Tommy Neumann's Most Worthy Universe

Green Acres!!!!

2010-12-12T09:24:00.000-08:00

This city life just ain't for me I tell you. And while we are still plotting a way out of here I am off today to help #1 son Michael out with his FFA project. Now while I come from a long line of farmers, and am a pretty good green thumb in the garden, I have ZERO clue about Livestock. Never the less by 2pm, I will own a pig today.

Michael, Tony and I are off to Buckeye to find ourselves a nice Pig. Michael has his heart set on a Berkshire Pig.

What is a Berkshire? I have to go online and look, but here is a synopsis dear reader from Wiki:

Berkshire Pigs are a rare breed of pig originating from Britain. In New Zealand it is estimated that there are now less than a hundred purebred sows.
In Britain breeding is maintained by the Rare Breeds Survival Trust at Aldenham Country Park, Hertfordshire and the South of England Rare Breeds Centre in Kent. It is listed as 'vulnerable' as there are fewer than 300 breeding females.[1] In the United States, the American Berkshire Association, established in 1875, pedigrees only hogs directly imported from established English herds, or hogs tracing directly back to such imported animals.[2] The pig is also bred in Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan, under the trademarked name Kagoshima Kurobuta (かごしま黒豚, lit. black pig).

They are making a comeback as this other website states because:

One of the breeds that farmers are finding to work well for these consumers is the Berkshire. They’re hardy, they have good mothering capabilities and they perform very well outdoors, especially when grazing on pasture. Their meat is darker than commercial pork and far more flavorful than the pork found in your grocery store freezer.

So we make our way out West to Buckeye Arizona and soon find ourselves on in what is really becoming a rarer sight in the Metro Phoenix area....farmland. After turning down a country road we spot a line of trucks next to a small farm.

Other folk looking to get a hog. You have to love the American Pick Up Truck.

This pig won't be staying at either of the houses, but instead Michael has a stall he will share with another student named Jeffery (I hope I have spelled that right) and they will care for it on right at the High School Michael attends. His school is actually very well know for its Agricultural department which is worthy.

We get there and sign up for the auction and go look at the pigs. In the center of the picture we meet Jeffery and his parents who are cattle people from Colorado. Very nice people who live just down the street from us out here too.

What I think are Berkshires end up being called China or Poland Pigs. The difference is the floppy ears. Berkshires have pointed ears. Everyone knows that of course.

Michael and his friend/mentor Josh look over the Berkshires while waiting for the auction to start. This is more of a raffle though. You get a number, if you want a pig, you place a "bid". If you are the sole bidder, the pig is yours for a set price. If you have to compete, your number is placed in a bucket, and they draw out the winner.

Tony is a great help as he did this as well and knows his pig.

This makes its easy on us and Michael takes one of the first Berkshires that comes up. Jeffery gets another one so they are two happy young men.

Here they are loaded in the back of the Tundra and ready to go.

I present you with Hamhock Berkshire Perez

The two new Pig Farmers are now at the High School.

Now it is time to get the pigs to the stall. These pigs are still little but are 40lbs of bacon that don't like to cuddle. Jeffery is the first out of the gate.

Jeffery has the needed determination and his pig is pretty much ok with getting a free ride to his new home.

Hamhock though is a true Perez.

From the start he is no follower and wants to see the world.

Exit stage right!!!

After a lot of work we manage to convince him he needs to go to the pen.

He does get a grand escort all the way to the new pen.

In the end he likes his new digs a lot. I am sure we will have more pictures between now and the fair in April.

See you all later.

Festing with the Fairies

2010-11-20T17:21:00.001-08:00

Escapism:

[ih-skey-piz-uhm]
–noun
the avoidance of reality by absorption of the mind in entertainment or in an imaginative situation, activity, etc.

This is a subject as I get older that I find more and more fascinating. As a young teenager, I spent days lost in books about hero's like Conan the Barbarian, Space Explorers and yes even Luke Skywalker. I still catch myself reading the occasional escape novel as life gets too goofy. And today we are off to spend the day at the Phoenix Faerie Festival with the kids. Well Michael is at Grand Pa's but Colyn's friend Aubrie is here so she gets to come along!

The Girls awaiting entrance to the Fest....notice the 1st Fairy in line just ahead of us. I have no idea what reality awaits beyond the gates but I am going in.

