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After 40 years... Homeless with my Dog... - Page 3  

post #61 of 254
3/15/07 at 3:53pm
Thread Starter 

Why on the Road?...

Hey CookieCutter... at least it is Healthy!!!...



Why on the road?...
It was only this morning that we left Beaver Creek Campground, south of Sedona... we are a few miles for the Grand Canyon’s south rim, I have not seen any of it yet, and it is sometime in the middle of the night... We are camped on National Forest, they call it "dispersed" camping, off a forest road which are abundant around here. There is no one near by and my clock right away has switched to a no time zone... more on the Blog.
Be well...
Ara & Spirit
www.theoasisofmysoul.com

My ongoing Blog... with Spirit!

What one does after 40 years of cooking!!!

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post #62 of 254
3/16/07 at 8:02am
Your last blog entry is very compelling to me. I enjoy camping but hate the parks available in my area of the country. I much prefer finding a secluded river bank or spot in the woods and "roughing" it for a few days. The kids enjoy the community camping because the campgrounds offer a lot of activities for them. Personally, I love to get away from the crowds, music, barking, screaming, etc. and commune with nature. I can stay home, have a fire in my yard and listen to music and kids screaming all the time. lol
post #63 of 254
3/17/07 at 8:20am
Thread Starter 

The Grand Canyon, AZ



The Grand Canyon, AZ.

What can one say about the Grand Canyon?... besides being mesmerized throughout this jaw dropping, eye popping, sensory overload experience. One of the few places I can sit for hours and loose my sight and senses deep into this incredible wonder.
One of the most enjoyable place to also camp here... the nearest neighbor is about half a mile away... and I had dinner for lunch... as you will see!
Be well...
Ara & Spirit
www.theoasisofmysoul.com

My ongoing Blog... with Spirit!

What one does after 40 years of cooking!!!
post #64 of 254
3/19/07 at 7:37am
Thread Starter 

More on the Grand Canyon, AZ.



More on the Grand Canyon, AZ.
It was just another beautiful day here, NOAA is predicting snow and mid twenties by Tuesday... but that is a couple days ahead. Lots of riding through the Park, the weekend crowd is a bit different... glad to see many city people coming here to enjoy the sites as we did... before the views disappear due to increasing haze... You can read about it here...
You be well...
Ara & Spirit
www.theoasisofmysoul.com

My ongoing Blog... with Spirit!

What one does after 40 years of cooking!!!
post #65 of 254
3/19/07 at 8:01am
Ara,
Just amazing and a fascinating read. I took the time today to read your blog from start to finish. The pictures are wonderful and make me feel like I'm there with you. Just wanted to let you know how much I am enjoying the adventure vicariously through you.

Joanna
Time is running short! Future Restaurant Owners act now to start living your dream today. www.sweetpeasbistro.net
post #66 of 254
3/20/07 at 6:32am
Thread Starter 
I am honored by your reading... specially as a restaurant owner.. I know how time is so valuable. Love the website and at 6:30am I am already hungry! Selling???... I would say such a shame if so... and at the same time trust me that I would understand if so!!! Been there... done that... to use the cliche phrase!!!
That is why I end up doing this... www.personalchefara.com
for close to 20 years.... for only six months a year...
Thanks for writing... and glad that you have been enjoying it...

Ara & Spirit
www.theoasisofmysoul.com

My ongoing Blog... with Spirit!

What one does after 40 years of cooking!!!
post #67 of 254
3/20/07 at 7:29pm
Thread Starter 

Valle's "Planes of Fame Air Museum", AZ.



Valle’s "Planes of Fame Air Museum", AZ.
I think, I am fairly sure that we are going to "The Grand Circle" on our way to California...
"The Grand Circle" including Zion NP, Bryce Canyon NP, Glen Canyon, Capitol Reef... and more.
Exciting riding, hiking, photography and eating!... eating meaning cooking too...
There is much more if we went a bit more North/East... but, have to leave some for next year!... and the following...
A couple days ago we went to Valle ‘s "Planes of Fame Air Museum", what I thought was going to be a quick stop turned out to be an almost all day visit... a must to see, all in the Blog.
PS: if anyone wants more pictures and info (taken also in pictures), let me know. I can send you the SmuMug link they are all on... too many for the Blog...
Be well...
Ara and Spirit... soon on the road again.
www.theoasisofmysoul.com

My ongoing Blog... with Spirit!

What one does after 40 years of cooking!!!
post #68 of 254
3/22/07 at 8:37am
Thread Starter 

On the road, 89N through AZ and Utah...




On the road, 89N, AZ and Utah.

