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

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Ara!

So glad to have you back in the Republic of Texas! If you get the urge to explore East Texas, you have a standing invitation to spend time with us. Use our home as a base and toodle around the Piney Woods of East Texas!

Spirit would have doggie pals to play with, and we have plenty of room.

Just ping us if interested...we'd love to host you (possibly in exchange for teaching me some skills in the kitchen? :mrgreen: )

our best to you,

Howard and Jill
 
Ara, perhaps you can make it up to Canton for the Tech Day weekend. A good sampling of TWTers will be there. I and others will be tenting in their backyard. You're welcome to join us!
 
The Big Bend articles, 1, Texas...

Thank you ALL for the great welcome back! Amazing that just only a year ago, as I always went north on my 6 months summer riding vacations, Texas to me was only Highway 10... the long boring State... which I could not wait to just go through!!! I am so sorry!!!... and so glad that I have discovered the reality of this great State, not only geographically but through its people! Amazing the surprises life holds back!!!

Canton is about 500 miles... which weekend would that be?
Besides that Texas Shadow, yes, I would pull out the red carpet for your visit... it would be a thrill and an honor to meet the person behind my favorite reading.

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The Big Bend articles, 1, Texas.

The excitement is at a new height! And here I thought after such an incredible and I need to use the word “life” in Halfway, Oregon, we would loose that space we love so much to be within. It was a long haul here to the south, took a little bit of a toll as it always does when navigating the mainstream… but Paradise has again opened its doors for us to level off and discover new sceneries, feels and friends.
I feel a bit above ground today, my steps are lighter and frame by frame I know that the days will present themselves filled with sunshine and full moons.
It was a great first day here in Terlingua, Texas… as you can read and see all about it on the website… with a new recipe and even in their own words an article on the “Miracle Inn”…

Till next time… you all be well…

Ara & Spirit… who was not in a good mood in this picture!!!


www.theoasisofmysoul.com our Website and Blog
 
The Big Bend articles, part 2, Texas

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The Big Bend articles, part 2, Texas

Still fairly warm in the afternoons for Spirit mainly. We took advantage of the cool morning to enter the Park for the first time and witness our first sunrise. Quiet, peaceful, it was time for much reflection on the past, the present. Suddenly all was still, only shadows moving along slowly painting and reveling the colors of the peaks surrounding us and the town of Terlingua just a few miles away.
A ride up the Basin, had been a long time it seems like filled with so many miles across this country in between. All I can say is “it feels good!”.
Come and visit, maybe the pictures on the Blog will entice you to do the same as we do…

Till next time… you all be well, have a great week.

Ara & Spirit
 
The Big Bend articles, part 3, Texas

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The Big Bend articles, part 3, Texas

More of the Ghost Town, I am drawn to it, the old school, the church, the radio station… deep down I feel that Terlingua is making a comeback as some new businesses are establishing themselves, or is it only because the “season” is coming up…
The afternoons are still hot here, any day now for the cooler weather to arrive. This is here unlike any other town I have ever been in. And to think that some just pass through, maybe stop for a meal and go on never knowing really goes on here.
More pictures and the story on the website… and a new recipe…

Be well… Ara & spirited Spirit!
 
The Big Bend articles, part 4, Texas

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The Big Bend articles, part 4, Texas

Good sign, the days are starting to blend in and only sunsets and sunrises are marking the beginnings and the end, this means we are on Terlingua time… which could be symbolized by a blank clock with no hands or numbers!!!
Kathy is back in town and my favorite hang out is now open again… how about some coffee and an “all day burrito” by the fire at around 7 in the morning watching the sun do it’s thing… will we see you there?… Holidays are coming up… better plan on it!
A ride on some nice dirt road… all in the website today.

Be well… Ara & Spirit
 
The road of a thousand pictures... Texas

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The road of a thousand pictures, Texas…

No wonder I have to mostly ride alone, I think most would live me behind when it takes me a whole day to cover the 120 miles or so to Presidio and back filling the camera’s memory card!
The heat slammed on us in the afternoon, it was suddenly brutal and luckily we found some shade at a rest area. Much water is a must these days.
As I have been asked what is happening with our Journey, why am I working 3 days a week, are we settling down… the answer is NO on the settling down!… with more details in today’s Blog… it is all good, better if nothing else!

