[BellaPup]

Breath taking pics! Wish I were there to see them in real life. Pics probably don't do the beauty justice.

In the last pic I see a shark to the right about to devour a big, fluffy thing...almost like a furry dragon...

[beemerchef]

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

www.theoasisofmysoul.com our website and Blog

[beemerchef]

How about a dog with a Roman Cask (headgear) throwing flames at a shark? I know... too much imagination!



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


www.theoasisofmysoul.com our website and Blog…

[beemerchef]

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

www.theoasisofmysoul.com our website and Blog…

[beemerchef]

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

www.theoasisofmysoul.com our website and Blog…

[Wiggle_Butt]

Wow, this is an amazing journey you and your dog are on.
How is the general public taking to your dog since it is one of those "vicious" pit bulls? (I got my first Pit Bull in '79, had one ever since.)

[beemerchef]

One year, 200 Blogs later, Texas

Have we really been on the road all this time?… I asked myself this morning. There is not much sense wondering why it has gone by so fast, it has been a good year with the help of your company, and I can only enjoy “now” at any given time, but cannot hide the excitement of times to come. Spirit and I have grown attached more than ever, he has matured and gained a care free happiness that was not there before. He is now a “traveling dog”! From smell to smell he has established these months many territories… his tail has been wagging more than ever… he is a kind soul to be around.
Some, most, train their dog… we have built up a mutual understanding… we live together and I have learned… a lot from him! I guess we have trained each other…
We have been surrounded this weekend by about 150 dual sport riders, mainly from Texas, lots of pictures here… great times!

Be well…

Ara & Spirit

www.theoasisofmysoul.com our website and Blog…

[beemerchef]

“Art Car”… Murals… Errands, Alpine, Tx

Combining a great ride with errands is always the ultimate. Spirit with his yearly shots, myself with a prescription renewal and many carbs at a local Bakery proved Alpine is a great little town. The closest town to Terlingua, about 160 miles rounds trip.
And then we saw an Art Car! The Camera Van… it is something that left me speechless wondering if I should think about a new project called… “Sidecar Art”? Maybe the attention Spirit gets is enough!
Enjoy the pictures and description of it on the site…
Be well… Ara & Spirit

www.theoasisofmysoul.com our Blog and website…

[beemerchef]

Am I just an old “hippie”? Tx

We took off for the day to the Park yesterday. Much needed for the both of us, it was time to spend some time trying to answer some questions running through my mind fueled by such empty spaces. Since Spirit is not allowed on the trails we pretty much stayed on Croton Springs Rd and Paint Gap Rd, riding some, hiking some. It happens always… the magical effects of Big Bend. In a couple days actually the Mountains themselves will be our view! A good friend of mine has offered some great first row space on his property for us to stay on. So today we are packing for tomorrow’s move, Karma again has been good to us.
More on the Blog…

Be well…

Ara & Spirit

www.theoasisofmysoul.com our website and Blog…

[beemerchef]

A Celebration, “The Day of the Dead”, BB, Tx

A Mexican Holiday celebrated here in Terlingua, a friend from Louisiana, the Chili Cook Off, the Texas Two Wheel riders in the area… and you thought probably that there is never anything going on around here!
On our way right now to the finals of the cookoff… much more on the Blog…
We have to run!!!
Be well…
Ara & Spirit

www.theoasisofmysoul.com our Blog and website…

[beemerchef]

The Chili Cookoff, Terlingua, Texas

Terlingua has regained its composure yesterday afternoon, the many events that took place these past weeks are over. Millions of stars where shining down on us last night as the town near by was dark and quiet. We spend some time at the Chili Cookoff, the craziness was just starting as the chili’s were turned in for judging. The Showmanship competition was on its way, amazing imagination, laughter, colors and music… as always!
Spirit will pose for pictures as long as needed… it was a great sunset and no exception, he sat patiently and waited for the camera to stop its shutter noise! What a dog…
Enjoy the pictures on the Blog… there are quite a few!

Be well…

Ara & Spirit

www.theoasisofmysoul.com our Blog and website…

[beemerchef]

A bit of my Dog’s Life riding and living on the road…

We did live on 16 beautiful acres at one time in Northern Georgia when my buddy rescued me from the shelter with just a couple more days to live. I heard many people telling him not to take me because I am a Pit, so I proved him wrong for over a year now!
Life is good, the smells are good, the food is too and so is his affection and Love for me. I have my own sidecar, I get to ride and watch my other buddies walk the streets instead. Of course I have to give in often for all those pictures he takes of me, same goes for all those strangers that have never seen me riding with my goggles on… but oh! Well… small price to pay… check it out…

Thanks for the scratches you always send me…

Spirit

www.theoasisofmysoul.com our website and Blog…

[beemerchef]

More of the Pinto Canyon, Texas

More pictures of the rest of the ride from Pinto Canyon. We are planning to do it again soon, maybe even spend the night at the Chinati Hot Springs if there is such accommodations. I have not checked into it yet and the weather is suddenly changing, I was told that it is erratic here…
Well, this is the first picture of Mr Spirit as a Biker Dog with his helmet… he is putting up with it… but he does not like it! Don’t ask… he tolerates it. Maybe he will just wear it in bad weather and on long distance rides… and you don’t want to know what happens when we stop! I now know what celebrities like him go through with the paparazzis… He is on his own… if he could only talk seriously sometimes!

