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"The Oasis of my Soul"... A Lifelong Journey on the road...

Excellent! :clap:

Do you have some insight as to the moving rocks? What causes them to move and the "s" patterns they seem to like?

Very interesting and nicely captured!


.

I saw a TV show once that talked about them. All theories of course. Most revolved around when it rains the mud gets slick and the wind blows them around or the dirt isn't exactly level so gravity lets them slide. I go with the wind theory. :shrug:
 
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Imperfect Perfection. Death Valley. CA

If nothing else we have joined the mile marker "Tea Kettle" en route for the "Racetrack". Yet, there is much more when one has the chance to spend camping a few nights in that desolate space. It feels "way out there" and it is. No light pollution, a few tourists throughout the day a couple miles away, coming in and getting out as fast as they did. Sometimes I don't know why they bother, some not even removing their helmets or a quick window down and up, quick photo and back to where they came from. Mystery.
Spirit had a blast on the Playa which reminded me a bit of the "salt flats" only smaller. One on one, closer we have become. There is a promised certitude of not leaving such a space being the same person inside out. Changes happen as it has happened. It has been a space like no other I must say leaving me to often speechless throughout the time spend.
The "Racetrack" will become as "Valley of the Gods" have, most likely a once a year pilgrimage.
More photos on the Journal...

Be well, Ara and Spirit.

Ara: The 6th picture in the journal has a rock formation on the left that I immediately thought was a WALRUS!!! The moving rocks were......moving. Would like to see them. We keep you in our prayers.
 
What happens actually, and this has been videotaped, is a lake forms after a rain, the water freezes in the winter times, then the ice breaks and the wind moves the ice blocks and rocks embedded... ALL rocks move... ALL!... Shame that so many are missing...

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I need a “wake up” call. Texas.

“Death Valley” is behind us, physically only, my Soul has yet to leave “Warm Springs” Rd, the hills off “Skidoo” Rd and the few others we were lost on. Since exchanging thoughts with others having also experienced “Death Valley” I have been pleased to know that I have not been the only one a bit “intimidated” by such vastness. It has a been what I call a “Life changing experience”. It has reinforced how strongly is the need for “getting lost”, how fully such isolation avoiding the “tourist traps” can keep us afloat days on end. We are now back at “The Oasis” where the skies on the first night welcomed us as never before with a Sunset of epic proportion. The photo above is only one of them, all taken within less than a two hour span. We did drop south through Mojave National Preserve, finding more primitive camping by the Kelso Dunes, and then on “Belle” campground in Joshua National Park, this time around a bit quick for our taste but we needed to get back here and apply myself to some logistical issues. A few days, some serious maintenance and on again...
Enjoy...

Be well, always.

Ara and Spirit
 
Ara, the AZ Beemers are going to be trekking up to Dean's place in Show Low on April 1 for a burger cookout. I'm sure he'd like to see you again if you happen to be in the area. Here's a link to the thread that discusses it if you're interested. We're (30 - 40 of us) just going up for the day and will not be spending the night.

http://www.azbeemers.org/forum/index.php?topic=3634.0
 
Ara, the AZ Beemers are going to be trekking up to Dean's place in Show Low on April 1 for a burger cookout. I'm sure he'd like to see you again if you happen to be in the area. Here's a link to the thread that discusses it if you're interested. We're (30 - 40 of us) just going up for the day and will not be spending the night.

http://www.azbeemers.org/forum/index.php?topic=3634.0

Oh! April first or so is when Old Faithful is coming apart for a new main rear engine seal and clutch!...
Too bad... again we miss a get together!
Thanks for letting us know though...
Ara and Spirit
 
No problem. Our paths will eventually cross. The AZ Beemers Roadrunner Rally will be in Prescott this year instead of Heber. May 18-20. I'll probably ride up just on Saturday so if you drop in again this year we'll say hello.
 
No problem. Our paths will eventually cross. The AZ Beemers Roadrunner Rally will be in Prescott this year instead of Heber. May 18-20. I'll probably ride up just on Saturday so if you drop in again this year we'll say hello.

May 18~19~20th is Overland Expo in Flagstaff where I teach "one~pan cooking" classes... !!! I am now wondering what is happening to our Life? A schedule???
April 11th is a presentation at the BMW Dealer in Albuquerque...
Hmmmmm............
Ara and Spirit
 
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Always "rediscovering" myself... Texas.