Till next time, you be well…

Ara & Spirit
 
More about River Road, Texas

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More about River Road, Texas

I suddenly had two dogs in the sidecar yesterday but was tool slow with the camera!!! What a sight and laughter as also I had come across some riders from San Antonio… They did make a big mistake having lunch at the wrong place instead of Kathy’s Kosmic Kaffee… The food they had instead… I will say no more!!!
Life goes on here, finally some cooler weather mixed in with some clouds, some welcome temperatures.
More about the ride and some pictures on the website… a new recipe also has been posted, a new old recipe that is retrieved from the Blogs… things are starting to be better organized! Finally…

Be well…

Ara & Spirit
 
Re: More about River Road, Texas

jhansen said:
"My flea collar, sure. My water bowl, maybe. But NEVER my sidecar!":rofl:
Click to expand...

That is too good!!! I have lost the software that can add captions to a picture!... This would have been perfect... Oh! That look!!! Aren't dogs just awesome!!!
Thanks... you made my day...

Ara & Spirit
 
La Kiva, Terlingua... Texas

I have been thinking about a calendar... would be good caption for it! Of course I might be too late this year!...

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La Kiva, Terlingua… Texas

Finally some pictures of this famous lounge restaurant where I spend 3 evenings a week chatting, I mean cooking for the locals and tourists… Truly a fun place, the best choice in town for me to get to know what is going on in the area and the off the map places to ride and explore.
Also some pictures of Sotol lookout where we spend a few hours yesterday evening just watching Mother Nature work hard on the constantly changing scenery, complete with thunder and lightning.
All in the website…

Enjoy… stop by… and be well.


Ara & Spirit
 
Sure hope you're there when I make it back during the holidays Ara. Last time I dined at La Kiva, next day was an... um... uncomfortable riding day.:giveup:
 
Desert Skies said:
Sure hope you're there when I make it back during the holidays Ara. Last time I dined at La Kiva, next day was an... um... uncomfortable riding day.:giveup:
Click to expand...


Too funny!!!... I bet... never mind!!! Only eat there if I am cooking... I only have so much to work with but the kitchen has been cleaned up since I have been here! First day ultimatum!... that or good bye... It's basic food... It's not bad...

Be well... Ara & Spirit
 
Marfa's Gift, Texas

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Marfa’s Gift, Texas

Did they always outdo others in Texas?… How about a town feeding everyone dinner on a Saturday evening?… and not just any food… great food! If you can next year, do not miss the Chinati and Judd Foundation Open Day in Marfa… a must! Incredibly friendly people from all over, much art, much food, much to see and experience.
Spirit, well, I had to walk away for a while as the crowd was gathering to take pictures of him… and he just sits there with his Doggles on (he will normally take them off when we stop by shaking his head!) posing…
Part one on the website, there will be more to come.

Be well…

Ara & Spirit
 
Re: Marfa's Gift, Texas

beemerchef said:
Spirit, well, I had to walk away for a while as the crowd was gathering to take pictures of him… and he just sits there with his Doggles on (he will normally take them off when we stop by shaking his head!) posing…
Click to expand...

Now, which one is the celebrity, Ara or Spirit? :lol2:
 
More on Marfa, Texas

Always Spirit... that is for sure... one year into this and no one has ever asked me for a picture!!!:doh:

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More an Marfa, Texas

This is the second part of that great Saturday in Marfa. With all the Galleries open, the Judd buildings, a great dinner served to 3000 guests right after a storm, more Artifacts and great people we talked to, the pictures have been plentiful.
I don’t know if we will come back to this particular area next year at this time, but you should really plan on being here for the event. It is a fun time.
I again added one more recipe, a pasta sauce with a twist, and started a series of articles on my past life in Naples when cooking for the rich! The memories are still there from a stage so different and so distant now. Interesting facts…

Be well… as always…

Ara & Spirit
 
The Hot Springs in Big Bend, Texas

Last night while at LaKiva listening to the local talent during "open mike" night I had the surprise to meet one of the members of this Forum! It was awesome... Him and his 3 brothers are traveling this area... and getting along!:lol2: I am ashamed to say that I already forgot his name...I am sure he will refresh my memory... sorry!

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What do you see???


The Hot Springs in Big Bend, Texas

It is still very hot for hiking at lower elevations, but at the time the Hot Springs seemed like a good destination for the day. Water is always a must, much water and shade. We made it, but the Hot Springs were covered by the rising waters of the Rio Grande! Will just need to return at a later date. The hike however was worth its scenery, the pictographs, the village remainders from the early 1900’s and one cannot forget the giant Palm tree… Spirit is getting used to the heat, he has been quite a trooper and a patient companion throughout these times.
Much more on the website…

Be well…

Ara & Spirit
 
Re: The Hot Springs in Big Bend, Texas

Ara,

Your visit to Terlingua makes me homesick. My wife and I have 40 acres of land just north of the ghost town on Ken Barnes Rd. We are neighbors of Butch Hancock, who is a very talented man. He is a member of The Flatlanders of Joe Ely fame.

