8th Year full time under the Stars

[beemerchef]

Reddington Rd. AZ

Sometimes the ride cannot be of the desired one. “Old Faithful” is nicely still tucked in in Texas as we should be returning in about a week or so. In the meantime it is the “luxury” of an SUV with my Friend Robin, the dogs... Audrey and Spirit (yes, Spirit has a new buddy... girlfriend?) which has taken us on our first outing since surgery. I had never realized the abundance of unpaved roads within a 100 mile radius of Tucson as slowly with much fun and... food (!!!) we took on our first outing. It has been as a scouting day trip, roads we will return to when the flowers and the lush greens are in bloom all in this midst of winter right now being a bit more on the mute side. Left over roasted chicken, home made hummus, so was the banana bread, nicely al dented peeled and cooked asparagus, the list went on as I was in charge of the picnic part of it, well, also the route with however very little driving for myself. Try the loop sometime while in the area, well worth it. Not designed for a street car or street motorcycle, dual sport either way will do.

Be Safe and well
Peace, Love, Courage

Ara & Spirit

 

[beemerchef]

A jaunt to “St David” and the “Dragoon Mountains”... almost. AZ

Tomorrow is the big day, the point of return as “Old Faithful” is still 600 miles away tucked in this shipping container I call “the green giant”, laying alone in the vast Desert of Big Bend Flats. We will crank her up Sunday when we get there, for no other reason than starting her up since we left her with a flat tire. Well taken care of here it was a ride in an SUV instead wishing it did not have a windshield! No complains, acceptance is always the key of it all allowing for the balance we need daily. We first stopped in Vail, little village and then on St David where the Trinity Monastery was a nice source of photographs and some well deserved silence after being in this present urban environment. On then to almost Tombstone where we took an eastbound road with the thought of making it to the foothills of “Dragoon Mountains”. Still healing, washboard road, all those facts present did not allow us to go much further than about 15 miles... bouncy and more bouncy... There will be a next time when we will actually reach Cochise's Stronghold.Enjoy the photos... Be Safe and well
Peace, Love, Courage

Ara & Spirit

 

[beemerchef]

Back at “The Oasis”. TX... near Big Bend.

What past month it has been! It actuality flew by as here we are again at “The Oasis” healing quickly and in less than 24 hours having already “Old Faithful” purring and rolling after having fixed a flat due to, not a nail, but a thorn! That was a first. I would have never found it if I had not passed a paper towel inside of it, I was told pantyhose works better but neither of us wears one! A bit cooler today and yet the skies are blue, inviting to ride, it will have to wait another day, I cannot push the issue as we have a bit of dirt roads to go on before reaching the Highway. Spirit feels at Home, he is already running stick in his mouth like a madman, of course with the knowledge that treat always awaits him. The tent has held up well, we got some help from our neighbors moving and getting ready for me heavy bottles of drinking water and a couple filled propane bottles also. We are all set... The night's Moon has been beautiful emerging from a set of unusual clouds, a simple sunset... enjoy the photos.

Be safe and well.
Peace, Love and Courage.

Ara & Spirit

 

[beemerchef]

“Seven Candles”. TX

A couple days ago was the Anniversary of my Son's “Lance” seven year passing away. He is part of this Journey, always has been, he is the reason for Spirit and I living on this path we call our “road”. He is the one that keeps us going, that gives me the courage as to not abandon it all, daily, nightly, hourly often, as the alternative as provocative also might be has yet no words spelled within this Life of ours. We have been back at “The Oasis” now for those days, the vast “empty spaces” as I also label this area and besides a bit of riding on the saddle, “Old Faithful” turning her wheels again for a few miles I am only waiting for a better healing and gaining some strength. The beautiful weather here has been a gift, the temperature showed over 80 this afternoon and the nights, well, the blanket of Stars are back again as just walked back from a short stroll and the skies never cease to amaze me. I am a step away to pack up all the camping gear laid out without any order these past couple months and head out with no direction chosen, Spirit is ready, unfortunately my body is not yet. More patience, I keep counting the days after this one evening lighting up“Seven Candles” around a roaring fire with my thoughts in mind.
Soon.


Be safe and well.
Peace, Love and Courage.

