Lifelong Journey on the Road with Spirit

[beemerchef]

More Beartooth and Gardiner, MT

So busy sometimes times escapes me, trying to find a balance throughout this Journey to write my words down. Finally the weather is really cooperating, even a bit on the warm side these days, but in Montana I yet have to feel a warm night. All is just so perfect, staying dry pleases me and Spirit to no end.
We took a ride to Beartooth one more time, another double bacon cheeseburger also at the Red Box, will just need to avoid that area in the future! Another ride to Gardiner which is also the original Northern entrance of Yellowstone Park, not much around, besides a touristy ambience I can do without.
We are now near Manhattan, settled for about a month, hoping to discover a lot of Montana as I am also finding out that most unpaved roads are very doable. Any tips are much appreciated as always. Three Forks, Virginia City, Old Yellowstone Road and a few others near by is right now the extend of my knowledge. I see a lot of Lakes on the map, we will just pick a road and go trying to also find always some unseen corners to spend the night within.
We pack light now… maybe too light, it is such a pleasure to put up and take down quickly unlike before.
I have posted a couple Blogs since last time here, enjoy the photos of our Life on the road.
Be well… always.
Ara & Spirit

[kera09]

wow! your photos are beautifully amazing and the stories are phenominal. what a lucky dog spirit is!

[beemerchef]

wow! your photos are beautifully amazing and the stories are phenominal. what a lucky dog spirit is!

I am lucky too believe me...




Three Forks, MT

Is it called “Americana”? It is, I just checked the definition. “Materials related to American History, Geography…”. Great weather still holding up, had cooled a bit to make it a pleasant ride, rides…
The Missouri River starts a few miles from here where once the old city now defunct “Gallatin” use to stand, a campground where Lewis and Clark once camped, so much has happened within these spaces, water calling for past Pioneers to settle a while. The city of Gallatin did not make it and a few miles away seemingly has moved to another one, replaced, called now “Three Forks”. “Three Forks” was in a jovial mood for their Rodeo weekend, the locals were spilled out on the sidewalks all day, there was a free lunch, much chatting as always, it kind of felt a bit like a Christmas in the summer. It would be fun if it was the case every day of the year… sure would keep everyone much happier I think.
The Rodeo was in full force with much shooting and riding, Spirit’s moos was up, what more can one ask for on such a beautiful day
More on the Blog…

Be well… Ara & Spirit

[beemerchef]

Fairy Lake, MT

It is not a secret location but rare is the traffic on the seven mile road, a bit bumpy at times, leading to Fairy Lake. High clearance definitely needed. It is magical, it will leave many speechless as “now” is it’s time with square miles after square miles of carpets of wild flowers laid ahead with all colors imaginable. The Lake itself is the prize at the end. Steps leading to it or a longer hike followed by another trail which goes all around it, unfortunately that day busy with “horse” or maybe they were “deer” flies. All the same to me and Spirit who was trying all afternoon to just sit in the water trying to avoid them. Outdoors can be so harsh sometimes, there is seemingly always one element that makes it “difficult” or unpleasant, but the choice is not there for us, we take it all in as it comes.
There is another Blog I have written also previously ahead of this one, it is written for my Friend Tyler who was in a very bad motorcycle accident, one of the most incredible person you will ever meet. I have been asking to join the Blog of her condition and wish her your well thoughts as her road to recovery is going to be a long one. It will mean a lot to her, Family, Friends and to myself… http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/tylerrisk
In case you are wondering, it is free and only takes a few minutes to join… You can find that Blog by hitting “previous” or “archives” within my own.
Be well….
Ara & Spirit

[beemerchef]

A Southern loop. MT

Sometimes we can play hide and seek with the thunderstorms till we finally get cornered and just have to sit still for the hail to melt and the skies to open up. That was the case the other day as finally West Yellowstone had a bench to offer us for a couple hours. Part of being on the road.
But all day I was thinking hard about, I guess I would call it, “today’s trend” of reality shows, one explained in an e mail to me. Frightening it was, sad, staged as I know, seemingly trying to fulfill such desolation maybe so many got through when their own reality is obviously dwindling with the need of experiencing others of a screen instead.
I looked upon our own reality show, a daily occurrence. They are episodes after episodes without needing a channel to be changed and rarely a rerun to put up with. It does not have to be as ours going on for closing in on three years, it could be just a day or a few if one is willing to sense it’s surroundings and feel it all.
This Blog is just one day, so rich with encounters toward people met and their own true Life reality show now being part of ours.
Be well…
Ara & Spirit

[beemerchef]

Ron Dakota, MT

6 wheels, 20 legs and a Man that has been on the road for now 26 years. As I stand on the sidelines watching them go by, the contrast from the 80mph moving vehicles and Ron’s three miles per hour forward motion makes me smile, inducing much thinking. I mean truly the first thought is “crazy”… “does not belong here”… or could it be the other way? Of course there is this certain attraction, more than toward us which was nice for a change… I can imagine how many have stopped to inquire. He now hands out a card with his “My Space” page printed on and tells them all the answers are there. Can’t blame him, at three miles per hour much chatting will slow him down to… what is already a crawl. But the Man has not crawled trough Life as his good sense and Spirituality has heightened to a level so few of us will ever reach. Much time to think, none read, just Life as being the perfect example if one slows down a bit and starts putting the pieces of this puzzle we live within together…
We will see him again, he is never too far as his Journey will take him East first and then on South for the winter.
Amazing what one can experience on the road…
Be well…
Ara & Spirit

