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

[BEEMERCHEF]

Wade and Cliff Lake, MT

The Adventures never stops. I donÔÇÖt want it to stop. The Lakes, the unpaved roads, there is no better sceneries and feel, the photos will prove it. For the first time after witnessing such beauty I felt as Montana and I, including Spirit, have finally bonded. The southwest corner has so much to offer that in a couple of days we are moving to Ennis to be closer to those spaces that await us. At the same time we witnessed a re-enactment Fair near West Yellowstone where we also found a free out of the way and quiet space for us. Unfortunately ÔÇ£National Recreation AreaÔÇØ are becoming more and more expensive and filled with screams as I often wonder why are they camping here? I would definitely need a vacation from their vacation.
These are the best times around here even if has been raining a bit more than desired. Lately we have always managed to find shelter. This time it was underneath the tongue of a jacked up semi just laying in the field. A nice roof over our head it was, a spot to definitely remember.
Enjoy the Lakes, the few photos of the Fair much more we hope to discover before long.

PS: not seen a single dual sport motorcyle for days??? Undiscovered yet?...

Be well Ara & Spirit

[JAMESDUNN]

I have seen Ron Dakota out on our highways! Now there is a slow, but sure traveler. Amazing. But so is your journey in a different way.

[BEEMERCHEF]

I have seen Ron Dakota out on our highways! Now there is a slow, but sure traveler. Amazing. But so is your journey in a different way.

He gets around! 27 years!!!





Being part of Society MT

So bad weather makes me think! Hail as large as golf balls, thunderstorms, winds, you name it. A few days in the wilderness and back into the mundane circle of errands and this and that also does it often. That is the title after all of my Blog, our Blog I should say, The Oasis of my Soul. The wheels might stop rolling for a couple days, but the mind never does and the keyboard always helps It helps me. It is all part of the Journey as I often read others and yet still never know who they are. It was never my intend of so many to read these thoughts, but it happens, and the bright side of it all are the many new Friends we have along our routes even if never the same. Many Friends we have yet to meet hoping we will some day. Maybe a big reunion in Texas!
We have moved on Base Camp to Ennis for now, this southwestern part of Montana just needed to be closer to us. For the first time I have a photo assignment, for a Real Estate Company that wants to show the area to potential clients. As she said I would be taking the photos anyhow! A couple portraits also, I am just not that good in the business world. Yes, I would have taken those photos anyhow, but I could charge for their usage, right? Anyhow
It is just like I wrote in the Blog
Be well
Ara & Spirit

[BEEMERCHEF]

Virginia and Nevada City, MT

Well, if you are into ÔÇ£liveÔÇØ Ghost Towns, totally refurbished as new as ÔÇ£old and authenticÔÇ£, these two little Towns take the Big Prize home. Structure after structure, dwellings after dwellings, even a running train, Museums, you name it, mixed with the authentic smell of Pizza and the sights of modern Art, we had quite a day. It was much more and ÔÇ£moreÔÇØ than what I could ever take in again. Of course, no offense, it is just a matter of taste and many other pasts visits to similar spaces made this day into a true ÔÇ£d?®j?á vuÔÇ£. As a local from a near by town said ÔÇ£I come and visit once a year, spend my money and I am doneÔÇØ. Maybe we should have chosen a weekday to visit as the mob scene was intense and Spirit as usual was on the center ring, quite often myself watching from a distance, a safe distance that is.
Ennis, in counterpart, is a great place to be, a great central location for the many trails awaiting for us, such as Gravelly Range Rd, Southside Centennial Rd and so many others I am looking forward for us to get lost within.
Enjoy the Ghost Towns we really did!
Be well
Ara & Spirit

[BEEMERCHEF]

