Homeless with Spirit on the road... the story.

bro a tire change on that looks scary indeed.

Attila wrote:

bro a tire change on that looks scary indeed.

Everything is scary on that rig!!!



The dirt road to Marathon, Texas

One does not realize how vast this area is till they traverse a region less traveled as it was riding the “Old Marathon” Rd, only 23 miles of unpaved road with long stretches of deep sand and rocky slanted sections and challenging. It is an area where one does not even see the glimpse of a roof at any distance, close or far as within other areas around here. It is again a “road” which makes one wonder how it all came about. This one connects east and west dropping into the Park in its end. We never took a stroll down Marathon’s main street as instead we stumbled onto a group building “papercrete” homes. A real interesting concept as they say it will change the future on how homes are build, utilizing much paper in need of recycling. It gives me ideas for putting up here at least for starters a “storage” structure. Of course it is a catch 22, I would need much water to accomplish that task… so we have to get the water situation under control first! Time will tell…
Enjoy the ride…
Be well… Ara & Spirit

www.theoasisofmysoul.com our website and Blog

“Papercrete Homes”, Texas

Quite an alternative for structures which would do well in this climate. A “paper” shelter! Who would have thought…
But of course as everything else there is a catch. Need for a mixer and above all water which we do not have to spare… Some kind of a pick up truck to haul “stuff”… some tools. A tent is sounding better and better! Always two sides to the coin.
This land tears me up sometimes in the sense that I don’t want to leave, such silence, quiet, peace and serenity surrounded by beautiful landscape, at the same time the road calls, the wind on my face while rolling down the stretches is also part of the present Life. I try to balance it utilizing warmer times to do so.
It is now the perfect weather for this area, it was a good decision to anchor down for the winter, not saying there will not be some freezing spells! I am hoping for some blankets of snow sometime in the near future.
On to Alpine today… there seem to be always and errand to run!
Be well… enjoy the “papercrete” homes…

Ara & Spirit

www.theoasisofmysoul.com our website and Blog

To Boquillas Canyon, Texas

With much going on in the neighborhood such as mainly the Chili Cook Off, meaning “stay off the roads”, we went in hiding into Big Bend’s Park. Very few cars, a couple bikes and much space. Lets face it, it is the least visited Park in the USA.
We spend some time by the Rio Grande, across from Boquillas, Mexico, a small town separated from the World by a closed border and a River.
Such little distance separates us and yet in reality a different civilization is there, we are the same but we are not. We should be… maybe some day?
The ride back was as pleasant as the ride in, maybe a bit more thoughtful, unless totally insensitive to others it would be impossible to not start thinking at a population so close to us and yet so cut off from the mainstream.
The photos are on the Blog…

Be well… Ara & Spirit

www.theoasisofmysoul.com our website and Blog
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Matters of the Heart, Texas

The ride to Alpine the other day was of a different tempo! There is a first for everything. What a better way to celebrate two years on the road with an Ambulance ride to the Hospital!
The heart just gave up. Spirit was left behind and I went ahead for some care and maintenance. First the bike, now myself. We will all be brand new soon. We are going back today as we made it here when released, more tests and needing to spend some time with a Cardiologist, either here or in Odessa.
I feel a bit in limbo as they say! The bike is even covered right now as we will be away for these couple of days. What a sad sight!
Coincidentally it was also the celebration of the “Day of the Dead” in Terlingua.
More about it all on the Blog…

Be well… Ara & Spirit

www.theoasisofmysoul.com our website and Blog

When I first started reading your story, I thought "this guy is off his rocker". I quickly changed my mind and decided, "I'm the crazy one, this fellow has life figured out!".

Take care of yourself, hope you get better soon.

Stephen

you know i had the same though and after talking to him he is one inspiration and indeed someone to look up to.

You know, truly it is just another Life story. Maybe on a simpler path as I try. Battling right now to get some Health coverage! What is one suppose to do?... Thank you for your kind words...