89 Northbound from the eastern entrance of the south rim Grand Canyon to Utah must be one of the best scenic road I have ever been on. So much scenery, from rock formations, to the Little Colorado Gorge in a more intimate setting than the Grand Canyon... to Panguitch... were we had to turn around. Campgrounds are closed, snow is still present with more on the way, wind is howling and why can I not set my mind to the fact that winter is not over yet!
So we are south of all that... 50 this morning near Kanab... and will take some day trips to the scenic areas surrounding us.
Some pictures of our way up here on the Blog...
You be well...
Ara & Spirit
www.theoasisofmysoul.com

My ongoing Blog... with Spirit!

What one does after 40 years of cooking!!!
post #69 of 254
3/23/07 at 7:12pm
Thread Starter 

Kanab Canyon and more, UT.



Kanab Canyon and more... UT.
How can so much happen while on the road without a "home"? The trails of the mind must be wide open with all its doors unlocked... Turned on by a friend to Ken Foster’s book "the dogs who found me", suddenly opens a path of joy finding out that his Pit must be Spirit’s brother!
And what better surrounding than riding through a Canyon to discover just a bit later that "Best Friends Animal Sanctuary", a no kill shelter for animals, has tours of their center... where I actually find Ken Foster’s book less than 24hrs after its discovery... and should I also mention "autographed"... All this leading to a great dinner... I never thought that living on the road was going to be so exciting... as you might read it in the Blog...
Be well...
Ara & Spirit

*** Beware... The Blog has "FOOD" picture...
www.theoasisofmysoul.com

My ongoing Blog... with Spirit!

What one does after 40 years of cooking!!!
post #70 of 254
3/27/07 at 1:39pm
Thread Starter 

This is a double Blog!!!

I could not get in the last time...




The Canyon in Zion... Utah.
Staying in most of the day, NOAA called in for some bad weather... but I think they are mistaken.
Great campsite, so great that we might, just might stay here for a couple weeks... but I have said that before. It is just that there are so many places to ride around here... and see!
Might even have some company soon... that would be great... Fire at night, great roads, great scenery... what more can I write on the Blog!... many pictures too...
Be well...
Ara & Spirit
www.theoasisofmysoul.com

My ongoing Blog... with Spirit!

What one does after 40 years of cooking!!!
post #71 of 254
3/29/07 at 9:33am
Thread Starter 

Darker Skies In Zion NP., Utah...



Darker Skies in Zion NP. Utah...
The forecast... after these couple days is as sunny as it can be for as long as they can predict it!
Lets endure these couple of days... I know that it will be all worth it.
Did not hold us back from some riding as darker skies make for some great pictures and give out a different feeling about this whole place.
We did have to turn around, bitter cold winds... the snow flakes were an added attraction...
Luckily enough ingredients to make dinner... preceded by a visit to Farmer’s Market...
The Journey goes on... cannot even think about our next destination! This is Home for now...
Be well...
Ara & Spirit
www.theoasisofmysoul.com

My ongoing Blog... with Spirit!

What one does after 40 years of cooking!!!
post #72 of 254
3/29/07 at 10:49pm
Beemer-
I just thought I'd share this with you......the other day a regular customer of mine (day job- not food related) came in and I commented on his beautiful new cab-over camper out front. He told me he had just retired and was planning to take off soon for the road. His goal is Pennslvania- but he is in no rush to get there or back- he plans to take months to explore the country. I told about you. He said that is sort of what he plans to do.... just wander for awhile. Nothing to rush home to he said, always wanted to, why not? The nomadic spirit lives on....
Bon Vive' !
post #73 of 254
3/30/07 at 5:49am
Thread Starter 
Thanks for writing...
You know they are quite a few people living on the road... unfortunately many have the 100ft mobile condo and have resigned to continue living the same life as when they were between the concrete four walls... Mainly watching that square boxe called Television... For myself and some others it is more of a spiritual path, exploring the surroundings, the local fare, the feel of the land... seems that the person you talked to will be on that path... Funny as when I left I planned... and now, it is more a week to week aspect! I was 70 miles from San Diego... with the intention to head North... somehow I must have taken a wrong turn as I end up in Zion!!! But Karma also has a way of making itself known... as in every area that I was not planning to come to I meet a situation that enriches my life.
You be well... maybe you gave him my site's address?... that might have inspired him!!!... or?...

Ara & Spirit
www.theoasisofmysoul.com

My ongoing Blog... with Spirit!

