“In spite of the cost of Living, it is still pretty popular” – Kathy Norris

It was late. Nighttime. A glacial wind was blowing us sideways it’s constant needles entering right through the material worn. I was crouched on the tank bag, throttle locked so my right arm could support the chin of my helmet, not a wise move as the shadows on the side of the road had made their presence. Sometimes Life is a Russian  roulette they say as it was last night. The rabbit emerged from the shadows, my head did not rise, my arm did not move, all was too quick, he started on his last path, but somehow his predestined hesitation saved his life as he only felt the current of the rear of my wheel passing near by him. He was quicker than his own time. Finally we dropped down from Alpine’s mile high elevation to the 3600 feet were "The Oasis" was awaiting, laid out with the solar night lights on the ground as a landing strip welcoming us back. Always a comforting sight when arriving late.

This was the scenario these past three days. Two of them entertaining myself shooting (with the camera…) bicyclists and landscape on River Rd from Fort Leaton eastbound, the next day on the road to Pinto Canyon, the paved part. Yesterday entertaining the Dentist in Valentine, a 240 mile round trip. Today we are “in”, Spirit is passed out, I am a bit struggling to not assume back the horizontal position as him, stamina is let’s face it not what it use to be. 1000 miles these past three days, a bit worn out but satisfied of the outcome of it all.

I always feel as my own passing on through photos to others in such scenario. My feel is the same moved by my own personal senses and outlook on Nature, within however this particular stage incorporating bicyclists amidst the beautiful surroundings. It was a lot of waiting, passing, finding the right space and hope for no cars traveling in either directions to run us over or ruin a good photo. Sometimes it worked, sometimes not! Spirit has not been in a very happy mood even we he got off often to play, I am starting to compare him to a “grouchy old man!”. For the first time last night he was laying down in the nose of the car, normally his nose over the windshield still glancing at me maybe for confidence every 8 seconds.

The weekend ended in one of the Marfa’s backyard where a real treat called BBQ was laid out for us. I could have still been sitting at that table truly. A real brisquet, chicken, sausage, potato salad and Mexican rice which I had to watch it’s making to borrow the recipe. And yesterday back to the same area to start once for all some 
complete Dentistry, my Family Christmas Present. No complains yet but I have already been told the procedures will be painful as I will for now skip those details.

We are today back in our Space, it only takes a couple days away from it all to appreciate this surrounding so inexplicably nurturing in all possible aspects. Life is calm right now, peaceful, a sunset has just taken place, a brisk breeze of cold air suddenly has replaced the warmth lingering upon us all day. A fire is burning in the main pit, I grilled some chicken on this heavenly pecan wood smoldering with smoke for a taste unlike anything else.

The Big Bend State Park Fiesta affair is on this weekend. We will be forced to again ride River road, there is never a dull moment in this area which always amazes me for the reason of it being so remote. Right now, I think I will join Spirit for a nap…

Till next time, you all be well, always, it is our best choice.

Ara & Spirit

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This entry was posted on Tuesday, November 10th, 2009 at 7:29 pm and is filed under travel, spirituality, pit bull, sidecar, motorcycle, cooking, photography, riding, homeless. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.