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"The Oasis of my Soul"... a Lifelong Journey...

The Oasis of my Soul...

Great info... thank you... I love good info... Ah! I can already feel that water!!!

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Near Needles, Utah that is

Great campsite and always much to see and experience! Today we are going to a Festival! Just found out from a reader a couple minutes ago The Blue Hollow Festival near Monticello have to talk to Spirit about it!
We have been here a couple days I think and doing not much great sunsets a cold snap some good wind filled with sand to clean my teeth just mellowing out and taking it all in.
Spend one night on the same site with some friends, a good dinner, some good laughs I have to say that the company was great A little ride into Needles it has been all good.
I am starting to read about others coming to this area I have the feeling we will meet more friends very soon It IS that time of the year
Check it all out on the Blog
Be well, always Ara & Spirit
 
The Oasis of my Soul...

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Blu Mtn Fastivel, Monticello, Utah

A good time is always what you make of it. When we arrived to the Festival after a change of plan as usual, the organizers where really disturbed at the amount of the no shows within the vendors blaming it on fuel prices. $4.29 today by the way in Monticello. My friend Pete was also there and was leaving as we arrived as, this was not worth even coming too he said.
We had a great time, we got lost a couple times trying to find the field, we got permission to go back to this old property we had found with no trespassing signs It was just a great day on that front. Missing Family on another front took an impact later on but Spirit and I together we are learning to deal with it Riding helps he does too you do too it is all good.
Till next time
Be well
Ara & Spirit
 
The Oasis of my Soul...

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Amazing Global exposure for the Journey and Spirit!!!

No misquotes written as it should be, a synopsis of 18 months on the road the why and the hows
On Welcome to World of BMW
Got a kick out of this one on Motor Cyclist right underneath an another article about my Hero Rossi! and our full page
And then it is on to BMW Motorrad South Africa
 and Automotive.com Just in case you wanted a shorter version on the ongoing of the last 18 months!
We arrived back in Moab yesterday, we will be busy running errands, regrouping a bit and then on back south Different World always suddenly from the silence to rubber rolling down the black top But that is alright with me as long as I know there is so much more of the vast empty spaces waiting for us
Thank you for all your support and long live Spirit!, yes one of those mean Pits you know!!! (all the links are on the Blog)

Be well Ara & Spirit
 
The Oasis of my Soul...

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A strong Potash connection! Utah

A frayed clutch cable changed with a smile thanks to some past strong tutorials from Master BMW mechanics who knew that the knowledge of being quite self sufficient would come in handy, as it did. A couple tires changed by a Harley mechanic right along some stories of celebrities he had shared moments with. Another ride on Potash Rd, which with time and traffic has changed to a rougher one exposing itself with its flowers blooming and hues of red constantly changing throughout the moments The sudden attraction of the Potash and salt mine with its blue dyed waters establishing such a contrast with the landscape Spirit making its home wherever we stop and doing his own exploring meeting a man named Mike who himself has just rescued another abused dog, an image of Spirit 3 years ago This is just another day in our Life on the road. Never a dull moment, there is no boredom when one slows down and allows the events to take shape throughout ones senses. All in the Blog.
Always be well Ara & Spirit
 
The Oasis of my Soul...

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Some great Camping, Utah
Camping is always great in Utah specially when my favorite spot is unoccupied A bit short lived because of bad weather today, but we got a great taste of it. You can never go wrong camping in The Valley of the Gods.
Full sun, sunsets, sunrise and just about full moon, it was a perfect time. The heat around this area is the only factor that worries me, specially with Spirit, even with always a full bowl of water in front of him and some shade, panting non stop. We definitely spend much more time throughout the year in cold weather versus hot.
So we are back things will clear up and we can take off again!!!
I have had quite a few readers ask me about our camping gear so there it is today, on the Blog.
Enjoy and be well
Ara & Spirit
 
The Oasis of my Soul..

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The Natural Bridges, Utah

We packed fairly early that day leaving my favorite spot where I am sure we will go back under better skies. Some glancing at the clouds, decided to go and checkout the Natural Bridges National Park. Nice ride up, the Park itself not crowded at all with a 9 miles loop and amazingly no red sandstone. I think the camera was confused now! A delight on the eyes, marvels carved in rocks, many trails to go on and much greenery. The winds picked up as time went on, a struggling ride back specially with it on the nose from Blanding back to Bluff just in time for some serious rain which lasted till a few minutes ago. Just got a message from a rider that was suppose to meet us here tonight he is in Monticello in a motel room it is snowing just a few miles north from here!
Eventually we will complain, needlessly, that it is too hot some day, does not seem to be soon.
All in the Blog as always. Be well Ara & Spirit
 
The Oasis of my Soul...

