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RE: Lifelong Journey on the road with Spirit...

beemerchef — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:46:06 GMT

"The Mosasaur Ranch Museum" in Terlingua. TX

That word "Mosasaur" is not even in my spelling directory… yet. It was a cold ride that morning, all well worth it as I had heard of this Museum just recently, surprised. It is a hands on experience one coming to this area should not let escape. No big banner, no big neon signs, they do have a website as they are in between Terlingua and Lajitas on the North side of the road. Can’t miss it, there is a rod iron Mosasaur being built in progress.

And now, our last evening here for a while as we are headed out east to the suburbs of Houston for much cooking, riding and sightseeing, a much needed adventure so we can miss this place and come right back! Might not have a chance to post too much here, but somehow my writing and photography do not stop, I could not live without, it is my personal expression of our Life. Spirit is also ready, helmet and goggles, a couple bandanas. He will have a couple Friends to play with, hopefully this time will not be chased by a horse as he was during our last visit. He also has a new Friend that is going to fit him with a coat we will pick up on the way back… as I said "how about me?". No use…

"Holy Jurassic Park, Batman!!!" [quoting a reader...]

Be well…

Ara & Spirit

RE: Lifelong Journey on the road with Spirit...

beemerchef — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 09:28:20 GMT

Big Bend State Park. TX

It was "Fiesta Day" at the Big Bend State Park. The long awaited and postponed a couple times affair was finally secure on the calendar, both Ranger’s and Mother Nature’s good weather forecast. It is the largest State Park in Texas, over 300,000 acres of Chihuahuan Desert within a rugged, remote and unpopulated setting. It encompasses two Mountain ranges containing ancient extinct volcanoes, many canyons and waterfalls. This weekend however the terrain must have been in shock as near 500 attendees were present for the festivities. Too late to have a camping "reservation", we rode in and out for the day meaning riding in a fog of dust unlike any other riding time. 27 miles of unpaved road where even some smart moves waiting for others to pass and get on with it during a break did not help. Even Spirit’s goggles where covered with that fine dust, I only thought about it later, we should have worn bandanas on our mouth coming and going. The exposure was intense. No warnings.

Much preparation on their part, it is a Park with low attendance and luring hikers, mountain bikers and now motorcycles I hope will bring the numbers up. It was a long day for the both of us even if lunch was of a free one.

RE: Lifelong Journey on the road with Spirit...

beemerchef — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 14:39:03 GMT

The "Swimming Hole", revisited. TX

Again and again I am drawn to that Space where everything is every time as new. Somehow the latest photos taken there have become my favorites. One has this incredible symmetry of the mountain reflection in the water and a set of jaws only Mother Nature could create by the chiseling and polishing of her rocks present. The road leading to it is not too far from here, an unpaved road which only turns into being a bit challenging for the last mile or so. Even Spirit is now familiar with the surroundings. Trotting around as he owns the place, finding comfortable shade for himself, jumping high and low to be near by me at all time. The above photo is as it has just snowed a few moments ago. The sand even was still wet and shiny with imprints of a bird seeking water and even maybe shelter just a bit while ago. It truly is magic and more being able to combine a ride and a presence playing with Spirit and the camera so close by.

I managed to create a Video with all the photos in a bigger format and sharper images. Hope it works well… Enjoy.

Be well…

Ara & Spirit

RE: Lifelong Journey on the road with Spirit...

beemerchef — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 16:19:20 GMT

River Rd and Marfa, TX

So it was work, riding, stopping, photograph landscape and bicyclists, get back on, pass and wait for the next opportunity where Nature and machines would blend in perfectly. I am guessing a bicycle is a machine. If the opportunity was there I would do this once a week, there is no doubt as the day itself had great weather and light, specially early morning while on our way to join the group. There was even time for Spirit and I to play on the side of the road quite often, some great couple days. He was tired by the end of it however, for the first time laying down into the nose of his car not wanting to be my copilot as he normally is, nose over the windshield with his cheeks flapping in the wind! This Dog loves to ride, he feels important when he does, as he is.

What is next? Thanksgiving near by Houston visiting my Dear Friends Carl and Colette, much cooking anticipated including the Holiday treats. I think it will be a Culinary week! All mixed with cutting up some more Pecan wood for this upcoming winter, busy is good…

Enjoy the ride…

Be well, always.

Ara & Spirit

RE: Lifelong Journey on the road with Spirit...

beemerchef — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 06:26:20 GMT

Slicing the Silence of Time, TX

With 217,000 miles on her I figured "Old Faithful" deserves her own video! She is dirty, she is smelly at times, but she keeps on purring and swallowing the miles to no end. I think I am addicted to those "Animoto" Videos, they are right up my alley as being so simple to put together, each being so different from one another.

