the amount of the “no shows” within the vendors… blaming it on fuel prices. $4.29 today by the way in Monticello. My friend Pete was also there and was leaving as we arrived… as, this was not worth even coming too… he said.
We had a great time, we got lost a couple times trying to find the field, we got permission to go back to this old property we had found with “no trespassing” signs… It was just a great day on that front. Missing Family on another front took an impact later on but Spirit and I together we are learning to deal with it… Riding helps… he does too… you do too… it is all good. (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)
Till next time…
Be well…
Ara & Spirit

[beemerchef]

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/294995550_iQeUb-L.jpg

Amazing Global exposure for the “Journey” and… Spirit!!!

No misquotes… written as it should be, a synopsis of 18 months on the road… the why and the hows…
On Welcome to World of BMW
Got a kick out of this one on Motor Cyclist right underneath an another article about my Hero “Rossi”!… and our full page…
And then it is on to BMW Motorrad South Africa
… and Automotive.com Just in case you wanted a shorter version on the ongoing of the last 18 months!
We arrived back in Moab yesterday, we will be busy running errands, regrouping a bit and then on back south… Different World always suddenly… from the silence to rubber rolling down the black top… But that is alright with me as long as I know there is so much more of the vast empty spaces waiting for us…
Thank you for all your support… and long live “Spirit”!, yes… one of those mean “Pits” you know!!! (all the links are on the Blog) (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)

Be well… Ara & Spirit

[Tress]

Great stuff, and very well written, i love the bite me pic of spirit, a beautiful thing indeed to open the spirit and fill the empty, emotions change so often and it sounds like your running the gamut. Enjoy the journey my friend and keep the writing rolling, and throw spirit a bone for me will ya, take care and enjoy the time.......

:campfire:

[beemerchef]

Great stuff, and very well written, i love the bite me pic of spirit, a beautiful thing indeed to open the spirit and fill the empty, emotions change so often and it sounds like your running the gamut. Enjoy the journey my friend and keep the writing rolling, and throw spirit a bone for me will ya, take care and enjoy the time.......

:campfire:

Very well said Tress... thank you... Hope to meet you down the road sometime.

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/296610919_g8Ldp-L.jpg


A strong Potash connection! Utah

A frayed clutch cable changed with a smile thanks to some past strong tutorials from Master BMW mechanics who knew that the knowledge of being quite self sufficient would come in handy, as it did. A couple tires changed by a Harley mechanic right along some stories of celebrities he had shared moments with. Another ride on Potash Rd, which with time and traffic has changed to a rougher one exposing itself with its flowers blooming and hues of red constantly changing throughout the moments… The sudden attraction of the Potash and salt mine with its blue dyed waters establishing such a contrast with the landscape… Spirit making it’s home wherever we stop and doing his own exploring… meeting a man named Mike who himself has just rescued another abused dog, an image of Spirit 3 years ago… This is just another day in our Life on the road. Never a dull moment, there is no boredom when one slows down and allows the events to take shape throughout one’s senses. All in the Blog. (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)
Always be well… Ara & Spirit

[beemerchef]

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/299300006_dr8Qd-M.jpg

Some great Camping, Utah
Camping is always great in Utah… specially when my favorite spot is unoccupied… A bit short lived because of bad weather today, but we got a great taste of it. You can never go wrong camping in “The Valley of the Gods”.
Full sun, sunsets, sunrise and just about full moon, it was a perfect time. The heat around this area is the only factor that worries me, specially with Spirit, even with always a full bowl of water in front of him and some shade, panting non stop. We definitely spend much more time throughout the year in cold weather versus hot.
So we are back… things will clear up and we can take off again!!!
I have had quite a few readers ask me about our camping gear… so there it is today, on the Blog. (http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/299300006_dr8Qd-M.jpg)
Enjoy and be well…
Ara & Spirit

[Scenic WonderRunner]

Hiya Ara and Spirit!

So.........

Where are you today?

I'm in Arizona.....and I've been tempted to head up your way for a visit. But darn it.......it just cost me $47 bucks to fill my tank. The most Ever......and that was Only $3.59 per gallon! That's going to look cheap in a little bit. Yikes!



.

[beemerchef]

Tell me about it! Thank God it is warming up and the "white Elephant" is parked!!!... We will be in Park the Chilley tomorrow!!! near by you?

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/300236409_zdKXm-L.jpg

The Natural Bridges, Utah

We packed fairly early that day leaving my favorite spot where I am sure we will go back under better skies. Some glancing at the clouds, decided to go and checkout the Natural Bridges National Park. Nice ride up, the Park itself not crowded at all with a 9 miles loop and amazingly no red sandstone. I think the camera was confused now! A delight on the eyes, marvels carved in rocks, many trails to go on and much greenery. The winds picked up as time went on, a struggling ride back specially with it on the nose from Blanding back to Bluff just in time for some serious rain… which lasted till a few minutes ago. Just got a message from a rider that was suppose to meet us here tonight… he is in Monticello in a motel room… it is snowing just a few miles north from here!
Eventually we will complain, needlessly, that it is too hot… some day, does not seem to be soon.
All in the Blog (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/) as always. Be well… Ara & Spirit

[beemerchef]

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/302263807_6uhD5-L.jpg

Canyon the Chelly, Utah

Pronounced “sha-e”, I stood corrected. A nice ride into Arizona exploring the cliffs of this Canyon I had never heard of till a few days ago. Beautiful and breathtaking, uncrowded on Navajo Land as they also live in the Valley with much farming utilizing the rich soil available.
For the first time we were not alone, joined by Art, a reader and rider from New York City, New York… curious of our Lifestyle. Quite a step for him to pack up and go as it seems that his own Journey has turned into Jell-O abandoning all the plans he had drawn on his map and just following his nose.
It is never the “destination” truly, but the Journey. A bit of cooking, many pictures and ourselves will go back again to ride some of the roads we did not have a chance to touch yet.
Enjoy the Canyon, (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/) I hope you get to visit it some day soon…
Be well… Ara & Spirit

[beemerchef]

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/303235151_EtzUT-L.jpg

Another day by the Canyons, Utah

The riding was awesome stopping at all the overlooks, Spirit was in his glory as usual being outdoor and wind in his face… proudly sitting with his head up as a sidecar owner… (he is!!!). There were so many more roads we yet have not done due to lack of time as Art and I parted after some great company. Him going west… us going east. Now that we are familiar with the area of the Canyon de Chelly, we will plan again to ride beyond it some passes we were told are just magnificent and twisted!
We are back in Bluff for a couple of days, changing brake pads and trying to figure out why there is a couple of drops of oil sipping from under the front cover… I need to be in that “mood” to do mechanical work… I think today is it!
More pictures on the Blog (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)… as always.
Be well.
Ara & Spirit

[beemerchef]

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/304819104_xePcw-L.jpg

Camping at Monument Valley, Utah

Those longs days are tiresome sometimes when trying to catch sunsets and sunrises back to back! Even Spirit in still darkness, in the am his eyes half closed seems to be complaining!
It was just some place visited before but never camped in… Monument Valley.
We took our time getting there and also a small detour in Oljato to check out the Trading Post, an original built in 1921.
On to the park we had first row seats ahead of everyone with the same idea! What I thought would be a non sense turned into fun while chatting with the many foreigners present, taking advantage of their beneficial Euro exchange….
There will be a couple chapters of this outing… too many pictures (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/) and too much going on!
Be well… always…
Ara & Spirit

[beemerchef]

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/306523395_zuutU-L.jpg

So more camping at Monument Valley! Utah…

This was camping with photography in mind… the dirt road loop also I have to say is always kind of challenging trying to always figure out a better line and explore the possibilities of the rig’s handling! Nice also to meet many foreigners taking advantage of the Euro exchange and listen to their own perspective about traveling and visiting this Country. Only one complain… same as mine… the food situation! But look at where we are! Food Distributors don’t even want to deliver their ingredients this far… time… and fuel costs! So… keep on cooking!
The heat in the air is being really felt this morning and the “no-see-ums”, I think same as “gnats” (?) are out in full force… I thought we left them behind in Florida… but wrong! I even tried “dryer sheets” to keep them away… not much is working… Colorado Mountains are sounding more and more appealing!!!
Till next time… enjoy the pictures (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)… maybe the writing too!
Be well Ara & Spirit

[beemerchef]

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/307106344_RdtMa-L-1.jpg

Is it winter… again?

