“So long as we love we serve;
So long as we are loved by others,
I would almost say that we are indispensable;
And no one is useless while they have a friend.”
~ Robert Louis Stevenson ~

“Tears in Heaven” is a song by “Eric Clapton” from his Album “Unplugged” I often listen to while “out there”. It for some reason brings me close to Lance and our times together.

“Without a Philosophy of Life, you may be swamped by your emotions and believe that Life is meaningless. You see the chaos in and around you, and you assume that it could never make sense. With this attitude it is easy to latch onto simplistic explanations, which are never far away. An entire industry of “counselors”, “preachers”, “psychologists”, “coaches”, and “gurus” of all stripes are eager to tell you how to live. But these borrowed and purchased strategies aren’t enough when a dark night has really taken a hold of you. You need to work out a system for yourself. You have to prepare yourself for challenges that could be far more radical than you expect”

~ Thomas Moore ~

It is near Mormon Lake, Flagstaff, AZ. Unusually for us we have checked into a Campground. “Pine Grove”, and it is very nice, very quiet. The temperatures are perfect again. I almost feel as I have finally learned to follow fair weather even though we are here a few days ahead awaiting for Overland Expo to start. Why not explore the area as suddenly next Thursday will be visiting with the good Friends we only barely see once a year and the rides will not be of many, also considering my giving “One~Pan Cooking” Classes which will be at 11 am for three consecutive days.

All is so perfect as I am settling into what was. “Old Faithful” purring while getting to know her again, Spirit happier than ever glancing at me every five seconds now instead of seven. Some form of a plan to visit my Friend Mark in Tucson for a few days after OX catching up on some real mail and vehicle registrations. Then on to Colorado’s heights as I know by then the temperatures will soar at lower elevations.

Yesterday was shadowed by what I call a “nasty” e mail. They come in once in a while. I don’t know why while wishing such individuals would not read these pages. This one was particularly long. It included all my wrong doings. Taking advantage of readers, applying for disability which I never have, Spirit being a Service Dog, having a few Sponsors and using them to my advantage, and on and on. I was always told and believe firmly that any honest path is a good path. No one has been forced to purchase “One~Pan Recipes” or “Merchandise” or a Motorcycle Dealership asking us for a “Presentation”. Sponsors have kindly approached us and, yes, Spirit has opened many doors I have to admit.That such words came in on the day when posting an offering which I am calling now “A Dinner and a Show”. So maybe no one calls for it and I will let it be as I have all my other ideas for us to continue having the honest ability to stay on the road. It truly would not have bothered me if “Lance” had not been mentioned.

Well, yesterday was shadowed but not today. The sun is bright and shining on this path, the only one that enables me to not regress to a will of not to live as others do by being here and now. The same e mail went on intensifying the momentum on the fact that so many as myself have lost Loved Ones asking me “Who do you think you are?… an exception?”. No one truly. Just another Soul riding the peaks and the valleys trying to find some Peace within and for these past times sharing such Peace and Times with others which also have unwillingly been dealt this similar card or a troubled Life or hopefully none of the above.

Is maybe “making a living” for some the most important factor of this Daily Life? It is an “important” factor to “yes” survive month after month, build up a retirement, as few aspects even on this road are not free. It is a commodity most of us must have. All of us. My own vanished and I deal with it.
My second quote caught my attention because of meeting a couple “schooled” in the aspect of giving the Spiritual Seekers “formulas” including “chanting” around a fire with stone Pyramids laid out. I never found out the meaning of it all neither attended or accepted a free consultation. If these present pages have turned out through Lance’s Gift to help others as I know they do through e mails received, I am happy to be doing as such. I know I would not be if suddenly offering “Skype” consultations with those “non existing formulas” as we each are of a different fabric. Their “making a living” does not attract me, it truly actually as they say “turns me off”.

“A Philosophy of Life begins to take shape when you educate your Heart and cultivate your Life. You read, you talk, and you think; you don’t just act. You consider your experiences and take lessons from it. You may need to write these lessons down in a Journal and talk about them with Friends”

I did not write the above, “Thomas Moore” did. I did not read these words eight years ago, I only read them a few days past realizing it is what I have been doing. It is the guidance that has taken me forward instead of giving up these skies which were not at all time very sunny and for that matter as even today the clouds linger some days darker than others.

“Henry David Thoreau” lived in a tiny cabin at Walden Pond outside Boston for over two years to practice a Life of reflection, to help him move more consciously into his Life. “I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essentials facts of Life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived”.

Our Cabin has been our tent, the ceilings “the skies”. No walls per say. It will soon be 6 years. We have spend now 2000 days and nights on the road.

“A Philosophy of Life is a bundle of wisdom you have gathered from your reading and experience. It is not a rigid ideology that allows no development and complexity. It’s a living thing, a developing idea about Life that belongs to you alone. You may want to share your insights and maybe even wish that the rest of the world would adopt some of your principles. But essentially it is your special source of comfort and understanding. It allows you to be yourself, to judge yourself with reference to an absolute and not against the opinions of other Human Beings”.

I thank much this “shadowy” e mail writer and also “those two” Spiritual Advisors as I know too many today get their Life guidance through Television, formulated school teachers and rarely have original thoughts about their own experiences. Such instances are always more awaken times. My e-mails were never replied. Others may have many opinions based on the latest studies but generally have not worked out a deep vision. They are informed, but they have not thought deeply enough.

I am told I think too much. At times I do as now sitting amongst the pine trees with a meadow facing me, Spirit laying in the tall grass, the smells abundant. Riding, cooking… and thinking, and writing expelling the thoughts that might too heavily linger and bring me down if kept caged in turmoil. This is my own therapy and always will be.

In my effort to stay on the road “we” now have a T Shirt and Merchandise store. I think you will like it. “SpiritedOasis”
“Smugmug” for Photos and Digital downloads.
The recipes are on the “One~Pan Recipe” section.
Needing a great Webmaster? Follow the link. Justin is truly the one that allows you to enjoy this Journal and it’s peripheral pages.
We both appreciate your support and hoping we are giving something back.

You be well… Always.
Ara and Spirit and “Old Faithful”

“Far better is it to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs, even though checkered by failure… than to rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy much nor suffer much, because they live in a gray twilight that knows not victory nor defeat.”
~ Theodore Roosevelt ~

A great Guitar Sound by “Persson” called “Lonely Nights”

We are now back in Albuquerque and it hits me. Hits me hard. This is when I can use the term, expression, "Culture Shock". Literally. There were, we left behind, the ruins staged by thousands of Ancients, one rock, one stone at the time with no metal tools, all laid out in this beautiful Chaco Canyon, and here we are amongst this Urban Jungle as I call it, fast and faster, noisy, polluted, so much so I started wondering what I was doing here. Nothing else besides picking up "Old Faithful" tomorrow. I am in deprivation, I don’t have any other words for this state of present mind.