What one does after 40 years of cooking!!!
post #74 of 254
3/30/07 at 6:45am
I'm a bicycle fanatic myself. I'd love to run into Alain who is riding from Argentina to Alaska and offer him food and a place to sleep. I've found references to him while he was in South America but haven't found a website for him yet. He probably won't make it my way anyway, I'm in Minnesota.

Ara, look me up if you're ever in Minnesota. You and spirit are welcome anytime.
post #75 of 254
3/30/07 at 6:59am
Thread Starter 
I have his website!!! It is mostly in German but also some english... he does understand if you write to him... He will appreciate it!... He is a TRUE Adventurer in my book... I am loundging compared!!!
And thanks for the invite... you never know! We might even cook up something....
You be well... thanks for writing.

Ara & Spirit
www.theoasisofmysoul.com

My ongoing Blog... with Spirit!

What one does after 40 years of cooking!!!
post #76 of 254
3/30/07 at 2:57pm
Ara I was away on vacation but was delighted to see that you're maintaining this thread with narrative and wonderful photos. Thank you again for this gift of sharing your adventures!

Mezzaluna
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post #77 of 254
3/31/07 at 9:22am
Thread Starter 

Kolob Terrace road, Zion NP., Utah

On Vacation!.... so short?... I should be, maybe, in Wisconsin mid July... BMW Rally...:confused:



Kolob Terrace road, Zion NP. Utah

East of here is still bitter cold, I was so wrong assuming that things will arm up at higher elevations! I guess I have lived in Florida too long...
But west of here, off the town of Virgin, is Kolob Terrace road which is less crowded entrance to also Zion Park. Love the setting, the riding... but not the road blocked by the snow a bit further up...
Cooked up a poor man’s pasta dish also with what I had left in the small pantry... tasty!...
It is on the Blog... in living colors!
Be well...
Ara & Spirit
www.theoasisofmysoul.com

My ongoing Blog... with Spirit!

What one does after 40 years of cooking!!!
post #78 of 254
3/31/07 at 10:43am
Ara, the carbonara looks delicous. :lips: I love to improvise too! When I was in college and had $5 a week for spending money (Sunday dinner, laundry, postage and incidentals) it was a game I played to see what I could use to make a meal out of. I wish how I'd kept some notes because sometimes the results were good.
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post #79 of 254
4/2/07 at 6:57am
Thread Starter 

April Fool?... not really, I wish!




April Fool?... not really! I wish...

April Fool’s day unfortunately did not fool me as I hear the snap of a broken eye bolt...
There we go... again! But... happened 10 feet away from camp... could have happened the day before when we went riding through Red Rock Canyon and Bryce Canyon up 9100 feet... without any steering it would have been quite a drop...
A couple more days... of course any day without riding is a tough one!... and we will be back on the road... in the meantime I wrote about the rides we just took... on the Blog.
Be well...
Ara & Spirit
www.theoasisofmysoul.com

My ongoing Blog... with Spirit!

What one does after 40 years of cooking!!!
post #80 of 254
4/2/07 at 10:36am
What a vista! At what altitude do you think you were when you took this? The trees look like it's a significant elevation.
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post #81 of 254
4/2/07 at 6:21pm

wow

How amazing to be taking such a journey.....a reaffirmation of life
post #82 of 254
4/2/07 at 8:15pm
It depends on what you mean by high. Utah is the third or second highest state in average elevation (by my memory which could be off). Low point is around 3000 ft, high point is around 13500 feet. Bryce canyon is between 7000 and 9000 feet. Highway 12 to the East of Bryce is a terrifically scenic drive with many great hikes and stops, but not well marked ones. The Calf Creek Falls hikes are well worth the stop. Do not take your dog on the upper Calf Creek Falls hike if you want to get down near the water. The trail becomes a bit tricky with some big drops to the side.
more than taste fine
me eat it all the time
post #83 of 254
4/2/07 at 8:27pm
And about the dog hiking in Zion. Most every trail has serious dropoff exposures and often some slick footing. The dog would be at risk, and if on a leash, pose a risk of pulling you off with him. The area is also a culinary water shed for towns downsteam so dogs are limited.
more than taste fine
me eat it all the time
post #84 of 254
4/4/07 at 5:35am
Thread Starter 

Bryce Canyon itself... Utah.

Trust me that we do stay in safe areas... In Bryce dogs are not even allowed at the lookouts... But that is OK... one does what they have to do... we hike around the campsite a lot... Thanks for the concern... it is needed.