I actually worked these past couple days. I am not going to say "we" because Spirit besides posing for others cameras, well, he did not do a thing. The "mission" was taking landscape photos on River Road and off Marfa while also photographing bicyclists for a gentleman that is setting up upcoming Tours, complete with support vehicles and lodging accommodations. It was fun, no doubt about it, except for the fact that there was no chatting with others met on the road! It was waiting most of the time, shoot, and go on passing them all toward the next good spot. A good concept to get paid to ride, photograph, fuel and food throughout those two beautiful perfect days. It was not much, but, a Dollar is better than no Dollar I was thinking.

Enjoy "Old Faithful" up close and personal!

Be well…

Ara & Spirit

RE: Lifelong Journey on the road with Spirit...

beemerchef — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 18:19:32 GMT

"Day of the Dead" Celebration in Terlingua, TX

Another year has gone by, this evening in Terlingua’s Cemetery the crowd has outnumbered the Spirit’s ready for the Festivities, the Food, the Music and a Joy to join in good humor and Spirituality. It is still a new concept for me, it is slowly sinking in, a Day when sadness toward the departed is set aside to make room for instead a togetherness of the minds. It is as a rebirth every year around this time, a Celebration in Mexico that has spilled over to this near border town and others along the way. It is also an occasion to converse with everyone from this Town that has gathered and maybe not seen each other for a while. It was another "enchanted" evening with clear blue skies, just the right temperature and a Moon rising as saying "here is shedding some more light on you all".

Slowly but surely I have deepened my affection for this Town which makes me feel welcome and even more lately assists me in being part of it, a notion that has escaped me for so many years past. Yes, this could be the Last Frontier, it is also my last line of reconnaissance to feel as being planted for these winter months ahead. What more can I ask for?

More of it in the Journal including my first Video of my favorite photos.

Be well…

Ara & Spirit

RE: Lifelong Journey on the road with Spirit...

beemerchef — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 13:34:03 GMT

An "enchanted" evening in Terlingua, Tx

I was stunned receiving these words as part of an invitation to attend a get together this past Saturday… "I have been asked by several to invite you to a Party happening here, at my House, Saturday night, October 31^{st. There will be 40 International Photo-Journalists (including 5 Pulitzer Prize Winners) and several of them adore your Blog. Actually they will be here for the entire weekend and beyond, and I just get them Saturday night, but I asked if I could pepper the Party with some individuals from Terlingua and they specifically asked for you…".}I started wondering if the sender had maybe made a mistake in identity which I verified with follow up e mails. The day arrived and now went by. The experience was incredible, a "ride" unlike any other as surrounded with such that have traveled the World for many years with their fingers on the shutter, providing for National Geographic, Newsweek, Times, CBS, just to name a few. Recipients of so many Worldwide Awards, and yet loving my own doings, this little Journal that has paved our past Years with my Buddy Spirit. There is no doubt it has been a "feel good" experience surrounded also with much Music, great Food and conversations.

RE: Lifelong Journey on the road with Spirit...

beemerchef — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 17:04:24 GMT

A bite and a kite in Terlingua, Tx

For one of the rare times we had decided to stop at the Porch in Terlingua on our way to some errands, the good and the bad happened. The ugly too!!! The good is the discovery of kite flying, a smiling pass time as I discovered even if my kite is now laying in the bushes awaiting a new tail. The bad is being bit by a dog of an irresponsible owner with his four dogs out of control. I was watching them chase cars for a while, chase a motorcycle trike, watch him hit those dogs and yell at them, why didn’t I think they would also chase me while leaving? Spirit was on the wrong side, he had already send them a message earlier as they had then stayed away from him. So starts the path of calling the Sheriff and on and on. There is no Law here for rabies shots, leashes, luckily I found out that the community had made him get the shots for his dogs this past summer after such already happening incidents. Hopefully these dogs will be put away for at least 40 days soon as I will find out later on today. Maybe never show up on the Porch again.

Right now all is calm around here after a couple days of heavy winds and much rain even hail yesterday. It truly makes one appreciate the present moments…

RE: Lifelong Journey on the road with Spirit...

beemerchef — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 07:24:24 GMT

RE: Lifelong Journey on the road with Spirit...

beemerchef — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 19:09:55 GMT

A Ride and thoughts through Big Bend Park, Tx

Big Bend Park! Immense and desolate filled with the many Spirits lingering upon the thousands of acres we can ride through every day if we so desire. Every road, paved or not, has it’s calling. It’s physical aspect is not Zion or Bryce Canyon or even the Grand Canyon, but it’s mental one is, as designed, is to bring out the core of anyone’s Soul is they allow it.

I met a member from Big Bend Chat near by Maverick Rd., F. Marty, and as he said it so well "Whenever I visit another Park I always think about Big Bend, when I am here I never think about anywhere else…", as I realize it being so true. It is therapy at it’s outmost to just be there, a different dimension seemingly we fall into, it has it’s own little World, it’s own parameters, even weather and climate.