Ahh big mushrooms!! This could be worthy....

The crowd is about 300 and about 2/3 of them are in costume. The vibe is one of merriment but these fairies are leery of any one not from their reality.

Ahh Minstrels! There music is good and we spend a few minutes leaving the shackles of our normal existence and transcend further into the realm of fantasy (or it could be the mushroom I tasted)

Ahh everything seems so normal even when its not.

I decide to ask the locals for some tips on what one must see in this other place. Perhaps it will break the ice.

I look to ask these two fair maidens who surely seem to belong. How hard can it be to ask two ladies where the best shops are for magic dust...

"Excuse me ladies"

Things in this place are not what they seem! But they are friendly fairies and we soon find out there is much to do and see here!

I start to second guess making fun of those guys last week at the BMW Dealer who had guns strapped to their side

Jackson assures me we can take him after all the training we have done in our living room duels. I sense our destiny is to face this knight in a battle to determine the fate of the realm!

We find royals and trees getting along quite nicely as well. I haven't had this great a trip since the seeing the Dead in 89...

...but if Jackson is to face the dreaded knight, I will need a steed!!

score!

And you can see he is a true Destrier!! Now we must find Armor!

We are but poor travelers and thus do not have much in the way of gold. We wander from tent to tent looking for something we can afford

The girls also inform me that to be truly successful in this quest (and it has become just that my friends) we also need to find a pet familiar. Without this we are destined to fail!!

Alas I see what they mean soon enough as many of the Hero's all about us have such a beast at their side. We must divert from our search for Armor and find the mythical creatures.. At once there is a squeal of joy as we find our partner for the remaining tasks!

He shall be from here out be known as Rupert Perez!!! Fear him as you do all the mighty beasts of the Perez line!

I mention to my fair wife, who even the fairies recognize as the loveliest lass in all the kingdom, that Rupert is a good omen and I am sure we shall find armor to help us in vanquish our arch nemesis.

We come to a tent with kingly furniture and a vast array of armor and weapons. Jackson looks me in the eye and full of courage states, "Pops, I shall avenge the loss of our damaged pride and restore hope to all those retched folk who yearn for the return of our rightful claim to the kingdom"... though to those that lack my carefully trained fairy ear it may have sounded more like "He is going down".

Our Little Hero with his new helmet.

She wouldn't sell me hers

Jack strides with purpose to the Knight (without his helmet) and attacks!!

The battle is almost too ferocious to watch dear readers but Jack is channeling all the Good Fairy Chi and soon the evil knight is on his heels.

Thats my boy! Even as he has the Knight on his knees, he has time for the "Hollywood Teen Idol Head Shot" Warner Bros, better be ready!

OH NO!! There is a 2nd knight!! Hey this is my story and if I want a 2nd knight we are going to have a 2nd knight. I have no weapon, and there is no way I can reach the battle field in time! What will we do???!?

The Fairy Queen can't bear to watch from her tower box seat!

There must be someone who can help young Jackson save the Fairy Kingdom!

From nowhere the warrior Maiden strikes a blow to help her brother! The 2nd evil knight breaks off combat and we are victorious!!

There is much rejoicing in the Fairy Kingdom Food Court

Though some try to commercialize things even in this world

Not that our brave Fellowship would fall into that trap.....

We must now dear reader start our return journey back to the reality we share with you. It is a journey that we make with some sadness as we have enjoyed ourselves in the land of the Fairies much more then we thought we would and somewhere in there we learned a valuable lesson.

When you see a flying Frog, you best head back unless you want to really have a different experience.

A Tent and A Trainride Help Find Happiness

2010-10-16T18:57:00.000-07:00

“We tend to forget that happiness doesn't come as a result of getting something we don't have, but rather of recognizing and appreciating what we do have.” Frederick Koenig

Wise words that I often forget. This week I have a chance to get take a little time and appreciate the ones in my life who truly bring me happiness.

The minions are off so we are going to take one last trip up to the high country. Taking the dirt bikes will allow me to get a little fun in as well up in the backcountry.