The “Colors” of Life, Texas

Back at “The Oasis”, feeling better by the day and trying to sort out the steps to maybe be approved for Health Care. This reminds me so much of the times when Lance was sick and we were asked for the mighty $ first… who cared what his name was. I am getting the same treatment! It is a sad state of affair but somehow, either here or Florida, it will be taken care off.
I think there is a bunch of Dual Sport Riders in town this weekend, a turn of the throttle and will go to meet them as we did last year.
All is well, I feel so clean as I think the nicotine has left my body by now and without coffee either my senses are becoming so perceptive of my environment. I was thinking this morning how great this was, much less to pack on the rig!!! It is a change I have to say, a great change as I have to take the positive aspect of it all.
Another recipe, all on the Blog.
Be well… Ara & Spirit

www.theoasisofmysoul.com our website and Blog

In retrospect, Texas

I feel as the meds are kicking in. There is a clarity in the mind which is starting to prevail and that nicotine craving is just about gone, hoping that the Cardiologist’s prognosis on the 17th will be a decent and fair one! We are actually going to take ride today into Terlingua, Lajitas. There is a group of dual sport riders in town and many we had met last year. The “Lifestyle” change was almost brutal the first days but already now it seems that all is leveling off and my attention is starting to again focus on… traveling! I need to focus a bit more and being anchored down for winter here, always mild but yet, high winds and freezing temps do happen. Yesterday morning actually for the first time Spirit’s outside water bowl froze to my surprise.
Photos? They are all from “memory lane”, they have been my travels these past few days throughout the Blog.
Be well, and again, “thank you” to all the kind readers that have extended a hand in these difficult times. We both appreciated more than you think.
Ara & Spirit

www.theoasisofmysoul.com our website and Blog

Am I now a Photographer? Texas

Having been accepted at KIOWA Gallery in Alpine was a thrill yesterday, specially with Gallery night coming up on the 21st. 6 full size photos will be hanging on the wall.
What a Journey this has been. I read other’s ride reports… filled with riding. Somehow with us I can add undergoing an Echo Cardiogram last night… an ambulance ride… year round exposed photos in a so well known Gallery… much cooking… and oh! Yes… we also do ride!
Monday morning is still and will be the decisive moment in Odessa seeing the Cardiologist. I think some medication is going to do the trick… that is what Spirit thinks anyhow.
We are back in Alpine for now, too much commute if we stayed up “The Oasis”. My Friend Mac Gyver, meaning Ryan, also has gone home after setting up the solar system to an even better output performance.
This is Life on the road, a bit hectic right now, all things must pass they say, this will too.
Be well… Ara & Spirit

www.theoasisofmysoul.com our website and Blog

The ultimate “therapy”… Texas

I think anything where your head can stick out with no roof going down the road would be the ultimate therapy as it is for us. I say us as Spirit always agrees to take off, I have yet to hear a complain from him. It is that “no partition” feeling with the surrounding scenery, it is the wind with its moods and strengths, it is being transposed into another space where nothing much from the real world on foot quite matters anymore. And I say “anything” as many would not care for a motorcycle. So there are sidecar rigs like ours, three wheelers, some new fancy designs have surfaced lately with two wheels in the front and one in the rear… I think a nice little convertible will also do!
As long as we can ride, this waiting game, this counting the days to Monday, will be fine. I think once this is all behind us, including Art Gallery Nights the following weekend, I have already this fantasy that we are going to take off, follow a southern route to California and slowly go up the coast trying to stay warm.
I think I will be bursting by then…
In the meantime it was a timeless ride to Ft Davis.
Be well… hope all this makes a bit of sense! Ara & Spirit

www.theoasisofmysoul.com our website and Blog

I have recently gotten a mototcycle, so yeah, that all makes a LOT of sense!

RIDE FREE BROTHER!

Lousiana also... get in touch with this Forum, they are good people... Tell "Juice" I send you... I have a lot of Friends in LA!
http://www.dualsportridersoflouisiana.com/forums/index.php



Marfa, Texas
Ride and more riding, just have to, it is “the “prescription with unlimited refills, no Dr’s visits needed. Marfa was our destination.
Yesterday we did drive to Odessa. Paul Glaves was great company and courteous enough to wheel me there and back. The miles went on like a flash, I think we could have gone cross country and never be without an interesting conversation.
The Dr’s visit itself? Well… my echo cardiogram never made it, no where to be found. He was actually more concerned with the arteries that had the bypasses 13 years ago, kind of like an old tube in a tire I guess. So back to Odessa on Monday for this time a Nuclear stress test. Sounds dramatic. I guess we will just take all this one step at the time. The attitude has not changed with receptionists! “It will be $210 for your first visit” she said without looking up… as I replied “how about if I don’t like the Dr? will I get refund”. Two hours later… (waiting was free) I made his acquaintance as he also insisted that he hears the “I don’t have Insurance” too many times a day… “I am here as a medical Doctor…” he went on to make me understand, “not a Social worker”… And I did… trust me! Be well… always. Ara & Spirit

www.theoasisofmysoul.com our website and Blog

I looked at the forum. Looks pretty cool, thanks!