I feel as going backwards. There is a door back there between the stones I felt trying to as a vacuum pass me through. But turmoil it is as I resist. How can I explain even to myself of this stage that is behind this opening, shaded with a path going the other way and yet, so inviting. Going back to my own ancient times of years past, much past. The path is one that brings one with themselves, close, closer than ever. I have one foot through, the other is the hardest. I don’t know if I can yet dive into. Maybe some future date. “Chaco Canyon” has left an imprint which will be invaluable.

"Old Faithful" is back with us. These coming days will tell how she truly runs. It was a big undertaking and so was the bill which for measure was much higher than anticipated. How bitter~sweet I sit here wondering now how the Journey is going to continue as the hole keeps getting larger and larger. I have an idea. An offering throughout the Country of my Culinary Talents (not one pan cooking) followed by a Presentation of Photos, Videos and Narration of this Journey. The only two aspects I know how to do. The back door is widening, the distances traveled have to be shorten as I think if any. The rope has suddenly tightened as never before. The decision of a new engine now weighs as yet, the only other choice would have been "none" and I am with no doubt very thankful and more toward this present time. It is another way for us to share the Journey. “Living on the Road offering Delights for the Palate and the Senses”. Groups of Friends? Clubs? E-mail is above. 

A shocking surprise this morning as too tired last night we checked into an inexpensive Motel 6. My gut feelings was to remove all my bags off "Old Faithful". I was tired, did not want to get a cart and go through the motions. It did not pay off. Half of our camping gear has been stolen. This is a first and I feel violated, I feel like pounding the ground in exasperation. I am. I look up and ask for a break. Please. The lessons never stop.

Yet today we ride as we are back in Mountainair. We ride madly for 300 miles. The thoughts are flying through my mind. I am thinking about all the incoming e mails. All the messages when though "non intentionally" on my part, so many are finding their own reprieves through these pages as I find my own through others and as it must probably be "on and on". Time on the road besides this Journal makes it so difficult to stay in touch, to reply, to even speak on the phone. I feel as everyone is only trying to survive their own present, stumbling here and a step there as we also are. More sharing.

Old Faithful ran good. An engine with 30,000 miles. Two years younger. A stranger with her breathing still foreign to me. It is a new Heart from an RT model. A bit more power. Different RPM’s. Trust is not yet established as almost at a stand off as to how far she herself will go. Trust, of most importance. We will get there, a few thousands of miles needed only and I will know of her heartbeat.

A little further today, west toward Flagstaff. Highway 60. Pie Town is the destination, but we stopped in Datil after VLM and it s array of giant Dishes listening to the skies today filled with clouds playing within the strong New Mexico winds. Datil Wells Campground. $2.50 a night for us. We might just stay here and backtrack afterwards to Pie Town.

This morning was a bit sad leaving Charlie and his Mother Lucy. My days at their Home reminded me of the Hospitality experienced in the 70′s when I was on the road for 2 years. A true Hospitality. "Stay here as long as you want, as you need", as in the meantime Lucy is feeding us two square meals a day. I did cook a couple times. Poor Charlie, my first meal was vegetarian. He is a meat and potato kind of guy. His face could not lie throughout the suddenly silent meal. Hugs, a kiss on the cheeks from Lucy, quick good byes. An e mail within minutes "will keep a parking spot open for you always". We have found a true Home away from “Life on the Road”. This is what matters. Not the stolen gears, or the cost of a repair, but the infinite Heart to Heart wide open path suddenly found. Thank You, and more.

In my effort to stay on the road “we” now have a T Shirt and Merchandise store. I think you will like it. “SpiritedOasis”
“Smugmug” for Photos and Digital downloads.
The recipes are on the “One~Pan Recipe” section.
Needing a great Webmaster? Follow the link. Justin is truly the one that allows you to enjoy this Journal and it’s peripheral pages.
We both appreciate your support and hoping we are giving something back.

Be well… Always.

Ara and Spirit

“My  Personal Daily Therapy, published Weekly or so…”

Do not let your fire go out, spark by irreplaceable spark, in the hopeless swamps of the approximate, the not-quite, the not-yet, the not-at-all.  Do not let the hero in your soul perish, in lonely frustration for the life you deserved, but have never been able to reach. Check your road and the nature of your battle.
The world you desired can be won. It exists, it is real, it is possible, it is yours.
~ Ayn Rand ~

One of my favorites… I have many. “Enya” singing “A Day Without Rain” from her Album “Pilgrim”

Still in a holding pattern about 60 miles South of Albuquerque. I have to place a call to Sandia BMW Motorcycles and find out how things are looking for Saturday. If not rolling by then not much sense hanging around here. Maybe Chaco National Monument for a few days. It is only a couple hundred miles from here. We have been comfy I must say. My Friend Charles and his Mother "Lucy" have opened up their Home and kitchen to us. A nice aspect yesterday when the winds reached over 50 mph as even this house shook around a bit. I even watched television! A good show about the logging history from the ancient times to now. So much I did not know and what remains unfortunately in my memory today is the fact that only 4% of past Forests remain in existence. Sad fact.

My thoughts, my recent past ones, they are still behind a bit left in this little town called "Carrizozo", NM. Sometimes "something" one cannot explain pushes a button as it happened a few days ago. I am thinking it would be a good base camp for next winter instead of "The Oasis". Close to snow, close to many new attractions and roads. Made a few Friends, locals which have been there for years. I am sure they could guide us on how to go about it all. Just a thought… just thinking maybe I could settle a bit. Do I know myself that well?… Probably not.

"Old Faithful" is still in the shop and it is Saturday. A custom hose made locally by an outside vendor end up being too thick and too short. It was Friday afternoon. Karma did not want us to ride yet. The shop like barbers is closed Sundays and Mondays. We are now pushed into the middle of next week. And we are gone, Mountainair is a couple hundred miles behind and Chaco Canyon Rd is under our feet. Avoiding Albuquerque we took off on 60, 25, 6, 371, a right on 9 passed Crownpoint and finally 20 miles of unpaved road, 14/57. A much better road than the alternative entrance off 550 which is very deep with washboard. Trust me.

The adventure began when we arrived. It is a National Park. There is a campground and it is full. Absolutely no primitive camping. The option given was to drive back the 20 miles…. That was not going to happen. A mile away, out from the bumpy entrance road my map found this below beautiful road, one that actually makes a loop back into the Park. Up and down, hidden behind the hill, only a few curious horses and cows for distant neighbors, here we are.