33 degrees a few miles up the road, dark clouds and much rain yesterday… but it looks like all will change tomorrow when we head out soon (I like to use that word!… no time frame…) to the “Antelope Slot Canyon” in Page, by Lake Powell. We are looking forward to it… Spirit will stay behind for a couple hours under the watchful eyes of the Lady that books the Tours as no one is allowed in without a guide, and Dogs cannot join us… again! Not my favorite way to go… but I think it will be worth it…
I am still lost within the images of Monument Valley! Hard to get tired of it when they project such a constant change of shadows throughout the day starting with sunrise, specially when no one is around but us…
The rest of the images (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)are here…
Be well… always… Ara & Spirit

[beemerchef]

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/310120224_qYwzb-L.jpg

Page, AZ… the lower Canyon

All I could say while visiting both upper and lower Antelope Slot Canyon was “phenomenal”… as truly I was left speechless by the wonders that Mother Nature truly outdoing herself on this both occasions.
A bit of a rough ride due to some heavy winds going in, sailing with ease coming up… one makes up for the extra fuel used the other way! I guess!
Page is a busy town… a Super Center Walmart probably says it all!
The weather was perfect and still is, will stay as is all summer? The area might then be called Paradise.
Many pictures of the Canyons, so many that I will eventually create a SmuMug Galery for them soon!
Enjoy… (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)and as always, be well.

Ara & Spirit

[Paul R]

Ara those photos are simply amazing! I can't wait to check out the rest when you post up the gallery. Antelope canyon has been on my must see list for a while and you just bumped it up a few spots on my list :D
Thank you for sharing you journey it is always inspiring to me. :)

[beemerchef]

Thanks... it is a must see, the lower one anyhow... more today!!!
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More of Page and the Lower Canyon, AZ

You will probably now, with more pictures decide to visit this Lower canyon while in the Page area! I will probably again some day, it has to be the most unique experience I have ever had… right up there with anything else seen these past couple years.
I will know most likely later on the day, as we are moving on tomorrow, which way we will be headed… The little town of Boulder, Utah or start Colorado from south to north… Either way trying to find cooler weather for our outdoor activities. Spirit just does not do very well with the heat.
If it is Colorado we will just have to come back again later on as there are so many more roads and sights to experience…
I posted about 20 more pictures of the Canyon (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)… the last of them besides the Gallery I will build up soon.
Be well… always…
Ara & Spirit

[beemerchef]

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/312633280_5goG2-L.jpg

A side trip! Cortez… Co

We had to get to a big city! This is big… and I am finding myself not doing well in such of an atmosphere. Spirit neither, he is just not happy as usual. An event as the Cortez Cultural Center and meeting another traveler, Sergio from Boston, who joined us for the event saved the day and the mind… Dancing, Traditions, Story telling by an 84 year old Navajo Code Talker… it was a great evening of entertainment and culture.
We are headed out in the am, all the errands are done, mail has followed me on queue including my new tags and Driver’s License! After all I am still a Florida Resident as so many others that only live there half of the time.
I am a bit torn between continuing north in Colorado or go to… Escalante for a while. I am so drawn to the later. Maybe Spirit will decide in the morning… Bluff? You can read about it here… (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)Till next time… from who knows where!
Be well… Ara & Spirit

[beemerchef]

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/313872647_5r6cM-L.jpg

We are in Escalante, Utah…

If you have never done 95 and 12 from Blanding or vice versa you owe to yourself to do it as a once in a Lifetime amazing first “Utah’s All-American Road”. We are now in Escalante, our new home base for a while and will go back to explore and photograph one section at the time. My concept is always either no pictures or stop every mile!… It could have taken us weeks to get here.
There is so much that it could be overwhelming as besides the maps, the locals already have given me tips on out of the way destinations. In the meantime, Old Faithful decided to take a break by developing a rear final drive leak!… Just a seal. I am sure with the help of many on Motorcycle Forums I will be able to replace… when the part gets here! No overnight shipping in this town… So Spirit and I will check out by foot this small city… however a bit bigger than Bluff.
Enjoy the Antelope Slot “Upper” Canyon today on the Blog (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)…
Be well, as always… Ara & Spirit

[beemerchef]

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/315464340_ME7vY-L.jpg

Some repairs in Escalante, Utah
We are on the road always at the mercy of a breakage. It is always the hidden factor that can change plans, routes and finances for sure. They came in threes! One more to go as far as fixing… waiting for a new rear hub seal, but in the meantime still riding a bit around the town.
The only Motorcycle Shop within two hundred miles is right here! A couple miles away… that is what I call good Karma as I was not aware of it when planning to come here. This is a main thoroughfare for two wheelers traveling, even travelers on foot, bicycles, and “Desert Doctor” does pretty well for the ill fated riders unprepared for this area.
It is getting hot during the day, I like it, just have to keep an eye on Spirit and from now on he will ride with his nice red cover on!… Never thought that one would come in so handy…
Enjoy the Blog… (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)I know some of you will pass by here… let me know… will buy you a cup of coffee!!!
Be well… Ara & Spirit

[kcowyo]

Karma is reciprocal you know....

My Mother used to say, "You get back what you give."

Enjoy the generosity and good spirits coming back your way. And Escalante should keep you 'busy' for quite awhile. Live it up.


:chowtime:
.

[beemerchef]

Thanls Kcowyo... much to do here and places to go!

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/316812110_qVnRq-L.jpg

Rolling again! Utah.
They came in three… they have been fixed in three! A bit of hiking with a very upset Spirit during a 5:30am wake up call, but all worth seeing the incredible colors of the Escalante Petrified Forest (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/), another marvel accomplished by Mother Nature…
The new seal was waiting when we returned and so embarrassed to find out that it was the easiest repair I have ever done! Could not stay still too long after 3 days pretty much at idle… so a ride to Penguitch to meet some of the Rally goers and a beautiful night time ride back to camp, arriving around midnight!
All this in one day… seems that my energy has doubled since here!
Returning today, met up with some old friends at the “Beehive Beemer” get together, unfortunately it only took one, with his unprovoked profanities and foul language, a “dog hater” I was told by the registration desk, all this because Spirit was barking while I was using the facilities! A facet of a society I thought I had abandoned long time ago. As “management” was OK with it, only saying they are… “sooo sorry!“, a Charter Club, a disgrace to the Motorcycle community, we left the “space” fouled by this individual and waiting for a public apology. As I always say… “School is always open”…
Be well… all is well here!… including Spirit. Ara & Spirit

[beemerchef]

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/317948552_WnsqW-L.jpg

“The Dog Hater”… not “Whisperer!

When a “dog hater” (as described by the Rally organizers!), an uncaring “Rally Master” and us… end up being in the same vicinity, things do not go well. I have the outmost respect for anyone that does not like dogs… as there are many flavors of Ice cream, and that is OK… but when we get insulted, well, that is not…
It was a short stay at the Beehive Beemer Rally, we met many familiar faces, made some new Friends and the good of course outweighs the bad, if only it was not for those insults and profane language I had to hear… followed by an unconcerned Rally Master, barely listening to the situation.
The ride was fine, the rides are always fine specially since our mechanical issues have been addressed. Escalante to Penguitch is such a beautiful road allowing the traveler to take in the changes in colors of the sandstone, from white to an orangey red going through the Canyon. And for you all specially that are dog owners, I think this Blog (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/?p=1892)will interest you…
Be well… always. Ara & Spirit

[Scenic WonderRunner]

I'm sorry.....Ara!


You should have taken pics of the guy and sent in a write up for the local newspaper!.................hehe:jump: :beer:




.

[hrjaw]

Ara, sorry to hear about your experience with this "gentleman"...it seems to me there are bigger issues there and you did the right thing by just walking away....I hope the rest of your trip brings you back to the even keelness that one wants and needs....give spirit a hug from us...
Roger

[beemerchef]

Thanks guys... yes, it is well, was a bit out there!... all is well... the balance is back in force!!! How can one not in this area!!! Come and visit sometime... We can maybe hitch a ride on your 4x4... the last 7 miles of Hole in the Rock!!!:exclaim:

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/319338129_Kzn3B-L.jpg

Boulder, a cool little town, Utah

Unfortunately no pictures of the town itself today! It started storming before I even had a chance to pull the camera out of its bag. It is only 27 miles from here, there will be many more chances… We might even set up base camp in Boulder as almost a 1000 feet higher the weather is much cooler. Escalante is becoming hot. We met up with Ron, owner of “Motorcycle Repair and Rendez Vous and that was a great time chatting… he even bought me lunch! The day could not get any better. Well, it did as we met another roadside attraction… Joe… crossing the country on Roller Blades! Yes… It is a shame that we cannot just pull up a chair and sit by the side of the road, there are all kinds of travelers coming through, trust me!
In case you do not read the Blog (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/?p=2861), many thanks for all the support you have send us including all the kind words. It is water under the bridge… The replies from the responsible parties of course almost made me the bad guy with the bad dog! Forget it… Karma will take its course! I do not carry or want that kind of energy.
Be well… always… the sun is shining today. Ara & Spirit

[sinuhexavier]

Boulder is not that cool, a mere wide spot in the road, nothing to see there... Just keep riding...:ylsmoke:

[beemerchef]

But I love Boulder as a Base camp!... + I will be working at the Burr Grill 2 days a week... the wallet needs it! Stop by sometime... Have you done Burr Trail... the start is below...