They are a good bunch of people... glad that you did...



Indian Head trail Rd, Texas

Just a few miles south of “The Oasis”, on the outskirts of Terlingua, is this road that will take you to a “space” to me unlike any others. It is also an entrance of Big Bend Park, it is a show of Mother Nature’s work, it is a display of rocks in shapes, colors and intricate cuts a bit rare in this area. They are raw, cracked, balanced often defying gravity, they are my destination when wanting to escape and do some hiking as the trail/road also leads to some spectacular views of the Chisos.
We did not spend all day, just long enough to again leave in total amazement.
Tomorrow “white elephant” is moving to Alpine for a couple days. This is when I suddenly decided that I do enjoy it! I can park anywhere and still be home, eliminating the commute back here. Alpine’s Gallery Nights will start in the am and promises to be two fun filled days as I will also try to take a lot of pictures.
So till then… enjoy the “rocks”.
Be well… Ara & Spirit

www.theoasisofmysoul.com our website and Blog

Gallery Nights in Alpine, Texas

“Old Faithful” must be lonely by now! She has been left behind since Friday. Today she is 210 miles away as we are now in Odessa’s Hospital Parking Lot with our winter base camp “The White Elephant”. It was however 2 greats nights in Alpine, camped right across from the Kiowa Gallery where the Journey’s Photos displayed had some great feedback and even a couple sales. I call it “Amazing”. The crowds were out in full force for both nights, a nice pleasant crowd, much music, much dancing and much food everywhere! The support from other local Artists has also been such a welcome gesture and so has been the kindness of Keri, the owner of the Gallery.
I would call it a perfect time…
Now of course waiting for the dreaded Nuclear stress test, the only way to have all the cards in hand for a decision toward the future… I think it is going to be good, everything else has been…
Much more on the Blog…
Be well and “thank you all” for the great support you have given me… and Spirit.
Ara & Spirit

www.theoasisofmysoul.com our website and Blog

After Gallery Nights, Texas

I feel as I am now finally waking up from a long awaken sleep. The stress test is behind, the physician changing it to a chemically induced process with results on December the 2nd. I shall not think about it till then as soon as these side effects disappear. How good can all this be for the body including slightly radioactive chemicals? Lesser of two evils? Afraid to search…
“Old Faithful” is being pulled out of its Desert shelter in a few minutes, it is time to regroup soon and get back to our abnormal normal Life.
“Gallery Nights” are just a memory now, a great one, and the search for more magical photos of our Journey is right around the corner.
I always wonder where this is going! All we can do is enjoy the ride, there has not been any complains from neither of us these past two year!
More photos of the Alpine Gallery Nights on the Blog…
Be well…
Always.
Ara & Spirit

www.theoasisofmysoul.com our website and Blog

Our Thanksgiving… Texas

150 miles or so from here, the “blue light” specials must be screaming in the aisles of the urban smorgasbords of consumerism. At “the Oasis”, here, the good weather and full sunlight, mild temperatures, silence, peace and serenity are on “special”, combined with yesterday’s great memories of a Thanksgiving spend with Friends we now call Family.
You cannot buy it, cannot lease it or borrow it! It happens as I can only wish it happens to you all.
It was great food, great laughter, great company that filled our cup running these past days on almost empty.
Even Spirit had a great time and moments. A true gentleman well behaved around our food and his own encounters with Desert dwellers, goats and other dogs, the later while taking a stroll to the Cowhead Ranch near by, a great place to stay while in the area and experience the real Texas Life as it use to be.
A full report on the Blog…
Be well… Ara & Spirit

www.theoasisofmysoul.com our website and Blog

Our Postal Route.Tx

Not just any route but one of the most beautiful road this country has to offer. Roughly a 160 mile round trip which I always wondered how I would feel if it was my job. I guess my conclusion is, all is a matter of the individual if it would turn into a daily grind or a daily Journey discovering every day a new facet of the route. Definitely a job unlike other.
We have some Friends visiting from Booth, south of Houston. Carl and Colette and their own Friend Judy. We stayed with them for about a week a year or so ago, it is so nice to see familiar faces, catch up on the old times, talk about the future times. They have brought us a load of Pecan wood broken off the trees of their property since the last storm, wood is so valuable here and this will allow us to have much entertainment and outside warmth throughout the winter months coming up.
The “route” is on the Blog!

