“Chaco Canyon’s” memories and now. NM

Thursday, May 10th, 2012

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

“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 ~

Chaco-8 xxx

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

[audio:http://www.theoasisofmysoul.com/wp-content/audio/lonely_night_persson.mp3]

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.

Chaco-9 xxx

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.

Chaco-7 xxx

"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. 

Chaco-23 xxx

Chaco-22 xxx

Chaco-70 xxx

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.

Chaco-17 xxx

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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.

Chaco-21 xxx

Chaco-56 xxx

Chaco-19 xxx

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.

Chaco-12 xxx

Chaco-13 xxx

Chaco-66 xxx

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.

Chaco-43 xxx

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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.

Chaco-60 xxx

Chaco-58 xxx

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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.

Chaco-3 xxx

Chaco-2 xxx

Chaco-15

Be well… Always.

Ara and Spirit

Chaco-25

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8 Responses to ““Chaco Canyon’s” memories and now. NM”

  1. heyduke50 Says:

    we too were in Albuquerque staying with a friend much like yours… stay as long as you like, sorry about your loss of camping gear I had worried about my bicycles on the back of my car even though they were locked… we are now in Benson AZ to explore the Huachuca Mts tomorrow… enjoy your new beast…

  2. Al Says:

    Dear ARA & Noble Spirit, it was no doubt a shock to see your belongings stolen & yes, the feeling of being violated. However, please be assured this is a minor inconvenience compared to a very real danger of being robbed or worse! I don’t tell you these things to frighten you or dissuade you from your vagabond life style, but I speak from experience having been a deputy sheriff & dealing with the public for over 26 years. As I’ve read about your many travels & out of the way spots you sometimes find yourself in, I admit, I’m pleasantly surprised that you & your faithful companion have remained safe & healthy. However, I caution you to be wary of strangers, with the turmoil in our country at present, there are desperate people out there willing to do you harm simply to take whatever you have. Please consider getting a gun for your protection. It can be kept out of sight & you will feel much more secure & safe having it handy. A saying that makes a lot of sense is; better to have it & not need it, than to need it & not have it! I wish you all the best. Stay safe & well! Al

  3. Randy Says:

    Glad the team is together again. Trust will come when deserved. I alway like to get through the first 50 hours flying behind a new engine. I keep wondering about the civilization that put together those structures. Thanks for sharing your adventures. Zelda is on a mission to Nothern Minnasota taking a Pit to her new rescue home.

  4. greg Says:

    I am sorry to hear about the camping gear. I understand how you must have felt. Ride safe my friend.

  5. scruffy Says:

    sorry to hear the news of violation, but glad to hear you and ole faithful are up and running again. First time in weeks i’ve had electronic connection, In Blanding tonight for a much needed shower and resupply after an excellent day and a half at Hovenweap. Not sure where to from here, tried Canyon de Chelly today, but could not stand the ‘sewer’ that one has to go through to get in, so I will never see the place. Turned around at the gate as a wall of dust blew in looking like the dustbowl of the depression days, enough said. Would love to see you on the road. May go take a shot at Moki Dugway and Mulley Point tomorrow, then who knows. I hope you and Spirit are well and enjoying the road. Travel safe~

  6. Jennifer Says:

    These ruins are certainly impressive when you think about what people accomplished before this modern day and age of advanced tools and technology. It makes me wonder what folks will think of us, in another hundred years or so. Jennifer

  7. brian wrabley Says:

    I love Chaco, it really makes you work for it to get there. It’s a haunting place, I don’t have your gift of the written word to describe. To be up on top of the mesa at Pueblo Alto and have storm clouds roll in really makes it magical.

  8. Ara & Spirit Says:

    It is as you say “haunting” when you think they did not have metal tools. I have a hiding spot now only one mile out as to not stay in the campground. Another visit is due!

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