Will we actually tomorrow await for a site? I doubt it. We can come back here every night. It is cool, maybe cold even with my winter coat and wool hat on. New Mexico has some vast land. It surprised me. Most in the area is Reservation Land, the map helps finding the BLM pockets. This whole concept of a million acres with two square inches to camp on becomes such a ridiculous concept and yet all would be defaced without such approach. No wonder we never visit or try not to "National Parks". Maybe once, has to be seen and felt and experienced.

I gave in and circled the campground this morning. A nice site tucked into a far corner. That is ours now. The weather is perfect. The dial is where it should be, the water pipes even froze this morning. We will be here a few nights as I cannot circle Albuquerque for ever. We will go in when "Old Faithful" is really ready with no this time surprises.

Clouds are present. Spirit keeps switching from sunshine to shade.  Back and forth like a pendulum of a clock with a bit of water in between. I cooked me a lunch and awaiting Sunset to explore the ruins which are more than amazing and of many. What an incredible Culture it was as still so many of the ruins are underground to be discovered. I think I was born a bit too late. A few hundred years ago would have been plunged into an interesting Civilization.

The ruins have left me speechless. There are no photos or true words that can describe my experience. I can only above add the link of the information available. A much better concept from what myself could ever write. How much labor, planning and knowledge has gone into these dwellings? all keeping in mind no metal tools existed throughout those ancient times.

Another day has started here. The campground is now empty. I know it is Monday and depending on my call tomorrow afternoon I will know how long to be here. No clouds today, maybe they will come by Sunset when we go visiting more ruins. In the meantime these are lazy days. Peacefully the hours move on, there is no cell service here, there is no 3G. There is no connection but the immediate present and a long history of past having come to this intersection where they meet allowing for the colorful closed eyes sights for the senses.There will be more of “Chaco Canyon”.

In my effort to stay on the road “we” now have a T Shirt and Merchandise store. I think you will like it. “SpiritedOasis”
“Smugmug” for Photos and Digital downloads.
The recipes are on the “One~Pan Recipe” section.
Needing a great Webmaster? Follow the link. Justin is truly the one that allows you to enjoy this Journal and it’s peripheral pages.
We both appreciate your support and hoping we are giving something back.

Be well… Always.

Ara and Spirit

When things go wrong as they sometimes will;
When the road you’re trudging seems all uphill;
When the funds are low, and the debts are high
And you want to smile, but have to sigh;
When care is pressing you down a bit-
Rest if you must, but do not quit.
Success is failure turned inside out;
The silver tint of the clouds of doubt;
And you can never tell how close you are
It may be near when it seems so far;
So stick to the fight when you’re hardest hit-
It’s when things go wrong that you must not quit.
"Don’t Quit,"  Author Unknown

“I’ve Got Dreams to Remember”, always…. “Otis Redding”.

I surprised myself this week. I found the days being too vulnerable as I was myself more than ever because of "Old Faithful" not present. What happened to my strength? The logic of it all? Remainders of past programming still lingering? Most likely I have to confront. All is well, all is better than ever. Considering. New used engine on it’s way, a gem in itself, 2 years newer, 200,000 less miles. A great Dealership with their best mechanic on it. The bill will be paid even if against my own Life’s policy to be in this instance borrowing… Not a good fact but will manage. I hope. I just don’t do well with "missing". Only a handful of Friends have understood what it is to miss a "machine" as by popular definition, but is not. She has been part of our little Family for so long now as I must say she has worked the hardest moving us through the miles and more miles.

Spirit by me always. Have I not learned enough from him? Obviously not. He lingers within those moments of Life so present to him as they should be for me but sometimes are not. I have been disappointed with myself these past days and only now feeling as coming through with the scales a bit more even. My attention has to shift toward leaving here, this space we will not be back for quite a while. Starting to make a new map of all our "stuff" in that little black book of mine not relying on a computer process. How many time have I done that? I should by now know it all "eyes closed" as they say, but that game is on continuously. 

Bumps in the road! on the road. They will always be there. A positive outlook has always helped. The "good people" met always have also. We are on our way to discover a bit more of New Mexico while we hover around Albuquerque. There will be some time spend in the shop while putting the car back together and going over the intricacies of "Old Faithful". She has many custom designs built up and added over the years. 

There is a new chapter beginning. There must be one every day I believe, lessons learned are so endless. I have been on the Internet a lot since just for now the two of us. I have mixed feelings about what we are doing. Not so much what we are doing but how and it’s ramifications. I find myself being too external toward the finances this path necessitates. And yet, I have to be. What was I thinking when opening the "One~Pan Recipe" store? There are millions of them out there. For free. Probably as simple, as good. More successful. What was I thinking when opening a merchandise store? There are also millions of T Shirts and coasters and mouse pads out there. I am pretty much laughing at myself at the moment. I see the amount of visitors with no sales by the end of each day, none of that fuel money I thought would make it’s way into the tank. 

And so what? I murmur to myself maybe a bit too loud. Give us a patch of dirt, a bit of scenery and their roads, some water and a bit of food and we have everything else. All is so much within. I don’t want to be the one under the awning with a big smile pushing such merchandise. I cannot. It is not my objective or desire or ability for that matter. It is however a balancing act. The demands versus the needs which are so minimal. We can always go behind that "boulder" and stay covered and well shaded from all these trials and tribulations. There is an aspect of this stage so few have experienced. I don’t think I have even through from all these pages past and present have had the ability to express it’s stature. It is a bit of the infinite separation from everything else that crowds us. They are the spaces where money has no value. It is that shade which is "IT", plain and simple with no intersections and no stop signs. 

Suddenly I am aware more than ever that we are not coming back here for a long long time. Months it will be. We did not spend much time here this winter. It has become harder and harder for me to stay in one place and wishing a bit this would change. I have to take it one day at the time as this piece of land will always be here when some down time becomes a demand. It is always so serene and so calm. There are no forces from the outside World that makes their way in. Never. It is the dark nights here while laying down and looking at the stars almost as if myself was "up there" in space, way far away within this Universe we too often have no comprehension of it what so ever.

I changed my mind about leaving tonight. Early morning it is going to be. I am dragging. Little bit at the time that "stuff" is making it’s way into the boxes which will travel with "Sherpa" to eventually pick up "Old Faithful". I am a bit ahead of myself already feeling our reunion. How lucky we are really I am thinking. We would have had to stay in Albuquerque all this time otherwise. Just waiting.

We are gone. It seems as winter fast forwarded onto summer. I forgot how long the days now are as we found a nice secluded campsite in "Valley of Fire", New Mexico, not Nevada. Spirit is suddenly uncertain today as he is incessantly moving with me. Sometimes I feel as being at "The Oasis" is not being on the road. It probably is the major reason we have not spend much time there this year. I know it is. I am tasting the road today. That feeling when we don’t quite know where a new stage is going to harbor us. For a day, a week… who knows.

