"The Oasis of my Soul"... a Lifelong Journey on the road... [Archive] - Page 4

beemerchef

09-17-2010, 02:28 AM

Enjoy yourself in germany if time allows, I will hug our family dog "teddy Bear" and give him an extra hug to send to "spirit

Thanks! This will not happen again to leave Spirit behind... that simple!

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Walk, eat, sleep, eat, talk, eat, repeat... Munich.

From Denver today, however the Journal (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/) is from Munich, in it the last photos of the “other world”, another one as so many exists, the one I was present into it for a couple of weeks. One that will give me many thoughts for weeks to come. I always want to say “we”, but Spirit is still 375 miles away. One day before leaving I came down with what I now call “The German Flu”, one as never experienced before, sledge hammer on the head would be minimal compared, so much so the Dr prescribed 3000mg Amoxecillin per day. I don't think I was ever prescribed such dosage. The return flight (s) were totally the opposite of going over, unpleasant, the main flight being a 777, some massive airbus that left me speechless. My thoughts are a bit scrambled today, not surprised being ill from riding and breathing this same recirculated
air hundreds other were also breathing. This was just not a healthy way to travel. All is behind, I can only look forward to seeing my Buddy soon I hope, hopefully tomorrow.
Back to sleep now!!! Fortunate to have such good Friends throughout the country to shelter us/me when in such a need.

Be well....

Ara, to be back very soon with Spirit.

beemerchef

09-22-2010, 02:20 AM

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We are “ONE” again... Wyoming

I can only wish for everyone to have a set of such brown eyes resting on them with such mutual content. I am not going to hide the fact that this separation was difficult. They talk about Dogs having separation anxiety? Humans do too, big time in my case. We have been together 24/7, a right shoe with a left shoe at all time. It is the eternal compromise situations arising when solutions have a price to pay. The good and the bad, as sometimes it carries on. Besides it all, now a flu caught who knows where, a bit tired, Spirit looking at me wondering why this voice has changed, and headed southbound, all is well. We got the food poisoning and the flu out of the way. We even set aside a whole day of photography without a card in the camera. What more can I do? I truly think it was a plot from Spirit to have some of his past photos in the Journal instead. It worked. He deserves to have them present. We are slowly headed south, dodging the Wyoming winds that could rip my head off if I let it, trying to stay ahead of the colder weather which is making it's appearance lately. I feel as summer is going into hiding, but truly these few days “The Oasis” has been calling, I can smell that pecan wood burning already and those magnificent sunsets and sunrises, much camping this winter in the vicinities including remote areas of Big Bend National and State Park, writing a Book.
Well, enjoy Spirit's few photos (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/) from the past, they have great memories.
Be well, always. Glad to be back and “thank you” for the welcome backs.

Ara & Spirit

beemerchef

09-26-2010, 12:53 AM

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Behind Closed Doors... Las Vegas ~ New Mexico [Jasmine Rice with Feta and Vegetables]

I always wanted to visit “the other” Las Vegas as we did a day or two ago. I loose track already. Maybe we should have stayed for the Celebration, their 175th Year, but I don't do well with crowds in general. We arrived in a downpour as I have rarely seen and experienced. A KOA was kind enough to take us in and overlook the fact that Spirit is a Pit. He is now a Poodle... it is official. No problem with their Insurance. Tonight we are in Carlsbad where the temperature reached 90 and the humidity 1000%. I think this was the first time we have been hot, will see how all is as we arrive at “The Oasis” early next week. There seem to be time and yet I am scrambling a bit to order the ten prints which will be on display at the Pan Terra Gallery in Bisbee on October 23rd. If all goes well it will be a permanent exposition. I could then look into maybe other Galleries having had a precedent also such as in Alpine with “Kiowa Gallery” where the prints sold well even if unfortunately the owner's ethics were not up to par. So tomorrow are the Caverns as I think I photographed a couple years ago. I am really looking forward to it, I am even going to use a tripod for a change even if I feel they are a royal pain to use...
Enjoy “Las Vegas” (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)and some thoughts I have had these past days... again.
Be well...
Ara & Spirit

Mamontof

09-26-2010, 01:11 AM

[QUOTE=beemerchef;77030]Great photo!!! Back there next year!

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Lots of “WOWS”... Yosemite, CA.

Hay you came to that point , what road do you use , can you provide detail direction or some helpful info

Really appreciate in advance , Alex

beemerchef

09-29-2010, 02:10 AM

[QUOTE=beemerchef;77030]Great photo!!! Back there next year!

Lots of “WOWS”... Yosemite, CA.

Hay you came to that point , what road do you use , can you provide detail direction or some helpful info

Really appreciate in advance , Alex

I will look it up on the map and get right back... I remember, but forgot the name... It actually is the only one that goes to the top.

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Carlsbad Caverns revisited... NM

Two years had gone by, the opportunity was there, could not miss taking the hike one more time. Funny how things are however, the body did not take it as well this time! Maybe because I was carrying a tripod with a heavier camera? Or was it two years had really gone by and “all” is only getting a bit... older. I rarely use a tripod, this time was the must of opportunities to do so. Very faint lights, long exposures are all the reasons for it. The Caverns are truly unbelievable as one could actually spend days, the “wows” never stop even more so when finding out how it all came about. It has been a combination that took over 250 millions of years, with first the formation of a reef hundreds of feet thick, behind it all at the same rate limestone and sandstone were deposited, eventually all tumbled down, mountains rising, and through more millions of years the caves slowly formed. I have linked a very interesting synopsis of it's formation on the Journal. So that was a couple days ago as we are now back to “The Oasis”, has been 24 hrs of doing nothing in fear of breaking the present sound of silence surrounding us. It is a bit warm, 94 this afternoon, it seems we are always a bit too early for cooler weather. Enjoy the Caverns... (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)
Be well... always.
Ara & Spirit

beemerchef

10-04-2010, 04:34 AM

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The return to the Oasis. Texas

Maybe it is a good thing I am devoting much time writing my Book as I have totally lost the sense of days and time. Sleeping when needed, eating when hungry, only slowly putting things away here such as camping gear being reorganized, only soon I know repacking to go on into the Parks. The weather finally these past couple of days has been bearable during the afternoons as even hitting 100, the dry heat in the shade has made it pleasant. Long sleeve already a must as soon as the Sun goes into hiding, maybe after all we did not get here too early. All is the same here, and yet so different from everywhere we have been. The vegetation has overgrown, I like it that way, it will keep the “normal” vehicles away. A couple rides into Alpine and one already into Marfa only because of my mixing of days, always a good lunch at “The Food Shark” as it was my compensation for being out on the wrong day for a Dog Show in Alpine put up by the local SPCA. My discipline is paying off as I watch the Sun dicate the time spend writing. It has been an interesting concept to do so, specially when going back in time as I am not today who I was then, no one truly is. Much cooking, of the healthy kind, posted a Mango Salsa recipe (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)on the Journal which is one of my favorite toppings.
“Onward” as a friend of mine always says...

Be Safe and well
Peace, Love, Courage

Ara & Spirit

beemerchef

10-08-2010, 06:06 PM

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A bit wealthier today... TX

Again we missed an early morning ride. Our days are a bit upside down. Staying up too late while writing, waking up also past nine just is not doing it. By the time breakfast is over, a walk with Spirit, feeding him, should skip my e mails but I don't, it becomes noon. Fortunately the weather is I have to call it “perfection” and being out riding in the afternoon now has become enjoyable these past few days. Everything on my mental and physical checklist is doing well, no crisis, I would almost go as far as saying “nothing exciting”, but the fact alone to be alive and be here is “exciting”. I think. And yet today I am going to do something I have not done in four years. I am sending in an old dear watch to be repaired as for these couple to three coming months I feel the need to wear one if I want to have this book written “now” and not much later. That is just how Life in the “Desert” is, should be as it lingers ignoring time and calendars. I am already feeling this pull to move into the Park for a few days at the time, might be able to squeeze in those couple days as we are leaving in exactly 10 days for Bisbee, the oncoming Photo Show which Poster has already been published, also posted in our Journal. One of the better news however is this Book I started reading which I feel every traveler, everyone for that matter, should read. I wrote about it also in the Journal (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)and there will be more...

Be Safe and well
Peace, Love, Courage

Ara & Spirit

beemerchef

10-12-2010, 01:52 AM

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A sad bridge, “La Linda”. Texas

“La Linda” bridge is everything I do not care to feel and see. It is a symbol, a man made one that jumps up and stands up for everything I do not believe in. Metal gates up high and locked, cement barriers and a ghost town. Empty dwellings, actually an eerie space as we sat there for a while reliving in my mind what was once before. The ride however, first to Terlingua, then on through the Park, a quick stop in Stillwell, was of a great one even if a bit still on the warm side. A wet bandanna, actually I use a “Buff”, does the trick. I think everyone should have a “Buff”. Multipurpose to cover one's face when cold, a cap when needed, this circular bandana has been a Life saver too often. Not much else is new, sitting a lot, writing this Book away with about 12,000 words into it and the fear that it will be too long! Editing will come later, hopefully will be able to cut some chapters off or have more than one Book! Why not. All is calm as ever here on “The Oasis” and besides some rides I have a real hard time leaving this space. Spirit I think shares my thoughts throughout our daily walks on our trail or on one of the main roads around. I yet have to see a car since we have been here except for our neighbors visiting. Nice! Hope it stays that way.
Enjoy the ride... (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)

Be Safe and well
Peace, Love, Courage

Ara & Spirit

Mad Max

10-12-2010, 03:29 AM

beemerchef

10-12-2010, 11:36 PM

Its great to see you have returned home for a while. Congrats on the showing in Bisbee! I live not too far from Bisbee and would love to come down and see your work as well as meet you and Spirit. I have read much of your blog and admire your ability to photograph the west and arrange words in such a capturing way.

What days will you be showing your art?

Mad Max is sometimes what they call me here in the Desert with the Hack and 9 headlight!!!

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That is a Saturday. I will probably stay a couple extra days. I don't even know if they are open 7 days a week... (yes, they are!).
Come by... I also know the area pretty well. Love that pass from Portal to the other side or vice versa. There is another pass also more south of it crossing a creek I remember many years ago being stuck for a couple nights...

Be well...

Ara & Spirit

beemerchef

10-18-2010, 04:54 PM

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Terlingua and “mind” Bash... TX

Time is moving on and so are the words on the pages of this future book of mine, maybe “books”. What a big time consuming affair and yet a project I am enjoying more and more reliving myself past moments one entry at the time as I am writing it backwards, however will be printed in a normal chronological order.
In the meantime a couple entries (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)have gone on our Journal. Lance's Birthday has come and passed and their own moments weighing me down with such a force it at times makes me loose my breath. “Terlingua Bash” happened last weekend. Music Jams all over town as we witnessed (Spirit likes Music also... and the attention!) such incredible talents back to back with no rest, free for the listener within a Family type environment, as the expression says “egos are left at the door...”. A gathering of “Pirates” at “Passing Winds” and the grand finale, the Sunset overlooking the Chisos, an exceptional one, one I would have not missed for anything. Mother Nature was generous that evening, when will Photographers understand that the only Photoshop needed is patience, admiration and more patience? A couple entries later, here we are on a Monday, preparing to leave for Bisbee, Arizona, on Wednesday for the opening of our Show at Panterra Gallery Saturday evening. Maybe we can see some of you's there...

Be Safe and well
Peace, Love, Courage

Ara & Spirit

Mad Max

10-21-2010, 04:59 AM

Ara, still plan to make it down to Bisbee Saturday. Hopefully others can make it as well. Have safe travels.....not the most exciting stretch of highway from Big Bend to AZ! It has been chilly here last couple days....plan accordingly. High for Tucson tomorrow is 70!

Mad Max

10-28-2010, 01:09 AM

beemerchef

11-01-2010, 07:25 PM

Ara and Spirit,
It was great meeting you both in Bisbee.... I was a bit disappointed that the gallery didn't have more of you photos on display. Oh well, hope it was worth your drive out; I know its winddown season for you both. Enjoy your time in the Texas desert and look forward to getting a copy of that book your writing!

If your ever passing through Benson, along that dreaded I-10, gives us a shout....free meal and place to stay. I have raced ATVs recently so have a decent place for bike repairs if needed.

Paul, Amber and Logan Maxwell

Great Kid you have! Of course I love children...
The feeling is mutual. Galleries will not put up more than 10 photos. It's all good. We are leaving here friday to attend the "All Souls Procession" and "Flam Chen" in Tucson for this Sunday... Benson is a bit more than we can ride for the day, specially for Spirit. Unless we pulled in late... Probably around 7 or so... a thought. Would be great to see you all.

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Is it “Fantasy” or “Reality”. TX.

Bisbee and back. What a physical and mental ride it has been. This Desert here is so calm compared to anywhere else, including this little town we spend a few days in and around. “Riding” is such an incredible pathway to thoughts of the mind as the miles roll on and yet is it all “reality” or “fantasy”? Maybe a bit of both. Bluntly speaking, meeting a beautiful inside out Soul elaborating on a chemistry unlike felt from long ago, at another moment witnessing a tragic accident, it all creates a certain sense of not wanting to put away for later what today can be accomplished and taken steps forward to. The path receives this label called “unknown” and yet, we fool ourselves too often thinking the future is within our control, thinking “we know”. We don't. Either way we do not. What is then the difference from stepping into the ladder ahead when there is no control of it's own height ahead. “Follow your Heart” my Friends have told me, but of course. Emotions are in themselves so beautiful, such a privilege to be Human and feel the depth of it all. There is a story here, coincidentally happens to be my 600th entry. Also a few more Photos (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/) from Bisbee, the Show... the “Mystery Lady”...

Be Safe and well
Peace, Love, Courage

Ara & Spirit

beemerchef

11-04-2010, 06:19 PM

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The “Black and White” Boogie Man. Texas

These past chapters are as ending up being much thoughts while riding. The roads are not as demanding on the attention span and the mind allows itself to go on thinking... always with permission! The ride, the space we end up into was the “swimming hole”, always magical when experiencing the forms and shapes carved over these past few gazillion years, it is utmost silence as the road itself leading to it seems to belong to another planet. I say “black and white” within the title of this entry for the reason to have finally these past years opened up to gray areas when encountering others, when being on this stage which passes by now at an alarming speed. There is such an increasing comfort zone when thinking as such. The “Day of the Dead” has now come and gone, today we are packing to go on to Tucson for the “All Souls procession” which will be followed by a “Flam Chen”. Suddenly it is an experience I do not want to miss, be at least a witness of it all once. It will all happen for us on Sunday evening and we should be back here a couple days after, I need to jump back into the disciplined stage of writing this Book and also a Cookbook I decided on. Accordingly, the photos (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)of this entry are also in “black and white”.

Be Safe and well
Peace, Love, Courage

Ara & Spirit

beemerchef

11-11-2010, 05:37 PM

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I wonder who left the door open? Tucson. AZ

As always, since cooperating weather, a great ride back again to Tucson. This weekend has come and gone by too quickly, we will already be back at “The Oasis” tonight to start filling up the pages of the Books in progress. The City Life for a few days... I so much realize all is a constant compromise being on this path of our Journey. Spending a few hours on a Sunday morning walking tthrough an incredible Farmer's Market was as a kid in a toy store... so much we have been missing. Yet, I did not find what Mother Nature's landscapes and mood offers us day in and day out. We cannot have it all... can we? Another event we attended was the “All Souls Procession” followed by a “Flam Chen” throughout a well behaved crowd they say of over 20,000. It sure did not feel as so many were surrounding us. All with some home cooked meals in the company of my Friend Robin, a couple years after very briefly meeting in Ely, here we were spending time under the same roof discussing our thoughts and the School of Life seemingly the same one we have both and still do attend. Two more... “Audrey”, sweet Dog, “Lovey”, the coolest cat I have ever met, all five of us, and one more “Spirit” of course, it was a refreshing weekend filled with smiles and sentiments I had not felt, none of us actually had felt in a very long time. A few photos on the Journal... (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)
Be Safe and well
Peace, Love, Courage

Ara & Spirit

beemerchef

11-16-2010, 12:32 AM

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The Call of the Desert. TX

We all have calls. Some professionals, some hobbies, some of many. On the road for four years, the path does not allow for many to materialize and yet some have made their ways into our lives. My buddy Spirit, writing my own thoughts as just another Life story for my own personal reasons, photography, traveling into my favorite spaces and discovering new ones, new Friends, riding and more riding, camping and cooking as I see them hand in hand, growth of the mind and soul, I realize there are more than I ever imagined would materialize. The strongest one always so appealing to me, providing this comfort zone I think most seek for has been the Deserts. Much has been written about Deserts, their attributes fills up many books and so often adjectives, words, they just cannot convey the feeling they provide to the senses sharpened by such presence. It use to be, and still is only less, the preference where the Mountains. The balance has now swayed, has for a while as maybe besides it all, it is the vision unencumbered watching the horizon while riding as on a vast ocean moved incessantly by Mother Nature. The ride (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)a couple days ago proved it again.

Be Safe and well
Peace, Love, Courage

Ara & Spirit

beemerchef

11-24-2010, 02:00 PM

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Of Days to come... TX

Suddenly it is all about Thanksgiving. Generally spend in our Desert, maybe a pot luck in years past for a couple hours or so, but not this year. We our on our way to Tucson, yes again, it is a happy occasion... what's another 1200 miles to spend a few days with a good Friend, great company and I know good food. The pull for such decision was strong, I would like to say I left it in Spirit's hands, but it was not so. :-)
The ride is of a familiar one, yet seeing what I had not seen before is an easy task, almost a game and tunes make the miles go by with a bit more pleasantness.
A bit earlier, a new space we found being invited at Bed and Breakfast in Marathon we had never been or honestly never even heard of. “Eve's Garden”, 10 years of build up, a magical and colorful papercrete dwelling, or should I say dwellings with 8 guest rooms and what was to me as a maze and a photographer's playground.
Short and sweet, I hope everyone is in good company with good Friends as it should be, good Food as is always is...

Happy Thanksgiving (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)
Be Safe and well
Peace, Love, Courage

Ara & Spirit

beemerchef

12-04-2010, 04:30 PM

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Where is your “Silver Spoon”? Tucson.AZ

This “Thanksgiving” has brought new meaning to our Journey, without a doubt. The feeling is of a powerful one, the mind and soul here are set to make it a daily “Thanksgiving”. And why not? We have so much to be thankful for, it is so easy, too easy to let that day go by and forget it all. The path is brought in and served by a “Silver Spoon” if we only take the time to grab it's handle. We are still in Tucson, had a bit of a medical situation yesterday in the form of a possible “hernia” which turned out to be true. Mild it is and with a bit of rest we should be good to go on Monday back to “The Oasis”, the always magical space awaiting for us. We will miss much, there is no doubt. One day at the time it is always our sentiment. Not much riding but much cooking here in a full and well pointed kitchen, enjoy the photos... they are all part of the Journey (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/) present. The never ending one.

Be Safe and well
Peace, Love, Courage

Ara & Spirit

beemerchef

12-09-2010, 01:30 AM

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A walk in the wash... Tucson. AZ

I almost feel as we both deserve a medal for finishing the 400 miles back to “The Oasis” yesterday. Not normally a big accomplishment, except for Spirit who as a real trooper never complaining of the miles, but only thinking so because of this not going away hernia pain. I am too well aware it will not vanish on it's own, now comes the steps trying to figure it all out as far as surgery, a task in itself when no Health Insurance is available. I know as always a door will open to take away this one more obstacle. One has to stay on the positive track of it all. On the much plus side also the weather cooperated with us in such an incredible way. December and still no heated gear needed with the added attraction of a tail wind which made “Old Faithful” purr every ongoing mile. We had a chance in Tucson to hike a beautiful wash the other day, it was deserted, different Desert from here, different cactus's, an open door to experience Mother Nature so close to an Urban environment. We also cooked a lot these past couple weeks and the recipes going up on the Journal (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/?p=14739&cpage=1#comment-122421)are only a matter of time. Enjoy... we sure did!