We are still off season right now, the cars are few, the day was as being in a private area spoiling us as never before.

RE: Lifelong Journey on the road with Spirit...

beemerchef — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 05:09:58 GMT

Why do I write?… and some local colors. Tx

With millions of Blogs in cyberspace I use to wonder why "writing" from so many. Eventually browsing around, the categories emerge for themselves for so many reasons of being. Staying in touch with Family, Friends, Companies are now blogging about their products, it is endless. And so I tried to put down in words my own reasons as various as they are from the traveling point, to my Buddy Spirit, cooking sometimes, my inner thoughts and state of mind often as I like to see my Blog as a "Journal" instead… of course it is called a Blog!

Perfect weather has been present these past days (not tonight as we are getting the winds from Tropical Storm Rick…) as we took a ride from Terlingua to Ft Davis. It seems to be the annual "thing" to do, see some old Friends, try for some new photos as the ride itself is always the best of it all.

Not much has changed really, everyone is getting younger and loosing weight… as I am (!!!) and going on about their own Lives as we do. The area seems pretty much being untouched from the rest of the World, the season and the off season remains the same, no one is complaining, it feels almost as we are totally detached from the ups and downs one might read.

The "good news" Blog!

Be well…

Ara & Spirit

RE: Lifelong Journey on the road with Spirit...

beemerchef — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 12:44:33 GMT

A new addition at "The Oasis", Tx

Sorry… it is again not a ride report as putting this "Taj Majal" together has taken more time than thought. After all, who needs to read directions, instructions! I have set up tents all my Life…

It is a cozy dwelling, wood stove and hot water tank, will stand up against the rains and winds, the view is spectacular, an old table that has some local history to write on, a couple old chairs, a cot for myself when up late only having a couple steps to take to spend the night on.

The winds and the rocky grounds made this project a bit more difficult, but I am liking the result and so does Spirit as long as he gets to lay down on of course the softer side. Amazing how dogs know the soft spots, must be a sixth sense build in their temperament.

The weather is finally bearable, pleasant, feeling as we are making again a connection with an old acquaintance, as someone told me today when explaining where we are "the flats". I like that because we are surrounded by the mountains, this is front row seat for always the best show Mother Nature puts on within Texas.

A couple tires to change, some fresh oil and some new destinations… we have only arrived, but somehow ready to go. Some day I might understand that concept, no need to right now.

More of the "Taj Majal"…

Be well…

Ara & Spirit

RE: Lifelong Journey on the road with Spirit...

beemerchef — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 12:29:45 GMT

Isn’t His Birthday every day? Tx

Another year has gone by as here at "The Oasis" spend throughout a multitude of emotions, Lance’s Birthday passed by with fanfare only within myself. There was no music, no cake, no laughter, but the vivid memories of what use to be on this day only seemingly moments ago.

As just on cue, the weather had turned on us, much rain again, barely allowing us to get out on these slippery mud covered with water unpaved roads.

Today however it is as the dark veil has lifted itself off, remembering my promises to go on as we have been for the past years, to stay strongly planted on this Journey, riding, hiking and just plain living, experiencing all that surrounds us throughout our own time here on this large stage Mother Nature always managing to direct on her own terms.

Maybe soon the temperatures will remain under 100 unlike yesterday when again it reached 107, a day as someone else said "I could have shoveled the humidity".

Spirit was in an overly playful mood, it is as he tries to lift my own Spirits and does a good job at it, no doubt he is my pillar throughout these days.

Be well… more on the Blog.

Ara & Spirit

RE: Lifelong Journey on the road with Spirit...

beemerchef — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 16:31:51 GMT

Regional Entertainment, Tx

Good weather, a Saturday (I had to know as much even if we try to live without a calendar!) and a ride to Marfa for their big weekend. But it is not only Marfa, could be Terlingua, Alpine, Marathon, Fort Davis, even the little town of Valentine, they are all joining in for festivities for what we call around here "The Season", which is about to start. Of course never a big crowd, we are too far from the rest of the World, locals are not that of many, and yet the cash registers need to start shifting gear, summer savings must be dwindling. The Shelbys as every year were in the neighborhood, A Music Festival at the interesting RV Park / Community "El Cosmico", The "Food Shark" with the best Falafel sandwich was crowded with a long line, and a Cat Woman slowly lingering the streets. The Galleries were open but I was told everywhere we stopped that "Art" is not doing very well unlike the Restaurants and Hotels which are full. Priorities these days must be such.

It will be time coming for a road trip, there has been much to take care of here, amazing as even Life on the road has it’s ability to furnish responsabilities that need to be taking care off.

