Monday, September 24, 2012

SQUEEZING JUICE FROM THE ROAD part 3 real angelfire

CONTINUING MY SOLITARY TRAVELS:  Taos, NM ---my friend Jim Jailette has done so great a photographic job of capturing this unique town---that I will just refer you to one of his recent posts: http://otrwjam.wordpress.com/2012/09/21/taos-new-mexico-day-8/

 
If you didn't click on it---I will at least give you a glimpse of its style.  This is half of the main square.
 
 
The other half---almost.  I can't imagine how rich I would have to be to spend a night here for $250? (that's disrespect for what $250 will buy (maybe it's more I didn't ask) I just flashed on a situation long ago when I was motorcycling cross country and happened to have $15,000 cash in my pocket--I pitched my tent for the night in high grass outside a Motel rather than waste money.  That's how I have managed to live free and travel for 30 plus years.
Taos people know they've got something special here---touches like this are everywhere---makes the town memorable.  But OOOOh sweet people---the real foundation of this art mecca was a most remarkable woman:  Mabel Dodge Luhan---a cultural and sexual whirlwind---read about her: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mabel_Dodge_Luhan
 And appreciate the fact that PERSONALITY IS FUNDAMENTAL ---to great enterprises.
 PROFUNDITY.
 
A hula hoop crossing?? Look at this carefully----I did---Never seen one like it---didn't seem to be fake. I spent the night in a parking lot just two blocks from the central square.
 
 
Then on to Angle fire, NM---I have promised to show you the real thing.  This is not it---This is a one man inspired and built---memorial to his son---and all others slain in the Vietnam War.  Beautiful and touching. 
Inside ---a tiny triangular chapel. 
 
 Then on to Eagle Nest State Park To rejoin my friends.  Mark and Ginger come out to welcome me. You may recall their magnificent Bluebird Motor home behind them.
 Dinner together---perfect---leaving the glories of solitude for the warmth of friendly connection---exactly as I envisioned it 8 months ago.
 And now---sweet readers---I show you the real Angel Fire----a sky phenomenon that happens here with some frequency---due perhaps to the mountain/cloud/elevation/orientation.
(shot by Andrea on her cell phone)
 
RANDY PHILOSOPHIZES:   I've enjoyed my solitary travel ---think it's the best way to move.  Even when traveling with  companion vehicles--- each should be alone---free to stop on impulse---without explanation.  Connecting later at a designated spot is a bit of sweetness also.  Yes, I know there is a slight safety factor traveling tandem---but trust me--It isn't worth the hassle.  And anyway---we're usually connected by phone if we need assistance.
 
As this is the terminus point of our Quest For Community Caravan---I have debriefed some of our members and will soon share their insights. 
 
 
 
 
 

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hey, I think I know Mark and Ginger! Nice people. I used to camp with them occasionally at the Glamis sand dunes near Yuma, AZ. Tell them I said hi please.

TravelingFirefighter@yahoo.com

Rob said...

Only one comment & that was a 'me too'.
It's time to refill the controversy reservoir Randy!

Jim said...

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One summer we traveled -- towing our new-to-us 30' fifth wheel from Boise, ID to the "lost coast" of northern CA. My newly-minted SO brought her three children (6,12 & 16 or so) with and we TRIED to travel together; it was a patience-testing nightmare! I had to stop every hour or so to check the oil in my poor old truck -- adding a quart more often than not -- and, invariably, I'd be ready to roll again and THEN someone (at the last friggin' second) would have to go to the bathroom (in the fifth wheel).
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With all that time to fume on my hands, I formulated a new plan. On the way back we would select a rendezvous point many hours down the road -- somewhere (hopefully) where the kids could entertain themselves. They were free to fly on there in the Mazda MPV and I was FREE to get there . . . well . . . when I got there. It was a PROFOUND improvement AND I didn't have to serve any time for child abuse. That's a win/win where I come from.
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sail4free
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