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/320431421_DDzYc-L.jpg

4, 60, 300 and the “Burr trail”, Utah…

You will need to read the Blog (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/) to find out about the 4, 60 and 300... Somehow they all fell on the same day!
With 2 million acres surrounding us we are liable to experience some areas unadvertised as the Burr Trail. I had this vision for a moment of gates and shuttles taking the tourists back and forth within that incredible Canyon that was such a surprise to me. Hope as it did in Zion it never happens here. Do not pass Boulder without riding or driving that road including the switchbacks… they are car friendly roads, a bit of washboards, not to be adventured on in rainy times.
Whenever we stopped only smells and silence prevailed. We both needed this day, it does not cease to amaze me how vast and incredible this area is. We were not prepared to camp overnight but will soon…
Have fun following the road, this is a two part mini Adventure!!!
Be well… Ara & Spirit

[Paul R]

Happy Birthday Ara!!! :birthday.sml:
(that is unless you want to wait til the 28) :shakin:

You are in amazing country we passed through Escelante and Boulder on Sunday unfortunately it was a quick trip and we were unable to explore much... :(
We kept our eyes open for you and Spirit but I guess it wasn't in the cards... I hope to catch up with you at some point and hear some of your adventures around a campfire... :camping:

[beemerchef]

I can't remember where I was! Have to look at the Blog!... what a shame... Hope we met up next time... it is amazing country!... Wish we could do the more rugged roads... but happy with what we can do! I bit more than a passenger car but less than a 4x4! Go figure...
Be well... Ara & Spirit

[sinuhexavier]

Oh, and I love Boulder too, it's a very special place.

You can see my bachelor party here (http://flickr.com/photos/sinuhexavier/sets/72157603072573289/show/)that was in Boulder, as well my wedding here. (http://flickr.com/photos/sinuhexavier/sets/72157603261170999/show/)

My wife and I are actually looking at property there right now...

Say hello to Ace, Blake, David or Jen for me, if you ever run into them...


http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2027/1956365009_ab168a87d6_o.jpg

If you're still there in September we will definitely meet.

[GlobalMonkey]

:wings: HAPPY B-DAY ARA FROM YOUR FRIENDS IN DENVER (INCLUDING THE YELLOW WOMAN). YOU ARE AN AMAZING FRIEND AND GREAT INSPIRATION. WE WILL SEE YOU IN A COUPLE OF WEEKS, TOMAS

[beemerchef]

I think my eye balls where going to pop!!!... That figures... who else but Thomas!!!... HU maybe??? THANKS my Friends... and say hello to the yellow woman!!!
Xavier... should be here. I'll be at the Burr Trail Grill a couple day a week! Cool place... and the wallet needs it... what a better place to be at!!!
Great shot! is that the slot canyon off Burr trail in the Canyon? we have not seen that yet...

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/322019719_fMeTK-L.jpg



*Picture above has been HDR digitally enhanced.

Up to the “T” on the Burr Trail…
We turned around at the “T” on the Burr Trail, we were not ready to go any further that day, but will next time and camp out going south to Lake Powell. There is an incredible isolation here on and off the roads. The “space” has changed, it is not Moab, it is not Monument Valley… it is an entity of its own, the closest being Valley of the Gods. Having lived on a sailboat for many years, it is as being out to sea, all alone and with a bit of constant thoughts, an inner, I might call it, “apprehension” maybe, as not to break down as these are not at all well traveled roads.
They are mostly demanding and definitely require an advance knowledge of the weather, they require much water specially being in in summer time. Tools and food a must… they stay on the rig 24/7 never unloaded, cannot afford to forget anything.
Much changes in the sceneries, rocks formations and even roads… that is what is on the Blog (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/) today…
Be well… always… Ara & Spirit

[beemerchef]

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/323260423_tox8y-L.jpg

Wodstoe, a ghost of a Ghost Town, Utah

You definitely have it all here. The Red Canyons, the flat Desert and the high altitude unpaved forest roads of the Dixie National Forest. Take your pick as we did trying to find the ghost town of Wodstoe (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)passing right by the area that was on fire last week. From what seemed to be Wodstoe, southbound to the entrance of Bryce Canyon, a little detour while closing the loop back to Escalante to Grosvernor Arch and even as we were by then loosing the sun just a few minutes at the Kodachrome State Park where the trails are many and so are photo opportunities. Sometimes I feel as we are still scouting the area as some of them we need to go back and spend more time.
The big aspect of it all has been the lack of traffic in this area. Maybe this will all change as the Fourth of July weekend is coming up? This all feels as we are in a separate part of the World, so far from anything one might have a need for… even finding decent food sometimes is a task waiting for the days of delivery! Be well… Ara & Spirit

[beemerchef]

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/323260292_jpRK8-L.jpg

Saving Spirit and the end of “that” ride, Utah.

A reader asked me, rightly so, how it came about for Spirit and I to be together… It is amazing how some moments are never forgotten and one can relive them! It was then, 3 years have passed and I can just hope for many more to come by one day at the time.
And then the end of a great day’s ride to Gosverner Arch, a bumpy road with much washboard and deep sand combination testing again the limits of the rig with a knobby that is almost gone. We are going through rear tires a bit too fast, those knobbies disappear “like butter”, but it is our only way to handle the local back roads. Riding the black top to get to them does not help either.
Happy 4th of July to you all… be careful with that BBQ! We need to find one ourselves, it is good weather for it.
Enjoy the Blog (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/), the long weekend… till later, you all be well.
Ara & Spirit

[hrjaw]

Ara,
thank you for sharing the story of you and Spirit. not many things make me shed a tear. this was one of them. thank you for saving his life, and as always, for sharing your story with us. enjoy your 4th and be safe.
Roger

[kcowyo]

To see Spirit now, one would never guess how brutal the first year of his life was.

He is a mass of muscle and character but as playful as any puppy. He is truly a ham, wanting his belly scratched one minute and smart enought to savor some shade the next. I was quite captivated by him as well, despite never having spent any time around a Pit Bull before.

A wonderful and heart warming story Ara. It's amazing to see how close he was to having his life ripped away from him, to now being one of the luckiest dogs on the planet. Just a total transformation of the 'Spirit'.

He's right where he's supposed to be. Just like his running buddy Chef Ara.

Hope you two have a fun 4th in Utah. Mia and I are headed over to Idaho for the long weekend. Hopefully we'll be scouting out some suitable areas for you and your knobbies somewhere down the line. Assuming you ever leave Utah....

Safe travels -

- KC

[beemerchef]

Assuming is right!!! Thanks for writing... as it does get even better!!! Come by and see us...

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/325850259_ZYYcH-L.jpg

“One door closes, another one opens up…”

If you believe in above, well, it will happen as it happens to us quite often, one reason to stay calm when some doors shut hard, the draft of Life will ajar another one fairly quickly!
The bottom line? Cost of living has tremendously gone up these past two years, in fuel, food, tire and oil changes alone the budget has been screaming! We are here to explore this incredibly large area, at the same time stumbled on a two days a week work situation that you need to read about! Just too good to pass it up… it is a Dog loving circle where… you “have” to bring your Dog to work with you! For now it is all good and will just see what happens later as the cold weathers will come back and will need to move on as we always have done… I cannot even think that far ahead… So no excuse to not stop by and see us, either in Escalante or Boulder where we will be two days a week… working hard, meaning I will… with Spirit’s supervision! As usual…
“The Burr Trail Grill and Outpost” (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/) is the name by the way…
Be well… Ara & Spirit

[Scenic WonderRunner]

God Bless you Ara and Spirit............

In all your travels!

Thanks for all you do!

Much.........Aloha!


......be safe always!



.