Be Safe and well
Peace, Love, Courage

Ara & Spirit

Jonathan Hanson

12-09-2010, 12:59 PM

Ara?

Are you still in Tucson?

beemerchef

12-09-2010, 02:12 PM

Ara?

Are you still in Tucson?

Hi Jonathan... No, we had to come back to "The Oasis". I always wondered where you live... We will be back shortly for my hernia surgery, but we will drive this time, riding the hack is way to harsh for my present condition!!!

Be well... Ara & Spirit

Jonathan Hanson

12-09-2010, 04:26 PM

Please let us know when you'll be back, so we can meet up for dinner - if you'll be able to?

beemerchef

12-09-2010, 04:47 PM

Please let us know when you'll be back, so we can meet up for dinner - if you'll be able to?

I will. I have apt. the 27th for sure, surgery around the 3rd I hope...
Reading much Steinbeck right now!!!

Be well... always.

Ara & Spirit

beemerchef

12-14-2010, 02:08 AM

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The loss of time... TX

Lots of cooking happens always in a nice kitchen and I finally had a chance to go through the photos and post some of the recipes. “Melted Brie cups...”, “Spanakopita...” and more. And on now it is sitting here packing up to go back to Tucson for both the Holidays and hernia surgery. In that order! I will be driving and one more time as when I went to see my Mother in Germany “Old Faithful” will stay behind. Not Spirit though! That is a big break. What happened to the uneventful winter I thought we would have? In my more recent entry I posted a video which I try to watch everyday. It is about living “the moment”. An aspect I am finding more and more so important as the years go by and the unexpected is always around the corner. I hope you enjoy it and opens up a new door with a fresh outlook on the days to come. Short bursts of riding is about all we have been able to do lately, cabin fever does not suit us very well. Amazingly riding is not too bad on the hernia, not as bad as forgetting about it and trying to lift much, as everything around here weighs much it seems like! Winter only made it's mark one day with a morning temperature of... 12! No complains, I do know about the blizzards up north. We are here very thankful and fortunate as we should always be.

Be Safe and well (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)Peace, Love, Courage

Ara & Spirit

beemerchef

12-18-2010, 03:20 AM

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Crossroads of Times... Texas

We have stood there at “The Oasis” for days, unable to ride more than 60 miles a day, and that is with paying a painful physical price. A flat tire this morning while on our way to check the mail, and that did it... “White Elephant”, 23” RV, has come to the rescue and we have started our trek back to Tucson where the Holidays will come first followed by my hernia surgery. Great plan! It is comfort, warmth, easy travel, maybe too easy, yet very odd as besides four wheels we are on foot and will make the best of it. We made it as far as Alpine today, a huge 60 miles, some food shopping which “how nice, it can go directly in the fridge”, some hardware stuff as always and a nap which took me almost beyond Sunset, awaken by ambulance and police car sirens, the train passing by and whistling to no end and now for some unknown reason a dog on-stop barking in the distance. Poor Dog, I know his throat is going to be so sore. Spirit here on the other hand is also nice and comfy. I know even with his coat and heated blanket it must be cold for him in the hack. I almost forgot to feed him tonight throughout this new path we are on. The one aspect I have enjoyed so far is the lack of attention we always attract. It is as traveling “incognito”. The main aspect of it all however as I have written in my Journal (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)is the fact that for the first time in years the Holiday Spirit has descended on me, on us.

Be Safe and well
Peace, Love, Courage

Ara & Spirit

beemerchef

12-22-2010, 10:07 PM

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Being “flinchy” today... Marfa, Texas

It was a couple days on the road, everything going through my mind suddenly piled high up, driving instead of riding, Lance again not being present for the Holidays, the thought of his seventh Anniversary coming up, surgery around the corner, more... All is well now, momentary “madness” maybe, “winter blues”... driving blues! When will I ever learn to live the “moment” as Spirit does? That's right... I am only “human”.
If you have ever driven through Marfa and stopped at the “Food Shark” for lunch, well, you are out of luck for the few coming days. Adam and Krista tied the knot on that same evening we had decided to spend the night in town. I was invited for the reception, a full on display of food, a couple wedding cakes and Music which I know went on for most of the night.
Not a time for Adventures I guess, or better “I know”. We will be in Tucson in a couple of days, I think that is where the true sketch of these Holidays will start. I could not be happier we are not spending them alone as these past years.
And just in case “Happy Holidays”... or is it too soon?

Be Safe and well (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)Peace, Love, Courage

Ara & Spirit

beemerchef

12-30-2010, 06:01 PM

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And on Christmas Day and beyond. AZ

I read the other day a good comment expressing our “domestication” onward from moving off the grid for the time being till surgery happens in a couple days. Enjoying the “moment” is always the path we are on and so these days are not any different than previous others. I sure can close my eyes and be transported back into our Desert, Mountain tops and Valleys we have so many times crossed, they are all memories which enhances the present, yet, the Holidays are lived gracefully and joyfully by both Spirit and I, my beautiful Friend Robin, “wet nose” Audrey and Ms. Cool Cat “Lovey”. Always much cooking, seemingly many errands which make me wonder how I manage with so few of those in our “normal” environment. The City must be conductive to jumping from store to store always “needing” something, maybe as jumping from boulder to boulder needing the feel of Mother Nature. I felt it when we took a drive up to Mt Lemon (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)the other day before today's bad and beautiful weather. Just in case... have a Great and Happy New Year as every Day should be.

Be Safe and well
Peace, Love, Courage

Ara & Spirit

Cornfed

01-05-2011, 03:44 PM

It's Vance from ADVRider.

Just popped in to say hello...

I'll be chasing you down in 2012 with Jenny in our truck. See you out there...

Vance
:victory:

beemerchef

01-06-2011, 05:39 PM

It's Vance from ADVRider.

Just popped in to say hello...

I'll be chasing you down in 2012 with Jenny in our truck. See you out there...

Vance
:victory:

Wow Vance... has been a long time. What's wrong with 2011? :-)

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/1146748628_bfBHJ-M.jpg

2 4 1... Tucson, AZ

How could I ever turn down a two for one hernia repair? I have to think in a bizarre way about the good Karma of pain a couple days ago when the previously twice repaired right side started to create much discomfort. A quick word to the surgeon only minutes before the procedure about this new incident and now fixed up on both side as the old mesh had slipped away causing a wrongful blood flow. Close call, this could have been happening in the near future needing again another surgery. What good fortune! Slow going, very slow, barely off the neutral switch and happy we had gone out on New Year's Day to visit the Mission San Xavier (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/) a few miles south of us. Coincidentally it is where the stabbing pains started. Say no more, Life has it's mysterious ways. Enjoy the photos on the Journal mixed in with also some of my present favorite quotes.

Be Safe and well
Peace, Love, Courage

Ara & Spirit

GTABurnout

01-06-2011, 07:21 PM

beemerchef

01-09-2011, 04:54 PM

I have been following your blog off and on for years now. Very inspiring story. Just wanted to show my support for your travels and your site since the last few posts seemed to shed light on the negative people who read your words.

Thanks for the small distraction from my overly busy life.

Thanks... hope you find the time to be less busy... :-)

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/1151358996_4CMep-L.jpg

A stroll down 4th avenue, Tucson. AZ

A long intermission these past days they have seemed to be. Laid back while reading a new issue of "Overland Journal", the pages filled with adventures and photos of spaces not so foreign in the past are not helping for me to stay put. So it has only been 5 days since surgery, there is much improvement, not as much as needed however in the patience department. No lifting, none of this and that, even the mind has become a bit slow in the thinking department. We did manage a couple afternoons ago a mini adventure strolling up and down Fourth Avenue in Tucson under perfect weather, a street filled with colorful characters, restaurants, coffee shops and gift shops from mostly local Artists. That has been it... Thinking about the northerners snowed in for the winter helps, yet, I know what is awaiting for us in the south... Fair weather, rides, maybe even camping in those remote areas I seek for. So I can dream for now and wait and wait... Enjoy the photos on the Journal. (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)
Be Safe and well
Peace, Love, Courage

Ara & Spirit

beemerchef

01-17-2011, 05:22 PM

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Reddington Rd. AZ

Sometimes the ride cannot be of the desired one. “Old Faithful” is nicely still tucked in in Texas as we should be returning in about a week or so. In the meantime it is the “luxury” of an SUV with my Friend Robin, the dogs... Audrey and Spirit (yes, Spirit has a new buddy... girlfriend?) which has taken us on our first outing since surgery. I had never realized the abundance of unpaved roads within a 100 mile radius of Tucson as slowly with much fun and... food (!!!) we took on our first outing. It has been as a scouting day trip, roads we will return to when the flowers and the lush greens are in bloom all in this midst of winter right now being a bit more on the mute side. Left over roasted chicken, home made hummus, so was the banana bread, nicely al dented peeled and cooked asparagus, the list went on as I was in charge of the picnic part of it, well, also the route with however very little driving for myself. Try the loop (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/) sometime while in the area, well worth it. Not designed for a street car or street motorcycle, dual sport either way will do.

Be Safe and well
Peace, Love, Courage

Ara & Spirit

beemerchef

01-22-2011, 04:36 AM

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A jaunt to “St David” and the “Dragoon Mountains”... almost. AZ

Tomorrow is the big day, the point of return as “Old Faithful” is still 600 miles away tucked in this shipping container I call “the green giant”, laying alone in the vast Desert of Big Bend Flats. We will crank her up Sunday when we get there, for no other reason than starting her up since we left her with a flat tire. Well taken care of here it was a ride in an SUV instead wishing it did not have a windshield! No complains, acceptance is always the key of it all allowing for the balance we need daily. We first stopped in Vail, little village and then on St David where the Trinity Monastery was a nice source of photographs and some well deserved silence after being in this present urban environment. On then to almost Tombstone where we took an eastbound road with the thought of making it to the foothills of “Dragoon Mountains”. Still healing, washboard road, all those facts present did not allow us to go much further than about 15 miles... bouncy and more bouncy... There will be a next time when we will actually reach Cochise's Stronghold. Enjoy the photos... (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)
Be Safe and well
Peace, Love, Courage

Ara & Spirit

beemerchef

01-26-2011, 03:49 AM

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Back at “The Oasis”. TX... near Big Bend.

What past month it has been! It actuality flew by as here we are again at “The Oasis” healing quickly and in less than 24 hours having already “Old Faithful” purring and rolling after having fixed a flat due to, not a nail, but a thorn! That was a first. I would have never found it if I had not passed a paper towel inside of it, I was told pantyhose works better but neither of us wears one! A bit cooler today and yet the skies are blue, inviting to ride, it will have to wait another day, I cannot push the issue as we have a bit of dirt roads to go on before reaching the Highway. Spirit feels at Home, he is already running stick in his mouth like a madman, of course with the knowledge that treat always awaits him. The tent has held up well, we got some help from our neighbors moving and getting ready for me heavy bottles of drinking water and a couple filled propane bottles also. We are all set... The night's Moon has been beautiful emerging from a set of unusual clouds, a simple sunset... enjoy the photos. (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)

Be safe and well.
Peace, Love and Courage.

Ara & Spirit

bobDog

01-26-2011, 04:11 AM

The expression on that dogs face is.....if we don't get going soon...I'm leaving w/o you...got it!:sombrero:

beemerchef

01-29-2011, 03:33 PM

The expression on that dogs face is.....if we don't get going soon...I'm leaving w/o you...got it!:sombrero:

I thnk so too!!!... he loves to ride!!!:bike_rider:

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/1170666905_mt8oy-L.jpg

“Seven Candles”. TX

A couple days ago was the Anniversary of my Son's “Lance” seven year passing away. He is part of this Journey, always has been, he is the reason for Spirit and I living on this path we call our “road”. He is the one that keeps us going, that gives me the courage as to not abandon it all, daily, nightly, hourly often, as the alternative as provocative also might be has yet no words spelled within this Life of ours. We have been back at “The Oasis” now for those days, the vast “empty spaces” as I also label this area and besides a bit of riding on the saddle, “Old Faithful” turning her wheels again for a few miles I am only waiting for a better healing and gaining some strength. The beautiful weather here has been a gift, the temperature showed over 80 this afternoon and the nights, well, the blanket of Stars are back again as just walked back from a short stroll and the skies never cease to amaze me. I am a step away to pack up all the camping gear laid out without any order these past couple months and head out with no direction chosen, Spirit is ready, unfortunately my body is not yet. More patience, I keep counting the days after this one evening lighting up “Seven Candles” (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/) around a roaring fire with my thoughts in mind.
Soon.

Be safe and well.
Peace, Love and Courage.

Ara & Spirit

beemerchef

02-02-2011, 01:04 AM

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Chasing the clouds in and out of Big Bend Park. TX

Winter was kind to us a couple days ago. It showed it's sunny and warm face following a couple days cooped up with a severe case of cabin fever. Enough was enough. Not quite suppose to be riding, but... while taking it easy the temptation was greater than the threats from the surgeon. An early breakfast in Terlingua and on into the Park, that is Big Bend National Park. It had been a long time for us, short in others considerations I realize, over a month. The roads were bare from traffic as Spring Break is yet not here, the vast empty spaces for as far as one can see and a regained slow pace was the greatest prescription would could have used. For the both of us. It was as I had suddenly regained my composure, as if the balance of it all one more time was just perfect as stopping when we felt like it, eating when hungry, taking photos of nothing and everything, time had finally seemingly stopped it's clock. What a day it was, the photos (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/) will prove it. We will be looking for more of those days.

Be safe and well.
Peace, Love and Courage.

Ara & Spirit

JerryYukon

02-02-2011, 11:00 AM

It's amazing the effect a child has on one's life.........and it's never ending..............I think............Still enjoying your story.

Jerry

beemerchef

02-06-2011, 08:38 PM

It's amazing the effect a child has on one's life.........and it's never ending..............I think............Still enjoying your story.

Jerry

Thanks Jerry... my favorite quote is "it is never too late to enjoy your childhood". Forgot what Book it came from... Thanks.

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/1179366236_Jp7qK-L.jpg

Hot Coffee, 0 Degrees and a good Dog Book... TX

These past days have been a bit rough for us, the temps dropping to as never before, yet, there is no complain when I witness the inches and inches of snow accumulating north of us. We actually had some great days being the most lazy ones we have had in a while. Not much outdoor activities while dressed in more layers than I can count, only to hook up some more propane and more propane, let Spirit run who himself after a few minutes would make the fastest run I have ever seen him do for indoor. A day or two have now past and besides strong winds all is back to normal, coats are put away, even trying to light up a fire to bake some bread and roast a chicken in the Dutch Oven. It is after all Sunday, it was an old custom in Europe a few Centuries ago everyone being able to roast a chicken for dinner. I think tomorrow will see us riding again, maybe River Road on to Presidio, I am sure I will see something I had never seen before, only looked at in the recent past. Enjoy the “winter photos” (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/) and my thoughts on this great Book I am now reading.

Be safe and well.
Peace, Love and Courage.

Ara & Spirit

beemerchef

02-13-2011, 04:20 AM

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There is a frenzy around here... TX

82 degrees today. Nights are still cool, of course... we are still in winter times, spring felt however when this warm sunshine hovers over us. It has been time for outdoors, cooking again over the fire, bread, whole roasted chicken and much more to come as my Friend Robin and her critters are coming down to visit us, it is after all Valentines Day soon.
For those wondering why I have chosen this Nomadic Life, specially as spring.summer.fall is around the corner and the roads far from us will call us, already have, a new Friend of mine, Becca Baker, has been published at StubbyDog with a very well written article about us, a tribute to Lance, the Journey and of course Spirit. This would be the first time someone does not for some editorial reasons twists the words concurred with me through an interview. I thought I would enter it in my Journal for everyone's benefit of understanding.
In the meantime it s a bit of cleaning around here, or maybe just shuffling the constant dust with live with from here to there...
Enjoy the article (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/), I did.

Be safe and well.
Peace, Love and Courage.

Ara & Spirit

beemerchef

02-19-2011, 02:53 AM

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On and around Valentines Day... TX

It has been an unusual week with the shadows of Valentines Day now behind us. Us meaning Robin, Audrey, (Spirit's four legged girl friend), Spirit and Miss Lovey, always the Cool Cat, a great traveler. Neither of us being for quantity, versus quality of time spend, it has been relaxing times with only a couple rides to show off the neighborhood. A ride to the “Swimming Hole”, which might be after the next rain probably be the last time as the road is already half way washed out, one long day through the Park down Maverick road to Santa Helena Canyon and back through Castolon with a jaunt to the Basin and it's Lodge, short stop overs at Sotol Look Out and Mules Ears. This ride is my favorite one expanding the geological diversity of the Park. There is a saying here which goes as such... “When Earth was created all the left overs were dumped in Big Bend”. Much cooking over the fire, sunsets always the back drops of our wonderful evenings, full Moon last night lighting up this vast empty spaces as almost daylight. The weather a bit on the warm side, it hit 104 yesterday in full sun, but will take it over the past teen's we have had here in recent past.
More in the Journal... (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)Be safe and well.
Peace, Love and Courage.

Ara & Spirit

beemerchef

02-23-2011, 12:24 AM

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Thanking my Present Destiny... TX

We have sat here pretty much these past winters. I always thought this is a good space for us, as it is, and yet, lately I have been thinking, even telling some Friends about being over-saturated with the area. Kind of like “been there, done that... too many times”. I have even added, sometimes, we will not be back here next winter. A funny thing happen however the other day while playing guide in Big Bend Park with Robin while she was visiting us for a week or so, as she pointed out this and that, I realized that I had seen nothing yet. For someone such as me who travels the roads with such a slow pace, it was a big surprise. I actually was shocked when I realize I had never noticed this rock formation, or that one, or even some roads foreign to me. It reminded me of my Life when working in Florida and living on a sailboat and yet, never going to the beach.
We don't have long here, I started going the camping gear today, will probably do a dry run into... the Park itself for a few nights and toward Death Valley we will go. Follow the weather, follow the path as always as it is calling us more than ever.
So... some more photos of Big Bend Park (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/) in the Journal this time.

Be safe and well.
Peace, Love and Courage.

Ara & Spirit

beemerchef

02-28-2011, 12:28 AM

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A bit North of here... TX

Right now the winds have unleashed with a fury. The clear blue skies have turned into a liquid mud, visibility is I would call it “rare”, sand bursts are passing by at great speed, it is a weighing hot, a humid air that will only allow me to breath mixed in with powder and sand. Everything has changed so rapidly. It is as we have moved onto another Planet flying in with a heavy turbulence yet not so foreign as familiar throughout the year as also throughout the country, yet always a bit unnerving as the wind finding it's path under my skin.
A couple days ago was a different stage. One has to seize in these times the opportunity to ride as we did when I decided to go on a bit north of here. Ft Davis, the Mc Donald Observatory, all was ahead of us. Packing, mapping up my bags, all took a back seat. “Old Faithful” oils have been changed all around, throttle bodies checked, a small repair here and there , the rest will wait, all is one day at the time.
As a few years ago I was allowed behind the glass wall to take some photos of the big lens. Always a treat. More on the Journal (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/).

Be safe and well.
Peace, Love and Courage.

Ara & Spirit

beemerchef

03-03-2011, 03:19 AM

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The “Two Wheeled Texans” in Terlingua. TX

I never know what the day is going to bring up when saddling up “Old Faithful” and heading to town, the closest one, Terlingua, about 30 miles south of here. I quickly notice an unusual motorcycle activity, question answered by the fact that this was the weekend of the “Two Wheeled Texans” riding the area, camping in many different sites, some all the way to Lajitas. It was warm, meet up with some Friends who had decided not to ride that last afternoon, a bit of shade, a gracious lunch and much chatting end up being the day's menu. One by one the riders were returning, dusty, tired for some, everyone ready for the Sunday night dinner were I was graciously invited. Texas fare, more conversations, Spirit was behaving within a crowd he is not used to be within, what a great day it was, a day to remember.
In the meantime packing is still going on, the fear of not fitting in bags what we always need for months to come is always present trying to avoid last year's mailing to a Friend 26lbs of unused items. One never knows. Trying to be out of here in about a week, should be just about right to ride the southern route to Tucson and on to Death Valley.
More in the Journal. (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)
Be safe and well.
Peace, Love and Courage.