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So more camping at Monument Valley! Utah

This was camping with photography in mind the dirt road loop also I have to say is always kind of challenging trying to always figure out a better line and explore the possibilities of the rigs handling! Nice also to meet many foreigners taking advantage of the Euro exchange and listen to their own perspective about traveling and visiting this Country. Only one complain same as mine the food situation! But look at where we are! Food Distributors dont even want to deliver their ingredients this far time and fuel costs! So keep on cooking!
The heat in the air is being really felt this morning and the no-see-ums, I think same as gnats (?) are out in full force I thought we left them behind in Florida but wrong! I even tried dryer sheets to keep them away not much is working Colorado Mountains are sounding more and more appealing!!!
Till next time enjoy the pictures maybe the writing too!
Be well Ara & Spirit
 
The Oasis of my Soul...

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Is it winter again?

33 degrees a few miles up the road, dark clouds and much rain yesterday but it looks like all will change tomorrow when we head out soon (I like to use that word! no time frame) to the Antelope Slot Canyon in Page, by Lake Powell. We are looking forward to it Spirit will stay behind for a couple hours under the watchful eyes of the Lady that books the Tours as no one is allowed in without a guide, and Dogs cannot join us again! Not my favorite way to go but I think it will be worth it
I am still lost within the images of Monument Valley! Hard to get tired of it when they project such a constant change of shadows throughout the day starting with sunrise, specially when no one is around but us
The rest of the images are here
Be well always Ara & Spirit
 
Beemerchef, thank you for the great pictures. I miss the southwest so much! I loved riding Utah, Colorado, NM, Arizona. You keep me close to home with your fantastic photography. Ride safe and give Ara a great big hug for me.
Regards,
Richard Villa
 
Beemerchef, thank you for the great pictures. I miss the southwest so much! I loved riding Utah, Colorado, NM, Arizona. You keep me close to home with your fantastic photography. Ride safe and give Ara a great big hug for me.
Regards,
Richard Villa

Thanks Richard... but actually Spirit is my buddy... Beemerchef is a nickname... Ara is myself... so, now that you have met the whole family... I will try to hug myself...:D Thanks for the laugh... Be well... Ara & Spirit
 
Hey Chef, went through your blog.....just the Utah stuff, I'll need to break a leg to start from the beginning...... but, your photography is phantastic!!! Are you still doing the restaurant start-up?? Give Spirit a good belly scratch.

Paul
 
t-shirts

The t-shirts came in today. They're terrific! We got the pictures of Spirit with the helmet and 'Bite me' on the helmet. My wife had a good laugh.

We've been keeping our son's brindle Pit Bull, so the t-shirts are appropriate. Boys, their dogs, and the parents who end up with the dogs!

Thanks,
Noel
Starkville, MS
 
The Oasis of my Soul...

Hi Franze... the restaurant start up!... maybe when they get some power!!!... I might help a couple days a week... while I travel the BIG CIRCLE the rest of the time...
OK... Noel... you probably received a strange e mail from me when you ordered!!! Now I know who you are... it is a long story... short version here! Someone named Noel a year ago wanted to make a coat line for Spirit... we decided on material... you name it!... all done and never heard from them afterwards!!! Nothing... I was just trying to find out if it was the same person! Glad it creates some laughs and smiles!!! Scratch that dog from us!!!
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Page, AZ the lower Canyon

All I could say while visiting both upper and lower Antelope Slot Canyon was phenomenal as truly I was left speechless by the wonders that Mother Nature truly outdoing herself on this both occasions.
A bit of a rough ride due to some heavy winds going in, sailing with ease coming up one makes up for the extra fuel used the other way! I guess!
Page is a busy town a Super Center Walmart probably says it all!
The weather was perfect and still is, will stay as is all summer? The area might then be called Paradise.
Many pictures of the Canyons, so many that I will eventually create a SmuMug Galery for them soon!
Enjoy and as always, be well.

Ara & Spirit
 
The Oasis of my Soul...

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More of Page and the Lower Canyon, AZ

You will probably now, with more pictures decide to visit this Lower canyon while in the Page area! I will probably again some day, it has to be the most unique experience I have ever had right up there with anything else seen these past couple years.
I will know most likely later on the day, as we are moving on tomorrow, which way we will be headed The little town of Boulder, Utah or start Colorado from south to north Either way trying to find cooler weather for our outdoor activities. Spirit just does not do very well with the heat.
If it is Colorado we will just have to come back again later on as there are so many more roads and sights to experience
I posted about 20 more pictures of the Canyon the last of them besides the Galley I will build up soon.
Be well always
Ara & Spirit
 
The Oasis of my Soul...

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A side trip! Cortez Co

We had to get to a big city! This is big and I am finding myself not doing well in such of an atmosphere. Spirit neither, he is just not happy as usual. An event as the Cortez Cultural Center and meeting another traveler, Sergio from Boston, who joined us for the event saved the day and the mind Dancing, Traditions, Story telling by an 84 year old Navajo Code Talker it was a great evening of entertainment and culture.
We are headed out in the am, all the errands are done, mail has followed me on queue including my new tags and DriverÔÇÖs License! After all I am still a Florida Resident as so many others that only live there half of the time.
I am a bit torn between continuing north in Colorado or go to Escalante for a while. I am so drawn to the later. Maybe Spirit will decide in the morning Bluff? You can read about it here
Till next time from who knows where!
Be well Ara & Spirit
 
The Oasis of my Soul...