[beemerchef]

Thanks Scenic WonderRunner... we are really not doing anything! Just trying to be a good human being as everyone should... Plan for Utah!!!... There are places we cannot go! we need a 4x4... ah!ah!ah!... I'll cook dinner...:chowtime:

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Kodachrome Basin State Park, Utah

Hard to believe how long we have been in Utah and the discoveries just will not cease! Kodachrome Basin State Park is a “gem” to be savored, all the colors throughout the many intensities of the sun rays culminating with the incredible hues of the “pipes” and rocks at sunset makes one wonder through the photos if it is even real or Photoshoped! It is not!!! Almost fluorescent for a few moments, for the last minutes of the day they are as unseen anywhere else.
It was a hot day, a bit absent minded forgetting many things we needed, but… with a bit of imagination a couple hikes were possible!
Hope you get to experience (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)it soon… and yes, Dogs are allowed on the trails, how refreshing.
You be well… Ara & Spirit

[beemerchef]

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/329192865_VUQu6-L.jpg

Hell’s Backbone loop and bridge, Utah

A name that stands for the fact that it follows a ridge with sheer drops on each side, but also must have been given for its washboard quality unseen from my part before!
It is a spectacular trail, they say suited for a passenger car, I say “not really” unless an SUV, some good suspension and patience.
We have the company of a reader, Pete, from near San Diego, with a unique trailering device as he is riding his 1974 Honda Sabre pulling his Suzuki DR 350... You read right! 2 motorcycles, one rider on his own Journey for a month.
An unhappy “morning grouchy” Spirit… a 5am wake up call is too early for him, I will let him sleep in a bit today!
A bit wondering where winter will take us, where would be interesting good weathered lands for those cold months, the third round for us since on the road…
All in the Blog… (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)As always, be well… Ara & Spirit

[beemerchef]

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/330162016_de3c5-L.jpg

Is it more than just a road? More on Hell’s Backbone… Utah

Since joining American Road Forum, the more scenic and difficult the road traveled gets, the more I want to read about it, find out its history, and cannot help thinking about its past, sometimes visualizing the hundreds of people that have built it at a time where the machinery used was definitely not what we have today! Hell’s Backbone has been one of those, specially when around a curve one can suddenly see about a mile of it as a ribbon following the curves of its mountains.
I am also finding myself having to be detached from the kitchen where I spend my first day working solo. Finding out that all these years have followed me, are still part of me. It is a great job as I have to tell myself to go in, do the work and leave without any thoughts of… improving this or that! When I see Spirit behind that screen door I am content that Karma has presented this path for us, we could not have asked for more.
I think the Blog (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)says it all… Be well, Ara & Spirit

[beemerchef]

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/332297902_pehFm-L.jpg

Vagabonding to Capitol Reef, Utah
In the beginning “nice” was having an Internet connection… today nice is taking off knowing that there will be none. “Destinations” were planned, today it is just wandering with only a eye out for the weather going the opposite direction of the clouds. There will always be a surprise in Utah that will materialize as it did these past days. It was Gooseneck Point and Capitol Reef and a nice cool shaded campground. Shade is good these days as we are entering the hottest days of the year. It makes it for interesting viewing when finally coupled with the laptop looking back at all the pictures taken.
I felt bad for some riders the other day on their way up to an Annual BMW Rally. They still had 10 days to get there but their leader never taking his helmet off while gassing up kept honking the horn while others and I where chatting and taking pictures. Memories of blurred miles markers versus seeing so much beauty they will miss… hope that some day they will slow down… Been there, done that… “this” is much nicer…
Check out the Blog… (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)and be well, Ara & Spirit

[beemerchef]

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/333486173_2m5sK-L.jpg

A bit more of Capitol Reef, the “Grand Wash”, Utah
Great commercial shot above!… it is a great helmet with the visor really protecting from the sun quite often. One can do the “Grand Wash” in an hour or spend all day as we almost did. Walking part of it is also a great experience between the walls of this Canyon with a constant change in the rock formations and endless colors of red hues. Stay away if ever storming, you will see the signs anyhow, the flash floods must be tremendous and happens so fast.
The “space” at the campground is real peaceful and as much as I don’t care too much for them we had a great time, a social time exchanging stories with the tourists passing by. Spirit of course is always the highlight, myself… more and more I feel as a Travel or Tour Guide agent! It has been nice to share the little bit of knowledge I have acquired from Utah…
Enjoy the Blog… (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/) and till next time you all be well.
Ara & Spirit

[Ursidae69]

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/333486173_2m5sK-L.jpg

That is a superb photo Ara, as always, I enjoy the blog. :coffeedrink:

[beemerchef]

What do you think? Should I send it to ARAI???

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/334570005_7ih82-L.jpg

Into the Gorge of Capitol Reef, Utah
The incredible sceneries do not stop in Utah. Water sure has created so much, so many Canyons that we can actually ride through, Canyons where in the past recent years “humans” have worked hard at it for our vehicles to witness what has taken so many years to accomplish. The “Gorge” at Capitol Reef is definitely one of those places where one can spend much time as we did when we arrived into it before sunrise, one of the best times of the day.
The ride out of Capitol Reef through Dixie National Forest is always also so spectacular, more and more I feel as being in another part of the world as traffic is almost inexistent and slowly one can feel detached from it all, “all” being the outside World.
Spirit is doing great, we are not hitting hot spots anymore, keeping the hiking mainly in the early mornings or late afternoon and looking for some shade during the day.
Pictures? (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)Too many really… for sure some great memories we will have.
Be well… Ara & Spirit

[kcowyo]

Excellent Ara.

Capitol Reef NP is my favorite area in SE Utah, even though that's like trying to pick a favorite type of chocolate.

Send it to Arai. You never know what could happen..... :peepwall:

[beemerchef]

How true... no more favorites for me!!! They all are...

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/335642668_KUaXs-L.jpg

Bad weather is here… Utah.
Suddenly outdoor activities are a bit curtailed. We have been so fortunate throughout all this time to not really having bad weather which would hold us back from the road. But here it is… Still, not getting to adventurous, we managed to ride a bit of Hole in the Rock Road where we did not even make it to Devil’s Garden… The washboard situation almost becomes a nightmare… fast or slow the fear comes up that something is definitely going to break! Slow turns out to be a better solution and then we have a bit of engine overheat.
Will be going back to Moab in a couple days to meet a Friend which we have never met… Hope that makes sense… the wonders of the Internet! All should be cleared up by then and I think even Spirit will be ready… he is always ready!
Some dark clouds… (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/) followed by a downpour all night… That is what we got!
Be well… Ara & Spirit

[beemerchef]

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/339011372_Uzsxq-L.jpg

A visit in Moab with my Friend Paul, Utah

The heat, the humidity and jungle like bugs made our stay in Moab a difficult experience for the both of us. We talked much, cooked much and saw a few sights including getting ourselves up to some cooler elevations doing the loop through La Salle mountains. I would however, difficult or not, do it again as I took away with me some valuable perspective about my own insight regarding how to deal with Life within these times where the heart will never be complete but the mind and spirit needs to go on. It is as a new chapter has made its way into my days, a challenge that needs to be won…
A couple Blogs (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/) actually have been posted since I have written here as time did not allow it.
You be well… till next time, enjoy.
Ara & Spirit

[beemerchef]

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/340623358_JJwaF-L-1.jpg

A familiar face and a bit of Bryce Canyon, Utah


Always nice to see a familiar face specially when one cannot remember when was the last time… It seems that it was Naples, Florida, while cooking a special dinner for some Friends we have in common. On his own Journey from Canada, Louis and a couple of his riding Friends stopped by overnight… for an evening of true comedy, laughter and a local dinner.
Awaiting for another Friend from Louisiana this time we could not go too far. Bryce Canyon was the perfect place to spend a day riding and taking pictures before the daily monsoon arrived. Of course we barely got wet as usual, just a nice needed cooling off.
It truly felt more being in Europe while in the Park, it is an amazing feeling not to hear English being spoken anymore!
Enjoy the pictures (http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/340623358_JJwaF-L-1.jpg) and a bit of Geology…
Be well… Ara & Spirit

[sinuhexavier]

As always... Loving it!

[beemerchef]

Thanks!!!

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/342007842_h5eBQ-L-1.jpg

Another Friend, a new Slot Canyon and an abused Spirit! Utah…
Yes, I am enjoying entertaining and playing the guide, the cook and bottle washer… all at the same time. As myself when in a new area I like to discover my surrounding through my own senses, I don’t say much, only make a route and let Mother Nature do the rest. As we are slower than two wheels, specially in the curves, I told Brian to go ahead till he reached a meeting point. But he stayed behind for most of the time finding out that “it is nice to slow down and actually see the surroundings…”. A mental and physical break for sure only leaving some good memories.
The ride, the day and the meals including another form of stew and breakfast with great coffee was memorable for the both of us. Always a stew?… a one pan meal? There is not much around here at the local Grocery store… really not much.
Not to be mean… I love Spirit… but we were in laughter when 6 other dogs started abusing him… His reaction? A firm “enough is enough!” as the little guys flew away… literally!
That picture is on the Blog… (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)Be well… always. Ara & Spirit

[Scenic WonderRunner]

Major Sniff.......................!