[beemerchef]

Old cars and a Wagon! MT

I was thinking, Spirit has it made not having to work out as Ron Dakota’s horses for a daily 20 miles move pulling 6000lbs. A good thing I have yet to hear a complain from him! It was seeing Ron again today, camped on the side of the road wondering if sometime I could also use those wide shoulders if needed to catch a quick night sleep. Sheriffs passing by are only waving, so it should be agreeable with the Law. It was his Birthday yesterday and we shared some sweet bread for lack of Cake and Ice Cream. 69 years old, 27 years living on the road traveling with the weather as we do.
It was then on to an Antique Car Junkyard a few miles up the road. A candy store for the camera and the mind seeing this array of what was once someone’s pride and joy.
South West Montana seems to be my favorite space out of it all, of course we have not yet visited the Glacier area which is an another 300 miles north.
Enjoy the Blog… many photos this time, hard to sort out the favorites.
Be well…
Ara & Spirit

[beemerchef]

Wade and Cliff Lake, MT

The Adventures never stops. I don’t 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 “National Recreation Area” 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

[beemerchef]

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

[maberi]

You need to crank some Eddie Vedder - Society

Great tune from Into the Wild. Fits you guys perfectly. Stay safe

[beemerchef]

Virginia and Nevada City, MT

Well, if you are into “live” Ghost Towns, totally refurbished as new as “old and authentic“, 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 “more” 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 “déjà vu“. As a local from a near by town said “I come and visit once a year, spend my money and I am done”. 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

[DemoDick]

If at all possible, take the time to travel through the Bitterroot Valley, where I grew up. Highway 93 northbound will take you from Lost Trail Pass to Sula, Conner, my home town of Darby (don't miss Trapper Peak just south of town), and up through Hamilton, Victor, Florence, and Stevensville. The Axemen South just south of Missoula is my favorite gun shop of all time. If I were there, I'd give you a personal tour. Glacier National Park in the Northwest corner of the state is another find, especially the Going to the Sun Road and Lake McDonald.

http://www.nationalparkreservations.com ... donald.htm

I envy you, and I was JUST there. It's a very special place.

Demo Dick

[beemerchef]

If at all possible, take the time to travel through the Bitterroot Valley, where I grew up. Highway 93 northbound will take you from Lost Trail Pass to Sula, Conner, my home town of Darby (don't miss Trapper Peak just south of town), and up through Hamilton, Victor, Florence, and Stevensville. The Axemen South just south of Missoula is my favorite gun shop of all time. If I were there, I'd give you a personal tour. Glacier National Park in the Northwest corner of the state is another find, especially the Going to the Sun Road and Lake McDonald.

http://www.nationalparkreservations.com ... donald.htm

I envy you, and I was JUST there. It's a very special place.

Demo Dick

I need to follow that up after some trails south of Ennis. Glacier is all smoked out right. A Friend of mine turned around... no photos possible as much as I knoe photos is not 100% of the Journey...
There will be still I hope next year. We have always left an area never seeing it all! Not possible... Thanks for the tips...
Be well... Ara & Spirit

[DemoDick]

I need to follow that up after some trails south of Ennis. Glacier is all smoked out right. A Friend of mine turned around... no photos possible as much as I knoe photos is not 100% of the Journey...
There will be still I hope next year. We have always left an area never seeing it all! Not possible... Thanks for the tips...
Be well... Ara & Spirit

Places to check out if at all possible: Bozeman, home of the original Pickle Barrel, best sub sandwiches I've EVER had. It's on College St. and impossible to miss. Check out Montana Ale works and Spanish Peaks for good microbrews. Music Villa is an amazing store for anyone with musical interests (performance, not CD's).

I think I played in every bar in that area while in school.

[beemerchef]

So what are you doing in NY??? Get back here...




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 “Friendship” with “Mother Nature” and I took the opportunity in this Blog’s Chapter to also, well, mainly write about a Friendship developing which means, having company at “The Oasis” 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 “the sequel”!
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

[DemoDick]

So what are you doing in NY??? Get back here...

If I could make a decent living doing what I do and bring the missus along, I would. Enjoy your stay.

Demo Dick

[beemerchef]

Thanks...


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

[beemerchef]

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 “Rusty Cowboy” 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. “The Rusty Cowboy”owned 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 don’t 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 “The Oasis” in Texas, with even more remoteness.
Enjoy the couple Blogs posted including the photos, it is the essence of “Montana”.

Be well… always.

Ara & Spirit

[beemerchef]

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 “warp speed” with mileage in mind more than anything else, we also met up this time with a family of six bicycling the country. “6”! 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 “graffiti”. 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