Some days so much can happen, back to back the hours keep bringing a "busy" feeling, a reality of the day passing by with no curves dipping toward any kind of calm space, but a pleasant space, a space I truly thrive on when there is no rest, going only in high gear. As I woke up, always while still dark and so silent on this Island I call "The Oasis", the stars where slowly fading to make room for the daily sun on her final preparation for her appearance. A few clouds above is always a sign of a spectacular Sunrise. With hundreds of Sunrise pictures I like to be just one with the event and forget about the camera. And then sometimes like yesterday I just have to run in and grab it… cannot let that one escape!

It is just a photo, its reality is even more touching, it penetrates deep down the senses like a boost for the day which will unfold for the coming hours till the next event just as spectacular, the Sunset. Planted in the middle of it all, surrounded by all these mountains and hills I now so often think how lucky we are to be here right now trusting my Friend Kathy to make this our winter base camp. Someone asked me yesterday while stopped on our ride to Presidio if we lived here? I had to think. My reply was "we are here for the winter". There is no better place for these coming months when the cold will start making its appearance.

And suddenly there was a rumble and engines of vehicles going up and down the roads near by. The Phone Company had arrived in full force. We are talking a definite full force, a couple semis with flat beds carrying three tractors, a crew I believe of six… and with no rest they started digging. I could not believe my eyes that all this commotion was for us! There had to be a million dollars worth of equipment. They were not taking any chances not finishing the job.

They had to dig .3 miles and I was told it would take a couple days at the most. No sense hanging around if I needed to be here today for the final hook up. Presidio it was and as we came back late last evening, to my surprise all was done with a phone box just a few feet away. Wishing I would have waited or come back earlier… now we wait for someone to show up.

River Road to Presidio is a unique road separating us from Mexico, I have always called it the "road of a thousand pictures". Still technically closed nearing Presidio due to some cracks on the south side of the road, the shoulder was open to local traffic… which we are! There has been much damage from the recent floods, the Golf course in Lajitas is in shambles but all the mud and rocks on the road itself have been cleared. The weather was more than perfect, no winds either way, "Old Faithful", well, she is purring and as I cannot see her smile, I can hear it!

About 60 miles of curvy and winding roads, River Road can take a couple hours or all day, a few days for that matter with many campgrounds along the way. I was in the mood for riding, just riding as I have been since those days passed wrenching. Traffic? a couple cars, maybe as everyone thinks the road is still closed, a couple stops for my buddy to get some water and take care of his needs and Presidio arrived, or we arrived.

I was hungry… but… maybe next time.

The town seems to have taken a beating since last year. Many businesses are closed, my favorite Bakery had a closed sign, maybe next time as they also serve some authentic little Tacos with the great sauces, great home made tortillas, those sweets without much sugar… We just gassed up and turned around… for more riding!

This is our backyard. These are the roads we will ride often, these are the roads many come to feel and enjoy as about 150 riders from a riding Forum called "Motorcycle Cafe" will be here this weekend. We will have dinner with them Friday night, more exactly I will. Unfortunately, unlike most countries in Europe, dogs are still not allowed in Restaurants unless within an outdoor patio. Maybe that will change some day when they take over.

The waters are still running fast, the damage is obvious remaining in many places, but the River guides are having a great time. As we arrived back at "The Oasis", the surprise was mine seeing the work was done and my line was in. I just cannot call this camping anymore, or could I still? Checking my e mails sitting inside looking through my dusty windows, the final curtain of the day was dropping quickly. And again I had to get the camera out, this one was above it all, you be the judge. To the west…

and as I turned around… to the east!

Just another day at "The Oasis".

Two years of Photography is finally in order on SmugMug… In "Your Favorites", in "States", some labeled "first year" and second year", now also "Texas the third year". Feel free to browse, you can even use the slide show mode and have fun.

Merchandise is also available through SmugMug. If you like to order a print all sizes are available as I store the originals myself considering the huge bandwidth needed to upload on the Gallery.

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Be well, always. Ara & Spirit