You be well… Enjoy the Blog…

Ara & Spirit

RE: Lifelong Journey on the road with Spirit...

beemerchef — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 19:38:22 GMT

The "Gentleness" of Life. TX

More and more, increasingly since we have been back here at The Oasis, I am feeling such a parallel between Life and Mother Nature. Havoc she creates with her powerful storms, uncomfortable is what she makes us with too much heat, and yet as Life itself going through it’s own turmoil, I find an order within all, the scales constantly tilting a bit here and a bit there, the "gentleness" of it all always comes back leaving past imprints on us, making us appreciate the delicate balance of it all.

We endured the Mother of all Storms the other night, there was only one big blob of red in the whole country and we were right in the middle of it! A bit earlier the same day and almost at the same time, we were riding with my Friend Ryan in his 4x4 Mule, a great vehicle I found out that goes everywhere, luckily got us out of the still waters before the deluge came down on us. That was on my insistence as he has yet to build up some serious awareness respecting Mother Nature. Flash floods can be detrimental to ones health all but too quickly.

Another day at "The Oasis"…

Be well…

Ara & Spirit

RE: Lifelong Journey on the road with Spirit...

beemerchef — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 16:34:58 GMT

A curve ball. TX

This base camp here for the winter is not complex, I try to keep it simple, and yet I am finding ourselves surrounded with more and more conveniences. Right out of the ground comes up a phone and DSL line, there is now, borrowed, a 325 gallon water tank, a 40’ shipping container which will be used as a storage for "stuff" and "Old Faithful", the solar is working well as long as being conservative, and a new fire pit for the Dutch Oven we tried yesterday for the first time. It is a recipe from my Friend Teri in Ennis, Montana, and I felt there was a bit of that space surrounding us while sharing our dinner with my Friends Paul and Voni. I write "our" meaning Spirit and I, as my Friend has left already. That was the "curve ball" on Saturday, pressure from Family obligations left behind, not much else to say about it besides all is again quiet within this space unlike others.

The forecast is finally showing some cooling off starting Friday, I keep thinking I just want to be cold as the heat robs a bit of my energy and puts a damper on even going away to the so many destinations that awaits for us.

Soon… Heat and humid meaning lightning storms, enjoy the photos of it on the Blog.

Be well…

Ara & Spirit

RE: Lifelong Journey on the road with Spirit...

beemerchef — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 16:53:30 GMT

Front row seat at "The Oasis", TX

There has not been a square inch of space that has ever matched the beauty served on "The Oasis" throughout our summer travels. Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, Utah, they all contained their own so generously shared throughout our riding that never ceased, but the Spirituality of my Life is here adding so much that daily the astonishment does not cease. As even this morning watching a full Moon going over the Horizon and one step turning around watching the Sun rise all at the same time. The incessant patterns of clouds being drawn so delicately enhancing the senses, some fog on the distant hills rolling away awaiting a further time of the day to uncover it all. It is just plainly Magic that takes away even the remote thought of other parts of this Earth we are on. It feels as we have settled already a bit here and time has arrived to go on our daily and overnight rides exploring this vast Arena we left behind for a few months. Unusual rains and heat has been present, today it feels as we have been given back the ancient pattern of pleasantness which should last for months to come.

We had a front row seat a couple nights ago and I am so happy to be able to share it.

Be well…

Ara & Spirit

RE: Lifelong Journey on the road with Spirit...

beemerchef — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 16:26:21 GMT

Hanging out as a Tour Guide, TX

This will be the fourth winter we set up base camp here at "The Oasis". Hard to believe. And every year there is an apprehension that comes over me as… "what are we now going to do? I think we have seen it all…"

And every year I realize we will leave with more unseen and non experienced spaces. Over a 1000 miles of roads to explore outside the Park with constantly changing sceneries as the land of my Friend Ryan we stopped by last evening coming back here, through again different roads. We also managed to ride into Terlingua in the heat of noon as being the only souls and vehicle around. We were not smart enough, yet anyhow, to avoid the 106 degree temperature awaiting for us. The little town has not changed much, if any, as already familiar faces were present, my first thought of course being how did they survive the summer showing sustained temperatures of 136 degrees. A bit warm I would say for anyone. It is rugged country, raw and non forgiving unless obeying the rules, Mother Nature’s rules. Great time now and ahead.

Be well…

Ara & Spirit

RE: Lifelong Journey on the road with Spirit...

beemerchef — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 06:32:47 GMT

Dreams and Reality at "The Oasis", TX

So stuff is starting to accumulate I just realized. How did this happen I started wondering yesterday as photos do not lie. Can I say "it is all her stuff?". Not too fair as a lot of it is also mine, I just don’t know how it made it’s way into this Space of ours. So this is what we are dealing with right now, even if the weather has been the hottest ever while here. Tomorrow we are taking our first ride into Terlingua, I think I will see some changes most likely, nice ones I am sure.