The scenery is beautiful. The space is filled with a ground of lava rocks. Everywhere. Cacti are have sprouted from the  crevasses. They stand in the Sun’s glare like little soldiers some at ease and some at attention. The clouds as I like them are of many. It is yet too early for a hike. Mother Nature is working hard today on her canvas. Maybe we should go on to the crest and have a front row seat.

I feel better today. If "Old Faithful" is not ready Saturday, so be it. It will be next week. Yet my guts tighten to that thought. I call it self induced pain. Patience is one of my virtues. Does not seem to apply however in this situation.

Best night sleep ever. Feel so rested. We belong to the road as others belong to their home. I would call it "tragicomedy" morning though. My camp stove which I was cleaning a week ago is missing a piece. Yellow flames only is all being spit out. No coffee this morning. No breakfast. We have to leave the Park, Carrizozo here we are. The coffee is not too bad as I also treat myself to some mini cinnamon rolls which come in this little cup with it’s transparent plastic lid. Inviting they were, stale they turn out to be. I am sitting by the classic red Formica table on this yellow same material bench listening to the locals.

It is all about the REO concert they all went to experience a few nights ago in Albuquerque. "They are still hot… how about the drummer? Must be in his seventies but he was rocking with his fluffy long hair…". The would words linger, the sighs I hear. They are giggling. This is a one traffic light little town. This will go on for a while. We better go. Yet, I like Carrizozo. A lot. There will be more photos of this town. Friendly. We now might have to go on to Albuquerque to find a part and come back. It is too soon to be there yet. Where was plan B? Life on the Road!

In my effort to stay on the road “we” now have a T Shirt and Merchandise store. I think you will like it. “SpiritedOasis”
“Smugmug” for Photos and Digital downloads.
The recipes are on the “One~Pan Recipe” section.
Needing a great Webmaster? Follow the link. Justin is truly the one that allows you to enjoy this Journal and it’s peripheral pages.
We both appreciate your support and hoping we are giving something back.

Be well… Always.

Ara and Spirit

        ~ Ellie Hadsall ~

This week, well… “Running on Faith”, Mr. Eric Clapton from his Album “Unplugged”

What a chain of events suddenly as we are now back at "The Oasis" sitting tight through another very windy storm and amazingly actually "cold" this morning. A welcomed drop in temperatures which unfortunately is not going to last long. So much has happened from the moment we rode into Sandia BMW, that moment when the small crowd in Service turned around at the sound of "Old Faithful" in much pain shortly followed thereafter by a verdict which made my Heart miss a beat or two, or for that matter a few more. 

Our Presentation was not too far away, the clock was ticking. I had to turn myself around and get on the positive wave of it all. Test of the moment. She made it to our destination, she was now parked amongst competent hands and spirits so helpful toward our situation. This was all bound to happen with such mileage year after year and abuse from the elements. My video slide show had been ready for days now, the time approached quickly and the rooms suddenly filled with riders eating, laughing, conversing, including a couple acquaintances I had not seen in an eternity. 

I was amongst Friends. How to convey a physical and mental Journey that is in it’s sixth year? By bits and pieces, by choosing a few destinations close to my Heart, by pronouncing the aspects of the changes that internally have taken places. Some in a broad meaning and some with a few details that will let the mind linger on their meanings for times to come. Hopefully. Mixed in with Photos and a couple Videos the hour went by fast. My own World has put on such a distance  from the reality of the so many present, my Passion for our Path, it was all I could do to not go on for hours "sharing" it all as to me this what it is all about.

"Sharing". Distributing those bits and pieces physically and mentally acquired with such common denominators as motorcycle riding, sidecar driving, camping, cooking, on the road with a four legged Buddy such as Spirit, photography, new Friends met on the shoulders where we at times rest, and the biggest and most important of them all "Mother Nature’s" incessant gifts, sometimes throughout peaceful days and others throughout the stormy ones which each builds up our character and personality on a physical and mental level making us stronger by the day to confront it all with an incessant growth. That is the core of this path. 

It was a gratifying time. It was a good time as I look forward to the few more upcoming presentations lined up. Some of my inner aspects have changed. I did not want anymore to run away from this Urban environment. I knew it was only for a couple of days and the "City" actually became entertaining as I knew soon I will be harbored back into our own little and yet very large World. I started watching others, feeling them. Others driving, riding, talking, their facial and body expressions never quite hiding their own Lives which maybe they themselves wanted and needed to escape. Everything was moving so fast around us, and I was moving so slow, and all was alright as everyone went around us with no mental or physical collision. 

We were provided with a real nice Hotel room for a couple nights. Nice breakfast awaiting every morning. An elevator. A king size bed. A far cry from a mummy sleeping bag laid on some hard ground sometimes with some forgotten rocks under the tent. A shower and even a little refrigerator. I know, I am aware, nothing exceptional for many as it also was for myself in years past. We like glided through those couple days as Spirit did really well, specially in the elevator. He did well with the crowds present, better than ever and I have been so proud of him even though I have to say so many gave him the attention which he loves to receive.

Ah! the two words come back to hunt me always. "Bitter~Sweet". So much so. Can Lance hear me? Is he listening to my "Thank You" and more toward him to have put us on this path amongst others which now also join us within such gatherings? Was all this his plan all along? So many questions, answers which will never be present, only now, today, within these moments thinking that "yes…", all is his doing and truly not mine. 

So some will say "your machine broke…". I now smile. A Friend even wrote that it might be time to "scrap" it. Like a dagger the words penetrated till I realized not everyone looks and feels as I do, as "we do" toward, yes… a machine. "Old Faithful" she is. She is the one that has carried us for the last 280,000 miles. Off road, on road, smooth and rocky, sand and hard packed, hot and freezing, when sunny and stormy. We found a new engine for her yesterday. I am thinking a bit as a "heart transplant" while saving her “Soul”! 2 years younger and only with 30,000 miles on her. It is going to be strange.  

In my effort to stay on the road “we” now have a T Shirt and Merchandise store. I think you will like it. “SpiritedOasis.”
“Smugmug” for Photos and Digital downloads.
The recipes are on the “One~Pan Recipe” section.
Needing a great Webmaster? Follow the link. Justin is truly the one that allows you to enjoy this Journal and it’s peripheral pages.
We both appreciate your support and hoping we are giving something back.

Be well… Always.

Ara and Spirit

Some 42 years ago I landed in “Philadelphia”. Somehow this song, a duet by “Mark Knopfler” and “James Taylor”, called “Sailing to Philadelphia”, reminds me of those times. Has been a long road since.