.............hehe


Ara.........I answered your email but never heard back from you.



Still lookin' good! ......Thanks for All you do!:26_7_2:


Aloha! Mark............."SWR"




.............


A Major Sniff......going on!


http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/342007842_h5eBQ-L-1.jpg

[beemerchef]

I am sorry... it escaped me... blame it on being over 60 now!!! But I will... I think it is going back to Texas instead...

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/343358339_sggK5-L-1.jpg

On the road to “Cedar Breaks”, Utah…
Some feel good at home, in an “established” environment… walls… windows and doors. More and more I feel as my “home” is the road and its shoulders. We cannot forget the shoulders! They are meeting points, they are as sightseeing platforms for the multitude of personalities and vehicles going by. A shoulder is where I met Joe rollerblading across the country, also Joff on his penny-farthing around the world, bicyclists, walkers… you name it. The shoulders have been where names and e mail addresses have been exchanged, hands shaken. They are the spots where Spirit makes himself comfortable, drinks his water and does his thing! Sometimes we will even meet a reader and surprise them… sometimes another rider with a flat and even as a few days ago the Goldwing riders all set up for lunch with table and all! You add a beautiful road as the one we took passing by Lake Penguitch to Cedar break and that about sums it up… The roads are “Home”! (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)
Be well… Ara & Spirit

[beemerchef]

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/343352282_w9A4p-L-2.jpg

More of Cedar Breaks, Utah…
The longer we are on the road, the more I want to go back to older technology. Honestly. I have been on WI FI lately and today trying out my normal connection through the Dish as we will use this winter when headed south to more… Desert, well, it is slow compared. I have been spoiled… All has changed so much it seems like. I would even settle for a couple horses and a buggy if needed. But those are dreams, I think.
The cause of it might be all the sights we are seeing lately, specially Cedar Breaks… such beauty in such an unexpected place which suddenly is there with no warning as was the Grand Canyon and many other wonders.
We also went to our first Farmer’s Market the other day… not much available yet and… expensive! What are they thinking I wonder… but we bought a couple things and the ride sure was nice in this cool early morning and a sky guiding us with the sun rays.
Some colorful times! (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)
Be well… Ara & Spirit

[Scenic WonderRunner]

Ara!

I love this last shot of Cedar Breaks! One of my favorite areas.

I love Duck Creek Village!

I couple years back I took my son up to Duck Creek and we rented a snowmobile. The road you were on in the pic is closed in winter. Can you imagine how beautiful those cliffs are with snow on them?!!

We rode the snomobile on that road all the way to Brain Head for lunch and back to Duck Creek in the afternoon......for a 110 mile round trip snowmobile day!

Wow! It was awesome!


Thanks for sharing!




.

[beemerchef]

Yes, I would love to be here in the winter time... not with the sidecar however!!!

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/347005089_YjjcN-L.jpg

More Friends visiting, Utah…
Even for those that have seen Utah, this area astonishes them with its incredibly vast spaces and raw beauty. I am even myself starting to feel isolated from the rest of the country when trying to ride roads we have yet to be on. There are just so many and when Friends visit, it is always such a big choice. Burr Trail has become a Classic in my book and every time we leave I am already thinking about coming back. I am glad that they left yesterday as suddenly the weather has changed and I learned from other travelers that the roads I took them on already had knee high water from flash floods.
Thinking about slowly heading south. The food situation here is pathetic… One store, which has truly nothing! Not even a decent potato! I wonder what the locals do? I was going to ask the owner, but then again what for!
Spirit even is into his down time. I don’t like it as he needs the exercise, as I myself do. Maybe a couple more days and all will clear up. Glad to have taken this ride, now a memory on the Blog. (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)
Be well… Ara & Spirit

[beemerchef]

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/348166016_EcYvc-L-1.jpg

Calf Creek hike, Utah
We have been camped out at the same spot for a while now. Considering there are so many destinations within a few hundred miles with the ability to travel lightly, the past few weeks have been great. But southern heat or not, untraveled roads, it is time to move on and bite into deeply the adventures and new horizons waiting for us. The feeling for so many taking roots I know is always a comfort, it only works the other way for us. How strange, moving on is comfortable. Always curious what is over the next Mountain, the end of that road facing us, the other side of the curve we cannot quite see from here.
The weather pattern has always been fine in the mornings and severely dark by afternoon. We both finally got soaked yesterday from the rain and the hail riding back from the 6 mile hike to the Lower Falls of Calf Creek. Too lazy to put on the rain pants!
Live and learn. Enjoy the hike… (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)
Be well… Ara & Spirit

[beemerchef]

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/349640646_C2rAR-L.jpg

Will this makes us Texans and Big Benders???

In a month or so from now we will be camping on “The Oasis of my Soul”… You will have to read the Blog to find out how all this has come about. It will be our winter own slice of Heaven, 25 miles north of Big Bend on some away from the road 10 acres of pristine land made of hard limestone with an all weather accessible road. It will be yours also to be shared for anyone wanting to camp or a comfy bed, good food and conversations around a campfire. It will be another facet of the Journey with much emphasize on developing some Photographic skills to try to make something out of it… amongst thousands of other great Photographers!… Hand in hand with the Blog with much more riding throughout the country the rest of the year, these thoughts and dreams becoming reality have me going with renewed energy. Hope to see you there sometime experiencing as we have done in the past and will in the near future the astonishing vast open spaces of the Big Bend area. (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)
Be well… Ara & Spirit

[GlobalMonkey]

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/348166016_EcYvc-L-1.jpg

Calf Creek hike, Utah
We have been camped out at the same spot for a while now. Considering there are so many destinations within a few hundred miles with the ability to travel lightly, the past few weeks have been great. But southern heat or not, untraveled roads, it is time to move on and bite into deeply the adventures and new horizons waiting for us. The feeling for so many taking roots I know is always a comfort, it only works the other way for us. How strange, moving on is comfortable. Always curious what is over the next Mountain, the end of that road facing us, the other side of the curve we cannot quite see from here.
The weather pattern has always been fine in the mornings and severely dark by afternoon. We both finally got soaked yesterday from the rain and the hail riding back from the 6 mile hike to the Lower Falls of Calf Creek. Too lazy to put on the rain pants!
Live and learn. Enjoy the hike… (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)
Be well… Ara & Spirit

See Ara, if you would have hiked with us (the "Love Birds" as you call us) to the Lower Falls on Monday, you wouldn't need to worry about hail and getting soaked...Thanks again for a very good coffee and great company (Spirit's of course). We will see you in Texas in December, Marianne and Tomas

[beemerchef]

Will see you then!
http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/351659937_iQ9Ud-L.jpg

The intimate Devil’s Garden… Escalante/Utah
If you like to play amongst the Hoodos and the Goblins this is your playground! A nice washboard road to get there, early morning will make you the star witness of the change of colors on those free standing weathered by time rock structures. Hiking the easy loop over and over is like every time hiking it for the first time as the sun rising is constantly changing the scenes on this stage empty of visitors. We were lucky with the weather that day, a weather a bit crazy mixed with unpredictable rains and sunshine constantly switching with no warnings.
We are headed south tomorrow morning, its time and as every space we get attached to, it is with regrets and excitement all at the same time. This is one area we will return to fill in the blanks, I hope, in the meantime the thrill of seeing Zion is ahead of us and the golden key awaits for us in Big Bend.
The Hoodos and the Goblins! Some pretty cool characters (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)…
Be well… Ara & Spirit

[beemerchef]

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/353353870_hXUAR-L.jpg

It is 108 degrees in Zion, Utah.
As if the coin has flipped, all changed when arriving here in Zion. From a couple cars a day to mega shuttles trailering other shuttles and a lack of parking spaces within miles, from just a few hikers and intimate conversations to an exodus of tourists stomping the grounds with a thousand feet, from the crisp cool air of Escalante to an over bearing and weight heavy immobile hot air… All this has thrown me off only making me think how can I escape it all. I can’t. Just a phase we have to go through needing to eventually go to St George next week or so, visits that need to be done before diving back into the Texas deserts soon again. Eye exam, dentist, clothing and who knows what else!
I had a few photos left from Devil’s Garden that are now up on the Blog (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/), a couple comments from readers that I wanted to post and overall just trying to keep it together and not be overwhelmed by these sudden changes!
As they say, all things must pass… this will too… They are a couple out of the way areas we will spend some time at.
Be well… Ara & Spirit

[Scenic WonderRunner]

Great stuff Ara............


It's OK!

Just calm down by listening to some Hawaiian Kine Music.........Brudda!



Keep Going.....................!:beer:


Aloha!




.