In the meantime my summer dreams and fall reality have made contact giving me, us, much to think about, all good, different, a positive change toward a path where Space is now shared with much Friendship and respect.

The first steps are ones I have written about on the Blog with some photos right here, 360 degree views… Why would we want to go anywhere!

Enjoy and Thank You for all your kind "Welcome Home" words… Texas style…

Be well…

Ara & Spirit

RE: Lifelong Journey on the road with Spirit...

beemerchef — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 05:44:04 GMT

The Windmills of Lubbock, TX

I felt myself being caught in a giant windmill these past days! Stopping over through the big cities (anything over population 500), at the mercy of a world getting noisier by the day, the moving boom boxes, the trucks and cars exhausts reaching jet engine decibels, a foreign English language glad that Spirit does not understand it, last minute errands as to avoid the 130 mile round trips to Alpine which is the closest decent center for supplies, all concentrated over a few days for the first time allowed within me a stress level unknown for a long time. All is past now however as we have safely reached "The Oasis" where time stops and whispers are enough to communicate with "Two Feathers" and "Spirit".

Lubbock’s "Windmill Museum" was however worth the visit as it was last year. Seeing the World’s largest mural depicting the History of Windmills almost completed was a feast to the eyes covering over 5000 square feet. A few projects here are awaiting, being 3 is half as much more as being two… no dwellings, only thinking about more water and more fire!

Enjoy the Windmill and mural photos on the Blog…

Be well…

Ara & Spirit

RE: Lifelong Journey on the road with Spirit...

~K9KRAZY~ — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 15:38:25 GMT

WOW! That is awsome! Sounds like you guyz are hvaing a great time!!!

I'd love to travel somday, not just on the road here in Canada, but I also wanna go to Australia, and a bunch of places in Europe(Brittian mostly, I have some family there)

RE: Lifelong Journey on the road with Spirit...

beemerchef — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 13:14:12 GMT

Scenic, that is the Town of… SD

We should all practice wrong turns, getting lost without a watch, only the sun throughout the days and the stars at night guiding us throughout the back country so opulent here. Forget schedules, routes, you will find so much more richness around you and the unexpected. That is the way we stumbled on "Scenic", this little almost Ghost Town which took most of the afternoon to walk through and play with the camera. So much History here and even more than History in this part of the country, it is the way how everyone lived. The shootings, the much drinking, prevalent jails everywhere, long horse rides for passing on the news, ancient by then when they arrived to their destinations, so much seems to have changed, maybe however not all.

We are still headed south, the temps near by Denver are already on the warmer side, the days are shorter, fall is here almost, winter will not be long, I like the cold!!!

It won’t be long at all… I can taste my vision and hear Spirit again running free, his eyes always locked on me, must be "Love" I think… as my own eyes and ears also are locked on him. Build a fire within minutes of our arrival… those are all my thoughts for the day.

Be well… always.

Ara & Spirit

RE: Lifelong Journey on the road with Spirit...

beemerchef — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 08:20:20 GMT

In Broadus. MT

If every little town was such as Broadus, it would take a few Lifetimes to travel through this Country, stopping and spending the hours contemplating all that is now laid out. I must have developed an inquisitive mind, I always seem to manage to meet the "main" local personality, not in the sense of his "power" in town, but in his/her accomplishment within the community.

In Broadus it has been Doug. An old theatre which at one time had only three rows of seats, now settled for a larger audience, with a gym on stage, a Pizza parlor and more…

We will be leaving headed south in a day or two, it is that time before we get caught in this weather that is now beautiful but showing it’s Fall imprint. And I was wondering how many such as Broadus are lining up our route between here and Texas?

It is beautiful Country here, up in the Black Hills, it reminds me a bit of the Blue Ridge Parkway, if only there were less Casinos and structures lining up the shoulders all along. I see it as quite an irony when a Century past adorns it’s Sacred Grounds with another path not so Sacred.

RE: Lifelong Journey on the road with Spirit...

beemerchef — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 10:19:13 GMT

Could Life just be a big "Quote", SD

Every little town we pass by is a turn around. A structure here, an odd display of man made accoutrements designed to attract the attention, all works for us. The imagination of so many are indispensable, it is what makes "Americana", it is what creates the smiles while running down mainly the back roads from point to point when time is not much of an issue. The Artists of the road are of many, their original thoughts maybe have not been of creating Art, only to get the attention needed to swell their businesses, but I see it as a free form of Art. So was the case stopping at the "Stoneville Saloon" in Alzada, how can one not. The same when in Deadwood to check out Kevin Costner’s memorabilia in his Casino called "The Midnight Star", a bit more crowded arena that I care for, but worth the detour through Spearfish Canyon, a beautiful riding road adorned with waterfalls worthy of their hike. None of this ever stops, one mile at the time we cover the spaces that presents themselves ahead of us enjoying their moments and vision offered incessantly.