Ara & Spirit

LowTech

03-03-2011, 04:20 PM

beemerchef

03-03-2011, 04:28 PM

Was wondering if you might be headed this way, glad I checked in.

We are also in motion w/ our 6x6 caravan. Photo Blog here 6x6 Caravan (http://www.pbase.com/lowtech9/tucson)
54108

In Tucson right now . . . at a friend's "Dry Dock" working out some problems. Planning on doing some test runs out Redington . . . down the San Pedro to Bisbee, maybe Silver City and then back toward J-Tree. Would love to connect w/ you in some camp situation. And I'm sure the "Dry Dock" would be available as a "Urban Safe Yard", kind of like the Caravansary of old. PM me if your interested :sombrero::smiley_drive:

Those are some major vehicles!!! Reddington is a piece of cake.
We cannot leave the Big Bend area till the 16th! Bummed but those are the logistics... Are you going to Overland Expo Appril 1st?
We will be in the tucson area the weekend of the 19th for a couple of days, then on to Death Valley and then back to Amado for the OX.
You can follow our SPOT if you like for those days, would be great to hook up!!! A tiny vehicle... and some big ones!!! That would make some greta Photo ops...
Stay in touch...
Be well... Ara & Spirit

LowTech

03-03-2011, 06:25 PM

beemerchef

03-03-2011, 06:45 PM

Said to say that this is the first I know of it :o Maybe I need to come in from the desert more often . . . :peepwall: . . . nope!

I'm going to be basing in Tucs till after the 14th. Elise will not be back from J-Tree till around then. Will just be doing short test runs out from here till then.

We may have to come to the Expo Rally from the Bisbee side. :smiley_drive:

It is a balance you know. 364 days in the Desert... one day in the Urban Jungle... that would be it, just does not work out that way too foten.
Hoping to see then and there...
Be well... Ara & Spirit

beemerchef

03-08-2011, 01:48 AM

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Readiness for the road... TX

Quite often I wonder why I even bother unpacking and yet the answer is always so obvious: winter... cold... At times I feel stuck, stuck in this beautiful area. I project too much, get ahead of the miles and forget the present we rest on when here Mother Nature is and has been so generous to us. It only takes a ride into Big Bend Park to awaken me of such wrongdoings, such thoughts knowing too well unfounded too often. Some chatting with Friends in Terlingua, visiting my neighbors, watching Spirit letting it all out while running freely here off his leash, that leash... a must in other areas. Human Nature can be so complex, maybe it is only me and my thirst to move along continuously. The Sunsets, the Sunrises, all glorious to no end. Cooking outside amongst the three fire pits, riding the dirt with no traffic as I have yet to see a car go by here since September! Besides Friends and UPS that is, the brown four wheel drive truck. But this season is coming to an end, we are indeed leaving early hoping the weathers ahead will not be too striking with us. Thursday morning we are again starting to wander. In the meantime I posted a Video (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/) of our last ride into the Park and more photos on the Journal.

Be safe and well.
Peace, Love and Courage.

Ara & Spirit

beemerchef

03-14-2011, 01:18 AM

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Trying to blend in with the road. Columbus. NM

The Photo? riding the Border.
The Sun rising is slowly brightening the inner tent this morning through it's yellow material announcing the start of a beautiful new day. Mixed in with early clouds the temperature is still mild, perfect I would say as we sit right on the border, Columbus, New Mexico. It was an easy ride from "The Oasis" with a bit of a hang up in Marfa, we are avoiding freeways at all cost and this is turning out to be a bit of a game while on our way to Death Valley. We arrived here almost in the midst of much turmoil which we missed, a good thing, and yesterday was a great reward being part of the "Columbus Furlong Days". Decided to spend another day here as now all is quiet, cool shade at the “Pancho Villa” State Campground with showers and all, even power as primitive camping along the border is never a very good idea. We are getting into the groove of this aspect which now will last for months as Spirit also is quick to think anywhere we stop is his Home and has a duty to protect it with a growl for anyone coming a bit too close. Best “buddy” ever had...
More on the Journal.... (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)

Be safe and well.
Peace, Love and Courage.

Ara & Spirit

beemerchef

03-19-2011, 08:58 PM

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“Columbus Furlong Day”, N.M.

Our Karma is good, always while wandering the country without much of a schedule or route. No, we do not know where we will be August 14th 2015... Trust me that some do, some on the road as us thinking they have achieved the freedom desired only to be governed by their perpetual calendar. If it was so, we probably would have not stumbled on this great event in Columbus, New Mexico. Such a wonderful day it was we are thinking about returning next year. Oh! So there goes the planning... contradicting myself here. Smile. Many photos in the Journal about it all, free abundant and delicious food, “Friendship” was the banner throughout the day placed up high for everyone adorning a smile and kind words. Perfect weather, on to the Chiricahuas for a couple days, Portal and on over the Mountain on that very familiar dirt road to the Chiricahua National Monument and back. Moving on forward as now sitting in Tucson for a few days before taking on the road to Death Valley and back for Overland Expo 11 the following weekend where I will be teaching a “one pan” cooking class combined with “traveling without refrigeration”... I think we will take on a vacation after that...
Enjoy the photos... (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)
Be safe and well.
Peace, Love and Courage.

Ara & Spirit

beemerchef

03-24-2011, 06:10 PM

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A cloudy day at the Catalina State Park. AZ.

Not the most cheerful entry written these past days as my long time and close Friend Bill has been checked into the Hospice. An avid motorcycle rider, a Dog Lover, a great Husband and a prankster as I have never experienced. He is the one that has seen me through thick and thin in years past, the one that has never let me get down on my own luck. How can we ever come to terms when such circle breaks off at such an early age? I read about “beauty” being within this World of ours, that door we only have to open as I have these past years and yet, his own page is flying away as it's chapter has yet to be finished. I know we will again live with the memories of a Dear one, sometimes none of this makes any sense. I canceled our outing to Death Valley and from Tucson, after a short hike into Catalina State Park (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/) on a cloudy day we are now in Patagonia, AZ. It is a beautiful area, different than what we have seen and experienced before, but the mood is just not there. The mind is 1300 miles away with my Friend who is no more seeing the clear blue skies, the trees, the multicolor rocks, all has now been dimmed in his own World. Not much else to say really.

Be safe and well.
Peace, Love and Courage.

Ara & Spirit

beemerchef

03-31-2011, 02:33 PM

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Toward “Overland Expo 11”. Amado. AZ

This time we have not just been invited to this great event but also been asked to give a class. It is actually two subjects combined, the first one being “one pan cooking” and the second one “traveling without refrigeration”, they do go hand in hand as long as you do not care to eat meat, maybe only on days you will see a butcher while riding down the road, not much of a chance while crossing the Sahara. All this has reminded me a bit of the old days when as a Personal Chef to the rich and not so famous, food shopping was a daily ritual besides boxes coming in overnight through mail orders. All is now prepped, 2 meals per 50 minute class, there will not be much time for dicing and chopping, I needed to get a head start. It will be again old Friends we have not seen for a year now, new ones with show up and those off road toys will be the temptation for everyone. “Eye Candy”... (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)Maybe we will see some of you there? Hoping to do so.

Be safe and well.
Peace, Love and Courage.

Ara & Spirit

LowTech

03-31-2011, 02:54 PM

Will be arriving today, spent the night on a powerline track.
See you soon,
55353 55354

beemerchef

04-07-2011, 05:57 PM

Will be arriving today, spent the night on a powerline track.
See you soon,
55353 55354

It was great meeting you two! Went up Box Canyon (video also!!!) but did not find you in case you were camping there afterwards... See you near by Joshua!!! Soon... Taking off from this area on Sunday...

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The big picture, “Overland Expo 11”. AZ

Will try this again! My Journal (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)was being migrated with GoDaddy never telling me it would be down for a few days...
A couple days back from Amado now, rested as I think we are including Spirit who took in quite a bit of heat even if so protected by a hydration coat soaked in water just about on the hour. As usual when within such a crowd, it will take time to sort it all out, sort out the faces and the names and the stories heard, the stories from “on the road”. The such “road fever” is bad this am, we have to stay here a few more days awaiting some mail and a couple other logistical aspects. Hoping to get back on the road this coming Sunday and trying out again toward Death Valley where the weather forecast promises pleasant times.
My three daily classes kept me busy throughout Overland Expo, kept me busy rehearsing it all ahead of time to keep them within a 50 minute presentation. The classes end up being standing room only, luckily their starting time was 11am which meant the lunch hour free for all was also mine for the tasting of the cooked goods and some chatting ensuing.
More photos on the Journal...

Be safe and well.
Peace, Love and Courage.

Ara & Spirit

GTABurnout

04-07-2011, 06:38 PM

so how I missed you at Overland Expo. Looks like all went well.

beemerchef

04-15-2011, 02:56 AM

so how I missed you at Overland Expo. Looks like all went well.

Where you there?

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The sound of a distant Drummer. NV

The road, those blue ribbons, at times liked in browns and rocky or sandy, they have deeply penetrated into my own well being. I am asked often if all is “getting old” or better “am I ready to quit?”... “am I getting tired of it all?” as we are closing in on 5 years of wandering. Amazingly everyday only increases this what I call now “addiction” toward the unknown, the next bend, the next silhouettes so often delicately drawn into the skies always ahead of us. “Death Valley” has in the past always been of a bad timing mainly with snow and much cold. All is now clear as the passage from here to there in itself is filled with the promises of good weather for those 3.3 million acres awaiting for us. The pace is a bit faster than desired only because we are meeting my Friend Brian for a couple of days, we can then fall back into our own timeless search. I often think how well Spirit has adapted to this road, how often his floor is not of wood or tiles or even carpets, but dirt under his own pad. How often he has in seconds felt “at home” on the few square feet we quickly take over to make it our overnight home. There are no schedules, no time frames, as of this moment again I myself have no clue where we will soon be besides in “Death Valley”. “The Road” photos on the Journal... (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)
Be safe and well.
Peace, Love and Courage.

Ara & Spirit

beemerchef

04-21-2011, 04:19 PM

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A Treasure found: “Gold Point”. NV

I can only hope that for if it was only this time, I have enough credibility to entice you to come to “Gold Point”, Nevada. We have been there already for a few days, returning today as I had to come to town for some errands and Internet usage. “Gold Point”? A live Ghost Town thanks to Herb Robbins for the past 32 years him present conserving it all. The weather has been perfect, it is that time of the year to be in this area as it's elevation is just above 5000 feet. I started thinking the other day with a big smile while making a make shift table as my campsite is widening “I would make a good Homeless...” and realized... we are! But “Gold Point” feels as Home, I feel as belonging to that space so quiet and yet as I am told in the company of 17 Ghosts. The rides into Death Valley, the empty spaces of BLM which are in the millions of acres are plentiful and most are good roads, even freshly graded. We have water, even hot water and sometimes Herb cooks some of those great meals one can only dream of in this vast Desert!
More photos on the Journal... (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)

Be safe and well.
Peace, Love and Courage.

Ara & Spirit

LowTech

04-21-2011, 07:57 PM

Great place.
That was our starting point for last fall's drive through DV. Drove the wash into the main valley, from there we just kept going south :sombrero:

We did have to walk about and check out the other deuces :smiley_drive: before hanging out at the saloon for breakfast and directions through the dirt tracks. Still have the magnet on the dash of Elise's truck

stonemasoncruiser

04-23-2011, 05:36 PM

beemerchef

04-27-2011, 03:26 PM

Ara & Spirit, Your words, images, and approach to life are both inspiring and memorable. As one who yearns for open space, the absence of civilized noise, and the truthful beauty of nature I've thoroughly enjoyed following your journey.

Thank you deeply for sharing your experience.

Sincerely, Stephen M Molina

Thank you, very kind of you. There is nothing like it...

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/i-h448Ktg/0/L/i-h448Ktg-L.jpg

“Gold Point”, NV. We have not moved on yet...

It can happen when one finds this space throughout more Deserted acres one can imagine and suddenly it feels as “we belong here”. The days have been lingering on and on with not much desire to leave the area. I already know we will not ride “all the roads” this time around, maybe not even next time around as we will be back if and when we ever leave. There are too many of those roads. They are amazingly well maintained, graded regularly, it makes it for some more than pleasant outgoings. The views are of postcards embedded in the mind forever, mine shafts at every turn, abandoned cabins, some maintained by travelers free for the night with furniture, needed shelter from the weather and a guest book. They have been however windy and cold days, I have to be ready for the windows of opportunity, it is that time of the year between the past harsh winter and the monsoon season which soon will start. Always at the mercy of Mother Nature. The nearest store is far, over 60 miles away, if and when you ever adventure yourself within this gem of an area, do not forget anything and be prepared for everything. More on the Journal... (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)
Be safe and well.
Peace, Love and Courage.

Ara & Spirit

GPER

04-29-2011, 03:28 AM

beemerchef

05-04-2011, 02:21 PM

Do you have a link or more information on the one pan cooking and traveling without refrigeration classes that you taught????? It sounds like a great way to lighten the load of food. Any information would be a great help and have a safe journey during this nasty weather that has hit the country.

You can go to my Archives and scroll the tittles. If there is a recipe it will be next to it. Working on a PDF format downloadable pages... Thanks.

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/i-Qh6zGbw/0/L/i-Qh6zGbw-L.jpg

On our way South, for now. NV.

These times have been almost as “where are we now?”. My Journal entries are still stuck in Gold Point and Hard Luck Castle, even though we actually are spending another night in Kingman before heading back to Tucson for Robin's Birthday which will be followed by a Concert of the B52's. I miss Gold Point, the quiet and serene times, the roads barely traveled by anyone but us, the little Ghost Town itself of 7 with Herb and Sandy being at the forefront of it all, including a dinner we had Saturday night. A great dinner! Unfortunately we had to leave. A couple days in Las Vegas at my Friends Christine and Jason needing some front brake repair as “Motorcycle Tire Center” promptly and with a big smile took care of “Old Faithful”. Then on a couple days to re-visit “Valley of Fire” where camping is only allowed in a couple campgrounds and now as mentioned on our way south as we will then turn around and follow the weather for the summer. North that is as the South is starting to heat up.
More photos on the Journal... (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)
Be safe and well.
Peace, Love and Courage.

Ara & Spirit

beemerchef

05-10-2011, 11:20 PM

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/i-p3hx8rp/0/L/i-p3hx8rp-L.jpg

Then and Now. Life. Tucson, AZ.

Steve Azar, yes, as we are now entering the “Country Music” charts (a bit of humor here...) has made this great video of us depicting in less than 3 minutes what it has taken us these past years, a video with his song “Hard Road”. As we sit here in Tucson right now for a couple more days for my Friend's Birthday, watching such images and listening to such words brings on, I cannot help it, so many of recent past remembrances of us on this road we have embraced. All is only hard as much as we want to make it even if at times one cannot see it any other way. Hope and Faith in this Life of ours has become a must, a daily “headline”. I have realized not long ago all is about “acceptance” as the choices are not of many. Sitting amongst four walls was never an option, one then while on the road can only be subjected to it's surroundings, the physical ones such as 'Mother Nature's” moods and their own “mental ones” as dealing with cards overturned in recent past. It all turns out to be a package deal sometimes stumbling and at others sailing through as when all the Stars seem so perfectly aligned as they have been these past days. In a few we will again take off, probably within some cooler evening hours and head up toward the higher elevations of Utah... in a few.
Enjoy the video. (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)
Be safe and well.
Peace, Love and Courage.

Ara & Spirit

geovalue

05-11-2011, 12:57 AM

Ara and Spirit I loved the video thanks so much for sharing, thanks for reaching out to others and touching our lives.

Safe travels always

Jim K in PA

05-12-2011, 01:48 PM

Ara - once again you and Spirit bring focus to me, and many others, through your journey. Once again, thank you for sharing it with us. Travel safely.

BTW - I just got my "project" 1979 R100T running last night. I don't have a side car, but I thought of you last night after it started for the first time in many years. I am not sure where it will take me, but I am excited, none-the-less.

Peace.

beemerchef

05-19-2011, 09:20 PM

Thank you for the kind words...
Take it West "young man" as they say...

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/i-wXK6gbB/0/L/i-wXK6gbB-L.jpg

“Show Low” with a smile. AZ

Tucson is behind us, hundreds, thousands of miles lay ahead of us, summer and fall do too, what an incredible scenario. Yet, we have not made further than a couple hundred miles as when being in Globe I remembered in “Show Low” my Friends Dean and Pam had taken residence building this compound since 2006. I conjunction with not so good weather passing by, snow this morning (!!!), well, we are still here enjoying the “Barn”, some serious cooking, Friendships and much chatting. It does not get ant better than this. One night turned into two, as we will leave tomorrow morning it will be three. How time passes by! Spirit has a couple new Friends, “Einstein” and “Buddy” and “Einstein” and him have been playing like I had never seen Spirit before. It is going to be sad to pull them apart when we leave as much as I am sure we will be back. How can we not! Discovering new roads from Tucson such as 77 to Globe and 60 bringing us here, “Tonto National Forest” and all it's well maintained service roads, all has been a plus and will see us again.
Enjoy the photos (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/) and some recent thoughts...

Be safe and well.
Peace, Love and Courage.

Ara & Spirit

LowTech

05-20-2011, 01:17 AM

beemerchef

05-24-2011, 03:00 AM

Seems you discovered another one of my faves. Love that road! Sure helps w/ shedding the city's taint.
Haven't been able to do that area for a few years. Will have to on this trip ( I'm bringing one of my rigs back from the SEast in a week)
Keep the wind in your face, and the bugs out of your teeth ;)

Sure helps w/ shedding the city's taint.... I like that!!! Hope to bump into you soon... :) Need to come and visit... so we can finish talking and do some serious cooking!!! Hi to you two... :)

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/i-pbj4SKB/0/L/i-pbj4SKB-L.jpg

I am touched “Thank You”, Show Low. AZ

The ride? Well, it turned out to be a U-Turn about 100 miles into it from Show Low. The skies were falling on us ahead only a few miles, unlike felt gusts of wind and rain did catch up with us, it was a race back to Holbrook, Arizona, taking cover in a depressing Motel room. They truly always are. So we never made it to “Valley of the Gods”, “Boulder”, “Escalante” and on. We live on the road, there is no rush, no hurry, only some common sense to move on with the weather which lately has not cooperated too well. The upside are photos which I enjoy taking while the clouds, cotton balls turning into menacing vessels in the skies pass by, I will always stop regardless. We are back in Show Low sheltered by the incredible hospitality of Dean and Pam, we are getting to know each other well within this “Oasis” of theirs. It is always a matter of regrouping before taking on the awaiting miles again, hopefully this time a smoother ride.
Arizona Highways... then came the rain! (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)
Be safe and well.
Peace, Love and Courage.

Ara & Spirit

beemerchef

05-30-2011, 01:46 PM

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/i-NFjqsDN/0/M/i-NFjqsDN-M.jpg

Motorcyclist Cafe Barn & Bunkhouse, Show Low, AZ

How about that! We are still under the hospitable wings of Dean and Pam at their “Motorcycle Cafe Barn & Bunkhouse” in Show Low, Arizona. Turning my back on a few blood tests lately has only left me with the decision to have a biopsy. This past Friday Dean drove the 440 mile round trip to Tucson and now it is for a couple weeks just a matter of keeping my fingers crossed and awaiting for the results. I have to keep the Faith of Life going as a few different scenarios are awaiting, obscure and unknown at the present. We are longing for the road and yet, being here has been relaxing, enriching as the company at times chatting, at other times cooking and sharing a meal has been a highlight of our Journey. How can one “thank” enough for such gesture? The World sure is filled with such good people as we have always crossed path with them these past years. They seem to be not advertised! Seemingly only the bad news escape and make up the headlines so often read. One does need to believe that the “goodness” of many roams freely amongst us. They are here and there, they are indeed everywhere. I took some photos of what here we call “the barn”... (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)it will give everyone an idea what one can do for other. Enjoy.

Be safe and well.
Peace, Love and Courage.