The route back from Death Valley took us through Mojave and Joshua Tree. We just could not make it a straight line to "The Oasis", this space awaiting for us "again", right now a bit hotter than what we would like to be, yet, with not much of a choice considering "Old Faithful" will be soon in a few days going through some major overhauling. Patience. Death Valley was as kicking us out or sucking us right back in. A ride report! It is never a physical ride report. The stages we are on play too much of their own feelings toward my senses, my Soul, my mind... It has become endless, it has become my own "World" as I discovered for the first time not long ago, just a few days past, it is "OK" to be in our own "World". It is fine even if so not agreable by many for the only reason of it being so different with the lack of switches and a comfort seeked. The "comfort" is within, the dimmers have too often a mind of their own moved around by so many tangents I can only be ahead of them all or too often behind.
So we are here, Spirit with his own freedom to run around as the forever Clown he is and myself these first days being lazy as never before! The word "summer" is sharpening daily. Where will we be? How far can our fuel loosing it's value will take us? Are we going to give in? We cannot. Colorado sounds enticing. The back roads of the many Forest service trails will see us parked and enjoying the coolness of such summer.
In the meantime we are also getting ready for a sharing of the Journey in Albuquerque on April 11th at Sandia BMW Motorcycle Dealer. How to share the so many years within such a short time? A slide show, tid bits on how to move on as we do while writing, photography, meeting new Friends on the shoulders of the roads, the ones paved and unpaved, cooking, all positive aspects of this road taken... The same path will take us to Overland Expo on May 18~19~20ht in Flagstaff. There will be more... Sharing is what it is all about.

Be well, always.

Ara and Spirit

www.theoasisofmysoul.com The Journal
www.beemerchef.smugmug.com The Photos
www.store.theoasisofmysoul.com The Recipes

www.printfection.com/spiritedoasis T Shirts and more


5 years, the Stars, living under them…
 
May 18~19~20th is Overland Expo in Flagstaff where I teach "one~pan cooking" classes... !!!

I think the Rally is working with Overland for free/discounted tickets to get participants involved in both activities.

I also see that you're considering Colorado as a base this summer. We'll be in Denver for the IBA meet in the middle of August.
 
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Albuquerque! My old stomping grounds sorely missed. Hope its shirt sleeve weather for you. Sandia crest is worth visiting on the top of the mountain but pack a lunch[cheaper than buying there].
 
For those who've friended Ara and Spirit in Facebook, Ara did a bit of "self barbering". Eeeekkkk!
 
For those who've friended Ara and Spirit in Facebook, Ara did a bit of "self barbering". Eeeekkkk!

You did not see that... Heat stroke it was and suddenly Spirit had the clippers... :eek2:

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One Book, a "Milestone". Texas

Standing still. We are. The triple digit on the heat index is not. "That" keeps jumping. We are just so much not used to any kind of heat. The kind that drains, takes away thoughts and any desire to accomplish anything of worth. A couple more days, "Old Faithful" will be taken apart, we will be headed North. Yet, everything happens seemingly for a reason as I seat here and read a Book that is enlightening me. Yes, it is about the struggle of Life when loosing someone Close and Dear. It is as the pages have been written for me, it is about the path we have taken, it is telling me of an approval as never heard or read before. It is liberating to know as such, that once a while back, my decision for these past years and today has been the right one as difficult it can at times be, as challenging the simple aspect of surviving on all aspects month after month can be. It is so many things.
The Journey when we leave will take a turn, I can feel it and know it. So many spaces are awaiting, the ones not many have heard of, the ones one can blend in and be part of it's creation in contemplative aspects so too often ignored by many.
In the meantime, here, evening storms have made for some photos depicting always the beauty of Big Bend Flats which might not be the proper name of this area, but that is what some of us call it. All this is about some rides in the neighborhood.

Be well, always.

Ara and Spirit
 
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Heating up on “Big Bend Flats”. Texas

I write a bit every day. It is part of my breathing it seems like. Breath out to allow breathing in. The heat index should have been proud of reaching the three digits for days on end while having us as a must to remain here. Of course now, this evening, a large storm moved in with much rain, wind and cold air. So my Journal is only true for the past days and not today. Does it really matter? It was then those days past a must to go on riding, hot or not, part of Life's Therapy to ride, a familiar loop to Terlingua, and on River Road to Presidio, Marfa, Alpine and back here. From “inside my helmet” I should often call the pages created. That is when it happens, the voices express themselves. An “Art Show” in Presidio lured us in. The most important aspect of the week however was “Old Faithful” going, not under the knife, but the wrenches. New rear engine main seal, clutch and a variety of maintenance aspects which will allow us to once again get rolling. Was it my doing? Of course not. My ability does not go that far and my good fortune to have a Friend such as Paul in charge of it all, well, there are no words for my gratitude toward him as not only he is the best “mechanic” around, but also an incredible “Human Being” when truly experiencing the Man one on one for a few days. It is all done, finished, rolling... 3 days it took, 3 days of Spirit being unhappy seeing his car away and apart on one wheel! This body is a bit sore from pulling, lifting, aspects uncommon throughout our “regular” days. On to Albuquerque... should be a good ride.