Be well, always.

Ara & Spirit

www.theoasisofmysoul.com our website and Blog

A “milestone”, to “Good Health”, Friends and more Adventures.

Every day is a new beginning, but today feels a bit above them all. A clean bill of health, at least highly passable considering past history, has brought some calm and peacefulness throughout my moments. Every day this “Journey” has had a new page, but today it is a new chapter as I feel I can rest and at the same time look forward to some new adventures, new roads, new photos as Mother Nature has always never failed welcoming us in the midst of her landscape. Always in touch with my inner senses, they have also matured surrounded by Friends and you all that have carried me to this point sound and safely. There is a value of Life itself unknown or maybe a bit foggy in the past that has now taken such a clearer and definite shape within, the Human aspect amongst us all.
We have spend these past few days with some wonderful Friends, Carl, Colette and Judy. It is not the distances we never covered but the quality of the moments together. Carl never had even a chance to ride his bike! That says it all… doesn’t it?
Their story I should have really titled “wood good” is on the Blog.
Be well, always, and stay well. Ara and my buddy Spirit.

www.theoasisofmysoul.com our website and Blog

Sometimes he also writes! Tx

That is the case today when Spirit last night took over the keyboard to express his own feelings. After all, I am only the “chauffeur” of this specie that has taken not quite yet, but will soon, over the World. They are the quiet “majority”, we just don’t know it yet.
Winter has definitely showed his face around here, comparing to temperatures up North however I will only get teased if I complained that it was 41 degrees when we left for some errands in Alpine. Today, this afternoon it was… close to 80! Good time to come and visit if anyone is planning a route to Big Bend and its vicinity.
We met up with a couple riders from Louisiana, today a couple from Austin and I think I need to be rescued by a notebook and pencil, I need to start writing down names!
Spirit was not too harsh on me, he just likes to make a point once in a while on the Blog.
Be well… Ara & Spirit

www.theoasisofmysoul.com our website and Blog

OK... to day is 40 outside... I will however NOT complain!!!


A “soulful neighbor”, Tx

It has become so strange about loosing days here. I sometimes look at a calendar, compare it to some recent writing or photography and realize that more days have passed than I thought. My neighbor a few miles down the road, John, he just celebrated his one year anniversary on his own land, totally self contained, on a different path than us, but with the same attraction toward these vast and empty spaces.
There is such an individuality here that it makes it interesting to visit others and see and be explained in depth how they are surviving.
If you are wondering what happened to Spirit’s color… that is about the norm by the end of the day as we live, eat, sleep and breathe dust. A dust here called “adobe”, fine powder, as fine as “talcum” powder and the main reason why we welcome rain so much!
Hope you enjoy his dwelling on the Blog… we sure did.
Be well… Ara & Spirit

www.theoasisofmysoul.com our website and Blog

A new Christmas Tradition, Tx

So there is a story that goes about a “rock soup”. There was nothing to cook with, so rocks went into the pot and slowly everyone threw in something eatable and the soup appeared!
Kind of like that… We will be christening the new fire pit this Saturday and I will be offering some soup and bread, even dessert cooked in the fire. It is actually a Christmas memory as I did the same thing about 30 years ago or more… It has been a full circle.
“Old Faithful” also is getting ready for the road. The extra fuel and water situation is taken care off, now waiting for a couple parts, cracked luggage rack and leaky oil filler ring. Small items but needing attention.
Spirit? Happy as ever running full blast on this new path that I have been clearing, he has switched to a stick now… often not the same! “treats good” he keeps telling me…
More on the Blog… in a few more words.
Be well… Ara & Spirit

www.theoasisofmysoul.com our website and Blog