Ara & Spirit

Jim K in PA

05-31-2011, 03:32 PM

Take care of yourself, Ara. Spirit can do only so much! We hope you pass the "tests" with flying colors . . . :chef:

beemerchef

06-05-2011, 04:58 AM

Take care of yourself, Ara. Spirit can do only so much! We hope you pass the "tests" with flying colors . . . :chef:

Thank you for the support... you make a difference.

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/i-6gs2Z7m/0/L/i-6gs2Z7m-L.jpg

Mind Games “The Incertitude of Life”. Bluff, Utah

Rollercoaster it has been as yet we are comfortably camping in Bluff, Utah. Just mind games one goes through when outcomes of personal Health is yet to be announced. The scenarios? If the Nurse calls all is well... if the Dr calls, well, more scenarios on the forefront. I woke up this morning after the best night sleep ever as I always do in our tent, I woke up from a dream that sounded so real. I was on the phone with the Nurse and all was well. Message? I can only believe in it, there is no harm, there is much to gain. I am avoiding “primitive camping” for now only to have the ability to be reached when needed and this “Cadillac Park” is truly one of the most beautiful one we have been in. It feels as “home” to us, shaded site till late afternoon, quiet as only listening to the birds, the frogs and bullfrogs sounding like a heard of cows calling each other. The rides are of many, we have only been to the Gooseneck and Mexican Hat, we are taking it easy, Valley of the Gods will be next and an area filled with Hoodoos only locals know about. We have been here before, this is landscape and a space (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/) I never get tired of.
Till next time...

Be safe and well.
Peace, Love and Courage.

Ara & Spirit

beemerchef

06-11-2011, 10:40 PM

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/i-Qk6MbLj/0/L/i-Qk6MbLj-L.jpg

The Silhouettes... “Valley of the Gods”, Utah

Again, so fitting. “Valley of the Gods”. So near by when the sweet nurse's voice announced as I almost dropped the phone “no cancer”. Life came back rushing in with the strength of a hurricane force, my heart missed a couple beats, “are you sure....” I kept asking. With such high PSA numbers I can only see this as a miracle or as otherwise the Medical Field trying to continuously scare us “men” of a certain age. The ride, the always magical loop on this 17 mile dirt road was then of the best I have ever experienced. Priorities suddenly changed, “living” again and again came at the forefront of my soul, just living, nothing else truly now matters. We are still near by, we now have a mechanical problem with “Old Faithful” which I guess decided “well, if you are OK it is now my turn...”. I have no clue yet, could be throughout the transmission or the final drive, we might have to backtrack into the heat of Tucson for some repair. Seems this summer all has been delayed for our northern arrival... but then again, who cares! I am alive, Spirit will have to put up with me a bit longer, that is all that matters. Thank you for all that have send me your prayers and your incredible well wishes. Enjoy the Video and more photos on the Journal. (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)Be safe and well.
Peace, Love and Courage.

Ara & Spirit

Jim K in PA

06-12-2011, 12:43 AM

Fantastic! Great news! I thought of you today as I was driving to my mother's house to do some plumbing for her. I had an image of you, and the nurse was talking to you on the phone. These things happen to me from time to time. I never know whether they are real or not.

I am now entering that "certain age" when those same numbers are monitored. I resent it, only because it is an explicit representation of aging. But, the alternative to aging is less desirable.

Congratulations to you (and Spirit!). Fix the bike, then ride, live, love, enjoy.

beemerchef

06-12-2011, 02:41 AM

trailsurfer

06-12-2011, 04:09 AM

beemerchef

06-12-2011, 04:18 AM

There is a great BMW mechanic over in Mancos (Durango), Harry, at Basin Motorcycle Works. They do a great job and are very reasonable. And, they are close by, less than 2 hours from where you currently are staying. 970 533-7005.

I know Harry! I forgot about him... I will call him... Thanks for the reminder! Tucson is not that that far, but... too HOT for Spirit as we would have to do some night riding...
Thanks again... be well... Ara & Spirit

trailsurfer

06-12-2011, 04:26 AM

He is closed Sunday and Monday, so don't be surprised if he takes a bit to get back to you. Good luck!

He has moved in the last couple of years and he is located in Mancos right in the middle of town directly on Highway 160.

beemerchef

06-16-2011, 04:33 PM

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/i-97NCCGF/0/L/i-97NCCGF-L.jpg
Help needed in Tucson, down for some major repairs. AZ

A difficult entry, thoughts traversing right and left, the fear of not being able to cover the repairs. As it stands right now, we cannot. It is the big one. We only have a few days ahead while staying at a Friend's house, the heat is intense here in Tucson and no transportation. I swallowed my pride in this new entry and in the Journal asking for help (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/) comparing these 658 chapters written these past almost 5 years, thousands of photos, maps, a few recipes, as the physical entity of a few Coffee Table Books, a subscription for a magazine? We are cornered. A couple days ago, only 50 miles into our ride the rear wheel locked, foreign loud noises of metal coming to pieces, I knew it was going to be it for a while. Our Dear Friend “Dean” drove 780 miles these past two days to get us to Tucson at the “Iron Horse” BMW Motorcycle Dealer. Amazing how Life has it's valleys and peaks... It was not long ago awaiting for biopsy results on myself, today it is awaiting for a different kind of mechanical illness to be taken care off. I am hoping to have this ability to appeal to our readers, I know at this point the future path depends on you, it truly does. It was an interesting concept how “Old Faithful” was put on the trailer and taken off. Many have already been involved through this process of getting her here hoping for many more to get her out of here and get us going again.

Be safe and well.
Peace, Love and Courage.

Ara & Spirit

cellularsteve2

06-18-2011, 02:19 PM

Thank You for all your contributions. I just started reading your journal about 2 weeks ago and can't stop.

Paypal contribution sent.

Take care!

beemerchef

06-21-2011, 08:58 PM

Thank you, Thank you.... we are rolling and more, see below, great news!

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/i-nC4HtM4/0/L/i-nC4HtM4-L.jpg

Upcoming "Ron Howard Movie" finalist... Please vote for us....

Could you vote for us in this photo contest which we are a finalist to be chosen as a "theme" for an upcoming Ron Howard Movie? 2 days left...
There are 29 photos left in this Worldwide contest. We are one of them in the "relationship" category! (of course...). Here are the instructions (they could have made it easier!). Don't try any other way...

Open the link and click on "Enter Gallery" in the middle left. Scroll with the "right top arrow" next to the film strip and you will find our photo, one click will do. Our photo will come up as a thumbnail, click on the photo, the photo will come up and you can vote for us... please...
Here is the link

http://www.youtube.com/Imagination

THANK YOU....

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/i-GjQt8Hs/0/L/i-GjQt8Hs-L.jpg

Overwhelmed. “Old Faithful” rides on... AZ

All this happened too fast almost. The breakdown, 2 days to get to Tucson on a trailer, an outpouring wave of help and suddenly as fast seemingly as it happened “Old Faithful” is back on the road. “Iron Horse” in Tucson overwhelmed me, their handle on the situation has been exceptional. What a sweet sight it has been of “Old Faithful” in my Friend's garage while she is being “harnessed” again ready to take off Thursday morning. Boulder/Escalante in Utah... we have been trying to get there for it seems weeks now! The biopsy, the breakdown, this time it is a green light toward the weeks ahead rekindling our relationship with Mother Nature. So many have come forward as I sit here thanking everyone individually. It might take some time but it will get done.
Tucson has been hot, hot for us, and the only “drive” was up one morning very early, Father's Day, up Arivaca Road which is also the road many locals ride. It was too early for any other vehicle, I needed some time alone to reminisce on my past times with Lance while the Sunrise, a beautiful one, was taking place on this Day always filled with the past memories. What a week it has been.
Finally up is part III video of our Valley of the Gods (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)ride and the sunrise photos...
“Thank you” all that have come forward, those two words will never be enough.

Be safe and well.
Peace, Love and Courage.

Ara & Spirit

cruiseroutfit

06-22-2011, 05:21 AM

Ara, say the word if things get rough again. Your many friends @ ExpeditionUtah would love to help, sorry I didn't see it sooner. Keep on doing your thing my friend!

beemerchef

06-28-2011, 08:54 PM

Ara, say the word if things get rough again. Your many friends @ ExpeditionUtah would love to help, sorry I didn't see it sooner. Keep on doing your thing my friend!

Thank you Kurt, we are fine now, things just did not go quite as Plan B wanted... Better Plan next time!
And thanks for those who voted. The photo is in the top 10 amongst 59,000 entries. More to know in a few weeks...

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/i-ZJDqMhB/0/L/i-ZJDqMhB-L.jpg

Imprisoned in my Freedom. Escalante. UT

The weather! HOT. Too hot for Spirit, a bit too much for me, sadly enough as we have just arrived in this area we will leave tomorrow morning, stop in Salt Lake City for a rear tire and make a B line for “Glacier”. It is unlike us to do so, but late moving on North Mother Nature is being a bit rough on us. Daytime is a furnace, it leaves a bit of early morning and evening maybe cooling off barely before Sunset. That is just how it goes these days. No complains though, we are mobile again and one more time “Thank You” for all that have rescued us, as there is no other word for it. I am still trying to “Thank” everyone individually, I will get there eventually as all is always only a matter of time. Riding again brings on many thoughts. The word “Freedom” has been bouncing around and around as today turning 63 (and Spirit “7”) I am realizing that there can never be a turning around, it is too late to go back ever to a Life which is not what it is today even if so at times like the present, Mother Nature forces us to move on from a space I so much love being. More on the Journal just posted... (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)Be safe and well.
Peace, Love and Courage.

Ara & Spirit

beemerchef

07-06-2011, 07:45 PM

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/i-wbJkPdj/0/L/i-wbJkPdj-L.jpg

Up to the Tetons, WY

We are now 20 miles away from Cody, east of it, still “out there” and yet Internet, phone connection, power, water, all is now available. No Bears and Mosquitoes! We spend a few days without it all as we do quite often, a primitive campsite off Grassy Lake Road, by “Flag Ranch” in the Tetons, the switch is always a shock to the mind. The more time we spend “off grid” the harder it is to face this screen and yet, I enjoy it, I enjoy sharing the path we have taken, the photos trying to convey a certain sense of another reality we have embraced. This was the first we explored the “Tetons” and what magnificent space it is with it's snow covered peaks, more snow this year than ever, the “Snake River” near by within a few feet (reason for the Mosquitoes!) playing it's constant melody so soothing inducing a good night sleep as never before. It was a slice of Paradise as now we we look for another one, and another one! “Bear's Tooth Pass”. We have been here before, it is on our way north to the Glacier and hopefully a bit of Canada as long as we can handle the logistics. A few favorite photos now on the Journal (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)have made their way... this technology does not cease to amaze me...
Till next time...

Be safe and well.
Peace, Love and Courage.

Ara & Spirit

Jim K in PA

07-06-2011, 09:05 PM

beemerchef

07-11-2011, 07:01 PM

Ahh, the Tetons. A wonderful place to be. My family and I were just there about this time last year. Snake river, Elk preserve, Signal mountain. Great memories. I look forward to seeing those mountains again. I am very glad you are back on the road again, Ara.

Thank you Jim...

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/i-p4bnffD/0/L/i-p4bnffD-L.jpg

Camping with “The Adventure Trio”, WY

It does not happen often for us to camp with others. No one has the time or takes it, more important generally is more the emphasis on the distance covered leaving on the wayside the quality of the “moments”, fast forward is the blur of the road with only the fact which can then indeed be pronounced “ we have been here and there...”. “Sandy”, “Terry” and their soon to be 10 year old “Jack” are on a different tangent smelling and feeling the road, and yes, they also put on the miles, they know how to balance it all with their outgoing message “you can also do it...”. It was a good time, a very good time cooking, chatting, exchanging the road stories as many they always are. A couple dinners, a ride nearing the Grand Tetons, shopping for provisions, a bit of fishing for Jack (never caught anything as my frying pan was ready!), a bit more of guitar playing, our own incredible display of lightning and thunder on the Fourth of July and plenty of Photos... all on the Journal (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/) for now, looking for a better connection to upload a video I took while riding behind them. So long my “Friends”, soon again I hope...

Be safe and well.
Peace, Love and Courage.

Ara & Spirit

beemerchef

07-18-2011, 12:16 AM

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/i-4dk9hq7/0/L/i-4dk9hq7-L.jpg

“Logging Creek, MT and “Footprints from Wyoming”

So last week for some rare moments my true anger rose to the surface as invited to a campground, Spirit gets attacked by a dog, owner who had been warned, owners, a couple working on the premises, both “alcoholics”, a pathetic path of Life they are on. Turns out the owner of the campground also is. Amazing how these people congregates. Even more amazing is how I fell into that unpleasant situation. Spirit is fine, saved by my foot and his leash. It was a close call. That is where the title “Footprints from Wyoming” came from. It was a dark time. We then moved on quickly to the “Logging Creek” Campground (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/), our last entry, found by my nose, an isolated primitive campground off #89 before “Great Falls”, MT, this after some incredible riding through “Lewis and Clark” Forest. I actually think we saw them, they are everywhere from East to West, from Washington and Oregon to even California I think. The gravel roads where exceptionally well taken care off showing a network of them on the map, firewood was plentiful, water from a creek, white tail deer visiting the site, not bear visits... It has been the other side of the coin, peaceful days with only a few storms here and there in the late afternoons.

Be safe and well.
Peace, Love and Courage.

Ara & Spirit

beemerchef

07-26-2011, 03:00 AM

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/i-9CTJnNm/0/L/i-9CTJnNm-L.jpg

“Logan's Pass”, Glacier National Park, MT

I realize our Journal is chronologically off as connections on the road are not quite often readily available and for more reason, as I write this, we have already left the “Glacier” sitting for a couple of days in Lander, WY. I have been feeling defeated by the swarms of mosquitoes taking away any sense of being there, campsite that is, within the moments, instead fighting off the waves of those annoying creatures, spraying clothing with 100% Deet and watching Spirit himself while covered with Eucalytus-Lemon spray being attacked to no end. Many have come forward with other possible solutions, nothing, meaning “nothing” has worked. The bottom line? Move on for now. On the other side of the coin it was one of the best rides ever from East Glacier to Lander. Back roads to no end, a good tail wind, even the ride through Yellowstone and Tetons on a Sunday afternoon was of a fast pace without too many cars stopping in the middle of their lanes to watch and photograph a squirrel go by. Where from here? With the constant thought of staying cool, Colorado sounds like an attractive space for a while, higher elevations, and who knows, maybe the mosquitoes will be of the old breed... a bit tamer.
Enjoy the photos and a video through Logan's Pass. (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/) The lower part playing this time.

Be safe and well.
Peace, Love and Courage.

Ara & Spirit

beemerchef

08-01-2011, 02:28 PM

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/i-LXWhsG6/0/L/i-LXWhsG6-L.jpg

Jane's smile. Heartfelt. AZ

The miles are running away as we dropped in the heat of July into Tucson for some matters I have to attend. No escape from this and already from a couple days in this urban space I am kicking the ground to get back up North in a few days, by the end of this coming week. The ride was uncommonly for us fast paced, we managed to stay at higher elevation and good fortune was with us even going through Moab with cooler temperatures. Amazing. I personally do not find any feat into running up the numbers on “Old Faithful”, I understand long distance riding is a flavor, it is a flavor we had to a bit taste while 1400 miles went by in three days. It was however a true feat and almost inexplicable feelings when I read on the way, on the first day while resting on the side of the road an e mail send to us (as Spirit is always included) which started as such...
“Ara
I love your website, pictures and Spirit. I too [as Lance did] have terminal cancer and when I am down, all I do is pull up your website. I’m sure Lance was thinking of you as I am of my children and try to encourage them to do all things right and true and keep the Lord in your day...”
Her name is “Jane” and she rode with us for the rest of the way with thoughts ambushing each other with no avail of rest, the impact turned the path upside down as here I was mildly putting it, a bit “unhappy” about our new course, how quickly I felt one can loose it's priorities when voicing such non important aspects of Life. The Journey, the writing, the photos, Spirit, Old Faithful, all the components seemed to have blossomed into others path and so well worth it if even it was to procure one smile, “Jane's smile”. (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)
Be safe and well.
Peace, Love and Courage.

Ara & Spirit

beemerchef

08-04-2011, 11:50 PM

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/i-D9RWZjL/0/L/i-D9RWZjL-L.jpg

My “Mistress”, the Road. AZ

Realizations do not take up much time in this element of Life, consciousness does, the inner battle often not wanting fully to realize the deeply rooted presence of an aspect one cannot anymore escape. We are for another day in Tucson, I could not avoid having to come back for some personal matters needing prompt attention, and within this go around here, there is now not an ounce of doubt, a full understanding that we will never be again filled with the ability to remotely survive while the call of the road is left behind. I have surrendered without a battle to such concept as amazing as it could be, seeing a constant horizon ahead with no end in sight, no gates and no doors and no locks as all a free passage even if so the stage is of a universal one, those are the components for a forward momentum too late to now stop. It is as a daily taste which has turned into a must, a need I could say as these days present again are as my breathing is curtailed from the lack of my own personal Life support. We dropped 1400 miles in about 3 days. We managed to stay at higher elevation and Karma took care of us in lower elevations throughout an unusual cool day even going through Moab, Bluff, the lower plains. It was a great ride with the winds carrying us on. (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/) Be safe and well.
Peace, Love and Courage.

Ara & Spirit

beemerchef

08-10-2011, 12:18 AM

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/i-sDqwDcT/0/L/i-sDqwDcT-L.jpg

I can think, on Muley Point. UT

Colorado bound, yet cool weather, quick thinking at the last chance, the last intersection I could make a left instead of a right and Muley Point, Utah, it was. A few cars at the first look out, no one at the last one, the one I call “The Point of the Point”. What a gift it has been, great temperatures, a nice wind blowing away, almost cold throughout the night and a few photos, Sunset, Sunrise, a new painting for every moment passed. It was a need more than anything else after a few days in Tucson and the heat almost intolerable. We “are” headed toward Colorado, the high altitudes, the passes we can ride, a space we can find where we will settle for a while. We have been moving around too much, there is balance I feel we have lost and the necessary steps are ahead to regain it. To start with the ability to think, as Muley Point has allowed me to do so. The hottest month of the year it is, it is for us the only solution to maintain composure on this path we are on, up and up. Enjoy the photos... (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/) Be safe and well.
Peace, Love and Courage.

Ara & Spirit

Mad Max

08-12-2011, 04:21 PM

beemerchef

08-16-2011, 12:26 PM

Ara and Spirit,
Great to here that the two of you have found peace on CO. It sounds like you have had a rough go it at over the last few months! I noticed that your in Ridgeway today and wondered if you had any good recommendations for primitive campsites? Amber , Logan and I plan to make a loop (Sep 10-20) from Benson, AZ to Moab then Telluride/ Ouray area, then return home. I have camped near Moab but never in SW Colorado. If there is a perfect spot for beauty and solitude, I am sure you have found it!

Be safe,
Paul

Just got back from Beaver Creek Lake, plenty of primitive sites on CR858. Check it out... Nice...

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/i-GWmfwzJ/0/L/i-GWmfwzJ-L.jpg

Beaver Lake, Co.

A picture perfect space and weather and all. Colorado in the summer at higher altitudes is a gem, almost cold at night! As always “Nature” brings on much thoughts unlike this one time World Traveler who told me not to ask myself any questions about Life as it would bring answers and so, more questions. He shall remain nameless. All in such space is in such parallel of mind and body, present times and past memories, some future thoughts, nights and days as all passes on at it's designated speed one moment at the time. We are back in Ouray for one night and back on the road in the morning toward Crested Butte as being there a couple years ago without a chance to really explore it's own spaces. I remember snow throughout those days which I am sure will be melted this month. Spirit as always is having the time of his Life, abundant smells and the cool weather always suit him best. All is well... going down the chosen and sometimes unplanned roads, thinking some and not thinking some but always lots of photos! (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/) Be safe and well.
Peace, Love and Courage.