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We are in Escalante, Utah

If you have never done 95 and 12 from Blanding or vice versa you owe to yourself to do it as a once in a Lifetime amazing first Utahs All-American Road. We are now in Escalante, our new home base for a while and will go back to explore and photograph one section at the time. My concept is always either no pictures or stop every mile! It could have taken us weeks to get here.
There is so much that it could be overwhelming as besides the maps, the locals already have given me tips on out of the way destinations. In the meantime, Old Faithful decided to take a break by developing a rear final drive leak! Just a seal. I am sure with the help of many on Motorcycle Forums I will be able to replace when the part gets here! No overnight shipping in this town So Spirit and I will check out by foot this small city however a bit bigger than Bluff.
Enjoy the Antelope Slot Upper Canyon today on the Blog
Be well, as always Ara & Spirit
 
The Oasis of my Soul...

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Some repairs in Escalante, Utah
We are on the road always at the mercy of a breakage. It is always the hidden factor that can change plans, routes and finances for sure. They came in threes! One more to go as far as fixing waiting for a new rear hub seal, but in the meantime still riding a bit around the town.
The only Motorcycle Shop within two hundred miles is right here! A couple miles away that is what I call good Karma as I was not aware of it when planning to come here. This is a main thoroughfare for two wheelers traveling, even travelers on foot, bicycles, and Desert Doctor does pretty well for the ill fated riders unprepared for this area.
It is getting hot during the day, I like it, just have to keep an eye on Spirit and from now on he will ride with his nice red cover on! Never thought that one would come in so handy
Enjoy the Blog I know some of you will pass by here let me know will buy you a cup of coffee!!!
Be well Ara & Spirit
 
The Oasis of my Soul...

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Rolling again! Utah.
They came in three they have been fixed in three! A bit of hiking with a very upset Spirit during a 5:30am wake up call, but all worth seeing the incredible colors of the Escalante Petrified Forest, another marvel accomplished by Mother Nature
The new seal was waiting when we returned and so embarrassed to find out that it was the easiest repair I have ever done! Could not stay still too long after 3 days pretty much at idle so a ride to Penguitch to meet some of the Rally goers and a beautiful night time ride back to camp, arriving around midnight!
All this in one day seems that my energy has doubled since here!
Returning today, met up with some old friends at the Beehive Beemer get together, unfortunately it only took one, with his unprovoked profanities and foul language, a dog hater I was told by the registration desk, all this because Spirit was barking while I was using the facilities! A facet of a society I thought I had abandoned long time ago. As management was OK with it, only saying they are sooo sorry!, a Charter Club, a disgrace to the Motorcycle community, we left the space fouled by this individual and waiting for a public apology. As I always say School is always open
Be well all is well here! including Spirit. Ara & Spirit
 
The Oasis of my Soul...

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The Dog Hater not Whisperer!

When a dog hater (as described by the Rally organizers!), an uncaring Rally Master and us end up being in the same vicinity, things do not go well. I have the outmost respect for anyone that does not like dogs as there are many flavors of Ice cream, and that is OK but when we get insulted, well, that is not
It was a short stay at the Beehive Beemer Rally, we met many familiar faces, made some new Friends and the good of course outweighs the bad, if only it was not for those insults and profane language I had to hear followed by an unconcerned Rally Master, barely listening to the situation.
The ride was fine, the rides are always fine specially since our mechanical issues have been addressed. Escalante to Penguitch is such a beautiful road allowing the traveler to take in the changes in colors of the sandstone, from white to an orangey red going through the Canyon. And for you all specially that are dog owners, I think this Blog will interest you
Be well always. Ara & Spirit
 
The Oasis of my Soul...

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Boulder, a cool little town, Utah

Unfortunately no pictures of the town itself today! It started storming before I even had a chance to pull the camera out of its bag. It is only 27 miles from here, there will be many more chances We might even set up base camp in Boulder as almost a 1000 feet higher the weather is much cooler. Escalante is becoming hot. We met up with Ron, owner of Motorcycle Repair and Rendez Vous and that was a great time chatting he even bought me lunch! The day could not get any better. Well, it did as we met another roadside attraction Joe crossing the country on Roller Blades! Yes It is a shame that we cannot just pull up a chair and sit by the side of the road, there are all kinds of travelers coming through, trust me!
In case you do not read the Blog, many thanks for all the support you have send us including all the kind words. It is water under the bridge The replies from the responsible parties of course almost made me the bad guy with the bad dog! Forget it Karma will take its course! I do not carry or want that kind of energy.
Be well always the sun is shining today. Ara & Spirit
 
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