3 days of wrenching. The heat has not let up and yet, as a gift served graciously, as soon as "Old Faithful" was ridden to "The Oasis", a nice and beautiful storm mixed in with strong winds and rains came down upon us. The skies played for hours, and even into the late night the Moon was hide and seek with the lingering clouds. All passes fast here, nothing last too long "up there", and today, while packing for Albuquerque, the heat makes again it’s mark. I start thinking why am I unpacking and repacking. Why do I even think as such when I know the answer? It is the only way while we stay here some times throughout winter times even though this one went by so rapidly since also having spend much time in Death Valley. An experience still embedded in my mind as I know when the opportunity arises, we will go back, this time with a different outlook, definitely a better mental approach.

And I think some more… "we have to come back", after our presentation in Albuquerque. A few loose ends! It suddenly does not make much sense being on the road and "having" loose ends. I think some of those got away from me. Maybe the general consensus is just to go on and on but it does not work that way. There is always "something" that needs attention. Could be a Dr’s visit, a mechanical maintenance, [that was a big one!], this and that. The miles accrue as much as I try to avoid gas stations. I wonder about this summer, how kind will the prices of fuel be? It reminds me of I believe about four summers ago when we sat tight in Escalante, Utah. We were lucky. In all directions destinations were present within a few miles. I am thinking the heights of the Colorado Mountains without pushing any further North this time.

Many forest trails passed Lake City and Lake San Cristobal before Creede. Right in between. Many creeks as water will allow us to stay longer without an urban visit, not that Lake City is much urban. I have good memories of the area. It will all work out I know. Thinking too far ahead. Having a hard time packing. I like to pack and leave. I cannot pack ahead of time as we use everything we have. There are no duplicates. I suddenly thought it was a strange notion to live as such. Year round camping gear! Not much is designed for the abuse I give it. Morning comes fast, stayed up too late.

The road was kind and thoughtful. Suddenly the sight of the many crosses on the side of the road in this State of New Mexico arise for some reason. Some are white, some are blue, some pink and some black. Most are ornate. They have tinsels wrapped around them, fake flowers that withstand the time unlike the ones gone now replaced by "that cross". There were a few with small alters, a statue. Some States only allow a "generic cross". Not here. Who were they? What happened I think as we ride by and others fly by probably never noticing. I nod my head. By respect. It does not matter what happened. They were beings like you and I. Now they are gone and we are still here.

I pass a few buildings wrapped around by shiny and glaring fencing in layers 3 deep. A prison. More beings Life took away. The crosses are in the open air, the inmates are between the walls. Something is wrong with this picture. Has anyone reached their destinations? This is Society, slices of it even on the shoulders of these roads they are to me so noticeable. Maybe not to others. Has the World gone numb? We had to jump on a Freeway for our last leg and the speed of everyone else around us is much faster. We are keeping at a steady 65mph and the entertainment is to watch others pass by. The trucks shake us, I look at their tires. I know the strength of a blown truck tire and hope it never happens when near by. More than painful it would be.

We have arrived now. Sandia BMW. Everything happens so fast. From one moment to the other a major catastrophic event. "Old Faithful" limped into the Dealership with the sound of broken dishes coming out of the engine. Not again I thought. Not now, not ever. And yet, who am I to decide the fate of it all?  I am just along for the ride, smooth often, bumpy at other times… bumpy right now. It is bad. Everyone here has bend backwards and already have had a scope into the engine. The space which has never been opened for 280,000 miles. It is dreadful. As I listen to the initial verdict my heart is pounding. Chain guides, chain tensioner, all is missing. All is laying at the bottom of the engine that needs to be cracked open. Metal debris. There was no maintenance which could avoid this situation. Age it is. Miles. Years. Compression is good on one side, very bad on the other. I really just want to walk away when I hear "engine rebuilt". Just walk away when I realize even though considering the enormity of the situation, where we are… A great BMW Dealership and we are not stranded in the middle of the Desert.

It is the morning after. The presentation is tonight. The landslide has grown overnight. Mentally. It now faces me even harder. Once again I am not prepared for this. I was, all my Life as then on all vanished replaced by an inner Wealth, one which is not going to help much at the present. And yet, it does, magically, a Friend which will remain anonymous has come forward to loan us the finances for a rebuilt. A used engine or another used motorcycle is not an option. “Old Faithful” has to survive. It will take at least a couple of weeks. Another Friend is coming by Thursday to give us a ride back to "The Oasis". The kindness of our Karma so quickly made it’s way in less than a day. How to handle all of this now, suddenly. I am bit confused and "grateful", all at the same time. I am drained and feel as my courage needs to blossom even further and so is so much with "Old Faithful" sitting there all alone after giving so much of herself to get us here. Clanking but rolling. Maybe it is my inner Wealth that is taking care of all of this. It is our fate. With a capital “F”. More on the presentation later. It was a full house, standing room only. I truly enjoyed sharing this path we have been on.

In my effort to stay on the road “we” now have a T Shirt and Merchandise store. I think you will like it. “SpiritedOasis.”
“Smugmug” for Photos and Digital downloads.
The recipes are on the “One~Pan Recipe” section.
Needing a great Webmaster? Follow the link. Justin is truly the one that allows you to enjoy this Journal and it’s peripheral pages.
We both appreciate your support and hoping we are giving something back.

Be well… Always.

Ara and Spirit

“Our developmental models of a Human Life accounts for progress but no major shifts in Being. Linear thinking, so much a part of modern Life, affects the way we understand our very Lives. We evolve and develop, but we don’t transform. We imagine growing like a skyscraper under construction, reaching for the sky, not like a caterpillar turning into a butterfly”
~ Thomas Moore ~ [Dark Nights of the Soul]

I was told it was 98 yesterday. This the Desert. A dry hot air at times passes by turning the sea of creosotes into waves as only missing the sight of the white foam on the breakers, an almost forgotten memory from days past on the Beach. A few clouds are trying to shelter us with a bit of coolness but it is not happening, and as the Sun comes down the heat digits themselves rises at times choking me. Spirit has found some shade. Of course, he always does and I have to move his water bowl closer, hints of drinking a bit more than usual. A little more time, a little more and night time again will be here. This will shed away and with only a short sleeve T Shirt I will be cold. I want to be cold. Draining energy, energies, both mental and physical.

It is high noon on this barren land. There is no main street like in the Movies. No gunfighters or saloons as we have too often seen. There is no color, there is only this white brightness, this glare that hurts the eyes as if “arid” was now the weapon of choice to take us down and stumble step after step through these moments when even thoughts are grilled, turned over and over as on a hot plate sizzling and leaving behind nothing left.