Even for a short 2 day trip, the Tundra is loaded. The price I pay for having a small army of minions now

The ride takes up out of the valley up the Interstate to Camp Verde before turning East and climbing up to the Rim. We take a nice 40 mile road from the rim over to Woods Canyon Lake to camp

Now I have no love of camping in the MOST popular camping spot in all of Arizona, but if you go in October and on a weekday, it is cool and there are about 20% of the people in the area that you get during the summer months. All in all a worthy time to enjoy this gem.

We set up the tent pretty quick and the kids are settling in good

The hounds seem to be enjoying themselves as well besides the whole being tied up rule.

Laura takes care of the paperwork with the lovely Camp Host

I love the fact that my Colyn is here with us.

And the fact that there really are no child labor laws applicable in the camp ground.

The boys set off to go fishing, Colyn and Laura settle in with some nice books, and I take out the Kawalski for a little run about the woods.

The roads are pretty empty, but it is cold. As usual, I don't bring my heavy riding jacket so I am a bit chilled up here at 7000ft.

So off it is back to camp, where I set up the air mattress and do some reading as well.

We are really roughing it out here. These are my new Cabella's 0 degree bags that zip together nicely for Laura and I to sleep in. WORTHY.

The boys are finding that fishing can be cold as well as fun. Not much biting but they are bonding in a way that I know will mean a tighter relationship somewhere down the road.

So as night falls on the campground, we cook some really good Turkey Burgers and share some quality family time. After getting a good fire going, we decide it is time for the making of the SMORES.

Mom and Michael have a glorious time along with the little ones making perfectly good foodstuff go up in flames.

But they sure are pretty to watch.

Finally it is getting later and later so we decide to turn in.

Michael is old enough that we let him stay out and watch the fire for a bit longer. He is quickly growing into a wonderful young man and deserves a little slack.

The minions are settled in and it makes me laugh that the hounds also have decided to get under the covers to stay warm.

It may be a castle with walls only 1mm thick, but hey I wouldn't trade it for the greatest Keep in all of Europe. Night all.

The next morning we have leisurely breakfast, break camp and make our way down back into the desert. We decide that it is probably best if we take the kids down to the desert to ride since it is still cold up here and they have no winter riding gear. Something I need to fix.

We unload the bikes and get them started for the kids.

Colyn has a natural gift for riding. The little minion can ride with the best of them!! Now we just have to get her to shift more

Jackson still follows in his Pops Footsteps and loves to get tossed around in the sand. He will get the hang of that stuff yet!!

Michael is already starting to do a lot more on the KLR. The kid is really good for what he knows and is now exploring the back ways around the truck and climbing up hills. Proud of him.

Mom enjoying the Yammie

A stellar trip and next up is Nick coming into town with the Mrs!

Wow, back 4 days already from camping and this morning we are setting off to meet up with Senay and Nick to have breakfast, see the Heard Museum, and go for a Train Ride!

We get to First Watch and have a hoot having breakfast and catching up. Always fun when Uncle Nicholas is in town!

We head over to the museum and spend a few hours exploring. If you have any interest in Native American Art, the Heard is an amazing place to spend a few hours. Having grown up, I am amazed about how little I know about all the different tribes in Arizona and their history. The Heard has some great exhibits that speak to the Indian Boarding Experience, Native Mainstream Art, and a really great hands on exhibit for the kids to learn about all the tribes in Arizona. We got a lot out of it.

Jackson thinking nobody would notice one less piece

The following are some of the pieces that really caught my eye.

There is a HUGE wall of Hopi Kachina Dolls. They are amazing to behold.

This little guy looks spooky alive to me. Amazing!

Totally Glorious I tell ya.

The kids are having a hoot, but we have a train to catch to have lunch at a Turkish Place in Tempe so it is time to head out.

We catch the Light Rail outside the museum and head over to Tempe. Laura and I have used public transit a lot here and in Europe, but this is the first time for the kids. They think it is totally cool!!

Jackson and his favorite Uncle. Funny how much fun those two have together.

The Lake (almost full again after the dam breaking) means we are coming into Tempe. Time to get off.

Senay and Nick stay out of range as the minions play in the fountain. It is a great day!

I still wax nostalgic for those college days.

I found the title to this film fitting for my pal from Princeton and MIT. Only later will I find out that movie is really about something completely different.

In the end the return train is arriving and it is time to head home. Senay is tired from having flown in today and I have to get Michael back to go see Grandpa.