The Trails of Friendship, MT

The trails here are endless as again, as in all areas we have dug short term roots, we will leave here soon with so many non ridden, which only means, we will have to come back. This year I have been told has been lucky as with much rain all is green and the flowers as most places visited are endless carpets of colors. I am always surprised, and totally content I must say, with the lack of traffic or even not a single motorcycle! I guess most riders must like crowded trails as these are totally off the beaten track and yet, easily accessible from a main road.
I call it my ÔÇ£FriendshipÔÇØ with ÔÇ£Mother NatureÔÇØ and I took the opportunity in this BlogÔÇÖs Chapter to also, well, mainly write about a Friendship developing which means, having company at ÔÇ£The OasisÔÇØ when we reach Texas. We will be sharing our Space, lending a hand as many have to us, the stage will be the same, it is almost as I want to call the upcoming future moments of Life ÔÇ£the sequelÔÇØ!
All is well here, it is a rugged State, everyone I feel is working hard on their land to get ready for the upcoming winter with no time to waste. It is amazing how each State can be so different from one another
Enjoy and be well.

Ara & Spirit

[BEEMERCHEF]

Pony, Montana

Sometimes one cannot truly feel its surroundings by only looking. I might change my going around direction by reading a bit before hand about the places visited and ridden to. This was the case in Pony, MT, not far from here, Ennis. Was it the cold, 30 degrees that morning, was it the previous ride into Virginia City and Nevada City which left me a bit overwhelmed? Who knows but we will be going back to witness a bit more of past History I was not aware of, as I did not fully experienced the little unassuming old Mining Town.
Besides this little ride, a great visit from our Friends from Lander, WY, KC and Mia I kind of want to call them KC and the Sunshine Band!. A great dinner again by Teri as it seems my own cooking, well need a ride to Bozeman as the only local Grocery Stores prices are as we were joking about it this morning, about $3 an egg!!!
The weather the rains and the storms are just not slowing down. Every chance we have of sunshine we will be out with no doubt riding the so many roads around as time is passing by so fast.
Enjoy Pony, it is worth the visit.
Be well
Ara & Spirit

[JAMESDUNN]

Wow! That last photograph is something! Beautiful, and menacing as well. Were I out on a motorcycle that weather would get my full and undivided attention!

[BEEMERCHEF]

Wow! That last photograph is something! Beautiful, and menacing as well. Were I out on a motorcycle that weather would get my full and undivided attention!

Trust me that it did!!!... Thanks.







A Beautiful Earth, MT

Gravelly Range Road, a Treasure of a road. As many areas we encounter, at times I am told to keep it for myself. But this is all about sharing Just as a ribbon with no end the road goes on forever, the horizons are immense, this is after all Montana. Surprises are of many along the road, they are not motorcycles as we only came across one car all day, but a sheepherder from Chile that resides at 9400 feet with his herd of 1200 sheep and 8 dogs. Where else could this happen? Lunch and much conversation even though we do not speak the same language. No need for it, there is a Universal language that is so much more powerful when it comes from the Heart. Spirit however was not too fond of his new buddies trying to get into his car I think he is becoming a bit grouchy when it comes to sharing.
Another surprise was a family of three on a bicycle, father, mother (a teacher) and their 8 year old son. Now that kid has to be a happy one as they are planning to go around the World.
A foggy morning on the Madison River, weather warming up, every day is been just this great day being so fortunate to live it and appreciate this beautiful Earth of ours.
More on the BlogBe well always.
Ara & Spirit

[BEEMERCHEF]

More wandering at the ÔÇ£Rusty CowboyÔÇØ and Gravelly Range Rd. MT

Time escapes us often, even with the days still lingering with great light in the late hours. Fun was photographing the space we are camping at, for the past I think couple weeks. ÔÇ£The Rusty CowboyÔÇØowned by Teri who has become a Dear Friend of ours, a Friend we will miss soon as we will be leaving in a few days. And then, again we went on wandering to no end on Gravelly Range Road, a road, an area and a space that does not stop calling us. I wonder how many have truly ever even heard of it, driven it or ridden it. I donÔÇÖt think anyone has from the lack of vehicles seen throughout the days passed. The road itself, very well maintained in most places, is not of a challenge per say, but the space is, as feeling passed a certain invisible marker being into another dimension so far away from civilization. It is as it was, the real stage as Mother Nature intended. Reminds me so much being at ÔÇ£The OasisÔÇØ in Texas, with even more remoteness.
Enjoy the couple Blogs posted including the photos, it is the essence of ÔÇ£MontanaÔÇØ.