Enjoy the Blog…

Be well, always.

Ara & Spirit

RE: Lifelong Journey on the road with Spirit...

beemerchef — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 20:19:52 GMT

The Dream? MT

I am aware of being a book of complex nature, aren’t we all? No soldered board that could ever match our own elaborate circuitry. Valleys and peaks are put down in words, sometimes "someone" would like me to change those ways. Some understand, some don’t, the comments differ, either way my path has been created, subject to change, but not today.

We have left Ennis, already planning to come back next year, so many roads, such vistas still unseen. It has been quite an experience moving on to this State as slowly building the foundations of a strong relationship with it’s rugged and yet inviting space.

We are headed East, for finally our descent South which makes me feel as the one of this airplane after a long flight. Ron Dakotah should be on our path tomorrow with the hopes that we can again camp together. He has only gone 300 miles or so since we parted, it has to be the ultimate Journey…

Some photos of West Fork Road, another one to again try to experience with some day better weather. Life goes on!!!

Be well… always.

Ara & Spirit

RE: Lifelong Journey on the road with Spirit...

beemerchef — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 04:32:14 GMT

Good Bye Montana, more of Bannack

This State grew on us, it helped me straighten up a bit, understand better what Life is all about under a different light. Odd thoughts one might think. Not to me truly, as the land within every space has it’s own character and personality and gives back what one puts in. Exception being the Freeways! We bonded it seems only yesterday and already it is time for us to leave, only meaning we will come back. It is the beauty of this vast Country, knowing that a Lifetime will never be long enough to see it all, even less, feel it all. It is so fine, it is a thought that will never occur, meaning asking myself "now what?". It just cannot happen.

I finally posted all the Photos of Bannack, the incredible well taken care of Ghost Town, the quiet one that allows a real walk through of it, and also another real "food find"… The Taco Bus in Dillon. Can’t miss it, you don’t want to miss it. Of course now, none will be up to their standard and Dillon is not on our way for a last real invigorating meal. Well, if we left now we could be there in about one hour… 71 miles. We have ridden much longer for a good meal!

Enjoy…

Be well as always.

Ara & Spirit

RE: Lifelong Journey on the road with Spirit...

beemerchef — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 10:08:02 GMT

Bannack, MT

Finally a real Ghost Town visited just in time as we will be moving on in a couple of days. So many photos that it is going to take a couple Blogs to post most of them. Wandering slow, versus the usual many travelers "warp speed" with mileage in mind more than anything else, we also met up this time with a family of six bicycling the country. "6"! I was thinking about all the meals, the camping gear, the showers, the logistics which must be by themselves just incredible. We also had a long stop over in Dillon admiring the Old Hotel and right across, the new "graffiti". A contrast in itself.

But the big prize is Bannack. Turned into a State Park where dogs are allowed everywhere, quiet and peaceful with even I was told, the sights of Ghosts at night.

The Badlands will be our next stop before heading south, hopefully to cool weather… we sure don’t want Mr. Spirit to be uncomfortable!

Enjoy the Town…

Be well…

Ara & Spirit

RE: Lifelong Journey on the road with Spirit...

beemerchef — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 21:14:44 GMT

More wandering at the "Rusty Cowboy" and Gravelly Range Rd. MT

Time escapes us often, even with the days still lingering with great light in the late hours. Fun was photographing the space we are camping at, for the past I think couple weeks. "The Rusty Cowboy"owned by Teri who has become a Dear Friend of ours, a Friend we will miss soon as we will be leaving in a few days. And then, again we went on wandering to no end on Gravelly Range Road, a road, an area and a space that does not stop calling us. I wonder how many have truly ever even heard of it, driven it or ridden it. I don’t think anyone has from the lack of vehicles seen throughout the days passed. The road itself, very well maintained in most places, is not of a challenge per say, but the space is, as feeling passed a certain invisible marker being into another dimension so far away from civilization. It is as it was, the real stage as Mother Nature intended. Reminds me so much being at "The Oasis" in Texas, with even more remoteness.

Enjoy the couple Blogs posted including the photos, it is the essence of "Montana".

Be well… always.

Ara & Spirit

RE: Lifelong Journey on the road with Spirit...

beemerchef — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 07:01:54 GMT

A Beautiful Earth, MT

Gravelly Range Road, a Treasure of a road. As many areas we encounter, at times I am told to keep it for myself. But this is all about sharing… Just as a ribbon with no end the road goes on forever, the horizons are immense, this is after all Montana. Surprises are of many along the road, they are not motorcycles as we only came across one car all day, but a sheepherder from Chile that resides at 9400 feet with his herd of 1200 sheep and 8 dogs. Where else could this happen?… Lunch and much conversation even though we do not speak the same language. No need for it, there is a Universal language that is so much more powerful when it comes from the Heart. Spirit however was not too fond of his new buddies trying to get into "his" car… I think he is becoming a bit grouchy when it comes to sharing.