Ara & Spirit

beemerchef

08-24-2011, 09:33 PM

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/i-2FM3wmH/0/L/i-2FM3wmH-L.jpg

Crested Butte, Lost Lake... more... Co.

The depth of the spaces present have deepened, magic it has been and like floating on those cottonball clouds we witness daily, we are emerging from the bowels of this Journey, time escaping unavailing me to come here and check with my good Friends of this Forum their own ongoing summer. There seem to be always the occasion to post an entry into the Journal as all is written on my phone off line and my photos are moved on also off line with now the help of portable solar power. A couple entries later, here we are again on this pages while physically in and around Lake City, San Cristobal Lake, reminiscing about those past entries when camped at Lost Lake and also visiting more than once Crested Butte, CO. We have been to Colorado before! Why is it only now the repercussions of it's space conductive to my seeking have come forward? Maybe we were not looking deep enough, maybe we were not ready. So many roads, so many dirt roads, lakes, little towns each with their own charm, so much more... and so many photos. (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/) Be safe and well.
Peace, Love and Courage.

Ara & Spirit

Mad Max

08-29-2011, 06:14 PM

beemerchef

08-29-2011, 09:41 PM

Ara,
We plan to take a road trip to SW Colorado leaving AZ Sep. 9th. We will keep an eye on your Spot location and if your still close, hopefully, we will meet ya for a cup of coffee or a meal. It will be on us! Stay safe.
Paul

WE are unfortunately headed to TX for a couple days, then CA till end of the month. Part of a sponsorship I have accepted! There goes September in CO!!! Next year...
Visit Texas!!! We will be there this winter... coffee on me! Ara & Spirit

beemerchef

08-30-2011, 11:25 AM

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/i-CdgFNnn/0/L/i-CdgFNnn-L.jpg

Lake City, Lake San Cristobal, CO.

There is as a medical condition while being on the road, a “malady” I call it. The path of the mind becomes wide open emptying itself from the mundane traffic jams, the imperceptible fills up it's space, the detailed lightly brushed surroundings suddenly become the deepening aspect of what one notices. What I notice anyhow... It is as a different Life takes effect, different values, colors and even smells unlike a path I cannot even remember from the past even if so exposed to it at times while running through towns and cities when such becomes a must.
Amongst all the towns we have gone through, Lake City has taken a forefront seat. So has Lake San Cristobal where we had the good fortune camping high up perched on the cliffs about maybe at the most 15 feet away from the ledge. From the Lake toward Creede and South Fork, all in between, dozens of unpaved roads await each with their own silhouettes of a mountain set as always incredible backgrounds.
It is endless truly, so endless that I think next summer such roads will be seeing us for a few months enticed also by the permanent cool weather present.
The photos for sure have been fun to take... (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)
Be safe and well.
Peace, Love and Courage.

Ara & Spirit

beemerchef

09-07-2011, 02:32 PM

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/i-TkNMLLK/0/L/i-TkNMLLK-L.jpg

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

Moving on fast lately. From Colorado to a few “HOT” days at “The Oasis”, back in Tucson and at the present time nearing San Luis Obispo for a few days. Will be dropping to San Diego next week for a few needed nights and finally on back to Texas... I think! The imprints are of many, they are now marked on the map for some return visits when the times will be more leisurely as I will announce soon the reason for all this traveling, which I do not call “living on the road”. Such an incredible diversity this Country offers I realize when such occasion makes us go the miles with a pace we are truly not use to. Yet as I have given us plenty of a head start the days do linger and the many miles in big numbers are not needed. Texas was of an oven turned up on convection, it was one of those rare and actually unique time for us to be there. Like a hammer it dropped on our heads but we made it as we will the rest of this route. We will see the Ocean today, the Beaches, always a soothing time and hopefully some cooler weather.
Los Cruces was a nice stop for us with our Friends. Jake took the time to take us to his favorite own personal space, some desolate BLM Land not too far.
Enjoy the photos... (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)keep checking the new entries, sometimes the connection are rare and my visits to this Forum becomes difficult.Sometimes...

Be safe and well.
Peace, Love and Courage.

Ara & Spirit

beemerchef

09-13-2011, 04:30 AM

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/i-bBvHg77/0/L/i-bBvHg77-L.jpg

Rocks, Wind and Water... CA

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

Peace, Love and Courage.

Ara & Spirit

www.theoasisofmysoul.com

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/ Our Photo Gallery in the works...

5th year on the road under the Stars

beemerchef

09-20-2011, 05:26 PM

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/i-FGTCdv3/0/L/i-FGTCdv3-L.jpg

Southbound in California...

Sitting in San Diego right now for a few days, more precisely “Chula Vista”, awaiting for this final leg of what I feel a whirlwind passage through California. I still feel as being in a different country! We detoured through Davis for a few days visiting some Dear Friends of ours, we even stopped in Los Angeles, I think it was Sherman Oaks spending then one afternoon in “Venice Beach”, being driven luckily as I don't think we would have made it out of the Freeways in one piece and now here. Back to Tucson in a few days, Show Low and even a stop in Phoenix for a quick repair next week. These days even with much anticipated apprehension have been as chapters playing within this path so different for us and the thought alone of “The Oasis” awaiting for us I must say calms me down. Spirit himself now has been quiet, this also is not his element, what a patient being he has been all along. I think we will manage to go back as we did a few years ago to “Anza Borrego”, catch a Sunset, practice a bit of deep breathing while away from it all even if it is just for one day...
Enjoy the photos, (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)from the Wine Country, Highway #1, Venice Beach and more...

Be safe and well.

Peace, Love and Courage.

Ara & Spirit

www.theoasisofmysoul.com
http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/ Our Photo Gallery in the works...

5th year on the road under the Stars

beemerchef

09-29-2011, 03:57 AM

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/i-PRTQV2S/0/L/i-PRTQV2S-L.jpg

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

I can only think good “Karma” when today “Old Faithful” is following behind us toward Texas. An “ECamper” from “Ursa Minor Vehicles” in Chula Vista, CA, on an “all wheel drive” Honda Element, lifted 3 inches by CCM in San Luis Obispo. Feels very strange. Yet, the road beat us up these past years and from point A to point B this will be a shelter, well, maybe “deserved”? Park anywhere and in less than one minute the pillow will find it's place and so will Spirit's cushion and blanket and warmth when needed. Not a permanent fixture, we will mix it up at times continuing with “Old Faithful”, at times as I see snow photos in my mind, with “Sherpa” alone, often the complete convoy!
It is winter approaching and this new Friend is more than welcome. I keep thinking daily positive feelings while planted on this path chosen and one after another the generosity of many does not cease to amaze me. The breakdown not long ago with a list of contributors I have finally started to thank personally, the negative results of a biopsy, and now “Sherpa” opening new horizons of Adventures within a vast array of destinations independent from harsh weathers.
We shall be back at “The Oasis” in a couple of days literally picking up the pieces of our tent that has blown away, did not withstand 100mph+ winds! Did not expect it. I was lazy to put away this monster whose fabric alone weighs 86lbs... Will now put up a smaller one and use the wood stove as a smoker much needed... It always works out.
More on the Journal... (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)
Be safe and well.

Peace, Love and Courage.

Ara & Spirit

www.theoasisofmysoul.com
http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/ Our Photo Gallery in the works...

5th year on the road under the Stars

LowTech

10-03-2011, 04:43 PM

beemerchef

10-03-2011, 05:24 PM

I can see it now . . . another few years and you'll be up to our level of rigs :smiley_drive:

Glad you're doing well.

I'm in the process of getting myself back from N. Nev.

Travel well my friend :sombrero:

Low Tech!!! so glad you wrote... I was in your neighborhood coming out of Joshua about 3 weeks ago and I went around and around looking for you guys!!! I even asked a road maintenance guy about you... I should have gone back to town and check the Forum and find you!!! Next time for sure...
E mail me!

BTW, I was going to say the same thing about you... getting UP to my level... :sombrero:

Be well... OX III? May 18th? Flagstaff... yes?

Ara & Spirit

beemerchef

10-05-2011, 04:06 AM

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/i-vRp6sfz/0/L/i-vRp6sfz-L.jpg

A speechless Stage... Hwy # 79, AZ

We are at “The Oasis”... we made it, trying to sort “things” out and pick up the pieces of this tent blown away by a choleric Mother Nature one night. Actually strange enough I don't see it anymore, the beauty of the surroundings and the calmness that lives here surpasses this bit of destruction.
But my last entry was taken on this Highway which gifted us that afternoon and evening with a Sunset show unparalleled from times past. So much so, we found a side road and stood there for the longest time mesmerized by the changing cloud formations, lights as on a dimmer switch ending up as an almost glaring orange on the road past a bit of rain, the birds in unison in concert and the coyotes applauding. It was just one of those times which will forever be remembered. This is of course after hitting a sand storm a few miles before giving that particular stage an eerie feeling, something one will only see in the Movies!
Time is again escaping me, an easy task here while making it all habitable but definitely not unpacking...
Enjoy the photos. (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)
Be safe and well.
Peace, Love and Courage.

Ara & Spirit

beemerchef

10-12-2011, 11:33 PM

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/i-F9fp7dG/0/L/i-F9fp7dG-L.jpg

A Birthday filled with “Hope”. TX

This week has not been about riding. A big weight descends always on Lance's Birthday, the mind takes a path always unexpected nourished only from this avenue we embraced 5 years ago. I go back 34 years when my flesh and blood screaming and rambling already in his own ways suddenly appeared, I was not aware at the time he would be such an Old Soul staying around only long enough to give me some of his wisdom and pave today's moments, the present and near past. I today so much realize the Wealth within he has given me. The ability emanating from my own desire to roam and take in Mother Nature's constant offerings, my Buddy Spirit, my constant shadow and immediate support never for one instant failing with his own gifts, my constant growing list of Friends unknown not so long ago showering me with always kind words, support and understanding of maybe this “odd” path we are on and with “hope” that myself am worthy of their time and relationship.
Today is such a special day, I can close my eyes and relive that day past, the one justifiably we call “Birth Day” for now I understand also all of the right reasons. A quiet day. Moment by moment after a Sunrise ride on Aqua Fria Rd yesterday. A beautiful simple Sunrise to celebrate this very special week. (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)

Be well, always.

Ara and Spirit

GREENI

10-21-2011, 03:58 PM

beemerchef

10-21-2011, 11:34 PM

As I'm a newbie on ExPo, I still feel bad I've only just found your adventures.

I'm gonna take some time and read it from the beginning.

Beautiful story, so well written and fantastic pictures, Mrs Greeni and I have enjoyed looking at this whole thread, we need to sit and read it now.

Best wishes from the UK

Be safe.

Thank you, you are very kind. Would love to ship "Old Faithful" overseas maybe next year and start a RTW... maybe! Have to get through this winter first. Have fun... :)

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/i-6MdTZ3Z/1/L/i-6MdTZ3Z-L.jpg

Days of “Paradise”. TX

Romancing the Road surfaces within these present times when the feel and the act of the season changes are imminent. When suddenly there is a table ahead of me and not a handlebar. When I am reading in the darkness of the evening which approaches by the day faster, others past rides, drives, hikes. When the maps are laid out instead of a glance toward a GPS and slowly eyes half closed, head resting on a pillow the imagination runs wild and the questions of if we have been here or there arises to no end. A cold spell was welcome a few days ago, again the heat has come back yet without it's past degrees, however enough to harbor shade with a big welcome. I feel as we are in between costume changes, as the stage is turning around on it's own axis not quiet yet and smooth on gears which makes her hesitate.
“Mariscal Mines” in the Big Bend Park had been calling since last winter. We could not make due with the present road. We end up in the heat of “Terlingua Abaja” instead, a road a bit friendlier. The Sunrise at “Santa Elena Canyon” one morning offered a state of mind unlike any others while within the solitude of the tall rocks. It offered photos I now cherish, the ones which bring me the coolness of that morning. A ride to one of my favorite little town “Alpine” discovering “Murphy Street” which slowly is dressing up in vivacious colors.
The heated gear will be out soon... no doubt, I now feel it throughout every night.
The writing goes on, the photos show up and a couple entries later standing in the middle of this vast one million acre land here we are!

Be well, always.

Ara and Spirit

www.theoasisofmysoul.com The Journal
www.beemerchef.smugmug.com The Photos

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

bobDog

10-22-2011, 02:49 AM

You know, I'm starting to think you spoil that dog.......really.:coffeedrink:

beemerchef

10-22-2011, 02:59 AM

Of course I do... he spoils "me" a lot!... Best Buddy ever. :):):)

Ara and Spirit

beemerchef

10-31-2011, 08:58 PM

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/i-nRmSNXP/0/M/i-nRmSNXP-M.jpg

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

It is Halloween night... I doubt anyone will find us while out “trick or treating”... Maybe “we” should go there as it seems this year everyone is really going all out for the fun. Maybe a sign of the times trying to put away the daily increasing burdens which too much I think is being written all over the place...
A few rides in Big Bend National Park lately, we love riding those roads, we love being spoken rudely by a Ranger as he even makes a fist branding it back and forth to show me how to restrain Spirit on a leash as he was going to start boxing... and that is without even getting out of his car. I have no clue why “we” have to pay the price almost ruining our moments only because of other irresponsible ones and their Dogs. But, whatever... Smile and go on it was. I only nodded, words were not needed.
It will be the “Day of the Dead” Celebration soon in a couple evenings. Always a special night at Terlingua's “Ghost Town” with many Friends, much food, music and I hope the annual bonfire...
Spending much time trying to fill and put the finishing touches to this “one-pan recipe” store. Everything as in Life takes twice as long as imagined and twice as hard. Should be soon if I was told the codes (???) decide to cooperate. We are so due for some unknown destination once all is settled as the weather has finally turned just right. Perfect I would say.
More photos of the Ghost Town (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/) we stopped by last night to witness an incredible Sunset and also Part II of our ride on River Rd last week.

Be well, always.

Ara and Spirit

www.theoasisofmysoul.com The Journal
www.beemerchef.smugmug.com The Photos

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

GREENI

11-01-2011, 01:32 PM

Fab:)

beemerchef

11-08-2011, 03:22 PM

Fab:)

Thanks!

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/i-P2sHpCk/0/L/i-P2sHpCk-L.jpg

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

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

Be well, always.

Ara and Spirit

beemerchef

11-12-2011, 04:52 PM

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/i-vk2csFR/0/L/i-vk2csFR-L.jpg

All in a detour... TX

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

Be well, always.

Ara and Spirit

www.theoasisofmysoul.com The Journal
www.beemerchef.smugmug.com The Photos

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

Bigbendhiker

11-13-2011, 01:38 AM

beemerchef

11-16-2011, 03:43 PM

Reading your post reminded me of a backpacking trip I took some years back with my Collie at the time. We backpacked around the outer loop taking our time to enjoy the scenery. We camped overnight 2 nights. Of course I carried my provisions and his.

I envy you traveling in the Big Bend and Alpine areas. They are among my favorites.

I don't know where you are going next, but I always stop at Balmorhea State Park on my return trip to the Dallas area. http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/findadest/parks/balmorhea/ It breaks up the drive and I enjoy camping in the desert and its dry air with the Davis Mountains nearby. There is a natural spring that feeds a wetlands area and there is also a huge pool built back in the depression era by the CCC. You can swim in the pool year round and many people scuba dive there due to the clear water.

Hi, and thanks for writing. We have been at the Pool a couple times! that is something else. We also have Friends in Davis. Next we will go back to the State Park which IS Dog Friendly!!! and always have volunteers cooking a good meal... Who knows! I might also... Let us know if ever close by sometime.

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/i-6rs2D7F/0/L/i-6rs2D7F-L.jpg

Soul Shuffling... TX

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

Be well, always.

Ara and Spirit

www.theoasisofmysoul.com The Journal
www.beemerchef.smugmug.com The Photos

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

beemerchef

11-21-2011, 06:57 PM

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/i-NmGVRdV/0/L/i-NmGVRdV-L.jpg

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

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

Be well, always.

Ara and Spirit

www.theoasisofmysoul.com The Journal
www.beemerchef.smugmug.com The Photos

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

GREENI

11-21-2011, 10:26 PM

I looked to see if you did a 'one pan' book, Mrs Greeni would of loved that on Christmas morning.
Just a thought ;-)

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
www.staffordshire4x4.com

beemerchef

11-25-2011, 09:04 PM

I looked to see if you did a 'one pan' book, Mrs Greeni would of loved that on Christmas morning.
Just a thought ;-)

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
www.staffordshire4x4.com

Mr GREENI... a book is difficult because I like to add recipes as I go... Like right now there are 4 I am adding soon. It is the reason PDF downloadable works well, you can get it and... make your own book. I could send you a bow for Xmas for the Mrs...

Be well, Ara and Spirit

GREENI

11-25-2011, 10:23 PM

Well cheers Ara, I may hold you to that :)
You made Mrs Greeni smile.

I'll wait until you have the 4 more recipes up and get them downloaded.
Stay safe.

beemerchef

11-29-2011, 06:24 PM

Well cheers Ara, I may hold you to that :)
You made Mrs Greeni smile.

I'll wait until you have the 4 more recipes up and get them downloaded.
Stay safe.

20 now... Will keep adding as I keep eating!!! :chef:

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/i-L755p5n/0/L/i-L755p5n-L.jpg

“TASCATE 2”... A Star? Yes... TX

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

Be well, always.

Ara and Spirit

www.theoasisofmysoul.com The Journal
www.beemerchef.smugmug.com The Photos

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

GREENI

12-01-2011, 06:56 PM

11 menu's purchased :-)

beemerchef

12-01-2011, 08:53 PM

11 menu's purchased :-)

Let me know how you find them...
I will see which ones when it goes through. Feedback will always be appreciated...
Ara and Spirit

PS: it is all good... enjoy. You have no idea how much I dislike... computers!!!

beemerchef

12-05-2011, 03:38 PM

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On “Oasis” time, our time… TX

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

Enjoy the video… (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)

Be well, always.

Ara and Spirit

www.theoasisofmysoul.com The Journal

www.beemerchef.smugmug.com The Photos

5 years, the Stars, living under them…

beemerchef

12-12-2011, 03:27 AM

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/i-tpN8CLP/0/L/i-tpN8CLP-L.jpg

And another Sunday in and around Terlingua. TX

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

Be well, always.

Ara and Spirit

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

5 years, the Stars, living under them…

beemerchef

12-16-2011, 11:51 PM

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Roller Coaster Days... Austin, TX

I differ agreeing with some to the fact that my Journal can be controversial. I do agree with the fact if awaiting for a physical ride report, it is just not it. It can be very boring for the ones that search for such pages within the ones I have written. I think photos left untold can portray better than words. How many times could I have written “We rode 176 miles, stopped to eat a Cheeseburger and drunk a Coke, we got fueled up, the Sun was bright, the engine roared at over 100mph... and we almost hit a cow” and on and on... It is not. I simply think if it is the case, everyone is then on “controversial” as each of us are so uniquely molded to be who we are, do what we do and think how we think. There are not two alike individuals. It is what makes the Spice of this Life. Everyone has their own intricate path coming and going and everyone is riding this roller coaster we are on, up and down, fast and slow. I just happen to write as such for each turn of the wheels. Our wheels. That is about all so very plainly said. I run away from controversy, as fast as we can...
I always take away and remain with good memories as was our few days in Austin. I instantly went on overload mode, it went away. Outstanding hospitality, Friends taking us out on the town and foremost Ardys “One Million Mile” ridden Celebration at “Lone Star BMW” Dealer in conjunction with their Christmas Holiday Open House with such an incredible array of food.
Now back at “The Oasis” after a good old time ride, meaning cold, rain and fog, I am nursing this cold and sore throat! Everything comes to a halt... Spirit has to also endure my lethargic time for now.
Maybe too many photos on the Journal today! (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)

Be well, always.

Ara and Spirit

GREENI

12-17-2011, 08:24 AM

Hey Ara, I get my 'subscribed' email on my phone as I wake up, so we grab the iPad before we do anything else and read your post and then jump straight onto your Journal to catch up there.