Ara & Spirit

 

[beemerchef]

Chasing the clouds in and out of Big Bend Park. TX

Winter was kind to us a couple days ago. It showed it's sunny and warm face following a couple days cooped up with a severe case of cabin fever. Enough was enough. Not quite suppose to be riding, but... while taking it easy the temptation was greater than the threats from the surgeon. An early breakfast in Terlingua and on into the Park, that is Big Bend National Park. It had been a long time for us, short in others considerations I realize, over a month. The roads were bare from traffic as Spring Break is yet not here, the vast empty spaces for as far as one can see and a regained slow pace was the greatest prescription would could have used. For the both of us. It was as I had suddenly regained my composure, as if the balance of it all one more time was just perfect as stopping when we felt like it, eating when hungry, taking photos of nothing and everything, time had finally seemingly stopped it's clock. What a day it was, the photos will prove it. We will be looking for more of those days.

Be safe and well.
Peace, Love and Courage.

Ara & Spirit

 

[beemerchef]

Hot Coffee, 0 Degrees and a good Dog Book... TX

These past days have been a bit rough for us, the temps dropping to as never before, yet, there is no complain when I witness the inches and inches of snow accumulating north of us. We actually had some great days being the most lazy ones we have had in a while. Not much outdoor activities while dressed in more layers than I can count, only to hook up some more propane and more propane, let Spirit run who himself after a few minutes would make the fastest run I have ever seen him do for indoor. A day or two have now past and besides strong winds all is back to normal, coats are put away, even trying to light up a fire to bake some bread and roast a chicken in the Dutch Oven. It is after all Sunday, it was an old custom in Europe a few Centuries ago everyone being able to roast a chicken for dinner. I think tomorrow will see us riding again, maybe River Road on to Presidio, I am sure I will see something I had never seen before, only looked at in the recent past. Enjoy the “winter photos” and my thoughts on this great Book I am now reading.

Be safe and well.
Peace, Love and Courage.

Ara & Spirit

 

[beemerchef]

There is a frenzy around here... TX

82 degrees today. Nights are still cool, of course... we are still in winter times, spring felt however when this warm sunshine hovers over us. It has been time for outdoors, cooking again over the fire, bread, whole roasted chicken and much more to come as my Friend Robin and her critters are coming down to visit us, it is after all Valentines Day soon.
For those wondering why I have chosen this Nomadic Life, specially as spring.summer.fall is around the corner and the roads far from us will call us, already have, a new Friend of mine, Becca Baker, has been published at StubbyDog with a very well written article about us, a tribute to Lance, the Journey and of course Spirit. This would be the first time someone does not for some editorial reasons twists the words concurred with me through an interview. I thought I would enter it in my Journal for everyone's benefit of understanding.
In the meantime it s a bit of cleaning around here, or maybe just shuffling the constant dust with live with from here to there...
Enjoy the article, I did.

Be safe and well.
Peace, Love and Courage.

Ara & Spirit

 

[beemerchef]

On and around Valentines Day... TX

It has been an unusual week with the shadows of Valentines Day now behind us. Us meaning Robin, Audrey, (Spirit's four legged girl friend), Spirit and Miss Lovey, always the Cool Cat, a great traveler. Neither of us being for quantity, versus quality of time spend, it has been relaxing times with only a couple rides to show off the neighborhood. A ride to the “Swimming Hole”, which might be after the next rain probably be the last time as the road is already half way washed out, one long day through the Park down Maverick road to Santa Helena Canyon and back through Castolon with a jaunt to the Basin and it's Lodge, short stop overs at Sotol Look Out and Mules Ears. This ride is my favorite one expanding the geological diversity of the Park. There is a saying here which goes as such... “When Earth was created all the left overs were dumped in Big Bend”. Much cooking over the fire, sunsets always the back drops of our wonderful evenings, full Moon last night lighting up this vast empty spaces as almost daylight. The weather a bit on the warm side, it hit 104 yesterday in full sun, but will take it over the past teen's we have had here in recent past.
More in the Journal...
Be safe and well.
Peace, Love and Courage.