[beemerchef]

That's funny... I think I will have Hawaiin Music when in Texas... will fit right in with a couple palm trees...:xxrotflma :xxrotflma

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/355112280_5gtug-L.jpg

Some World Wide Traveler Friends… Zion, Utah.
Finally after months of e mails with Alain and his wife Chris, we met in Zion! That is just how it goes. Planning on the road does not work very well and is an accepted fact among us. We actually meet more Travelers we had not planned to than if we did. They are from the south of France, near by where I was born and I can still remember having his accent! I cannot describe it… it is too unique. 4 months of the road now in the USA, on their way to Mexico, South America and finally Asia. They only have two years, as we do they would like to spend more time in one place, but two years is such a short time for their route.
We parted this morning, we have a standing invitation in the South of France… I hope some day I can manage to take Spirit to Europe maybe.
We ourselves are now north of St George and will start some rides with my Friend Michael and also that “good stuff” such as eye exam and Dr’s in the big City.
Enjoy the Blog (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)… and be well.
Ara & Spirit

[pwc]

Ara, I gotta admit I've lost track of your travels in the past 6 months. Are you heading back up to Washington again this year?

[beemerchef]

Ara, I gotta admit I've lost track of your travels in the past 6 months. Are you heading back up to Washington again this year?

Shame on you! Spirit is not going to be happy... at all!!!
Actually we will be in Texas in a couple weeks or so for the winter setting up the physical location for "The Oasis of my Soul"... hope you join us sometime...
We just met last night PaulR and his lovely wife Mariko... pictures next time.

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/356722515_6RGsy-L.jpg


A loop North of St George, Utah
We keep on rolling in Utah. It just does not end! We are settled I have to admit pretty comfortably at my Friends house, Michael and Sandra, while doing some errands in St George before headed south in a couple of weeks.
We have been here before, this is like the yearly “get it all back together” stop. I thought we had seen it all last year, had ridden all the roads, but Michael has of course many more destinations up his sleeve. I think he only divulge his secret destinations in small dosage!
From “Mountain Meadows” to “Lion’s mouth” to Cedar City and back here also riding “Kolob Canyon” Rd, it was a fine ride, as good as they get.
Much thoughts about Texas, just thinking without any concrete decisions as how we are going to live down there on a land with no power, water, septic… and a real tight budget! Almost a challenge which should be in itself and interesting feat.
Enjoy the ride (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)… we sure did.
Be well, Ara & Spirit

[beemerchef]

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/357507956_f6T9K-L-2.jpg

More Friends and a “Dammeron” loop, Utah
One more time we met up with a couple readers, from Logan this time, on their own escapade following our footsteps, or maybe vice versa!
Paul and Mariko, members of the “Expedition Portal” Forum, a Forum filled with adventure reports from all over the World and much information on how to survive the vast empty lands, some very cool vehicles also.
A ride to Pine Valley and its forest, luscious greens and creeks. It was then on to another loop west of 18 this time through Gunlock Rd and back a dirt road through some BLM land we had camped on last year passing a couple reservoirs.
There is no lack of riding around here, after all, we are still in Utah!
We are preparing ourselves for the road to Toroweap, 90 miles into some of the most isolated part of the country overlooking the Grand Canyon. Tomorrow will be doing Joshua Rd loop and another attraction near by. Eventually we will rest!
More pictures on the Blog… (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)Be well, Ara & Spirit

[Paul R]

Thanks for taking the time, it was wonderful to meet you and Spirit. Hope you have a safe trip to Texas when the time comes. I can't wait to see what you make for yourself out there :)

[beemerchef]

Do I have a route for you Paul!!! In Nevada... incredible. Check out the map and you guys could go even further and do the loop... Stay in touch you two... will see you soon next year!

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/359664550_Wb2ZM-L.jpg

Golden Butte Rd and Whitney Pocket. Nevada.
I sure hope that you all dual sport riders from Nevada or near by have ridden the loop to the ancient town of Golden Butte and stopped as we did at Whitney Pocket, also admiring the Art work 2 miles off the main road… to the right.
Out of nowhere as usual, totally off the beaten path considering we did not see a soul all day, lays one of, now, my favorite destination. Moss, caves, multi color rocks, sandstone, portals, petroglyphs, narrow trails… It was a quick scouting day trip and we have reservations for early next year in a bit of cooler weather.
Mojave went up to 107 degrees and felt on the way back as riding through a furnace. Spirit did really good with his cover on and his soft bowl of water always in front of him. He is definitely a tough guy now! Of course he will never pass up a chance to lay in the shade!
I could not fit all the photos in one Blog (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/), so this will be part one of two…
Be well… Always. Ara & Spirit

[beemerchef]

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/360653530_HsEaP-L.jpg

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… (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)there are many today.
Be well… Ara & Spirit

[beemerchef]

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/363725480_xgR9n-L.jpg

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 (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/), part I that is as there is more to come!
Be well… Ara & Spirit

[Scenic WonderRunner]

Ara!

I just love how you.........Persevere!

No matter what!


And find fun and life's meaning in all adventures!:costumed-smiley-007


Carry On............!:beer:





.

[beemerchef]

No need to panic you know... it is so different when no one is waiting and we really have nowhere else to be! Think about it... Will see you next year... May...

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/365173329_wP977-L.jpg



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 (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/).

Be well… Ara & Spirit

[beemerchef]

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/366055169_3vNvK-L.jpg

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 (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)by now…
Be well… Ara & Spirit

[beemerchef]

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/368519941_BjDi2-L.jpg

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! (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)
Be well… Ara & Spirit

[kcowyo]

:Wow1:


Wonderful news! I'm not sure I understand the exact circumstances that brought about the meeting, but I love to hear when good things happen to you Ara. And imagining Spirit in an elevator... too funny!

Man, I just love happy endings. Even if this is only the beginning....

.

[beemerchef]

Thanks! The circumstances are in the Blog. What Karma!!! See you soon... meaning next year...

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/369797835_w7crX-L-1.jpg

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 (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)in the early hours when the World around us is still asleep.
You be well… always. Ara & Spirit.

[beemerchef]

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/371137570_JUwqA-L.jpg

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 (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/), bigger and brighter than ever.

Be well… Ara & Spirit

[beemerchef]

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/373065729_44UWj-L.jpg

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. (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)

Be well… Ara & Spirit

[beemerchef]

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/374863433_fFnfH-L.jpg

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… (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)

Be well, Ara & Spirit

[Ursidae69]

Great photos. :bowdown:

[beemerchef]

Thanks! Through NM tomorrow... will waive!!!

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/376317176_TbG5q-L.jpg

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 (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)…

Be well… Ara & Spirit

[beemerchef]

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/297150925_vQnTy-M-2.jpg

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… (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)

Be well, always. Ara & Spirit

[Speaker]

I sure do like the pictures you take.

[beemerchef]

Thank you Speaker... Enjoy that Husaberg!!!... nice...

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/379800539_SSSp9-L.jpg

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… (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)
Be well… Ara & Spirit

[Paul R]

I'm glad you made it down there safe :)
It looks like a great area to settle down for the winter! I can't wait to see how you set yourself up.

[beemerchef]

Me either!!!... basic and simple...

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/381019801_X6dUh-M.jpg

“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… (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)Be well, Ara & Spirit

[beemerchef]

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/276120734_ZLzzq-L-1.jpg

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… (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)Be well… come and visit!
Ara & Spirit

[beemerchef]

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/384746753_7B5nv-L.jpg

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… (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)

Be well and thanks for the company…
Ara & Spirit

[beemerchef]

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/386965195_2Npye-L.jpg

Took a little walk, Texas

Not stranded but needing to get some tire situation straighten out. The “wheel” has arrived and the tire needs to be seated properly, “Old Faithful” needs a new front mounted and things do not move too fast around here. We just rode 120 miles today and the tire guy stood me up… So we will try Monday again, plan B. closer this time.
We have been going on many walks lately. Getting over this sense of responsibility being here and somehow for some reason feeling different than just setting up camp anywhere.
1400 miles of dirt roads to walk on, ride, and right behind us is a little hill filled with flowers and the daily Sunset always better than the day before!
Spirit does not stop attracting the photographers as it happened again while in Alpine. Better him than me!
I just feel so unorganized suddenly as there is much to do and seemingly at the same time nothing to accomplish! We just need our wheels to get rolling again.
More on the Blog (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)… till next time.
Be well… Ara & Spirit

[beemerchef]