Be well…

Ara & Spirit

www.theoasisofmysoul.com our website and Blog…

[beemerchef]

A quick tour of Lajitas, Texas

I have always been intrigued as to the feel Lajitas would give when there… I do have a favorite spot, a short river crossing to Mexico a bit past the town, in the old days before border crossings changed that was some busy sights. But the town itself was eerie, sad, not only because of it being deserted but because its authenticity has been stripped, replaced by some “look alike” buildings trying to fool the tourists that modernism can still look old! It still made for some interesting pictures! There was no one to get in the way of the camera including specially a quick stop at the “International Airport”…
Spirit’s helmet fits better… we had to remedy to his unhappiness of the previous day… and we are planning some long… long… rides!
All on the Blog….

Till next time, you all be well… and enjoy the Sunrise!

Ara & Spirit

www.theoasisofmysoul.com our website and Blog…

[beemerchef]

Old Marathon Rd loop, Tx

We are indoor this morning, the winds blowing like mad all night had me even reset the Dish! This is the clearest skies we have ever seen so far, would make for great pictures if only the sun would come out and take this grey cast away. I think it is happening as I write this!
It was a great ride yesterday, again isolated inland roads with this time some degree of difficulty for us… a street tire in deep sand is never the best scenario!
Thinking today was Friday, I realized it was not and we have now one more day to get ready for a weekend in Alpine for the Open Gallery Night, where we will try to find a little obscure corner to spend the night! It was a customary fashion in the 60’s! Including much hitchhiking…
And yes, Spirit will have his blanket!!!
Be well… enjoy…

Ara & Spirit

www.theoasisofmysoul.com our website and Blog…

[beemerchef]

Artwalk in Alpine, Texas

Another great event in this area… the Alpine Artwalk! Nighttime open Galleries, rubbing elbows with the Artists… eating and eating again… and much chatting!
We left early in the day, the weather turning cold last night made us came back the 80 miles, missing only one deer in the dark. I keep thinking… some day! Some day it is going to happen… so far we have always drawn the lucky number.
Such a great time that we (I did anyhow!) thought about maybe going back tonight.
Enjoy the show… and a Holiday Recipe…

Be well…

Ara & Spirit

www.theoasisofmysoul.com our website and Blog…

[beemerchef]

Oh! That look!!!…

The Chinati Hot Springs, Texas

Yes, still in Texas… the big and friendly State with so many places to go and events to attend! When “things” get busy somehow my mind always go back to our stay in the “Joshua Trees”, the “Belle” campground, all the way in the back by the big rock where we sat there for hours… days really! I guess it has left quite an impression on me. Chinati Hot Springs will became the same, in the middle of literally nowhere, isolated from it seems the rest of the World, as they say, it is a place to get “restored”!
Even if the journey there was kind of a fiasco regarding food and sleeping accommodations… my own smart lack of planning!
Don’t miss it if you are in this area… more here on the Blog.

Be well…

Ara & Spirit
www.theoasisofmysoul.com our website and Blog…

[beemerchef]

Holiday in Big Bend, Texas

We actually spend most of the day in Alpine, working at cooking! It was a fun day putting to use what I know best. Had not help from Spirit, nice think carpet in front of the fireplace, that was his pad for most of the day! This dog is not a fool…
Change in weather so suddenly made us ride in a bitter cold wind that somehow even came through the helmet and my ear plugs. Price to pay I guess… It even snowed last night up on Chisos Mountain where we tried to take a ride up this morning, but even with my heated gear including the gloves, we had to turn around… just a bitter cold. It will warm up… soon.
Recipes and pictures are here… on the Blog.

Till later… you all be well…

Ara & Spirit

www.theoasisofmysoul.com our website and Blog…

[beemerchef]

A Journey with no Fences and Gates? Texas

We are going to Fort Davis tomorrow. A change in the scenery, it is about one hundred miles north of here and it will allow us to explore the area without the 200 mile round trip every time. Makes sense…
The weather has been warming up nicely, some great riding in the area should make it for a pleasant stay. Having quite a few friends visiting Big Bend in December, we will be back here before heading… East… for a very short while.
Some thoughts today… somehow I see the fences surrounding us also being part of our own Life…
You be well…

Ara & Spirit

www.theoasisofmysoul.com our website and Blog…

[beemerchef]

Marathon, Texas

Repeat to myself “never write about our next destination”… repeat to myself…
So we are still here… we did leave… came right back! Not strange if you consider that the Powwow is happening this weekend, the Bug Show… and the “Run for Stupidity”! Only in Terlingua… you would not want to miss seeing all those events on this Blog… would you? So only to please you (!!!) we unpacked again and forced ourselves to stay… just for you! I insist…
We did take a ride to Marathon yesterday, a nice ride and a cool little town as you will see on the Blog…
Our “Spirited Doggie Treats” (Spirit’s new hobby!) would have been a better choice for lunch than what I had…. But… maybe I will have better common sense next time…
You be well….
Ara & Spirit

www.theoasisofmysoul.com our website and Blog…