Ara & Spirit

 

[beemerchef]

Thanking my Present Destiny... TX

We have sat here pretty much these past winters. I always thought this is a good space for us, as it is, and yet, lately I have been thinking, even telling some Friends about being over-saturated with the area. Kind of like “been there, done that... too many times”. I have even added, sometimes, we will not be back here next winter. A funny thing happen however the other day while playing guide in Big Bend Park with Robin while she was visiting us for a week or so, as she pointed out this and that, I realized that I had seen nothing yet. For someone such as me who travels the roads with such a slow pace, it was a big surprise. I actually was shocked when I realize I had never noticed this rock formation, or that one, or even some roads foreign to me. It reminded me of my Life when working in Florida and living on a sailboat and yet, never going to the beach.
We don't have long here, I started going the camping gear today, will probably do a dry run into... the Park itself for a few nights and toward Death Valley we will go. Follow the weather, follow the path as always as it is calling us more than ever.
So... some more photos of Big Bend Park in the Journal this time.

Be safe and well.
Peace, Love and Courage.

Ara & Spirit

 

[beemerchef]

A bit North of here... TX

Right now the winds have unleashed with a fury. The clear blue skies have turned into a liquid mud, visibility is I would call it “rare”, sand bursts are passing by at great speed, it is a weighing hot, a humid air that will only allow me to breath mixed in with powder and sand. Everything has changed so rapidly. It is as we have moved onto another Planet flying in with a heavy turbulence yet not so foreign as familiar throughout the year as also throughout the country, yet always a bit unnerving as the wind finding it's path under my skin.
A couple days ago was a different stage. One has to seize in these times the opportunity to ride as we did when I decided to go on a bit north of here. Ft Davis, the Mc Donald Observatory, all was ahead of us. Packing, mapping up my bags, all took a back seat. “Old Faithful” oils have been changed all around, throttle bodies checked, a small repair here and there , the rest will wait, all is one day at the time.
As a few years ago I was allowed behind the glass wall to take some photos of the big lens. Always a treat. More on the Journal.
Be safe and well.
Peace, Love and Courage.

Ara & Spirit

 

[beemerchef]

The “Two Wheeled Texans” in Terlingua. TX

I never know what the day is going to bring up when saddling up “Old Faithful” and heading to town, the closest one, Terlingua, about 30 miles south of here. I quickly notice an unusual motorcycle activity, question answered by the fact that this was the weekend of the “Two Wheeled Texans” riding the area, camping in many different sites, some all the way to Lajitas. It was warm, meet up with some Friends who had decided not to ride that last afternoon, a bit of shade, a gracious lunch and much chatting end up being the day's menu. One by one the riders were returning, dusty, tired for some, everyone ready for the Sunday night dinner were I was graciously invited. Texas fare, more conversations, Spirit was behaving within a crowd he is not used to be within, what a great day it was, a day to remember.
In the meantime packing is still going on, the fear of not fitting in bags what we always need for months to come is always present trying to avoid last year's mailing to a Friend 26lbs of unused items. One never knows. Trying to be out of here in about a week, should be just about right to ride the southern route to Tucson and on to Death Valley.
More in the Journal.
Be safe and well.
Peace, Love and Courage.

Ara & Spirit

 

[beemerchef]

Readiness for the road... TX

Quite often I wonder why I even bother unpacking and yet the answer is always so obvious: winter... cold... At times I feel stuck, stuck in this beautiful area. I project too much, get ahead of the miles and forget the present we rest on when here Mother Nature is and has been so generous to us. It only takes a ride into Big Bend Park to awaken me of such wrongdoings, such thoughts knowing too well unfounded too often. Some chatting with Friends in Terlingua, visiting my neighbors, watching Spirit letting it all out while running freely here off his leash, that leash... a must in other areas. Human Nature can be so complex, maybe it is only me and my thirst to move along continuously. The Sunsets, the Sunrises, all glorious to no end. Cooking outside amongst the three fire pits, riding the dirt with no traffic as I have yet to see a car go by here since September! Besides Friends and UPS that is, the brown four wheel drive truck. But this season is coming to an end, we are indeed leaving early hoping the weathers ahead will not be too striking with us. Thursday morning we are again starting to wander. In the meantime I posted a Video of our last ride into the Park and more photos on the Journal.

Be safe and well.
Peace, Love and Courage.