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/388754857_7QSgh-L.jpg

Are the Stars “misaligned”?, Texas

I have to this morning take a step back and move slowly on the path of “fixing” things, or more truthfully think about on how to go about it all! Suddenly it is a full plate…
After numerous attempts my new wheel is still leaking air. I won’t even go into the details, it could be the subject for a humorous play with too many scenes. “Old Faithful” herself is diagnosed with a bad right throttle body and a slipping clutch. I am not even thinking about her annual physical such as what everyone calls a “tune up”, an involved process that requires the sidecar to be taken apart. Without a phone here, e mail is my only resource and, not surprisingly, the BMW Dealers I inquired about are not returning any breath of my inquiries. I guess they do not want to sell any parts!!!
A few miles away my cell phone will work but its battery for the second time is not charging! I often wonder if “mechanical” objects have a Life of their own. Must be…
More on the Blog… (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)

Be well, Ara & Spirit

[beemerchef]

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Karma looks upon us, Texas

What would be the chances for an incredible mechanic such as “Paul Glaves” to be our neighbor 4 miles away and offer his expertise to install a new clutch, throttle body, throttle cable and a complete maintenance schedule as “Old Faithful” is in need right now? Slim?… well, it is reality! The parts have been ordered, next week we will be not only watching but as he expressed himself learn more about this bike than I ever have.
There is no denying it, once again the road has become smooth as also there is not harm for us riding around in the meantime.
A ride to Terlingua, the Ghost Town, seeing the familiar sites and faces as not much has changed since last year.
The weather has been perfect with tolerable heat throughout the days and cool nights. This at time “puzzle” is emerging as an image with much more definite outlines.
A recipe for a quick meal, a tasty one…
As always, more on the Blog. (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)

Be well… Ara & Spirit

[beemerchef]

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/392091068_JFEpJ-L.jpg

Unprepared for the storm, Texas

The future? I will be prepared! Good weather day in and day out makes me forget the other side of the coin sometimes. It only took “that one” burst of wind to knock the Dish down. Already with no phone service here yet, we both went on to Alpine to find a solution. And what luck… a slightly bent Dish was waiting for us… all is well again!
Much play with Spirit every day on this vast open land, one happy dog he now is and has become my shadow 24/7, his sight never leaving my movements.
Thinking about next week, about “Old Faithful” being dismantled as it is always a mental hardship, but for the first time I am truly so relaxed about it, how can I not be when it is Paul Glaves running the show. The parts are here… we are ready.
We took a ride into Big Bend Park, always feeling this peaceful aura descending upon us, an easy pill to swallow. More great Sunrises and Sunsets… I try real hard to not take anymore pictures of them… but that is not happening!
More on the Blog… (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)
Be well… always. Ara & Spirit

[beemerchef]

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/393841376_Hyix3-L.jpg

On our way to Ft Stockton! Texas

In company of a good Friend yesterday, Lance’s Birthday passed on with more ease this year as I only hope that I some day return the incredible support that I received on this bitter sweet day. I feel so much to want to reach others wearing the same shoes, “I owe” I feel… “what can I now do” I feel…
Plagued by mechanical let downs it is now the turn for the solar power to malfunction! No “DC” power when inverter or generator off! Luckily another Friend will meet us today in Ft Stockton to figure out what is wrong. What happened to the simplicity of living in a tent? This is so complicated and so much can go wrong…
Tomorrow “Old Faithful” will come apart, she will be in good hands hoping for no bad surprises… thinking positive here.
Just another day on the road as the full moon is upon us… on the Blog (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/).
Be well…. Ara & Spirit

[beemerchef]

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/395945462_VBGHs-L.jpg

As simple as a tire change! Texas…

It has been some smooth days even if the photos look daunting! It was first meeting Ryan who attacked my solar system and rewired it from scratch. I’ll skip the details… the bottom line? It had been wired very very wrong and unhealthy! It was a relaxed day with so much confidence inspired. Same confidence going on this third day with Paul Glaves. What an inspiration it is to be taught and witness a bike being torn down and put back together in about the same way I would make a cup of coffee! And done right with so many attention to details… no joke… It is beyond mechanical ability, it is a “Zen” like process that leaves one actually enjoying the day and learn so much. I might even ask him when we are done if we could tear it up again!
The Desert is our Friend. Always has been but more so now than before, it is never just the land, it is also the People even as isolated as it is here.
More photos on the Blog. (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)
Be well, Ara & Spirit

[beemerchef]

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/400324849_L3LTf-L-1.jpg

A ride to Presidio, Texas

Always a fun road to ride, to photograph, to stop and meditate, think about the reality of it all on how all this came about.
The road itself has been closed since the floods, all cleaned up now and open to local traffic when nearing Presidio only because of some cracks on the south side. It was a quick ride, a bit shorter in time for us from the norm as I know we will ride it again and probably again! Our phone is in! DSL is in at lightning speeds, all being an incredible task from the Big Bend Telephone Company. They showed up a couple mornings ago with semis and tractors, trench digger and a full crew to extend the line .3 miles! All in one day of work. They have a no non-sense operation and were back this morning for the final hook up and activation.
Spirit again is ecstatic to be riding in his car and between the all day ride and fetching the ball he is passed out… The “Do not disturb” sign is up… Maybe food will change his mind! The Sunrise and the Sunset yesterday where both an incredible gift from Mother Nature… you can see them on the Blog (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/).
Be well… Ara & Spirit

[beemerchef]

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/404036254_yEc3q-L-1.jpg

The dirt road to Marathon, Texas

One does not realize how vast this area is till they traverse a region less traveled as it was riding the “Old Marathon” Rd, only 23 miles of unpaved road with long stretches of deep sand and rocky slanted sections and challenging. It is an area where one does not even see the glimpse of a roof at any distance, close or far as within other areas around here. It is again a “road” which makes one wonder how it all came about. This one connects east and west dropping into the Park in its end. We never took a stroll down Marathon’s main street as instead we stumbled onto a group building “papercrete” homes. A real interesting concept as they say it will change the future on how homes are build, utilizing much paper in need of recycling. It gives me ideas for putting up here at least for starters a “storage” structure. Of course it is a catch 22, I would need much water to accomplish that task… so we have to get the water situation under control first! Time will tell…
Enjoy the ride… (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)Be well… Ara & Spirit

[Scenic WonderRunner]

Keep going! ..........Ara and Spirit!

We are watching and luvin' it!:bike_rider: :bike_rider: :friday: :chef: :friday: :cool:


May all your future tire changes go smooth!





.

[beemerchef]

I was just thinking yesterday how you are doing!!! And here you are... Have a great day...

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“Papercrete Homes”, Texas

Quite an alternative for structures which would do well in this climate. A “paper” shelter! Who would have thought…
But of course as everything else there is a catch. Need for a mixer and above all water which we do not have to spare… Some kind of a pick up truck to haul “stuff”… some tools. A tent is sounding better and better! Always two sides to the coin.
This land tears me up sometimes in the sense that I don’t want to leave, such silence, quiet, peace and serenity surrounded by beautiful landscape, at the same time the road calls, the wind on my face while rolling down the stretches is also part of the present Life. I try to balance it utilizing warmer times to do so.
It is now the perfect weather for this area, it was a good decision to anchor down for the winter, not saying there will not be some freezing spells! I am hoping for some blankets of snow sometime in the near future.
On to Alpine today… there seem to be always and errand to run!
Be well… enjoy the “papercrete (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)” homes…

Ara & Spirit

[beemerchef]

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/408333576_b5aXU-L.jpg

To Boquillas Canyon, Texas

With much going on in the neighborhood such as mainly the Chili Cook Off, meaning “stay off the roads”, we went in hiding into Big Bend’s Park. Very few cars, a couple bikes and much space. Lets face it, it is the least visited Park in the USA.
We spend some time by the Rio Grande, across from Boquillas, Mexico, a small town separated from the World by a closed border and a River.
Such little distance separates us and yet in reality a different civilization is there, we are the same but we are not. We should be… maybe some day?
The ride back was as pleasant as the ride in, maybe a bit more thoughtful, unless totally insensitive to others it would be impossible to not start thinking at a population so close to us and yet so cut off from the mainstream.
The photos are on the Blog (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)…

Be well… Ara & Spirit

[beemerchef]

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/409395761_zXQJU-L-1.jpg

Matters of the Heart, Texas

The ride to Alpine the other day was of a different tempo! There is a first for everything. What a better way to celebrate two years on the road with an Ambulance ride to the Hospital!
The heart just gave up. Spirit was left behind and I went ahead for some care and maintenance. First the bike, now myself. We will all be brand new soon. We are going back today as we made it here when released, more tests and needing to spend some time with a Cardiologist, either here or in Odessa.
I feel a bit in limbo as they say! The bike is even covered right now as we will be away for these couple of days. What a sad sight!
Coincidentally it was also the celebration of the “Day of the Dead” in Terlingua.
More about it all on the Blog (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)…