Be well, always.

Ara and Spirit
 
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Our “Fate” in Albuquerque. NM

I know it is a Monday. The Dealership is closed. “Old Faithful” is sitting 600 miles from here, should I say “a blown engine”? That is basically what it is! Yes, after spending days changing a clutch and a rear main engine seal. different department! Till this morning, as the expression says, I did not know if I was coming or going. Trying to regroup. Yet, our good fortune tagged right along with us. We limped right into Sandia's BMW Motorcycle Service door! Our Presentation was the next day. They bend backwards and so quickly determined what was wrong. Everything. “Old Faithful” gave it her last breath to take us there. That in itself was amazing. More good Karma as within a couple days a Friend living near by gave us a drive back here to “The Oasis” where we are waiting, unpacking what has been thrown in the car, repacking to hopefully go back soon and continue our Journey. A new engine has been found, 2 years younger and with only 30,000 miles! Will this give us another 250,000 miles to go? Hoping and projecting. It was bound to finally happen, Nothing lasts forever and I am so thankful all is falling nicely together even though my emotions are at their highest. The Presentation went very well to a full packed house... More on that the next time. The backroads to Albuquerque... Enjoy this new entry.

Be well, always.

Ara and Spirit
 
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Trying to swim upstream... Texas

I have to be so glad all this is happening now and not within a hot and dry Desert while isolated and miles away from civilization. “Old Faithful” awaits in Albuquerque. She is in good hands at Sandia BMW Motorcycles, she has the best mechanic taking care of her while a replacement engine is on it's way. 2 years newer, with only 30,000 miles on her, it is as a new heart is being transplanted without loosing her Soul. Yet, it has been strange, specially the first few days. Amazing how a “machine” can develop such a Soul which when not together leaves an empty daily space.

Regardless, our “Presentation” went on real well, the slide show mixed in with a couple of “Spirit's Videos” [of course!], narration of a few close to my Heart destinations, mixing in a bit with tips also throughout the Tech Session that followed, all I must say was entertaining as we also made some new Friends. Standing room only, the hour went by fast as “Old Faithful” was rolled in into the room. I think she also enjoyed the time present with so many.
We should be rolling a week from today... should be as the new engine is being dropped off on Monday. Packing and on our way tomorrow on a slow pace this time exploring more of those back roads around Albuquerque. 55 being one of them.

Be well, always.

Ara and Spirit
 
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Northbound. In lust with “Carrizozo”. NM

Sometimes it happens as in a few years ago when arriving in Big Bend and Terlingua. There is an indescribable sensation that penetrates one's inner senses and makes it all happen, happen as “I would like to spend some serious time here...”. That is what “Carrizozo” did to me while after leaving “Valley of Fire” [NM] to come into town when my stove lost a part. Will see... might be a good space for next winter.
In the meantime we are circling “Mountainer” having accepted the hospitality of new Friends and tomorrow is “on the way to again Albuquerque” to saddle up with “Old Faithful”.
“Sandia BMW Motorcycles” in Albuquerque I must say has done everything possible for us to get rolling without much delay. Quite a task I must considering installing a new engine and the intricacies of reinstalling the sidecar. A bit more complicated on the GS [R1100] while there is not front frame and engine bolts are forward the main supports.
Seems as it has been an eternity. Seems. Will not be that much longer till the three of us again are reunited and rolling, this time toward Arizona.
Enjoy “Carrizozo” photos. There will be more.

Be well, always.

Ara and Spirit
 
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More of “Carrizozo” and “Chaco Canyon”. NM

This vast space has touched us. Carrizozo is till fresh in my mind, the quaint feel and friendliness of the locals, the proximity of so many new roads, all makes me want to make it an “Oasis” for us next winter. Will see! Maybe. As everything else on this Journey of ours. “Chaco Canyon” where we also spend a few days, well, none has yet sank in due to the enormity of what we encountered. The past remains of a Culture so intense, the many dwellings standing and preserved from an era when yet “metal tools” where just not around.

“Old Faithful” is up and running. The anticipation of the repairs dollar amount was a shock, of course, like everything else, yet, it has been done right and can only hope many new miles are in store ahead of us.
To compound it all however half of our camping gear has been stolen from one night in Albuquerque, simply lifted off “Old Faithful”, another shock, another setback.
Sometimes the skies open up and the storms drop to no end. That is how it right now feels as we try to move on toward Flagstaff. Check out our Merchandise section...
Enjoy the photos, the roads. On we go for more... Trying!

Be well, always.

Ara and Spirit
 
Did not the dealership park your bike inside? Do they have insurance? What did the police do? hope you get it all sorted out!
 