I try to sleep, change my pattern. Stay up all night as I have at times, but the sweat runs profusely and suddenly I am awake in a pool feeling as in a steam bath hot and humid. One day at the time and soon we will be out of here. Less than a week. No guaranties of cooler weather though in Albuquerque. I look at the local forecast, we are going to miss again the “red flag warnings”. Meaning the winds will not reach us. Yes, I like storms. More and more. They bring the power out of Mother Nature awakening the senses, being on the alert. Cooling effect. We are spoiled having the freedom to choose our elevations and temperatures. Not this time around. Monday… this is when we are starting North.

Had to move around yesterday. Ride. Go. Art Show in Presidio where it was even hotter. Not too bad while moving and soaking up our clothing with water. Wind + water = cooler. That simple. We could not ride forever as Presidio arrived and quickly I noticed a city block cordoned off containing a light crowd setting up their BBQ, a stage, stands, everyone hopping from shade to shade as I smiles thinking that is exactly what Spirit does. Pulled my energy together and a bit feeling like a zombie on a foreign set I walked around trying to spark some excitement from a great ride, yet a destination even more scorching and sweltering than the space we left.

I did not last long, we did not last long. A bit of bad timing as we should have arrived in the evening and not this early within these sizzling times. Hours away still. Back on “Old Faithful”, firing her up and on to Marfa with the “loop” in mind. Yet I knew the loop would be shorter than the Sun’s parade of it’s day. No one was out, everyone probably hidden within their four walls and the fans and the air conditioners blowing. Comfortable avoiding the present almost unbearable reality. No such luck with us. Fortunate enough we found some shade for the both of us in Marfa, have a slice of Pizza with the only words echoing and flowing through the mental gates “this too shall pass”. We have felt worse.

Back early, sunglasses a must, the eyes were squinting, the visor open was baking my face, the visor closed was scorching it. What a choice. Seeking more shade, that is always the mission. We were flagged down on our bumpy and dusty dirt road leading to “The Oasis”. Many locals are leaving for the summer. I think they have had it also. We were invited to a farewell get together at the local “American Legion”. Will be back I said, and we did. It was a good time I must say. We are a good community. We stand for each other on this million acres vast land, the last frontier always it seems.

Plenty of food. Conversations catching up on the latest, knife and hatchet throwing which I also participated and did fairly well I must say. Maybe my next hobby while camping in the woods. Finding some dead wood and practicing. Might come in handy some day as one never knows what is behind the obscure bushes while in the lost forests of the Northern regions. I think I am now fantasizing. Of course I am. A mirage in the Desert has spawn. I am already there.

A reprise today. “Perfect” is the word for the weather. One Day… taking it all in mixed with a quick ride to Alpine, Dr’s visit. The annual thing… All is well, even though having gained my winter coat of about ten pounds as I do every year.  I know I was meant to live during the darkness of the nights in such times of heat. It is as such here as the days lengthen and the hours pass by so quietly and so rapidly. That is when I feel as the World is finally asleep and I can wake up without a glare present throughout comfortable times. I have to put myself asleep so often as then on morning arrives too quickly. I must be up early. “Old Faithful” will be awaiting and will demand my full attention throughout her major maintenance. I am already passed it all projecting the open roads and the weighted bags filled with our needs. Unpack and repack as an endless game always winning and rolling on towards the next destinations.

In my effort to stay on the road “we” now have a T Shirt and Merchandise store. I think you will like it. “SpiritedOasis.”
“Smugmug” for Photos and Digital downloads.
The recipes are on the “One~Pan Recipe” section.
Needing a great Webmaster? Follow the link. Justin is truly the one that allows you to enjoy this Journal and it’s peripheral pages.
We both appreciate your support and hoping we are giving something back.

You all, always be well.

Ara and Spirit

"When you have lost someone close to you, and friends try to comfort you in your grief, you know–but they don’t– that what you are experiencing is beyond grief. You sense in your body and in the fullness of your emotion a great rupture in the world you have known, and irrevocable emptiness that is not just to be felt but completely absorbed if you are to go on. A genuine dark night of the soul takes you to this crossroad, this "bardo" place, where you have an opportunity, extremely hard won, to live in a “different world”."
~ Thomas Moore ~ [Dark Nights of the Soul]

Beautiful Song by “Amanda Marshal” called “Last Exit to Eden”. Send by Jayni. Thank You and others, please share the ones that move you, the ones that rest close to your Heart. Use the above “Email me”.

I am promising myself to stop taking Sunset Photography. Yet, every day here stormy… I cannot help it! These are the roads we travel on. This is our neighborhood for a few more days. Above is
“211 South Enterprise Road”. I call it “The Oasis Road”.

Late at The Oasis, yes, in my “different World”. Pulled up a chair, westbound. The sliver of the Moon and it’s neighbors are slowly preparing themselves to drop behind the horizon leaving me soon in total darkness. It will not be for long as the blanket of Stars and the Milky Way will exchange seats. The sound of the wind, my only visitor, is undulating it’s notes and it’s freshness cooling off my arms and face is a welcome reprise from the heat of the day. As always when the days are longer, my times awaken and asleep are bouncing against each other. The hours escape, the days run away. It such is my World.

This quote above from “Thomas Moore” are words which these past recent times have appeased me. I know this is a milestone throughout these past 8 years. An open door I am flying through. They are the first expressions of grief which have made any sense to me. It is indeed a “hard won World”, but I now realize and do believe it is mine and only mine. It’s difficulties do not matter, it is it’s space that always did as I always tried to leave that door open and let the other World in and mingle, and blend. That door is still open and always will remain as such, but today, for the very first time… yes, the very first time, it is OK for me to be in my World. I feel relieved. There is so much understanding in this Book as I am feeling it has been written for me. From the beginning to it’s end as my beginning which yet has no end.

I never believe in coincidences. I never believed that our Journey to Death Valley was of only of a "touristic" one. It takes a long time sometimes for the answers to materialize and sharpen. And then again, what is time? Specially "our time", "your time"? when millions of years are behind us and maybe more millions ahead of us as we are such a minute slice of it all. I met a new Friend in Death Valley and she guided me on this stage written by “Thomas Moore”, a Man who understands my different World which in turn helps me understand the present moments. Yes, these present moments are indeed very "extremely hard won". But we are “making it”, we have. Always never giving up and turning into expressing such path either through my own personal words, photography, Friends, a live Clown that lives with me, “Old Faithful” with all her miles and so much more that has enriched us.

Strange person sometimes I think I might be. This space runs a stream through my Soul bouncing back and forth on a wandering mind. What a ride report this is! Do we have to be as they say (who?) a certain way? I have wrongly felt often as I needed to be as such; as away from it all we are often. That is when Life’s core looses it’s sense. What sense? We all have the freedom of our path, yet, do we truly? Another evening laying under the Stars, the weather is mild, the moon is still hiding, the skies are talking back so strongly into the chapters of a present Life trying to edit it’s content. I don’t know how my Story would unravel without Spirit. I don’t know what the present reality would be without my circle of Friends. A formidable daily and nightly battle I would think and know as such rules would then not be present. Wandering mind.