Ara & Spirit

 

[beemerchef]

Trying to blend in with the road. Columbus. NM

The Photo? riding the Border.
The Sun rising is slowly brightening the inner tent this morning through it's yellow material announcing the start of a beautiful new day. Mixed in with early clouds the temperature is still mild, perfect I would say as we sit right on the border, Columbus, New Mexico. It was an easy ride from "The Oasis" with a bit of a hang up in Marfa, we are avoiding freeways at all cost and this is turning out to be a bit of a game while on our way to Death Valley. We arrived here almost in the midst of much turmoil which we missed, a good thing, and yesterday was a great reward being part of the "Columbus Furlong Days". Decided to spend another day here as now all is quiet, cool shade at the “Pancho Villa” State Campground with showers and all, even power as primitive camping along the border is never a very good idea. We are getting into the groove of this aspect which now will last for months as Spirit also is quick to think anywhere we stop is his Home and has a duty to protect it with a growl for anyone coming a bit too close. Best “buddy” ever had...
More on the Journal....
Be safe and well.
Peace, Love and Courage.

Ara & Spirit

 

[beemerchef]

“Columbus Furlong Day”, N.M.

Our Karma is good, always while wandering the country without much of a schedule or route. No, we do not know where we will be August 14th 2015... Trust me that some do, some on the road as us thinking they have achieved the freedom desired only to be governed by their perpetual calendar. If it was so, we probably would have not stumbled on this great event in Columbus, New Mexico. Such a wonderful day it was we are thinking about returning next year. Oh! So there goes the planning... contradicting myself here. Smile. Many photos in the Journal about it all, free abundant and delicious food, “Friendship” was the banner throughout the day placed up high for everyone adorning a smile and kind words. Perfect weather, on to the Chiricahuas for a couple days, Portal and on over the Mountain on that very familiar dirt road to the Chiricahua National Monument and back. Moving on forward as now sitting in Tucson for a few days before taking on the road to Death Valley and back for Overland Expo 11 the following weekend where I will be teaching a “one pan” cooking class combined with “traveling without refrigeration”... I think we will take on a vacation after that...
Enjoy the photos...
Be safe and well.
Peace, Love and Courage.

Ara & Spirit

 

[beemerchef]

A cloudy day at the Catalina State Park. AZ.

Not the most cheerful entry written these past days as my long time and close Friend Bill has been checked into the Hospice. An avid motorcycle rider, a Dog Lover, a great Husband and a prankster as I have never experienced. He is the one that has seen me through thick and thin in years past, the one that has never let me get down on my own luck. How can we ever come to terms when such circle breaks off at such an early age? I read about “beauty” being within this World of ours, that door we only have to open as I have these past years and yet, his own page is flying away as it's chapter has yet to be finished. I know we will again live with the memories of a Dear one, sometimes none of this makes any sense. I canceled our outing to Death Valley and from Tucson, after a short hike into Catalina State Parkon a cloudy day we are now in Patagonia, AZ. It is a beautiful area, different than what we have seen and experienced before, but the mood is just not there. The mind is 1300 miles away with my Friend who is no more seeing the clear blue skies, the trees, the multicolor rocks, all has now been dimmed in his own World. Not much else to say really.

Be safe and well.
Peace, Love and Courage.

Ara & Spirit

 

[beemerchef]

Toward “Overland Expo 11”. Amado. AZ

This time we have not just been invited to this great event but also been asked to give a class. It is actually two subjects combined, the first one being “one pan cooking” and the second one “traveling without refrigeration”, they do go hand in hand as long as you do not care to eat meat, maybe only on days you will see a butcher while riding down the road, not much of a chance while crossing the Sahara. All this has reminded me a bit of the old days when as a Personal Chef to the rich and not so famous, food shopping was a daily ritual besides boxes coming in overnight through mail orders. All is now prepped, 2 meals per 50 minute class, there will not be much time for dicing and chopping, I needed to get a head start. It will be again old Friends we have not seen for a year now, new ones with show up and those off road toys will be the temptation for everyone.“Eye Candy”...Maybe we will see some of you there? Hoping to do so.


Be safe and well.
Peace, Love and Courage.