We love reading your journal and love your great photo's, the 'moped/scooter' photo's are just fab.
Wrap up and look after yourself whilst you're sore throat is hitching a ride.
Missus Greeni is now thumbing through your recipes...
Take it easy.

beemerchef

12-17-2011, 03:12 PM

GREENI

12-25-2011, 06:08 AM

Merry Christmas Ara and Spirit, from Steve and Kat x

beemerchef

12-25-2011, 02:47 PM

Merry Christmas Ara and Spirit, from Steve and Kat x

Thank you... Likewise as followed...

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/i-Nk47sXB/0/L/i-Nk47sXB-L.jpg

A “Colorful” Christmas Week... TX

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

Wishing a very Merry Christmas to all our Friends, from Spirit and I, wishing for Life's path to smile on yours with much Health and Happiness as it should be.
It has been a trying week! Finally, a bit late but did it anyhow, a visit to the Dr ending up with a couple shots and much antibiotics which are barely doing now their job making me feel 3/5 human instead of none these past days. Enduring some bitter cold and even snow in Alpine, not happy with the heating solution anymore, something has to change, I know I am getting softer by the year and yet rare are these frozen nights and days.
I feel as these past times have been as a forced mental vacation flowing also on the physical side as efforts are just worthless. Sleep, read, try to eat... repeat! Poor Spirit did not get much of any enjoyment throughout his own days but I think he is happy having also done some catching up on his own sleep... I can hear him snoring right now, a nice and peaceful sound as probably he often hears me as such!
It is on to Terlingua today and have a meal with some good Friends, it is nice and nicer to have access to driving a car!!! I do have a big smile behind the steering wheel when the conditions are this rough. Like a kid driving for the first time... I remember those days.
Enjoy the black and white photos on this “Colorful Christmas”! (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)... stay safe.

Be well, always.

Ara and Spirit

beemerchef

12-30-2011, 12:30 AM

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Strings attached or not?... Texas.

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

This past week has been cooking a private dinner mixed with a slide show and some videos played, some of our experiences, spaces we have lived on. It has been rewarding. So much so I would love to offer more of those and share as such with others throughout the Country we criss cross. It has been a Doctor's visit finally and much medicine to get over this non sense of a bronchitis. Letters from another Traveler questioning his own Journey and my replies... Never a dull moment. (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)
Wishing you all the Best and Happy and Healthy upcoming new 2012 Year...
Be well, always.

Ara and Spirit

beemerchef

01-06-2012, 12:24 AM

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/i-w4JXqzX/0/L/i-w4JXqzX-L.jpg

And which “Face” should we wear? Texas

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

Be well. Ara and Spirit

beemerchef

01-11-2012, 12:56 AM

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

All is a bit overwhelming when I think of so many taking a week off or maybe two, barely enough time to taste what the Road offers. It is overwhelming to feel as we have just left and yet such time has passed on. It does not seem time means anything anymore, only the "moment" does, "now".
A huge Gift (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/) came our way a couple days ago in the form of an incredible time while riding Big Bend National Park. That's Texas. I knew the moments leading to Sunset were going to be spectacular. Cloud formations of all shapes and colors played incessantly in turmoil and at times calm as on cue for each minute passed. “Sotol Look Out” was were I wanted us to be when those final moments took place, when finally through myriads of hues of reds and crimson and magentas and so much more splashed against the skies background.
One of those Days again which will remain forever in the pages of my own memory and one I share here and on the Journal with the photos taken, and a video.

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

beemerchef

01-19-2012, 06:14 PM

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/i-3ccrxk6/0/L/i-3ccrxk6-L.jpg

We will be escaping the January Blues... TX

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

Be well... Always.
Ara and Spirit

WheresMurph

01-23-2012, 05:07 PM

Hey Ara,don't think i've posted on your thread yet,so here I am :-)
Just making sure that we stay in touch before I leave in March to head east to EU for the sidecar and winter rallys.

Murph.

GREENI

01-23-2012, 11:39 PM

Still following :coffee:

beemerchef

01-24-2012, 09:58 PM

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From the “Three Rivers Petroglyphs” site... NM

I think I have seen this Photo in a Magazine. Something about it I like. This whole area is to be liked, this above included within the White Dunes National Monument where we spend the whole day going around and around awaiting an incredible Sunset as the clouds filled the skies to no end. Not quite cold yet, the nights are and wondering how far North we will push. Slowly getting into getting use to such temperatures as I know we have seen nothing dramatic yet. Maybe a mild winter it will be. New Mexico! I always wonder when in a new space why we have never been here? Time and the fashion we travel or more likely live on the road with no schedule and limitations, the days passing by, decisions taken only when a fork is present. Luck again was on our side discovering this isolated BLM Campground only yards away from over 20,000 Petroglyphs and a dirt road into the Sacramento Mountains. We will be here for a while, “a while” having no definition for us...
Enjoy (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)the centuries old “tablets” as I have been calling them. I think they are the original I-Pads!

Be well... Always.
Ara and Spirit

beemerchef

02-03-2012, 11:40 PM

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“Gotta' Keep Movin' on” . NM

Camping at “Three Rivers”, New Mexico, has only been the tip of the iceberg. This great gifted State we have never quite explored before however is still in it's cold state of mind with shorter days increasing the logistical difficulties. Maybe not difficulties, only the discipline getting back to camp for some dinner cooking, feeding Spirit before darkness prevails. Ah! Just short days...
Besides the many branched out unpaved roads present, a single area with over 20,000 Petroglyphs, a little Church at the bottom of the adjacent Mountains where we spend the day on Lance's Eight year passing away Anniversary, one of the main highlights has been the White Sands Dunes National Monuments. Wishing we could have stayed there for days even if the winds sandblasted us and yet having enough reprise to take some photos of the area on a day so lucky with the skies filled with clouds.
A couple entries, (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/) has been quiet times, painful on January 26th, another year ahead of us to confront and stay strong. Thank you for your support...

Be well... Always.
Ara and Spirit

5 years, the Stars, living under them…

haulindave

02-05-2012, 08:19 AM

beemerchef

02-11-2012, 08:22 PM

Hi beemerchef ,

I just saw your report and thought you looked familiar and checked your report to see where you were in April of last year . I'm sure me met at Panamint Springs campground around the 12th of April . You were camping with your dog and a friend "Brain " and we came in late on our dual-sport bikes . My XR650L's battery died so we got a spot a few sites down from you . I remember you saying you had been on the road for about 5 years . You ask us what Saline Valley road was like since we said we had just came from there and you wanted to check out the hot springs out there , I think . We said real bumpy and didn't think you would want to go that way with your rig and dog .

Anyway small world and nice to see your story here .

Happy travels haulindave:bike_rider::camping:

Yes, I remember you very well... We are actually thinking about heading back there, leaving Tucson this Tuesday!

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/i-9GJSCch/0/L/i-9GJSCch-L.jpg

Fort Stanton. Ghost Town. NM.

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

LowTech

02-11-2012, 11:51 PM

Read your blog, . . . I know those feelings, we share that brother.

beemerchef

02-22-2012, 02:47 PM

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Mystified in Death Valley, NV.

This time around we are here for about a month as already a week has passed. Fast it goes within this incredibly immense stage. Stage which is also the death of any kind of Internet connection, it is Nature and us and some unseasonably warm weather. Some nice clouds here and there, sunrises ans sunsets always a treat while cooking dinner in the open air, nothing like it. Yet, the space has been a bit intimidating. As I see groups riding, driving, I feel as being by ourselves a bit more caution is a must around here. Point A to point B is always a lot of miles and even though we have a SPOT and a SAT phone with the local numbers (911 from a SAT phone goes to New Jersey!) and it has taken me a bit to absorb what this area is all about. A winter in Death Valley! Thinking snow and cold as our previous short trips here, instead mid seventies every day... Good Karma!
Enjoy the Photos... (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)
There will be more as we are able to connect.

Be well... Ara and Spirit

haulindave

02-26-2012, 12:00 AM

beemerchef

03-06-2012, 02:03 PM

Ara and Spirit ,

I'm am glad you remember us from last year in Death Valley . You have a life that is vary special . Most could not handle it , traveling all the time without even a camper to hide in . When I was young I traveled the states for a few years and stayed in tents and caves or just out under the stars . It was a great time in my life. Now married , my wife kids that with the economy the way it is we might end up on the road or ditch . She could not handle it without a camper , but I think I could even though it would be tough and lonely at times , a great life still , the freedom of the open road on a motorcycle .:bike_rider:

Enjoy Death Valley again , a very special place . :camping:

Dave

Thank You Dave... Yes, I am finding out it IS a very special space...

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/i-3N5JkLb/0/L/i-3N5JkLb-L.jpg

Imperfect Perfection. Death Valley. CA

If nothing else we have joined the mile marker "Tea Kettle" en route for the "Racetrack". Yet, there is much more when one has the chance to spend camping a few nights in that desolate space. It feels "way out there" and it is. No light pollution, a few tourists throughout the day a couple miles away, coming in and getting out as fast as they did. Sometimes I don't know why they bother, some not even removing their helmets or a quick window down and up, quick photo and back to where they came from. Mystery.
Spirit had a blast on the Playa which reminded me a bit of the "salt flats" only smaller. One on one, closer we have become. There is a promised certitude of not leaving such a space being the same person inside out. Changes happen as it has happened. It has been a space like no other I must say leaving me to often speechless throughout the time spend.
The "Racetrack" will become as "Valley of the Gods" have, most likely a once a year pilgrimage.
More photos on the Journal... (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)

Be well, Ara and Spirit.

beemerchef

03-12-2012, 03:35 PM

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One Bad Day for all the Good Days. DV. CA.

Just stepped out of the Park heading South East through Mojave National Preserve. I could not find any room in my heart to go back through Las Vegas, Phoenix and Tucson.. It is a bit bitter~sweet today leaving. Leaving while discovering more spaces we could be camping on while the entity of this enormous Park finally has turned into Friendliness. “Warm Springs” Rd off “West Side Rd”, “Hole in the Wall”, “Echo Canyon”, “Skidoo”, “The Racetrack”, “Marble Canyon”... and the names could go on and on. One bad day in exchange for all the good days while being here, it happens everywhere, mental downfall as much as physical when such a storm as in the recent past days takes place. “Death Valley” has now taken a different form in my mind, it has become a bit more familiar and yet, demanding a respect due for every moment spend.
It has been quite an experience, another landmark we will come back to no doubt.
More Photos on the Journal (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/) and a quote from “Spirit”

Be well, always.

Ara and Spirit

beemerchef

03-19-2012, 04:09 PM

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I need a “wake up” call. Texas.

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

Be well, always.

Ara and Spirit

beemerchef

03-27-2012, 06:07 PM

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Always "rediscovering" myself... Texas.

The route back from Death Valley took us through Mojave and Joshua Tree. We just could not make it a straight line to "The Oasis", this space awaiting for us "again", right now a bit hotter than what we would like to be, yet, with not much of a choice considering "Old Faithful" will be soon in a few days going through some major overhauling. Patience. Death Valley was as kicking us out or sucking us right back in. A ride report! It is never a physical ride report. The stages we are on play too much of their own feelings toward my senses, my Soul, my mind... It has become endless, it has become my own "World" as I discovered for the first time not long ago, just a few days past, it is "OK" to be in our own "World". It is fine even if so not agreable by many for the only reason of it being so different with the lack of switches and a comfort seeked. The "comfort" is within, the dimmers have too often a mind of their own moved around by so many tangents I can only be ahead of them all or too often behind.
So we are here, Spirit with his own freedom to run around as the forever Clown he is and myself these first days being lazy as never before! The word "summer" is sharpening daily. Where will we be? How far can our fuel loosing it's value will take us? Are we going to give in? We cannot. Colorado sounds enticing. The back roads of the many Forest service trails will see us parked and enjoying the coolness of such summer.
In the meantime we are also getting ready for a sharing of the Journey in Albuquerque on April 11th at Sandia BMW Motorcycle Dealer. How to share the so many years within such a short time? A slide show, tid bits on how to move on as we do while writing, photography, meeting new Friends on the shoulders of the roads, the ones paved and unpaved, cooking, all positive aspects of this road taken... The same path will take us to Overland Expo on May 18~19~20ht in Flagstaff. There will be more... Sharing (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/) is what it is all about.

Be well, always.

Ara and Spirit

beemerchef

04-08-2012, 03:33 PM

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Heating up on “Big Bend Flats”. Texas

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

Be well, always.

Ara and Spirit

Monkeyboy

04-08-2012, 04:39 PM

Thanks for the virtual escape from the office!

I'm sending my "local representatives" to see you in ABQ :)

Cheers,

Keith

beemerchef

04-09-2012, 01:35 AM

Thanks for the virtual escape from the office!

I'm sending my "local representatives" to see you in ABQ :)

Cheers,

Keith

Will we be safe?...

beemerchef

04-16-2012, 03:40 PM

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Our “Fate” in Albuquerque. NM

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

Be well, always.

Ara and Spirit

LowTech

04-16-2012, 06:17 PM

beemerchef

04-18-2012, 06:37 PM

That's a hard one! Sad when we have to do those kind of "heart" transplants.
I've been redoing leaking rads, mods to take another fuel tank on the "She Beast" (nothing is easy :-/ ), axle boots coming up next and I still have a bad steering gear box on the Draggin', some leaky axles, ect. Gotta love these Mechs that take us to all these places . . . the places that keep us alive and happy.

I'll put some good energy your way.

Thanks LowTech. Was bound to happen and will not complain with 280,000 later!!! Nice 98 engine [versus 96] has already been shipped. 30,000 clean miles on it... We should be rolling by a week from Saturday!!!
You stay well and ... cool! Ara and Spirit

beemerchef

04-22-2012, 03:54 PM

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Trying to swim upstream... Texas

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

Regardless, our “Presentation” went on real well, the slide show mixed in with a couple of “Spirit's Videos” [of course!], narration of a few close to my Heart destinations, mixing in a bit with tips also throughout the Tech Session that followed, all I must say was entertaining as we also made some new Friends. Standing room only, the hour went by fast as “Old Faithful” was rolled in into the room. I think she also enjoyed the time present with so many.
We should be rolling a week from today... should be as the new engine is being dropped off on Monday. Packing and on our way tomorrow on a slow pace this time exploring more of those back roads around Albuquerque (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/). 55 being one of them.

Be well, always.

Ara and Spirit

beemerchef

04-27-2012, 07:28 PM

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Northbound. In lust with “Carrizozo”. NM

Sometimes it happens as in a few years ago when arriving in Big Bend and Terlingua. There is an indescribable sensation that penetrates one's inner senses and makes it all happen, happen as “I would like to spend some serious time here...”. That is what “Carrizozo” did to me while after leaving “Valley of Fire” [NM] to come into town when my stove lost a part. Will see... might be a good space for next winter.
In the meantime we are circling “Mountainer” having accepted the hospitality of new Friends and tomorrow is “on the way to again Albuquerque” to saddle up with “Old Faithful”.
“Sandia BMW Motorcycles” in Albuquerque I must say has done everything possible for us to get rolling without much delay. Quite a task I must considering installing a new engine and the intricacies of reinstalling the sidecar. A bit more complicated on the GS [R1100] while there is not front frame and engine bolts are forward the main supports.
Seems as it has been an eternity. Seems. Will not be that much longer till the three of us again are reunited and rolling, this time toward Arizona.
Enjoy “Carrizozo” (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/) photos. There will be more.

Be well, always.

Ara and Spirit

beemerchef

05-05-2012, 02:30 PM

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

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

“Old Faithful” is up and running. The anticipation of the repairs dollar amount was a shock, of course, like everything else, yet, it has been done right and can only hope many new miles are in store ahead of us.
To compound it all however half of our camping gear has been stolen from one night in Albuquerque, simply lifted off “Old Faithful”, another shock, another setback.
Sometimes the skies open up and the storms drop to no end. That is how it right now feels as we try to move on toward Flagstaff. Check out our Merchandise section...
Enjoy the photos, the roads (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/). On we go for more... Trying!

Be well, always.

Ara and Spirit

beemerchef

05-16-2012, 02:50 AM

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Without a “Philosophy of Life...” AZ

Unusually have not been here in a while. A couple entries on the Journal, the one before last with many more Photos of "Chaco Canyon".Between playing hide and seek with some return and sending oil hoses which were wrong four times [outside vendor], picking up then “Old Faithful” to ride it and trust it, moving on here to the “Mormon Lake” area near Flagstaff, Spirit a bit under the weather with a Vet that wanted a series of expensive tests... Life on the road seems to finally lighten up for a breather before Overland Expo starting in a couple of days.
I had no idea this area is so beautiful and plentiful of unpaved but very well maintained roads. Cool weather throughout the days, cold as we [at least I !!!] like it.
I am slowly trusting this new [for us] engine, the feel is different, stronger of course with only it's 30,000 miles.
There will be a big crowd at Overland Expo, many Friends we only see once a year, some maybe twice. Lots of cooking, chatting, giving a “One~Pan” cooking Class for all the three days. Traveling without refrigeration as we do... simple and clean and good.
There will be I am sure many photos from all attending vehicles, maybe a couple videos, the area is huge. Much excitement ahead I must say...
Till next time. Enjoy the Photos (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/) from “Mountainair” all the way to “Mormon Lake” including “Pie-Town”.

Be well, always.

Ara and Spirit

beemerchef

05-25-2012, 05:24 AM

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All Roads lead to Overland Expo. AZ

The dust has settled from days amongst an Epic wave of vehicles, people, Friends camping with, names which now have faces, dogs, classes, movies and more as I am sure I am forgetting something. Cooking! This Year's Overland Expo was larger than ever, it was an amazing array with everyone present living a common denominator : The Outdoors.
We had arrived early, amazed with the Coconino National Forest and it's hundreds of miles of well maintained unpaved roads and the bonus of some very cool weather. I always feel so ignorant as with in past years “Big Bend”, this stage also was a big green space on the map I had never quite paid much attention to.
Such discovery always makes me smile when I am asked at times “so what are you going to do when you are done?”. One is never done, only rests a few days as it was last weekend.
We are now on our way to Colorado in search for more such roads, elevation and cool weather. It is there awaiting.
Enjoy the many Photos of some truly incredible vehicles (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/). There will be more, the camera did not rest too long.

Be well,

Ara and Spirit.

toughway

05-25-2012, 10:43 AM

i had the best trip of my my life tomorrow

beemerchef

05-29-2012, 03:24 AM

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Looks like "we are" doing it. AZ

The dust has settled from this past weekend amongst a sea of many Souls everyone on the path of their own direction. Ours will take off tomorrow when we head North for months seeking more beauty, calm days, cooler weather and if lucky isolated spaces with a creek. I know it is awaiting for us. Faith in Life within this direction taken. I am thinking about backtracking a bit and heading out through New Mexico to experience the "Bisti Badlands" if the heat does not chase us away. It has been a bit of a numb week following all the recent past excitements. My sleeping bag has been replaced as also cooking stove and miscellaneous items. As more time goes on I feel as cutting back more and more the luggage volume. Devising different scenarios. Who needs all this! Simplicity is always so much less to try lug around. Anything we have not used for a year or more. Yet, Murphy's Law might prove to the contrary as soon as leaving some items behind. Who was Murphy?
More Photos of Overland Expo on the Journal (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/). Enjoy.

Be well,

Ara and Spirit.

goodtimes

05-29-2012, 03:52 AM

Have a safe trip up north Ara.

Marisa was bummed to find out that she will miss you by one day - we'll try again next time you pass through.

Enjoy the cool weather!

--Brian

beemerchef

05-29-2012, 04:03 AM

[QUOTE=goodtimes;1117244]Have a safe trip up north Ara.

Marisa was bummed to find out that she will miss you by one day - we'll try again next time you pass through.

Enjoy the cool weather!

Thanks Brian... Next time, Sept! Thank You for your Hospitality, Spirit says so also having found new buddies. Will talk soon.
Stay in touch and HI to Marisa. Maybe next time will cook dinner! Ara and Spirit

beemerchef

06-08-2012, 10:06 PM

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Summertime roads... CO

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

Be well, always.