Mindless thoughts maybe, yet, the cover bound has Lance’s own Soul keeping the pages together. They are my pages, they are our pages, they are my Dear Friends also pages which I share with. They form this open book troubling at times, softer as murmuring clouds at other times. The colors change and so do the fonts and why cannot they just be one and one only. The story becomes intricate as the rainbow turns itself upside down dropping on my shoulders expecting their alteration with a perfect previous harmony. Is any of this makes any sense? My expression is so poor and so complex to my own reading sometimes.

The dark blanket above me so delicately painted and spotted kept me up late. It means I am awaken by the Sun rays already bouncing and giving out some much needed warmth. It will be hot soon. Again. Spirit does not mind. He has not smelled the coffee yet and so he knows it is not time to get up for his run, a bit of hiking and some playing. Smiles all around always. That is what he gives me, unconditionally. Another day, a fresh one suddenly so filled from yesterday’s thoughts or maybe just not quite edited yet as the lines loose a bit of their comprehension at this time. It is as the path divides itself. One is faster always than the other. I wait for them to merge and catch my breath. Sometimes they collide and at times they flow with this smoothness I cherish. What will it be today?

I feel like seeing water. Really seeing it instead of just feeling it and hearing it flow through only my mind. I am throwing a few things together and will head out to the Rio Grande River. I don’t even know if there is water running. There must me, I hope so. We have just arrived, why do I want to go so soon? Some bags are not even open yet! Am I again running away from what must be? I am not anymore, I only want to feel and experience the many footprints we both will leave. Always wondering the "must be", so much as I have a developed a great ability to postpone and overlook the remaining aspects of a a previous Life when "must be’s" where truly a must. Cannot I be spoiled and only take care of my own inner desires and emotions. Cannot I just discover the right space for the right moment to let in so delicately the past years remembered of my Love one now away on a path with no loops yet similar to mine as some day I know I will again join him. Of course I can and of course I will. That is my Faith in Life.

I am only a bit behind often I feel and think. In the meantime, here we are. The man getting older and his Dog always by his side, both so attached to each other. Such two as one always. Yes, in the meantime here we are. Forward, discovering, experiencing, seeing, smelling, feeling, all ten fold from what it was, every day as all the senses sharpening while thinking how far more can this take us? That is the "must" throughout my Life. It is a needed commitment, it is an obligation wanting for us to keep our heads above waters, such masses so stormy at times and so calm at other times. There is no choice, it is the prerequisite of the forward motion we have been on and now understanding that as, yes, my World being of a different one, it is "my World" as much as I share it on these open pages.

"Extremely hard won", Thomas Moore writes and denounces so much more I will write about as I have been miraculously on the right path. A new door I feel, a new “Journey” has just began.

In my effort to stay on the road “we” now have a T Shirt and Merchandise store. I think you will like it. “SpiritedOasis.”
“Smugmug” for Photos and Digital downloads.
The recipes are on the “One~Pan Recipe” section. 
Needing a great Webmaster? Follow the link. Justin is truly the one that allows you to enjoy this Journal and it’s peripheral pages.
We both appreciate your support and hoping we are giving something back.

You all, always be well.

Ara and Spirit

“When you recover or discover something that nourishes your soul and brings you joy, care enough about yourself to make room for it in your life.”
 ~ Jean Shinoda Bolden ~

A true Classic by “Sawyer Brown”, “The Walk”. Thank You Justin…
Do you have some Music you would like to share? I know you do… E mail it at the address above, any format with the information needed and I will post it here.

Truly a sense of depression comes upon me when days on end the skies remain their plain blue. Sunrises, Sunsets, the camera does not come out of it’s bag. Daytime? All is so bright… All the Photos in this entry are from my Smugmug Gallery. Maybe a gentle reminder…

The skies welcomed us back to "The Oasis" with many smiles. From ear to ear as always she wears. What a winter! It has been unseasonably warm, comfortable, spoiled, hoping the upcoming summer will be bearable as we will seek elevations for those months. Most likely Colorado this time around as the soaring price of fuel is curtailing our moving around. Back for a couple days I am feeling lazy. Nothing has moved here, nothing has changed, I think I have. I know I have. The certitude of the empty spaces being our path. Death Valley gave us the keys and more of such revelations.

What are we doing here? Another careless day but today a bit of "discipline"! Writing up a couple new recipes cooked on the road, corresponding with our Dear Friend and Webmaster Justin for some changes. One being to revert back charging .99 cents a download for such recipes. My naive thought that many would give back while taking has not materialized as hundreds of downloads have happened with no incoming contributions. I did say they were free… I am not quite taken back from it, yet, our travels cannot take place as such without changes. 

April 11th will be our first "Presentation" in Albuquerque, New-Mexico. The start od “something new” for us. Late afternoon at the local "Sandia BMW Motorcycle Dealer" who also has another dealership in Santa-Fe. I am preparing a slide show and also a quick "one~pan recipe" demo. I am a bit excited about it feeling the desire to publicly share the Journey and able to in person shed some light on how we manage to do it all as we have been. All about camping, cooking, photography, the people met on the shoulders, the roads and the most beautiful spaces we have experienced. We will come back here afterwards as this presentation will be videotaped and will edit it into a resume as such to be send to other dealers, “motorcycle clubs”. Not necessarily only of BMW Motorcycles, but many other brands. Feel free to contact your own local Dealer or Club if you felt such a presentation would be beneficial to your area… and fun!

May 18~19~20th we will be at Overland Expo for 3 more presentations. Flagstaff, New-Mexico. These will be more on the path of "one~pan cooking" and traveling without refrigeration. Presentations as we did last year. The event is growing and it is the yearly get together with many Friends. The only chance to enjoy their company. 4×4′s, motorcycles, adventurers, overlanders, movies, good food. It has become an incredible event. If anyone is near by, it is not to be missed. The e mails amongst us are already flying back and forth as we will all be camping together as in the old times… in a circle. We are having our own "Village".

Sometimes I cannot write my thoughts. They are a blur with no distinction on a path that remains murky. I wait, and wait, as I know always time clears up the stream running from it’s mud clouding it. Death Valley was deep. Deeper than ever experienced in any space. That much I have known these past days while reliving the coming back here. It has stamped me with emotions well felt, and yet to this day I did not know exactly what was the meaning of it all. Suddenly all became very clear as spring water emerging from a crevasse, a fissure elaborate on a side of a peak as all were indeed peaks when amongst such vast spaces.