Another surprise was a family of three on a bicycle, father, mother (a teacher) and their 8 year old son. Now that kid has to be a happy one as they are planning to go around the World.

A foggy morning on the Madison River, weather warming up, every day is been just this great day being so fortunate to live it and appreciate this beautiful Earth of ours.

RE: Lifelong Journey on the road with Spirit...

doglover7 — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 08:01:36 GMT

Wow! That looks like one dangerous thunder storm!

RE: Lifelong Journey on the road with Spirit...

beemerchef — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 18:57:31 GMT

Pony, Montana

Sometimes one cannot truly feel it’s surroundings by only looking. I might change my going around direction by reading a bit before hand about the places visited and ridden to. This was the case in Pony, MT, not far from here, Ennis. Was it the cold, 30 degrees that morning, was it the previous ride into Virginia City and Nevada City which left me a bit overwhelmed? Who knows… but we will be going back to witness a bit more of past History I was not aware of, as I did not fully experienced the little unassuming old Mining Town.

Besides this little ride, a great visit from our Friends from Lander, WY, KC and Mia… I kind of want to call them "KC and the Sunshine Band!". A great dinner again by Teri as it seems my own cooking, well… need a ride to Bozeman as the only local Grocery Store’s prices are as we were joking about it this morning, about $3 an egg!!!

The weather… the rains and the storms are just not slowing down. Every chance we have of sunshine we will be out with no doubt riding the so many roads around as time is passing by so fast.

Enjoy Pony, it is worth the visit.

Be well…

Ara & Spirit

RE: Lifelong Journey on the road with Spirit...

beemerchef — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 17:27:25 GMT

The Trails of Friendship, MT

The trails here are endless as again, as in all areas we have dug short term roots, we will leave here soon with so many non ridden, which only means, we will have to come back. This year I have been told has been lucky as with much rain all is green and the flowers as most places visited are endless carpets of colors. I am always surprised, and totally content I must say, with the lack of traffic or even not a single motorcycle! I guess most riders must like crowded trails as these are totally off the beaten track and yet, easily accessible from a main road.

I call it my "Friendship" with "Mother Nature" and I took the opportunity in this Blog’s Chapter to also, well, mainly write about a Friendship developing which means, having company at "The Oasis" when we reach Texas. We will be sharing our Space, lending a hand as many have to us, the stage will be the same, it is almost as I want to call the upcoming future moments of Life "the sequel"!

All is well here, it is a rugged State, everyone I feel is working hard on their land to get ready for the upcoming winter with no time to waste. It is amazing how each State can be so different from one another…

Enjoy… and be well.

Ara & Spirit

RE: Lifelong Journey on the road with Spirit...

beemerchef — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 16:35:56 GMT

Virginia and Nevada City, MT

Well, if you are into "live" Ghost Towns, totally refurbished as new as "old and authentic", these two little Towns take the Big Prize home. Structure after structure, dwellings after dwellings, even a running train, Museums, you name it, mixed with the authentic smell of Pizza and the sights of modern Art, we had quite a day. It was much more and "more" than what I could ever take in again. Of course, no offense, it is just a matter of taste and many other pasts visits to similar spaces made this day into a true "déjà vu". As a local from a near by town said "I come and visit once a year, spend my money and I am done". Maybe we should have chosen a weekday to visit as the mob scene was intense and Spirit as usual was on the center ring, quite often myself watching from a distance, a safe distance that is.

Ennis, in counterpart, is a great place to be, a great central location for the many trails awaiting for us, such as Gravelly Range Rd, Southside Centennial Rd and so many others I am looking forward for us to get lost within.

Enjoy the Ghost Towns… we really did!

Be well…

Ara & Spirit

RE: Lifelong Journey on the road with Spirit...

beemerchef — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 15:27:10 GMT

Being part of Society… MT

So bad weather makes me think! Hail as large as golf balls, thunderstorms, winds, you name it. A few days in the wilderness and back into the mundane circle of errands and this and that also does it often. That is the title after all of my Blog, our Blog I should say, "The Oasis of my Soul". The wheels might stop rolling for a couple days, but the mind never does and the keyboard always helps… It helps me. It is all part of the Journey as I often read others and yet still never know who they are. It was never my intend of so many to read these thoughts, but it happens, and the bright side of it all are the many new Friends we have along our routes even if never the same. Many Friends we have yet to meet hoping we will some day. Maybe a big reunion in Texas!