Ara and Spirit

GREENI

06-08-2012, 10:11 PM

Still following with interest :coffee:

beemerchef

06-19-2012, 06:50 PM

Still following with interest :coffee:

Too much fun... right?

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

The heat wave is following us or is it we are falling into it's heated arms? 100 +/- in Colorado Springs were we have stopped for a few days catching up on mail and errands. I feel as they should have a Weather Map for the Country indicating any regions under 70 degrees daytime. Not wanting to be stuck on a Peak we will probably soon move on North, a couple more days here it will be.
In the meantime we did spend a few days around Lake City and on down to Blue Mesa Reservoir and Salida to replace a passed away “will join the pile of dead electronics somewhere on Earth” smart phone.
I don't know why I seem to have lost a bit of stability. Maybe just have not found yet this space which will talk back to us and invite us to remain a bit longer than we have lately.
“Father's Day” has not helped neither these past days. Seemingly, the better the memories, the harder present times are.
I feel as we need a fresh start. Summertime and the roads await, we will find those empty spaces appealing to the senses. They are there and as before, they will be “here”. A couple entries: (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/) “Postcards from Colorado” and “Salida. CO”.

Be well,

Ara and Spirit.

beemerchef

06-28-2012, 08:08 PM

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On to “Brooks Lake”, WY.

Elevation is what we have been seeking, without the crowd and the heat. We found it a bit passed Landers and Dubois, an unpaved road (515) going up to one of the most beautiful scenic Lake we have been able to camp on it's shores. Today the snow has almost melted, but for a few days having to walk on it to get to our tent, well, it is the end of June and “what a feeling!”. We are avoiding Yellowstone and the Tetons, no need for us to get caught in miles and miles of traffic jams because of a squirrel crossing the path. There are dozens of “off shoots” from the main road, I think we are taking roots here exploring the vast neighborhood. After all, we do live on the road, we are not traveling.
It is going to be a “hot and dry” I keep hearing. The valleys are indeed warmer than we like it and so was Colorado Springs feeling as an oven. We only lasted three nights with some good Friends, we lasted one night in Landers with more good friends.
“Mother Nature's” little self made spaces is what we always seek... and find.
Enjoy Brooks Lake and it's surroundings. (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)

Be well, always.

Ara and Spirit

beemerchef

07-07-2012, 05:16 PM

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

No lack of excitement these days. Staying above 9000 feet, trying to and leaving only when Mother Nature decides to throw in her own Fireworks. Spectacular I must say when witnessing Mountains blowing up at Brooks Lake. A little Parade in a little town called Dubois, a Rodeo in another little town called Lander, all this is taking place in Wyoming. Brooks Lake up to the moment when the Mountain erupted only 9 miles from us has been one of the best space found with cool temperatures and many off chute roads we yet have to ride them all. Snow was even present when we arrived. I saw it as free ice even !
Tomorrow starts another leg in the Journey. Salem, Oregon to pick up... ( another surprise for now!) and on to Leavenworth, Washington, for a couple cooking Classes with the combined efforts of Snow Peak and Overland Journal.
One day at the time. Schedules? Never... We try not to anyhow.
Enjoy the photos of our past days. (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)

Be well, always.

Ara and Spirit

beemerchef

07-17-2012, 07:26 PM

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

The stage has been #20 ~ #26 westbound toward Salem. Rural Americana with it's rustic remainders of now almost defunct villages and the farmlands adorning the shoulders mixed in with the entrances and exits of the various National Forests. As sad a bit such little villages are today as I could only guess from the faded storefront signs of their previous wealth, they provide a slice of History never found in books or pamphlets. The price of today's now as an antique standing tall fuel pump denotes the year when slowly the main street folded giving way maybe to a bypass or just the fact of a new generation leaving for the big town where the jobs might be more rewarding.
“Sublimity”, “Gates”, “Idanha”, “Unity”, “Prineville”, “Sweet Home”...
We stop when the old oaks have enough shade to cover us from the hot sun for Spirit and I to stand all alone within the silence of a non existent traffic and just be, sometimes often still hearing the noises of the past glamor today vanished.
We could have spend weeks covering such short distances, but we had to be as we are right now in Salem awaiting for "Terra Explorer”. A surprising turn of events for us as seemingly this Journey has always brought on.
More Photos on the Journal... Enjoy. (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)

Be well, always.

Ara and Spirit

beemerchef

07-24-2012, 02:12 PM

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“Terra Explorer”, Salem. OR

From crate to finish. 3 mechanics, 3 days. Welding, cutting, bolting on, soldering, so many hours customizing this road worthy hack. We have already spend a couple days in the Detroit Mountains taking on roads [if they are so called...] where “Old Faithful” would have not adventured herself. Reverse and two wheel drive when needed are such a beautiful thing. #1 in it's custom production this will be a premiere Overlanding vehicle. Is. Truly.
After such days in Salem, having the ability to disappear for a few days was a welcome gesture throughout these present times as now, this morning, we are on our way to Leavenworth, WA, for 3 days of Classes. “One~Pan” cooking with the presence of “Snow Peak” and “Overland Journal”. Sunday will be over and we will then start the slow drop to Tucson while we house sit a couple weeks and then on to Munich and spend another couple weeks with my Mother.
For such as us who have never a schedule I keep wondering “what happened?”.
It is all good though...
More photos on the Journal. (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/) An amazing progression.

Be well, always.

Ara and Spirit

beemerchef

08-06-2012, 02:51 AM

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

Seems as usual the days of summer get away so rapidly. I savor the long days without much interruption and sleep is curtailed to less hours than ever. I even feel tired at times when I finally realize midnight in the woods has approached and the first sun rays jump start me so early. It has been quite some “couple of weeks” nourishing the relationship with “Terra Explorer”, I must say a more than pleasant one when riding those narrow trails without any apprehension. Reverse and two wheel drive leave me always speechless.
Yet we battle with Mother Nature at times. Looking for elevation, escaping the mosquitoes, running away from the high temperatures, summer has it's charm and challenges.
I forgot to mention “running away” from crowded spaces also, but when I saw Crater Lake I could not help wanting to spend a few days exploring the circle it makes. It was not too bad, traffic was light, one and only “tent camping” space was fairly quiet. We did escape it before the Friday and Saturday's exodus of the weekend warriors happened and dropped a bit more south to the top of Mt Shasta. As far as the road could take us anyhow.
The experience of a Sunset and a Sunrise (so far) adorned with a sky filled with traveling clouds left me just sitting in my chair and taking it all in. Act One, Two, Three and more...
I forgot. We also spend a few days in “Plain”, WA, coaching many cook outdoors with provided “Snow Peak” gear and the get together organized by “Overland Journal”.
The Photos will speak for themselves on the Journal. (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)

Be well, always.

Ara and Spirit

beemerchef

08-17-2012, 10:25 PM

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A serious case of debriefing. CA

Our Summer descend South has started. Too early for my taste but... always a but! House sitting a couple weeks for the same Friends who are going to take good care of Spirit while spending 2 weeks in Germany with my Mother. This is what happens when such events are planned right in the middle of Summer. Yet I am finding such a Season to be a difficult one since we like cold. Mosquitoes have never ceased, the heat is always present even if hovering around 10.000 feet, maybe need to switch our path to a different one. Pretty much stay put in the summer and confront the snow and colder elements in the winter in areas we have not seen covered with their white blanket. We now have the vehicle to do it with as “Terra Explorer” is turning out to be an amazing machine with a Old Soul trying to grow up a bit too fast!
We spend a grand time in Mc Cloud for about a week in a house loaned by our Friends, and now within the heat of Tucson we are pretty much staying put besides a magical evening a couple days ago North of Tonopah filled with storms and cooler temperatures.
Those will be photos for the next time. Right now it is all about Northern California... (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)

Be well, always.

Ara and Spirit

beemerchef

08-29-2012, 01:01 PM

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Intermission times... AZ

Helping Friends with some house sitting, the same Friends which will take care of Spirit while in Munich for a couple weeks in a week spending some quality time with my Mother. Here sheltered from the heat of the day, reorganizing photo galleries and more, all of it leading to some down time.
The local rides however are of many as Mt Lemon provides elevations up to 9000 feet pretty quickly while experiencing the afternoon summer monsoons, meaning buckets of water always a few seconds before rain gear can come on, Arivaca Road, Madera and Box Canyon or just sleep all day and stay up all night!
The thoughts are present and yet they are also ahead of these times. Wondering how things are doing at “The Oasis”, looking at maps for winter camping, reading feed backs for better warmer gear for those coming days as now, with “Terra Explorer”, the ability to travel on some forbidden trails are of the past.
It is a bit odd as always to be planted in an urban environment. We are enjoying it as much as we can, yet I feel as I am biting my time missing the open spaces.
The fever for outdoor living is now permanent and will only get worse.
Enjoy the local colors... (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)

Be well,

Ara and Spirit.

beemerchef

09-03-2012, 10:26 PM

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

It has become a bit thoughtful all these years. Maybe too much. All is slowly being replaced by contemplating adapting this mental mapping which is taking place. Lately. They are spaces I know of longer times taking roots are of an attractive greater choice. The connections are of only Mother Nature and maybe of a distant village somewhere not too near by. Nothing is holding us back, it will just be a bit more of planning when I return.
Bitter sweet it is this afternoon as Spirit is only a couple feet from a suitcase and a carry on ready for tomorrow morning when I will be flying to Munich for a couple weeks. There is much excitement spending some true quality time with my Mother and much sadness leaving my buddy behind.
Compromises are always everywhere seemingly a daily ritual one cannot avoid. As someone said the other day, as long as they are “positive compromises”. He is and will be in good care, there are no worries and suddenly before I know it back again it will be so we can both go on to Texas and regroup while meeting “Old Faithful” which I also miss.
In the meantime it was a couple evening rides up the Mountains southeast of us when the 100 degree days cooled off, a nice road called “Box Canyon”. (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)

Be well,

Ara and Spirit

Jim K in PA

09-04-2012, 01:45 PM

Bon Voyage, Ara. Safe travels to Europe and back.

beemerchef

09-15-2012, 10:53 AM

Bon Voyage, Ara. Safe travels to Europe and back.

Thank You... Talk soon.

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From Far Away... Home? Munich, Germany.

All has been set aside, “Terra Explorer”, “Old Faithful”, even Spirit is miles away and these two weeks are times spend with my Mother after a two years of absence. Too long. My Friends have send me e mails with more information than a Travel Agency could entice me, but at 85 the days out are shortened as never before with more time spending talking and reminiscing about past and present Life, planning future Life more than anything else. I am not playing Tourist here. The stories going back to great grand parents have been flying into the night, the present moments in this City which has changed since last time here and specially working on moving this Lady to move to Atlanta, a City she is familiar with, one that she likes. If not now, when?
Yet, the Daily Life here in Munich can provide a Photographer with more than enough oddities. I call “oddities” because of them being rarities in the States.
Photos of Spirit keep coming in from my Friends who have taken really good care of him. I am just wondering how he is going to feel the hard floors again from the comfortable king size bed he has shared with his Girl Friend “Miya”!
Tuesday night... back to Tucson and on to “The Oasis”. Immediately!
Stay well, enjoy the Photos. (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)

Be well,

Ara and Spirit

beemerchef

09-30-2012, 04:40 PM

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A blank page at “The Oasis”

Kind of limping with a bad shoulder and upper back we made it back to “The Oasis” and it is only just now getting back the ability to freely moving around. More or less! My patience is not the best when it comes to halting everything. Frustrating under medications awaiting feeling better is a better explanation.
This space has become the center of my Universe where we are all alone enjoying the silence and these past nights with a Moon getting full all is lit as daylight.
It is lounging here as being in a “Twilight Zone” literally loosing all sense of time and days, I cannot even tell how long we have been here.
This is what Big Bend will do to most when they let go of their Urban minds and slip into the present covers always so welcoming.
It rained like mad, stormed like crazy and today again the skies are blue as I think the good Spring weather is here. So welcoming.
Enjoy the Post Cards images of “The Oasis”. (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)

Be well, always.

Ara and Spirit

6 years, the Stars, living under them…

www.theoasisofmysoul.com The Journal

beemerchef

10-08-2012, 01:17 AM

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Time to regroup at “The Oasis”. TX

Turns out to be a good thing this little piece of land here in the middle of nowhere. Way South in Texas. Once a Year it is that time to regroup, specially with a new Hack which is not quite done, not quite accessorized for our needs. “Old Faithful” is still in Lander, Wyoming, it is going to be a long round trip haul to bring here down. Soon I hope. This “Terra Explorer” by the way is now named “Crusty” and she excels off road, “Old Faithful” is more the touring hack it seems like. I was able to pick up some interesting items while in Germany, at least get to know those items which I am showing in the Journal. They are mostly winter camping gear. Some that have shrunk in size and weight specially my kitchen, some that will keep us warmer. We have some big plans and I always kind of smile at my plans as I know too well none always go as thought. Past experiences are the proof.
I am actually writing this from Lubbock, Texas. Tomorrow “Crusty” is getting a much needed side case for more gear! Mr Spirit is doing well. His clowning has not stopped and I think right now he is a bit anxious to get back.
All the new gear in this new entry (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)with always many "Thanks" to our kind Sponsors.

Be well, always.

Ara and Spirit

6 years, the Stars, living under them…

Truck Camper Porn

10-08-2012, 02:03 PM

I really enjoy following your travels. Amazing.

beemerchef

10-14-2012, 05:20 PM

I really enjoy following your travels. Amazing.

I think you should stop STEALING my Friend's Photos and putting them on your site. He has written you many times. What is there you do not understand about Copyrights? and Morals?...

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

And then they are the times when the Road does not spare the hard times unlike some might think it is always the blue skies with no clouds. Lance's Birthday will of course not stop coming around and down again through memory lane the mind takes it's own Journey. There is no need for avoidance, this is what Life had planned. Learning to embrace the good ones, that is the good memories, and live uplifted by them is always the key to those days.
The space here is conductive for such a play of the hours going by. It is “The Oasis” with acres of beauty, miles and miles of roads, paved and unpaved, Friends that welcome us back for those times we will be here in and out this winter. This always has been the ultimate retreat and remains as such.
In a day or two we will however be leaving for Wyoming to retrieve “Old Faithful”, one more step to have it all together here.
The shoulder is getting better. We were able to take a long ride yesterday through Big Bend Park, always a treat. Paying the price a bit for it today, but this too shall pass.
More on the Journal... (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)

Be well, always.

Ara and Spirit

6 years, the Stars, living under them…

www.theoasisofmysoul.com The Journal

beemerchef

10-31-2012, 12:40 AM

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Gray Days, Colorful mind. Texas.

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

Be well, always.

Ara and Spirit

7th Year, the Stars, living under them… (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)

beemerchef

11-05-2012, 12:04 AM

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Falling into our 7th Year. Texas.

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

Be well, always.

Ara and Spirit

7th Year, the Stars, living under them…

beemerchef

11-13-2012, 09:09 PM

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“Fresno” site, Mariscal Mines, Big Bend “Texas”

Perfect weather last week was not, still hot into the Park's southern spaces, a few days ago however all turned perfect with the help of a shy cold front. Coming out for some air for a few days, picking up forgotten items as finally a list has become a must [like a jack!] and going right back in who knows where. There are so many choices around us right now while helped by “Crusty” and it's optional 2 wheel drive and reverse. The road to “Mariscal Mines” is not bad at all except while going through dry washes, some broken up trail like situations, a bit of deep pea gravel, “Crusty” made it through it all with flying colors. The nights are beautiful with zero light pollution, quieter than any silence experienced and few are the ones coming through for a few minutes hopefully reminiscing about those Mine workers throughout their hard labor specially in summer times when the temperatures are around 120 degrees. Definitely a destination to be marked on a map, high clearance recommended.

Enjoy the Video and more Photos on the Journal.

Be well, always.

Ara and Spirit

7th Year, the Stars, living under them… (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)

beemerchef

11-24-2012, 11:49 PM

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“Lost” in Big Bend Park, Texas.

The ability with “Crusty's” two wheel drive and reverse is keeping us away from this “Internet” aspect on roads and campsites which we have not been able to reach before. “Big Bend” has changed into a new World for us. Here we are though now, out for a few days having put some photos together, a couple videos, a couple new entries into our Journal, these Chapters which maybe some day will form themselves into a thick Book!
The latest days were passed on “Old Ore Rd” witnessing the magical changes of a stage so present, from clear blue skies to storms, from hot to cold and all in between and windy curtain calls. It is what we do best at times having to come out for water and provisions, a bit of fuel and then on right back into the silence and quiet that have surrounded us lately.
We live in such a beautiful Country which never cease to amaze me. There are no Urban ruffles where we go, it is always Spirit and I and the sights as they were centuries ago.
Enjoy, much more to discover.

Be well, always.

Ara and Spirit

7th Year, the Stars, living under them… (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)

beemerchef

12-06-2012, 12:02 AM

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A week in between at “The Oasis”. TX

I started thinking “in between what?”. Maybe between episodes? A Friend of mine wrote to me that he is trying to stay “Off the Grid”. That was the expression I was seeking for though we “are” off the grid ourselves and yet I long for maybe what I can call “Really 'off' the Grid”! I also call it “deeper in” and “more inland”. This “Oasis” of ours with power trickling from solar as are also showers with hot or hotter water on a sunny day, meals cooked with wood or again solar as a mean of heat, all for some reason, maybe being used to it, seems a bit “urban” as much as it is not.

We have been in and out of Terlingua lately listening to some good Music [Video on the Journal] (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/) and longing for the past days when spend on “Old Ore Rd”. Now looking at maps and trying to figure out our next destination in a couple of days. With almost 3 million acres ahead of us it is not a very difficult task.
So yes, this is a week “in between” with more Dentist and Dr visits giving me the clearance for another Healthy Year. No “hoping”, it just will be, positive thinking always. It is what makes us going, going... gone.

Be well, always.

Ara and Spirit

7ht Year, the Stars, living under them…

beemerchef

12-13-2012, 11:45 PM

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“Grapevine Hills Rd”. Big Bend, Texas

Another great space into the Park for a few days. Another interesting road, not as difficult as “Old Ore Rd” but with the prize of a nice hike to the “Balanced Rock”. Once again the weather was more than perfect, the skies allowed for the clouds daily to play around, sunrises, sunsets, all in between could have not been any more enjoyable. Much cooking this time around, the cooler it is, the more I will cook, the better I eat and the more Spirit most likely gets frustrated as he cannot handle Human food. Poor Buddy of mine, sensitive stomach. It is all so well as “Crusty” continues to perform, she was designed for those roads. Hoping to get back in there again soon, maybe lucky enough to get a site around “Terlingua Abaja” right before the Holiday Madness starts. Of course this is not an Urban environment, such madness is limited, yet, it is for us as Terlingua and the Park will fill up quickly.
Enjoy the hike and the video. (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)

Be well, always.

Ara and Spirit

7ht Year, the Stars, living under them…

beemerchef

12-20-2012, 01:42 PM

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“La Linda Bridge, a Border “Ghost Town”. TX

I had more in mind calling this destination a “Dead End”. As it is. Coincidentally we were there the same day of the horrific saddening [as words escape me] of last week's senseless shooting ensuing the loss of so many Lives. The Children. It has now been a few days and I still cannot wrap my thoughts around it. This healing Desert is slowly allowing me to again face the daily present and not consider “that Day” as a “Dead End” of it all as much as it has felt like it. There are no other avenues here for one's mind to be distracted, as a ball of fire dropping into this landscape the images, physical and abstract have not gone away honestly not understanding much of it all, not comprehending neither how everyone has had the ability to go on “laughing” and “smiling” when there is nothing to do as such. But yes, Life goes on, this is the Society we live in wondering myself if we just have been conditioned toward such tragedies and if we are turning the pages just a bit too soon. It is a bit of a state of confusion I must say. My Heart goes for the Parents, the Families, the Friends and everyone which their Lives are now changed forever as mine did now almost 9 Years ago and still feels as it was yesterday.
At the same time the Holidays are upon us, maybe we can balance it all out never forgetting the ones when these times are not of Happy ones.
I don't know if all of this makes any sense.
I do wish you I am going to say “A Good Holiday”. That is to me the balance of these present times.