Anyhow, we are currently living in Argentina for work and are doing some awesome touring here on our dual-sport motorcycles. We have a good friend that was a bartender at La Kiva named Robert Richardson. Is he still there? If so, tell him that Matt & Mary say "Hello" from Buenos Aires.

Thanks
 
Happy Birthday Lance

HI... the only bartenders are Doug and Gumby... but I will ask around if he is still in town and will forward the message... When are you coming back?

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Happy Birthday Lance

Lance has always been part of this Journey on the road… this Journey of the mind on a stage constantly changing where the cast is directed only by Mother Nature. Seems to be the only unique stage I can walk on anymore in sometimes these trying days.
Life is so full of surprises, obscure events, unsuspected paths suddenly taking shape, one can only make the best of it.
Today is Lance’s 30th Birthday with more sadness than joy.
My emotions are also directed to all of you that share the same circumstances, I have learned over these past years that I am not the only one, having received much support, support very much welcomed and appreciated. Thank you.

You be well.

Ara
 
What do I know... (Texas)

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What do I know?… (Texas)


The odd vehicles (mine included, they say it is…) are lined up by the Porch for the daily Sunset and gathering of the locals… Just another day in Terlingua, Big Bend, Texas!
Through the written support of so many, today the energy is up, some realizations are making sense, lets look around us while we are here, lets admire what has been laid out and accept the resolutions of Life when even the cards dealt are not in our favor.
It seems like it is the only choice we have…
I feel as I have a new Family in all of you after reading comments and e mails send to me. “Thank you” will never be enough words to express my gratitude. All this because of our Blog, we are getting to know each other as a community which I would not trade for anything else.
Mixed in today are some pictures of a short little dirt road behind us called “Indian Head Trail” which has become one of my favorite hang out. Just a bunch of rocks… hope you enjoy them…

Be well…

Ara & Spirit
 
LOL! It's good to see that Dr. Doug's moped is still running.

I will be out out our place several times between now and New Years. I will be guarding the ranch from poachers most of that time but I hope to come out of the mountains and look you up during Xmas break. I've been following you across the country and would really like to meet you. Please tell the boys on The Porch Randy from Cedar Springs Ranch says hello.

Randy
 
Old Maverick Rd, BB Park, Texas

I will! let me know when you are around...

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Old Maverick Rd, BB Park, Texas

I hope that you check out the Blog today and take a good look at Luna’s picture and his home. The man lived to 108 and so much wish he was around. A great smile, the man looks like someone I think we would have loved to meet and spend some time with by his humble Jackal… around the fire, maybe cooking some and listening to his stories!!! I wish so much that you would “all” have the desire and the ability to join me and start feeling the experience of being on the road as we are, senses developing as time went on and just being transported on this incredible stage. It is not about riding anymore, photography, cooking or eating… it is just about “being”.
“Terlingua Abaja” was also a stop for us on that heated day… with more pictures on the site.

You be well…

Ara & Spirit
 
Ara,

Some of my Blue Knight friends were in the park this weekend but I forgot to tell them to say hello to you for me though. They said they saw you in the basin.

I will be in Fort Davis this Monday afternoon and will be staying at the Hotel Limpia Monday night. I may try to get down to BB on Tuesday during the day for a bit. Look for me, OK? I will be in the 91 gray 4-Runner. So be sure to flag me down if you see me.
I will be at Davis Mountain State Park Tuesday through Thursday night.

Hope I get to shake your hand,
Janet
 
Santa Elena Canyon and some, BB Park, Texas

Pm'd you Janet... thanks

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Santa Elena Canyon and some, BB Park, Texas

This is now into the end of the day, a short hike into the Canyon, a closer look at Mule ears, a bit cut short as the heat was getting intolerable. But good news as for the first time last night I had to use the heater… finally the weather is changing and this is going to be the perfect time for some longer hikes and more comfortable day trips. About time I was thinking!
I interrupted this above “big guy” from crossing the road that day… he did not seems to be very happy about it as his moving speed increased, finally taking refuge within some vegetation… he ran but could not hide!!!
More on the site…

Be well…

Ara and Spirit
 
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