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Without a “Philosophy of Life...” AZ

Unusually have not been here in a while. A couple entries on the Journal, the one before last with many more Photos of "Chaco Canyon". Between playing hide and seek with some return and sending oil hoses which were wrong four times [outside vendor], picking up then “Old Faithful” to ride it and trust it, moving on here to the “Mormon Lake” area near Flagstaff, Spirit a bit under the weather with a Vet that wanted a series of expensive tests... Life on the road seems to finally lighten up for a breather before Overland Expo starting in a couple of days.
I had no idea this area is so beautiful and plentiful of unpaved but very well maintained roads. Cool weather throughout the days, cold as we [at least I !!!] like it.
I am slowly trusting this new [for us] engine, the feel is different, stronger of course with only it's 30,000 miles.
There will be a big crowd at Overland Expo, many Friends we only see once a year, some maybe twice. Lots of cooking, chatting, giving a “One~Pan” cooking Class for all the three days. Traveling without refrigeration as we do... simple and clean and good.
There will be I am sure many photos from all attending vehicles, maybe a couple videos, the area is huge. Much excitement ahead I must say...
Till next time. Enjoy the Photos from “Mountainair” all the way to “Mormon Lake” including “Pie-Town”.

Be well, always.

Ara and Spirit
 
Ara: I am speechless about the "clown" and his insensitive remarks about your travels down a road that helps you to "be" with Lance. He is a troubled person that requires some TLC. I pray he gets it.
 
Ara: I am speechless about the "clown" and his insensitive remarks about your travels down a road that helps you to "be" with Lance. He is a troubled person that requires some TLC. I pray he gets it.
I do too...

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Summertime roads... CO

This is the time, the months, these precious moments when being in between four walls with a nice wifi connection is truly rare. These are the times chasing cool weather at high elevations meaning lost on some dirt road opening into a meadow reflecting the blue skies staging the pure and white clouds chasing each other. Sometimes blended with grays by the end of the days. Once in a while, as today, we find us a nice Library as here in “Lake City”, Colorado, and the communication again opens up, catching up on the well being of others, of Friends and acquaintances. I am seeing and feeling Colorado as never before. Maybe as every year that goes by new senses develop? I don't remember the colors so bright and so intense. I don't remember seeing so many unpaved roads going right and left. Posts keep going up on our Journal, we do have a great Webmaster, he makes it so easy for us. New Photos, thoughts, that is what these past years have been about... many thoughts. Maybe too many.
Talk soon and be well... we will be in Colorado for a while, the price of fuel is not much of our Friend lately!

Be well, always.

Ara and Spirit

www.theoasisofmysoul.com The Journal
www.beemerchef.smugmug.com The Photos
www.store.theoasisofmysoul.com The Recipes

www.printfection.com/spiritedoasis T Shirts and more


5 years, the Stars, living under them…
 
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Lake City, Blue Mesa Reservoir, Salida and now Colorado Springs. CO.

The heat wave is following us or is it we are falling into it's heated arms? 100 +/- in Colorado Springs were we have stopped for a few days catching up on mail and errands. I feel as they should have a Weather Map for the Country indicating any regions under 70 degrees daytime. Not wanting to be stuck on a Peak we will probably soon move on North, a couple more days here it will be.
In the meantime we did spend a few days around Lake City and on down to Blue Mesa Reservoir and Salida to replace a passed away “will join the pile of dead electronics somewhere on Earth” smart phone.
I don't know why I seem to have lost a bit of stability. Maybe just have not found yet this space which will talk back to us and invite us to remain a bit longer than we have lately.
“Father's Day” has not helped neither these past days. Seemingly, the better the memories, the harder present times are.
I feel as we need a fresh start. Summertime and the roads await, we will find those empty spaces appealing to the senses. They are there and as before, they will be “here”. A couple entries: “Postcards from Colorado” and “Salida. CO”.
 
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On to “Brooks Lake”, WY.

Elevation is what we have been seeking, without the crowd and the heat. We found it a bit passed Landers and Dubois, an unpaved road (515) going up to one of the most beautiful scenic Lake we have been able to camp on it's shores. Today the snow has almost melted, but for a few days having to walk on it to get to our tent, well, it is the end of June and “what a feeling!”. We are avoiding Yellowstone and the Tetons, no need for us to get caught in miles and miles of traffic jams because of a squirrel crossing the path. There are dozens of “off shoots” from the main road, I think we are taking roots here exploring the vast neighborhood. After all, we do live on the road, we are not traveling.
It is going to be a “hot and dry” I keep hearing. The valleys are indeed warmer than we like it and so was Colorado Springs feeling as an oven. We only lasted three nights with some good Friends, we lasted one night in Landers with more good friends.
“Mother Nature's” little self made spaces is what we always seek... and find.
Enjoy Brooks Lake and it's surroundings.

Be well, always.

Ara and Spirit
 
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