Be well, always.

Ara and Spirit

7ht Year, the Stars, living under them… (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)

beemerchef

01-01-2013, 03:03 PM

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And a “Happy New Year”

...as we come out of “Big Bend National Park” after spending a few days camping at “Rattlesnake Mountain”. It is a Day like others yet does not feel as such. Such have become milestones for us, thinking we made it another Year and another one ahead of us wondering where this will take us, at what level will our Adventures climb up to? Some ideas are present, some decisions taken and now one step at the time to apply them all.
These past days in the Park were gifted with such incredible scenery, a weather so acceptable considering the snow coming down up North, some good riding and even meeting a few others also enjoying this land always so talkative.
A couple videos rendered today, one I am calling “The Moon climbing the Ocotillo”, it was luck being at the right place at the right time.
I found some footage from 7 Years ago [or more?] of the days when we received the sidecar, hooked it up and Spirit's first stay in it! I was choked myself watching it. I had to include it in another Video also in the Journal.
On to Terlingua now for the Annual “Black Eye Pea” Cook-Off. Why not? Many Friends there and familiar faces, smiling one which I am sure also are welcoming this New 2013 Year.
Enjoy...

Be well, always.

Ara and Spirit

7ht Year, the Stars, living under them… (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)

GREENI

01-01-2013, 04:28 PM

Happy New Year Ara.
Best wishes for 13 from the uk.

bobDog

01-07-2013, 04:27 AM

Always enjoy reading of you and 'that dogs' adventure....sometimes I think it's Spirit's adventure and you're the one following along (he always looks like he's saying..' step on it!'). A wonderful new year to you both. Hope he has picked out the years 'route'. I'll be following along with my 2 Basset Hounds.:coffeedrink: ... Shift+R improves the quality of this image. Shift+A improves the quality of all images on this page.

beemerchef

01-07-2013, 10:12 PM

Thank You all. The Route? I think he said Utah is really calling him again! Southern included... And yes, I basically just follow him. :bike_rider:

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The Passion of the Road. TX

It is starting to be indescribable to day in and day out have the freedom to roam. Seemingly one would think it would diminish, only the opposite is happening. Could it be the New Year and the thoughts that all these days of 2013 lay ahead of us? and then again, what is time? Dates?
We were gifted with some snow a couple days ago. I know the Northerners would not call it a “gift” but here in this vast Big Bend area it is what we call it as being a rarety, maybe a couple times per winter giving us also much water. We of course had to ride it as “Crusty” with her two wheel drive plowed through as being on pavement with much ease and fun.
It happened as on cue right after the New Year's Day “Black Eye Pea” Coo~Off by the Porch in Terlingua. A full day mixed in with “everyone” gathering around crock pots, Dutch Ovens, you name it. Big smiles, much chatting and much Music also and games and raffles. This is truly a special area of this beautiful Country we live in and feel so fortunate to have discovered it. The word is out!

Enjoy the Videos, Photos... (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)

Be well, always.

Ara and Spirit

7ht Year, the Stars, living under them…

www.theoasisofmysoul.com The Journal

beemerchef

01-15-2013, 09:39 PM

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Language of January Winds. Texas

This time around a physical and mental wintery time is setting in. Yet, lucky for us the weather is not near anything as abrupt and severe as the Northern spaces. With heated gear and an electric blanket for Spirit we can still move around. We also have Terlingua which I would almost say is “a town that never sleeps” as there is always something going on. “Farmers Market” on Saturdays, much Music on the Porch on Sundays, we stop by, we chat, we feel it all and then on back here to “The Oasis” trying to sort what I call some “stuff” and “things” out before Spring shows up. The snow is also long gone, the mud is still here more than ever this time around from also much rain, I feel a bit as I am vegetating and spinning my wheels. The shadows of a January of 9 Years ago is dropping by weighing over the present moments as I do not try to escape it but putting in much efforts to have smoother times. They are a bit of “flat times” pushing myself to stay busy, busier keeping my mind off the past, thinking about the good times trying to leave the dark ones tucked away as yet words of wisdom confront me, sometimes they are just a bit harder to comprehend and put to good use.
Enjoy the Terlingua Music and one more Snow ride. (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)

Be well, always.

Ara and Spirit

7th Year, the Stars, living under them…

beemerchef

01-23-2013, 03:18 AM

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Open Mind and “Closed Canyon”. TX

Weather in Big Bend! Our path is always about the weather. It dictates our coming and going. Staying put or roll down the roads with an acquired over these past years freedom. Right now after the rains and a bit of snow it has been as Paradise, as in sunny, warm and I might even go as far as saying “hot”. A hike throughout “Closed Canyon” had been on my mind for a while and the perfect day for it arrived. Even more perfect with the company of a good Friend we had not seen in years. The kind “we picked up where we had left off”. Another surprise was in store for us, pools of water adding to the beautiful vision of this Canyon carved from years of waters and debris passing through to finally end up in the Rio Grande. A larger pool however was awaiting about a mile into it. That was the end for us, we were not going to swim in the icy temperatures. Not that day. The destinations are endless within this area, where will we go next?

Enjoy the Canyon and another video. (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)

Be well, always.

Ara and Spirit

7ht Year, the Stars, living under them…

LowTech

01-23-2013, 06:31 AM

beemerchef

01-23-2013, 04:02 PM

Gona miss you this year, thought we would connect at the Expo.

I'm about to head into the `Zona in the next few days w/ my rig. Will then come back into SoCal for the Dez Rendez, and then . . . back to the `Zona for the Expo w/ both.
Are you going to come west at all this year? If you do keep me in the loop :smiley_drive:

We will be West... and have our SPOT on. No definite plans. Never!
Have fun at OX, great venue. Let us know if and when near by.
Ara and Spirit

beemerchef

01-29-2013, 05:40 PM

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Same Day, another Year gone by. TX

Winter in Southern Texas can be these almost warm balmy days and nights following each other, they can be the most exhilarating rides on the many roads present, paved and unpaved, yet the calendar does not spare certain dates coming around year after year. Sometimes it is Nature that wins it all pulling the senses into it's womb exposing herself with all her beauty and appeal, sometimes it is a date throwing a shadow of memories as on the 26ht from 9 years past.
That is just how the Journey is and it's acceptance and endurance of such days is making it possible to go on feeling it all as that is what matters “feeling it all”. There is no escape, only awaiting for time throughout it's course to smooth it out when it desires to do so.
“Indian Trail” is a path which reminds me of many other spaces we have been to. It is a stretch of road that digs deep into the imagination of how all has been laid out. It takes my mind away from a certain present. The forms and shapes of the rocks are endless regardless how many times one has been there. There is always new discoveries.
Enjoy it's Photos and a short Video. (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)

Be well, always.

Ara and Spirit

7th Year, the Stars, living under them…

beemerchef

02-05-2013, 11:09 PM

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What this is all about, “Riding”. Texas

The prescription for sanity, for the balance in one's Life as ours: “Riding”. Might be other avenues for others, such as driving, sailing, diving, climbing, soaring in the skies and more. So fortunate to be here for these winter times faced with only the decision of which roads to take on. One of my favorite loops came to mind through Alpine, Marfa, Pinto Canyon, Presidio, Terlingua and back up here. Turned out to be a cloudy day, one preferred for fewer stops while the video camera was rolling but not the hand held. It is as the miles can fill void created when not riding. Some paved roads, a bit of unpaved, a stop here and there as it is regardless a must for the both of us, all around a great day only to return when really not wanting to. Those days are near also as Spring seemingly has indeed arrived here, we are just awaiting for it to also make it's mark a bit north of us. “Old Faithful” was purring all day, it was as she has been reborn with an engine only having 30,000 miles on her, not even broken in. A strange concept when actually it's frame has over 300,000 miles.
Enjoy the Photos, the Video. (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)

Be well, always.

Ara and Spirit

7ht Year, the Stars, living under them…

beemerchef

02-13-2013, 10:35 PM

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A wonderful Life at the “Swimming Hole”. Texas

Another day gone by, timeless zone prevalent at a stand still, the Big Bend spaces call me, one always has in particular which we here is called “The Swimming Hole”. It is on private property, yet shared by the Locals as the owner has basically deputized everyone to be responsible when enjoying the magnificent array of carved rocks from the violent flash floods of two creeks joining in. The road has been impassable till a few days ago, we now have been back already three times. They are Mother Nature's walls, not the kind poured in with man made angles. They are walls which have taken centuries to mold and now present times are exposed to one's imagination. This area does not stop amazing me me. It is as the seed, the center, the hub of all roads forking out toward the different other destinations throughout this so vast Country always calling me back to step up throughout this Mystery of Life we live. Regardless of it's reason for being on such roads, yes, as many have expressed toward us, it is a “Wonderful Life”.
Such choice is always ours.
Since you could not be there yourself, enjoy the few photos and a video. (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)

Be well, always.

Ara and Spirit

7ht Year, the Stars, living under them…

raul1988

02-13-2013, 11:10 PM

San Antonio is nice, and there are many very good areas, and most are safe for your kids to play, though when my kids were young, I felt better when we lived outside the city at Canyon Lake, and New Braunfels is also nice in the same way, while still being in the San Antonio metropolitan area. Also in the metropolitan area are Boerne, and Comfort, both smaller commuinties, with easy access to the city, but still the small town atmosphere.

beemerchef

02-21-2013, 09:25 PM

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Flavors and Healings from this “Space”. TX

Musical winds lately in Terlingua. Not even much time to ride. Amazingly this little town is buzzing non stop. What a change from 5 years ago when we first set foot [wheel?] in this space. From Classical to a Play to all gathered at The Porch or at The Farmer's Market and everything else in between including a huge off road bicycle gathering in Lajitas. I took it all in, we keep the riding for during the week now and even then such incredible talent is popping in from Austin, Dallas and further. Mild winter being, everyone is happy, smiling and feeling good. It is a “win win” situation being here within these times. I caught some on videos, some in Photos, the videos will be around as long as we have such as now a good Internet connection. As we leave here mid April the rendering of them will be much harder and not as frequent. So I take advantage of it right now enjoying myself watching over and over some that have really moved me.
Till next time, enjoy. (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)

Be well, always.

Ara and Spirit

7ht Year, the Stars, living under them…

beemerchef

02-28-2013, 04:47 PM

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Unstoppable, TX

Amazing fact, nothing much going on, not taking roots yet not moving on. Scratching the door to get out with a resemblance of wanting so, yet, not quite ready. Busy days however with Spirit having had some leg surgery which by now has almost healed since he is again his old “clown” portraying himself, some windy days transforming this stage into one as being from another planet including grinding sand in my teeth, some more Music as the Terlingua season is in full bloom, some riding on “Old Marathon” road and all and all the week has flown by almost overlapping into another month coming up. I am wondering if it is true that with age time goes by faster than ever as it has these past weeks. I feel as belonging to a dear community surrounding us, at the same time enjoying the peacefulness, serenity and silence of “The Oasis” which has only a sundial throughout the days mixed in with some long walks with Spirit, some cooking, staying in touch with Friends. My gear review this time around is about my “One~Pan” recipes trying to explain what they are all about with the hope they will help others in their Home or while camping. I find them interesting “templates”. I think next time will be my kitchen gear.
Photos and videos [while they last] on the Journal (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/), as always.

Be well, always.

Ara and Spirit

7ht Year, the Stars, living under them…

beemerchef

03-07-2013, 10:04 PM

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Escaping Big Bend Park! TX

What is really in a Title? Not much when a week goes on with so many activities. So much so that an escape to Big Bend Park became a must only to feel invaded by the mega Tourists and escape within such little time spend. Spring Break is around the corner, I should know better, will have to be patient for another 10 days or so. Yet in Terlingua, surrounded by familiar faces, the Music goes on. This time around was a Classical Music Quartet with an unusual and very funny opening monologue and a contemporary piece ending the encore. It is that time however to as I call it “tighten up” and organize some order so we can leave sooner than later. Little details while Internet is present in profusion, moving hundreds of Gigabytes of footage of videos and photos from one space to another, catching up on some e mails, maintenance, once a year the list goes on and on and seems to be greater than the year before as much as I try to keep all so simple. It is a bit like an invasion wondering where all this “stuff” and “chores” came from! There is no escape.
Enjoy the videos (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/), there are a few.

Be well, always.

Ara and Spirit

7th Year, the Stars, living under them…

beemerchef

03-15-2013, 06:20 PM

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“Live Life” or “Social Media”? TX

Some might find my writing being at times controversial, it is not it's purpose or object to be as such. Sometimes thoughts have a tendency to crawl in and agitate a present situation as it happened not so long ago. I only know about these two sides of a wall when loosing touch with Friends too busy trying to gain a spot so seeked by too many within this saturated arena of the “Social Media Saloon” for a “throne” of an unfounded importance so superficial it made me wonder why?
I still don't know about those “why's”! Why give up one's own Life, the riding it could be, the hiking or for that matter any other self indulged activity to instead “do it” to only bring on the advertising as such of a “look at me” syndrome.
The “screen warriors” are of so many, at one point they will and do loose touch with themselves only caring for that seat so seeked perched up there in the middle of nowhere having lost the true feel of a ground, of an Earth bouncing back so intimate it's own feelings.
Just some thoughts, nothing else.
The “balance” of it all I find as the daily key for a smooth path mapped with much self awareness. Sometimes it is hard as the turmoil of the fonts can too easily absorb one's mind versus just “being out there” for one's self with much growth and true feelings slowly imprinting the present mind.

Be well, always.

Ara and Spirit

7ht Year, the Stars, living under them… (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)

beemerchef

03-26-2013, 12:57 AM

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The Faith of a wounded Warrior [Fiction]

How did some fiction made it's way into this Journal? How did writing in a previous chapter entailed my thoughts about cuddling?
Many aspects of this Luxurious Life make their ways into words I feel freely expressing. Maybe they have no convergence of parallel with riding or other aspects of what many might think, yet, they do. Time, “that” luxury, that one, makes the mind run into so many different directions while riding, camping, cooking, playing with Spirit, spending time with true Friends, attending some Music played so freely never too far, watching the skies painted by Mother Nature throughout Sunrises and Sunsets, calendar and clock having vanished long time ago, all conductive for such thoughts.
It is Life to the fullest. They are the inner thoughts taking place as maybe I do not have room for a dry “ride report” not being too concerned how many miles and hours we have ridden, what time we last ate.
Sometimes it is a question asked by a Friend such as “Don't you miss cuddling?”, or maybe it is the heat of this Desert which made me think about a short fictional story. Then again, is it truly all fiction (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)?

Be well, always.

Ara and Spirit

7ht Year, the Stars, living under them…

Brandon Libby

03-26-2013, 01:15 AM

Beautiful pics as always, Ari. Thanks for sharing.

Cheers,
-Brandon

beemerchef

04-13-2013, 10:13 AM

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One more “Star” is shining. Munich. Germany

I will be here in Munich for another couple weeks. Life is indeed a ride, sometimes as now absent of words I can barely pronounce. It only takes one phone call when part of a Family as ours scattered around the World. Last Monday was of a somber one my Mother having had a stroke and a heart attack. Yesterday, on the 12th of April, in Peace, in Dignity, with no pain and long good byes I can now watch for another Star in the skies.
Not much else to share within these times besides some thoughts (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/) which I always continue writing for myself and now to share with my Friends.

You stay well, an extra hug for your Family today, don't ever let the present escape you.

Ara and Spirit

7ht Year, the Stars, living under them…

LowTech

04-13-2013, 05:36 PM

You, and yours, are in my thoughts.

Jim K in PA

04-13-2013, 11:26 PM

Condolences Ara. Our family will be thinking of you and your family tonight.

redpaso

04-14-2013, 12:41 PM

Having lost my father not too long ago, I feel your sadness. My condolences.

beemerchef

04-28-2013, 04:18 PM

Thank You.

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/i-83zZVJc/0/L/i-83zZVJc-L.jpg

What to say?

The inevitable happens as we all so well know.I heard this short story the other day. They were the thoughts of a departed one. "I was happy before I was born within that space none of us remember. My Mother then on gave me Birth and I lived daily going through the Chapters of this Life and it's endless lessons, it's peaks and valleys and all in between. I am gone now, again, having done my time, happy to have rejoined my previous space and my loved ones awaiting for me in the meantime". It is a good sensible story, no harm believing it. It helps me thinking and feeling that now my Mother has passed on back to where she came from. Most likely with Lance, my Grand Parents and a myriad of ancestors brightening up the stars at night watching down as I myself still turning the pages of these interminable lessons.
I am still in Munich for a couple more days dealing with a bureaucracy that has the script of a deepest nightmare one can imagine filled with frustration trying to obtain some legal and official documents. Will they ever let her rest in Peace?
Spirit is well taken care of in Texas. I will be moving him soon to Colorado Springs where more Friends will take care of him while I need to fly back and put an end to this chapter.
The weekdays are filled with appointments meaning a calendar and a watch. The weekends Museums to keep my mind occupied. BMW and Rolls Royce Museum, The Deutsches Museum. I did post many photos throughout these past couple Journal entries. (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)
Thank You all for your kind thoughts and well articulated words I have been receiving.

Ara and Spirit

7ht Year, the Stars, living under them…

www.theoasisofmysoul.com The Journal

deLabé

05-05-2013, 01:20 PM

beemerchef

05-05-2013, 10:11 PM

I don't know that I can add to the well-articulated words, but I logged on this morning to see your latest entries after a gap of a month or so and found something sadder than I had anticipated. I hope I can add to the kind thoughts and I certainly am thinking of you and wishing you only the best. Your writings and pictures have been a great source of pleasure to me over the past year or two and I want you to know that.

Thank You deLabe for your kind words. They help. A process to go through again all too familiar from 10 years ago now.
I must return to Munich on the 19th and will be back on June 1st. Probably will have to go again one more time. The German Government is not making it easy to have her ashes and international certificate of death. The bureaucracy is incredible not allowing any closure for now.
You stay well, the Road will take care of us soon again.
Ara and Spirit

bobDog

05-06-2013, 05:19 AM

beemerchef

05-12-2013, 03:23 PM

Yes! I had to deal with much the same stuff with my grandmother in France. There is so much bureaucracy in Europe that it becomes frustrating . I had to fix the family mausoleum because it had a leak in the roof.....and on and on.....By the time I buried Grand Mother I was totally tried!
We don't really understand how easy things can go here in the USA until we have to deal w/ another country.
I totally understand you problems. Hope you get the details done and get back on the road w/ your beloved dog!
I just lost one of my loved Basset Hounds.....she was 14 years old and I miss her dearly but I have my guy dog and he and I are partners now.....closer then we were.
You and your dog will be on the road again.....things will be fine......life goes on.....circle of life it is.

And it goes on. We will adapt. Yes.. Thanks for writing.

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“Happy Mother's Day”. Tucson. AZ

The Journey runs it's course. The path is often a smooth trail, the colors bright, Mother Nature our guide from shore to shore, from the valleys to the peaks with the barren Deserts in between, anything and everything one could wish when filled with a luxury acquired over time called “freedom”. Yet, as the fabric of Life dictates, such “freedom” is sometimes only a pigment of our imagination when facing another path filled with obstacles we must surmount, the path of “grieving”. A not so foreign one for many, one we must adapt for the times to come if we ourselves want to survive it's consequences. It is “Mother's Day” today and ironically on the same date a month ago I was saying my good byes to my own Mother at this very time when her own path decided to end, that is physically as I know and believe strongly her “Spirit” will always continue on tucked in with us on this Journey for as long as myself will be allowed to do so. With Friends in Tucson today, on our way to Colorado Springs to fly back to Munich one more time for two weeks, this is where we are in the midst of a beautiful backyard filled with the colorful in bloom flowers one needs today. Moments are still mixed up, words are not lining up as they use to, my strength comes and goes, questions with no replies arise helplessly, the logic of it all has been set aside. It will not be till early June for the shade of the boulders I seek. In the meantime, one moment at the time with small and short tentative steps we move forward as we must.

Ara and Spirit

7ht Year, the Stars, living under them… (http://theoasisofmysoul.com/)