We have moved on Base Camp to Ennis for now, this southwestern part of Montana just needed to be closer to us. For the first time I have a "photo assignment", for a Real Estate Company that wants to show the area to potential clients. As she said… I would be taking the photos anyhow! A couple portraits also, I am just not that good in the business world. Yes, I would have taken those photos anyhow, but… I could charge for their usage, right? Anyhow…

It is just like I wrote in the Blog…

Be well…

Ara & Spirit

RE: Lifelong Journey on the road with Spirit...

beemerchef — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 06:48:25 GMT

Wade and Cliff Lake, MT

The Adventures never stops. I don’t want it to stop. The Lakes, the unpaved roads, there is no better sceneries and feel, the photos will prove it. For the first time after witnessing such beauty I felt as Montana and I, including Spirit, have finally bonded. The southwest corner has so much to offer that in a couple of days we are moving to Ennis to be closer to those spaces that await us. At the same time we witnessed a re-enactment Fair near West Yellowstone where we also found a free out of the way and quiet space for us. Unfortunately "National Recreation Area" are becoming more and more expensive and filled with screams as I often wonder why are they camping here? I would definitely need a vacation from their vacation.

These are the best times around here even if has been raining a bit more than desired. Lately we have always managed to find shelter. This time it was underneath the tongue of a jacked up semi just laying in the field. A nice roof over our head it was, a spot to definitely remember.

Enjoy the Lakes, the few photos of the Fair… much more we hope to discover before long.

Be well… Ara & Spirit

RE: Lifelong Journey on the road with Spirit...

beemerchef — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 06:22:33 GMT

Old cars and a Wagon! MT

I was thinking, Spirit has it made not having to work out as Ron Dakota’s horses for a daily 20 miles move pulling 6000lbs. A good thing I have yet to hear a complain from him! It was seeing Ron again today, camped on the side of the road wondering if sometime I could also use those wide shoulders if needed to catch a quick night sleep. Sheriffs passing by are only waving, so it should be agreeable with the Law. It was his Birthday yesterday and we shared some sweet bread for lack of Cake and Ice Cream. 69 years old, 27 years living on the road traveling with the weather as we do.

It was then on to an Antique Car Junkyard a few miles up the road. A candy store for the camera and the mind seeing this array of what was once someone’s pride and joy.

South West Montana seems to be my favorite space out of it all, of course we have not yet visited the Glacier area which is an another 300 miles north.

Enjoy the Blog… many photos this time, hard to sort out the favorites.

Be well…

Ara & Spirit

RE: Lifelong Journey on the road with Spirit...

beemerchef — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 14:44:29 GMT

Ron Dakota, MT

6 wheels, 20 legs and a Man that has been on the road for now 26 years. As I stand on the sidelines watching them go by, the contrast from the 80mph moving vehicles and Ron’s three miles per hour forward motion makes me smile, inducing much thinking. I mean truly the first thought is "crazy"… "does not belong here"… or could it be the other way? Of course there is this certain attraction, more than toward us which was nice for a change… I can imagine how many have stopped to inquire. He now hands out a card with his "My Space" page printed on and tells them all the answers are there. Can’t blame him, at three miles per hour much chatting will slow him down to… what is already a crawl. But the Man has not crawled trough Life as his good sense and Spirituality has heightened to a level so few of us will ever reach. Much time to think, none read, just Life as being the perfect example if one slows down a bit and starts putting the pieces of this puzzle we live within together…

We will see him again, he is never too far as his Journey will take him East first and then on South for the winter.

Amazing what one can experience on the road…

Be well…

Ara & Spirit

RE: Lifelong Journey on the road with Spirit...

Texaspup — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 19:51:14 GMT

That sounds like the life for my dog!

RE: Lifelong Journey on the road with Spirit...

beemerchef — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 15:12:41 GMT

Great buddies!

A Southern loop. MT

Sometimes we can play hide and seek with the thunderstorms till we finally get cornered and just have to sit still for the hail to melt and the skies to open up. That was the case the other day as finally West Yellowstone had a bench to offer us for a couple hours. Part of being on the road.

But all day I was thinking hard about, I guess I would call it, "today’s trend" of reality shows, one explained in an e mail to me. Frightening it was, sad, staged as I know, seemingly trying to fulfill such desolation maybe so many got through when their own reality is obviously dwindling with the need of experiencing others of a screen instead.

I looked upon our own reality show, a daily occurrence. They are episodes after episodes without needing a channel to be changed and rarely a rerun to put up with. It does not have to be as ours going on for closing in on three years, it could be just a day or a few if one is willing to sense it’s surroundings and feel it all.

This Blog is just one day, so rich with encounters toward people met and their own true Life reality show now being part of ours.

Be well…

Ara & Spirit

RE: Lifelong Journey on the road with Spirit...

pitbullsrock28 — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 14:12:59 GMT

I LV APBTS!!! What a beautiful boy!