Be well… Ara & Spirit

[beemerchef]

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/411306227_MZaNs-L.jpg

The “Colors” of Life, Texas

Back at “The Oasis”, feeling better by the day and trying to sort out the steps to maybe be approved for Health Care. This reminds me so much of the times when Lance was sick and we were asked for the mighty $ first… who cared what his name was. I am getting the same treatment! It is a sad state of affair but somehow, either here or Florida, it will be taken care off.
I think there is a bunch of Dual Sport Riders in town this weekend, a turn of the throttle and will go to meet them as we did last year.
All is well, I feel so clean as I think the nicotine has left my body by now and without coffee either my senses are becoming so perceptive of my environment. I was thinking this morning how great this was, much less to pack on the rig!!! It is a change I have to say, a great change as I have to take the positive aspect of it all.
Another recipe, all on the Blog (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/).
Be well… Ara & Spirit

[beemerchef]

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/178154685_kThGy-L.jpg

In retrospect, Texas

I feel as the meds are kicking in. There is a clarity in the mind which is starting to prevail and that nicotine craving is just about gone, hoping that the Cardiologist’s prognosis on the 17th will be a decent and fair one! We are actually going to take ride today into Terlingua, Lajitas. There is a group of dual sport riders in town and many we had met last year. The “Lifestyle” change was almost brutal the first days but already now it seems that all is leveling off and my attention is starting to again focus on… traveling! I need to focus a bit more and being anchored down for winter here, always mild but yet, high winds and freezing temps do happen. Yesterday morning actually for the first time Spirit’s outside water bowl froze to my surprise.
Photos? They are all from “memory lane”, they have been my travels these past few days throughout the Blog (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/).
Be well, and again, “thank you” to all the kind readers that have extended a hand in these difficult times. We both appreciated more than you think.
Ara & Spirit

[beemerchef]

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/415567272_AVxPT-L.jpg

Am I now a Photographer? Texas

Having been accepted at KIOWA Gallery in Alpine was a thrill yesterday, specially with Gallery night coming up on the 21st. 6 full size photos will be hanging on the wall.
What a Journey this has been. I read other’s ride reports… filled with riding. Somehow with us I can add undergoing an Echo Cardiogram last night… an ambulance ride… year round exposed photos in a so well known Gallery… much cooking… and oh! Yes… we also do ride!
Monday morning is still and will be the decisive moment in Odessa seeing the Cardiologist. I think some medication is going to do the trick… that is what Spirit thinks anyhow.
We are back in Alpine for now, too much commute if we stayed up “The Oasis”. My Friend Mac Gyver, meaning Ryan, also has gone home after setting up the solar system to an even better output performance.
This is Life (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)on the road, a bit hectic right now, all things must pass they say, this will too.
Be well… Ara & Spirit

[beemerchef]

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/416317054_FMUQU-L-1.jpg

The ultimate “therapy”… Texas

I think anything where your head can stick out with no roof going down the road would be the ultimate therapy as it is for us. I say us as Spirit always agrees to take off, I have yet to hear a complain from him. It is that “no partition” feeling with the surrounding scenery, it is the wind with its moods and strengths, it is being transposed into another space where nothing much from the real world on foot quite matters anymore. And I say “anything” as many would not care for a motorcycle. So there are sidecar rigs like ours, three wheelers, some new fancy designs have surfaced lately with two wheels in the front and one in the rear… I think a nice little convertible will also do!
As long as we can ride, this waiting game, this counting the days to Monday, will be fine. I think once this is all behind us, including Art Gallery Nights the following weekend, I have already this fantasy that we are going to take off, follow a southern route to California and slowly go up the coast trying to stay warm.
I think I will be bursting by then…
In the meantime it was a timeless ride to Ft Davis (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/).
Be well… hope all this makes a bit of sense! Ara & Spirit

[beemerchef]

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Marfa, Texas (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)
Ride and more riding, just have to, it is “the “prescription with unlimited refills, no Dr’s visits needed. Marfa was our destination.
Yesterday we did drive to Odessa. Paul Glaves was great company and courteous enough to wheel me there and back. The miles went on like a flash, I think we could have gone cross country and never be without an interesting conversation.
The Dr’s visit itself? Well… my echo cardiogram never made it, no where to be found. He was actually more concerned with the arteries that had the bypasses 13 years ago, kind of like an old tube in a tire I guess. So back to Odessa on Monday for this time a Nuclear stress test. Sounds dramatic. I guess we will just take all this one step at the time. The attitude has not changed with receptionists! “It will be $210 for your first visit” she said without looking up… as I replied “how about if I don’t like the Dr? will I get refund”. Two hours later… (waiting was free) I made his acquaintance as he also insisted that he hears the “I don’t have Insurance” too many times a day… “I am here as a medical Doctor…” he went on to make me understand, “not a Social worker”… And I did… trust me! Be well… always. Ara & Spirit

[Ursidae69]

Thanks for the updates Ara and good luck with the appointment.

[beemerchef]

Thanks! Luck will be needed at this point...

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Indian Head trail Rd, Texas

Just a few miles south of “The Oasis”, on the outskirts of Terlingua, is this road that will take you to a “space” to me unlike any others. It is also an entrance of Big Bend Park, it is a show of Mother Nature’s work, it is a display of rocks in shapes, colors and intricate cuts a bit rare in this area. They are raw, cracked, balanced often defying gravity, they are my destination when wanting to escape and do some hiking as the trail/road also leads to some spectacular views of the Chisos.
We did not spend all day, just long enough to again leave in total amazement.
Tomorrow “white elephant” is moving to Alpine for a couple days. This is when I suddenly decided that I do enjoy it! I can park anywhere and still be home, eliminating the commute back here. Alpine’s Gallery Nights will start in the am and promises to be two fun filled days as I will also try to take a lot of pictures.
So till then… enjoy the “rocks (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)”.
Be well… Ara & Spirit

[beemerchef]

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Gallery Nights in Alpine, Texas

“Old Faithful” must be lonely by now! She has been left behind since Friday. Today she is 210 miles away as we are now in Odessa’s Hospital Parking Lot with our winter base camp “The White Elephant”. It was however 2 greats nights in Alpine, camped right across from the Kiowa Gallery where the Journey’s Photos displayed had some great feedback and even a couple sales. I call it “Amazing”. The crowds were out in full force for both nights, a nice pleasant crowd, much music, much dancing and much food everywhere! The support from other local Artists has also been such a welcome gesture and so has been the kindness of Keri, the owner of the Gallery.
I would call it a perfect time…
Now of course waiting for the dreaded Nuclear stress test, the only way to have all the cards in hand for a decision toward the future… I think it is going to be good, everything else has been…
Much more on the Blog… (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)
Be well and “thank you all” for the great support you have given me… and Spirit.
Ara & Spirit

[beemerchef]

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After Gallery Nights, Texas

I feel as I am now finally waking up from a long awaken sleep. The stress test is behind, the physician changing it to a chemically induced process with results on December the 2nd. I shall not think about it till then as soon as these side effects disappear. How good can all this be for the body including slightly radioactive chemicals? Lesser of two evils? Afraid to search…
“Old Faithful” is being pulled out of its Desert shelter in a few minutes, it is time to regroup soon and get back to our abnormal normal Life.
“Gallery Nights” are just a memory now, a great one, and the search for more magical photos of our Journey is right around the corner.
I always wonder where this is going! All we can do is enjoy the ride, there has not been any complains from neither of us these past two year!
More photos of the Alpine Gallery Nights on the Blog (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)…
Be well…
Always.
Ara & Spirit

[beemerchef]

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/426121620_wsBEi-L.jpg

Our Thanksgiving… Texas

150 miles or so from here, the “blue light” specials must be screaming in the aisles of the urban smorgasbords of consumerism. At “the Oasis”, here, the good weather and full sunlight, mild temperatures, silence, peace and serenity are on “special”, combined with yesterday’s great memories of a Thanksgiving spend with Friends we now call Family.
You cannot buy it, cannot lease it or borrow it! It happens as I can only wish it happens to you all.
It was great food, great laughter, great company that filled our cup running these past days on almost empty.
Even Spirit had a great time and moments. A true gentleman well behaved around our food and his own encounters with Desert dwellers, goats and other dogs, the later while taking a stroll to the Cowhead Ranch (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/) near by, a great place to stay while in the area and experience the real Texas Life as it use to be.
A full report on the Blog…
Be well… Ara & Spirit

[grouch]

Ara,

I am happy to see you spend so much time in Texas. That area of the state has a magical pull that's hard to explain. It seems that you have fallen to it's beauty. Thanks for helping me remember the time I have spent there.