Ara & Spirit

 

[beemerchef]

The big picture, “Overland Expo 11”. AZ

Will try this again! My Journal was being migrated with GoDaddy never telling me it would be down for a few days...
A couple days back from Amado now, rested as I think we are including Spirit who took in quite a bit of heat even if so protected by a hydration coat soaked in water just about on the hour. As usual when within such a crowd, it will take time to sort it all out, sort out the faces and the names and the stories heard, the stories from “on the road”. The such “road fever” is bad this am, we have to stay here a few more days awaiting some mail and a couple other logistical aspects. Hoping to get back on the road this coming Sunday and trying out again toward Death Valley where the weather forecast promises pleasant times.
My three daily classes kept me busy throughout Overland Expo, kept me busy rehearsing it all ahead of time to keep them within a 50 minute presentation. The classes end up being standing room only, luckily their starting time was 11am which meant the lunch hour free for all was also mine for the tasting of the cooked goods and some chatting ensuing.
More photos on the Journal...

Be safe and well.
Peace, Love and Courage.

Ara & Spirit

 

[beemerchef]

The sound of a distant Drummer. NV

The road, those blue ribbons, at times liked in browns and rocky or sandy, they have deeply penetrated into my own well being. I am asked often if all is “getting old” or better “am I ready to quit?”... “am I getting tired of it all?” as we are closing in on 5 years of wandering. Amazingly everyday only increases this what I call now “addiction” toward the unknown, the next bend, the next silhouettes so often delicately drawn into the skies always ahead of us. “Death Valley” has in the past always been of a bad timing mainly with snow and much cold. All is now clear as the passage from here to there in itself is filled with the promises of good weather for those 3.3 million acres awaiting for us. The pace is a bit faster than desired only because we are meeting my Friend Brian for a couple of days, we can then fall back into our own timeless search. I often think how well Spirit has adapted to this road, how often his floor is not of wood or tiles or even carpets, but dirt under his own pad. How often he has in seconds felt “at home” on the few square feet we quickly take over to make it our overnight home. There are no schedules, no time frames, as of this moment again I myself have no clue where we will soon be besides in “Death Valley”. “The Road” photos on theJournal...Be safe and well.
Peace, Love and Courage.

Ara & Spirit

 

[beemerchef]

A Treasure found: “Gold Point”. NV

I can only hope that for if it was only this time, I have enough credibility to entice you to come to “Gold Point”, Nevada. We have been there already for a few days, returning today as I had to come to town for some errands and Internet usage. “Gold Point”? A live Ghost Town thanks to Herb Robbins for the past 32 years him present conserving it all. The weather has been perfect, it is that time of the year to be in this area as it's elevation is just above 5000 feet. I started thinking the other day with a big smile while making a make shift table as my campsite is widening “I would make a good Homeless...” and realized... we are! But “Gold Point” feels as Home, I feel as belonging to that space so quiet and yet as I am told in the company of 17 Ghosts. The rides into Death Valley, the empty spaces of BLM which are in the millions of acres are plentiful and most are good roads, even freshly graded. We have water, even hot water and sometimes Herb cooks some of those great meals one can only dream of in this vast Desert!
More photos on the Journal...

Be safe and well.
Peace, Love and Courage.

Ara & Spirit

 

[beemerchef]

“Gold Point”, NV. We have not moved on yet...

It can happen when one finds this space throughout more Deserted acres one can imagine and suddenly it feels as “we belong here”. The days have been lingering on and on with not much desire to leave the area. I already know we will not ride “all the roads” this time around, maybe not even next time around as we will be back if and when we ever leave. There are too many of those roads. They are amazingly well maintained, graded regularly, it makes it for some more than pleasant outgoings. The views are of postcards embedded in the mind forever, mine shafts at every turn, abandoned cabins, some maintained by travelers free for the night with furniture, needed shelter from the weather and a guest book. They have been however windy and cold days, I have to be ready for the windows of opportunity, it is that time of the year between the past harsh winter and the monsoon season which soon will start. Always at the mercy of Mother Nature. The nearest store is far, over 60 miles away, if and when you ever adventure yourself within this gem of an area, do not forget anything and be prepared for everything. More on the Journal...
Be safe and well.
Peace, Love and Courage.

Ara & Spirit