Bryce Canyon itself... Utah.
It turns out that I will be staying in Utah for about another month... how strange that when in Anza Borrego my thoughts where to head North, but slowly I went East... and now, looking at the map of Utah... with all its attractions and colors... why not wander a bit more here!
If the US Postal mail is on track my parts should be in this morning... and then it will be on to the welder for fixing a new crack in the mounts... luckily a secondary mount.
I am so mentally tired of all those breakages that I cannot even comment on them... All I want is a safe rig... the humor is hard to find... it does show however how society governs themselves, the ones in the business have been the hardest ones to deal with... I can just imagine how the Corporate World is being ran...
I do want to thank all the ones that have send me their support... they have made these pasts days easier and allow me to look into the future of this dilemma...
Bryce Canyon was awesome. Rough conditions... but definitely a place to go back to in a bit warmer weather. Spirit has been a real trooper... and right now, he is also anxious to get going...
Enjoy the Blog...
Be well...
Ara & Spirit
www.theoasisofmysoul.com

My ongoing Blog... with Spirit!

What one does after 40 years of cooking!!!
post #85 of 254
4/6/07 at 5:09pm
Thread Starter 

Michael and Sandra's Utah... my 100th Blog.




Michael and Sandra’s Utah... my 100th Blog.
Somehow it feels like I just have left yesterday, so much has happened and yet... so little! Moving on to some new sceneries withing the same State,Utah... one that intrigues me a lot as it is so full of richness, great roads and incredible geological formations that have taken millions of year... And I get to camp in the middle of it all... quite a treat! We are regrouping these coming days, listening to a local Adv Rider Michael, and his wife Sandra that have opened their house... and kitchen with wide open arms... Spirit has two new buddies... what more can one ask!
Today’s Blog...
Be well... Ara & Spirit
www.theoasisofmysoul.com

My ongoing Blog... with Spirit!

What one does after 40 years of cooking!!!
post #86 of 254
4/6/07 at 5:33pm
Country like that gives me a case of the "WOWs", Ara. :bounce:
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post #87 of 254
4/8/07 at 8:09pm
Thread Starter 

A great campsite, north of Snow Canyon, Utah.



It does to me too... that is why I am staying a month around here...
Wait till you see that... (ShUUUUUUUU...) trout on the Blog!!!

A new campsite, north of Snow Canyon, Utah.
3 days... 4 days?... at Michael and Sandra, adding a few more pounds to this frail body... great company and time. 3 new tires, the rig seems really together and a new campsite, in the middle of some great BLM land.
I have a long list of areas to visit, it is so endless here in Utah that this will take many more visits to even scratch the surface. Good deal... I would hate to run out of places to visit these coming ten years!
Spirit is a bit sad today from losing his two buddies... he is starting to remind me of a sailor with a girl friend in every town...
Enjoy the Blog and the pictures... there will be much going on, specially with the days becoming much longer, finally it feels like winter is behind us.
You be well...
Ara & Spirit
www.theoasisofmysoul.com

My ongoing Blog... with Spirit!

What one does after 40 years of cooking!!!
post #88 of 254
4/9/07 at 7:14am
Fresh-caught fish.... Mmmm! That was a lucky happenstance. What did you do with it?
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post #89 of 254
4/10/07 at 9:54pm
Thread Starter 

My little Island of Paradise in Utah...



The answer is in the Blog!!!... Mmmmmmm... delicous!!!

My little Island of Paradise
This inhabited stretch has become my little Island of Paradise these past few days and will be for a few more days to come... all is here and at the same time... nothing!
Lots of vermillion was used in this past sunset... wish you would have all been here to experience it...
The trout is a thing of the past... long gone now... you guessed it!... It was great... could taste its freshness with every bite.
BMW of Las Vegas gave me some hundred dollar chips... their true value?... great service.
The Blog will have it’s story!
Be well...
Ara & Spirit
www.theoasisofmysoul.com

My ongoing Blog... with Spirit!

What one does after 40 years of cooking!!!
post #90 of 254
4/12/07 at 8:08am
Thread Starter 

A little ride in the neighborhood... Utah.



A little ride in the neighborhood, Utah.
I have the feeling that everyone wished to have a neighborhood like this one!... Right or left or north or south... great roads and scenery, hardly any traffic and there is a part of Utah that is not all red!
A great dinner (at least they thought so...) for my friends Michael and Sandra, some playing time for Spirit and his buddies... it is all good... all in the Blog.
In our conversations last night, we were wondering why get togethers are always where the crowd is!!! How about one right here...
Be well...
Ara & Spirit
www.theoasisofmysoul.com

My ongoing Blog... with Spirit!

What one does after 40 years of cooking!!!
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ChefTalk.com › ChefTalk Cooking Forums › General Discussions › The Late Night Cafe (off-topic) › After 40 years... Homeless with my Dog...