I love my solitude, I cherish my one on one time for days on end with Spirit, this very special relationship we have. I embrace this getting lost feeling and surviving off the land and the provisions we carry including the golden commodity of water, the main essential aspect of it all. I revere being as such and those days past when set up behind those hidden hills with the certitude that no one would ever stumble on our camp. I was sure. I was sure I wanted to be as such for ever, to be just that for my own and Spirit’s eternity.

And so I was not as pleased as before returning to this land that always receives us with such open arms including Sunsets as never seen before. I wanted to be back "there", not quite "here". A sand storm lasting two days kept us immobile as a strong arm willingly immobilizing us. Slowly my Friends call backs were answered and my emails were also. I was in touch again. I am in touch recurrently and casually and gently I realized that I had missed my Friends. I had fumbled on a notion of Life that I Love but also blunder my relationships. Being in touch. The balance, always that "balance". Thinking one way and being mistaken about it not being the one way street I thought I would deeply want to navigate on constantly. I am always so thankful toward my Friends as more real they cannot be as also they do know I only have one face. 

I am now mentally getting ready to face the motions of taking "Old Faithful" apart. I can never help being a bit "tense"… "anxious"… I don’t quite know the right word for it. The sidecar will be separated and everything, meaning "everything" will come apart to reach the main rear engine seal to be changed as it has been sipping oil for a while and this will include a new clutch while "in there". It is only "nuts and bolts" as always my Friend Paul says with the utmost confidence he has. He is the best. "Old Faithful" will be in good hands again and on as new, well seasoned, the miles ahead will be awaiting.

"…it is not news that we live in a world where beauty is unexplainable and suddenly ruined and has its own routines. We are often far from home in a dark town, and our griefs are difficult to translate into a language understood by others."
~ Charlie Smith ~  "The Meaning of Birds"

In my effort to stay on the road “we” now have a T Shirt and Merchandise store. I think you will like it. “SpiritedOasis.”
“Smugmug” for Photos and Digital downloads.
The recipes are on the “One~Pan Recipe” section. 
Needing a great Webmaster? Follow the link. Justin is truly the one that allows you to enjoy this Journal and it’s peripheral pages.
We both appreciate your support and hoping we are giving something back.

You all, always be well.

Ara and Spirit

“Thanks to the interstate highway system, it is now possible to travel from coast to coast without seeing anything.” ~ Charles Kuralt ~

If you have any “Music” you would like to share, please e mail it to me to the address above, any format, including all the information needed and I will post it here for all to enjoy.
This is “Broken Road” by “Sully Erna” from the album “Avalon”, submitted by Justin.

Out of Death Valley! The reel of the past roads are still unwinding. Silence has now been replaced by some urban cacophony while stopped in Shoshone and treating myself to a Ruben sandwich at the Crowbar. I remember it from years past. I like a good Ruben. I don’t know what he does to it, but it is the best. I made a point to let him. Chefs like that. I was one of them. The road went along the Park for a while. More roads I saw going up the hills, more "wants" to explore and camp out as I am so much realizing we could spend a few months within those spaces. Food and water weekly being not too far. Only moving on when the weather dictates.

Suddenly I am finding people being loud. I am sitting outside with Spirit to escape the four walls, and yet… A deep contrast from the past weeks. Plain loud as if their intentions are for the World to hear some of their non sense. Outdoor is of a sanctuary to me. A space to be quiet. To think and feel without the noise pollution and bragging rights hearing about a car faster than theirs or a house more opulent than their neighbor. Some seem as convicts let out with a yearly free pass. I know I should not feel as such. Unfair. Our Life is different. It has been detached from the main stream and is only getting further and further I don’t quite know where.

I went down the ladder last week. A few days. Time passing helped. The thought of going through the Mojave National Preserve and maybe even again Joshua Tree if my favorite campground "Belle" is open, all lifted me up. The weather is cooperating. It has been after the past storm such an incredible Gift. Climbing back up a couple steps. Too dark down there. Smiles are always needed. I do have caring Friends. They drop in halting their own lives sending their good and uplifting words.

I found a Treasure by the Dunes in Mojave. The Kelso Dunes with another washboard Rd. Only about 3 miles in though. One camper a mile away and then us. Friendly Mojave. Right at the foothills of the Dunes. Kind of a shame we have to return to Texas. I am trying to see this path as a tantalizing offering for future times. It is not often if ever we have to be somewhere at a certain time. I am breathing deeper today. My past emotions have left me worn out. I am trying to keep it all on an uphill swing. More Friends have written, a couple have called as I yet have to call back. No luxury of a connection but it will be nice to talk to them soon. I know that if our Life’s speed is 10 mph theirs must be a 100. Life’s rules these days. Slow down.

I am now strongly feeling the connection with “The Oasis”. We are moving fast. Not a blur by far, just only too quick. Too immediate, a sense of rush and yet suddenly wanting to, feeling it as it is that time. Confusing. Not wanting to leave but moving on. We are already passed Mojave. It was only one night. We found a spot at Belle campground in Joshua Tree. Things have changed from years past. The sites are larger meaning RV’s, meaning generators, meaning noise overtaking what was once this primitive space. An influx of traffic. I realize it is spring break. Yes, they are out still acting as between cement walls with no respect for others. Even Life on the road changes. I cannot let it spoil my morning as the Sun is slowly making it’s way from behind the giant boulders keeping company with an army of Joshua’s.

We have already crossed a Freeway yesterday. I stopped when it came into my sight of vision. Oppressive it looked after all this time away. We only had to cross it going southbound. The fast and faster way for all to get from point A to point B. We will have to experience it also at some point soon when without much of a choice passed El Paso. Or was it before? I am still on Death Valley time. So raw was the space. Death Valley. Those two words are resonating. I know many visit, will, in and out. I don’t know if many will feel this unexplainable sense of being amidst what seems to be the last frontier. This vast isolation that was as such only a few centuries ago. They will come and ride, they will come and drive, take a few photos and leave. Will they acknowledge the present blending in with the past or will they only bypass it all?

I have not figured things out yet. The fingerprint of days past is getting stronger. I think I found that desolation and isolation as such is a space I had not quite experienced these past years. It was of a different momentum. Not ever at this level. Those uphills going on dirt paths we camped on hiding behind a hill or two with no light or noise pollution, a silence so deep it made the ground feel hollow. I want to be there again, sometime soon we will.

In my effort to stay on the road “we” now have a T Shirt and Merchandise store. I think you will like it. “SpiritedOasis.”
“Smugmug” for Photos and Digital downloads.
The recipes are on the “One~Pan Recipe” section. They are free downloads, contributions are gladly accepted.
Needing a great Webmaster? Follow the link. Justin is truly the one that allows you to enjoy this Journal and it’s peripheral pages.
We both appreciate your support and hoping we are giving something back.

Be well, always.

Ara and Spirit