Be well always.

Ara & Spirit

[ian408]

Hi Ara & Spirit

I love seeing the weather in your pictures. Especially this last one!
Man, that's fire in the sky. And beautiful too!

Riley says hello to Spirit.

Ian

[JAMESDUNN]

Hi Ara & Spirit

I love seeing the weather in your pictures. Especially this last one!
Man, that's fire in the sky. And beautiful too!

Riley says hello to Spirit.

Ian

Plus one! As a long time westerner I miss the sorts of cloud and weather your photos feature. Great stuff.

[BEEMERCHEF]

Thank you... I think the weather is becoming my favorite, and yet, it is pure luck!!!
How is the pup Ian?...



Bannack, MT

Finally a real Ghost Town visited just in time as we will be moving on in a couple of days. So many photos that it is going to take a couple Blogs to post most of them. Wandering slow, versus the usual many travelers ÔÇ£warp speedÔÇØ with mileage in mind more than anything else, we also met up this time with a family of six bicycling the country. ÔÇ£6ÔÇØ! I was thinking about all the meals, the camping gear, the showers, the logistics which must be by themselves just incredible. We also had a long stop over in Dillon admiring the Old Hotel and right across, the new ÔÇ£graffitiÔÇØ. A contrast in itself.
But the big prize is Bannack. Turned into a State Park where dogs are allowed everywhere, quiet and peaceful with even I was told, the sights of Ghosts at night.
The Badlands will be our next stop before heading south, hopefully to cool weather we sure dont want Mr. Spirit to be uncomfortable!
Enjoy the TownBe well
Ara & Spirit

[179219]

Ara, your last week has been fantistic! Next year through MT.. I'm heading to
Bannick. Have been following you on "spot", I think I can find it!
You lucky dog... er.. and pilot of side-car rig
"Travel'in" John "Breathing is easy... living takes effort"

[ddorwart]

Ara, I have been "a stalker" on your ride report for sometime. I happen to be in Missoula today getting my bike fixed at Montana's only BMW shop. I should be on the road by 1:00 pm and then head South. My goal will be to hit Yellowstone for 2 days then hit Badlands.

I will look for you on the road. Good travels and perhaps we run across each other.

My blog can be found at:

http://web.me.com/david.dorwart/2whe...he_Crisis.html

All my pictures are within "the dark room" within the navigation page.

Dave

[BEEMERCHEF]

Ara, I have been "a stalker" on your ride report for sometime. I happen to be in Missoula today getting my bike fixed at Montana's only BMW shop. I should be on the road by 1:00 pm and then head South. My goal will be to hit Yellowstone for 2 days then hit Badlands.

I will look for you on the road. Good travels and perhaps we run across each other.

My blog can be found at:

http://web.me.com/david.dorwart/2whe...he_Crisis.html

All my pictures are within "the dark room" within the navigation page.

Dave

Have not looked at your site yet, real slow connection here but we are in Ennis base camping today, leaving in the am for Bozeman for a couple days and then also the Badlands... now, which Badlands!!! I hear there are a few, we are going to the ones in SD... maybe we will cross...




Good Bye Montana, more of Bannack

This State grew on us, it helped me straighten up a bit, understand better what Life is all about under a different light. Odd thoughts one might think. Not to me truly, as the land within every space has itÔÇÖs own character and personality and gives back what one puts in. Exception being the Freeways! We bonded it seems only yesterday and already it is time for us to leave, only meaning we will come back. It is the beauty of this vast Country, knowing that a Lifetime will never be long enough to see it all, even less, feel it all. It is so fine, it is a thought that will never occur, meaning asking myself ÔÇ£now what?ÔÇØ. It just cannot happen.
I finally posted all the Photos of Bannack, the incredible well taken care of Ghost Town, the quiet one that allows a real walk through of it, and also another real food find The Taco Bus in Dillon. Cant miss it, you dont want to miss it. Of course now, none will be up to their standard and Dillon is not on our way for a last real invigorating meal. Well, if we left now we could be there in about one hour 71 miles. We have ridden much longer for a good meal!
Enjoy
Be well as always.
Ara & Spirit