But I am very very Happy that I had a grand week doing simple things with those I love.

Take Care All.

Torrey XX One of the Best Ever!

2010-09-28T21:18:00.001-07:00

This is going to be a much needed break. So many days go by where all we do is get caught up in the things in life that only appear to be important. Sometimes our Ego's make us think that things that in the greater scheme of things are totally superfluous are so critical. I find myself starting this Fall with so many thoughts going through my head that I need to go find someplace to get straightened out. Torrey can't come soon enough!

Laura and I decide to leave early as to be in Utah in time to see friends and enjoy a nice dinner. This has to be the 10th time I have written about Torrey so I won't bore everyone with how much we both love it there. But it really is special to us. Because it will be cool up there and I have yet to get Laura's Moto set up for heated gear, we are trailering the motos up. The weather looks good.

We get up and sneak past the little guy asleep on the couch. I am sure this picture is going to come back to haunt me when he sticks me in a nursing home early. But he manages to sleep through Laura and I packing.

We head up the road and are in Kanab Utah around lunch time. Laura is already happy to be on the road. We always laugh the whole way up to Torrey.

Yes Sir, we are back in Small Town Utah.

Yours Truly near Antimony Utah on the nicest Bridge to nowhere.

Already a lot of stress is gone. I think it is because no matter how bad life can be, it has to be better than being the Brown Llama of the Family in Koosharem.

We pull into Wayne County and I am in a happy place.

The usual suspects are all already here. There is nothing like seeing friends again.

Even if they ride EYE-talian motos. Though this one is pretty worthy.

We end the 1st night out at El Diablo.

Can't wait for tomorrow

We get up early Friday and suit up for a ride up Huntington Canyon. Laura decides to ride on the back of my moto since this is going to be a fast ride up.

That Ducati is still hanging around!

Riding with Laura on the back changes my riding style and we end up in the middle of the pack heading up Sweeper Madness. The GT isn't as nimble as some of the other bikes but it makes up for it in the straights. Even two up I can close with all the bikes on the ride. Once we get past I-70, I jump up to the front and as we climb up into the pass it becomes clear this is going to be one of those riding days that will be one to remember.

Making it all the better is having my pal Howard along from Phoenix this morning. Somehow all the really fun rides I have are with Howard. It is great to get to hang out with him.

The other usual suspects are here too, though I don't ride with them nearly enough.

Getting ready to head back down to Fairview Utah. We eat lunch at the local cafe, and then some of the folks head back over the pass, but Laura, Phil, Howard and I decide to head South on 89 through the small towns. It is a good call as we see the big Mormon Temple and some other really cool sites before screaming down I70 way above the speed limit to Sweeper Madness in time to see the folks at the pool and have a cold beer. It doesn't get any better than that.

See what I mean. By the way Russell, Laura keeps saying that your girlfriend is one lucky lady.

We stay up way too late and drink a little too much but the vibe is tremendous and we all catch up with each other after being apart too long. I miss the kids but feel at home here in Torrey all at the same time.

Wow Saturday already now.

The place is nice and quiet from the prior nights activities around our cabin. I like it that most people come and hang around our place. This Torrey has so far been one where there is little organization, smaller than most, but yet also warmer in mood. People are just really glad to be here. Lots of laughs.

Today, I have told the ladies we won't be taking out the bikes, but I will take them over Boulder Mountain to Escalante Utah for the Arts Festival and a chance to see more of the Fall colors.

We load up around 10 and head over the mountain. The Motorcycles all going to the fair scream by us as we climb up highway 12. Laura reminds me that the Tundra isn't my GT. I think the big truck is diving into the corners rather nicely.

We get to Escalante in time to see some local crafts, have a so so lunch and then head out to Boulder Mountain.

A clever use for an old shovel

The local mascot is worthy.

FYI, when they say Blue Zinc Sunscreen, it isn't an emotion they are talking about.

From there we motor up to the mountain with Barry and his wife Katie following us in their truck

The views are stunning.

We come across crystal clear lakes with trout

Pastures where the locals tend to stare at strangers

And even see a real cowboy out herding them up to bring them down to lower pastures.

We head back to Bob's where I am planning on getting some needed rest. Larry pulls up about 20 minutes after we pull in and tells me that I need to hook up my trailer to get a moto that has gone down about 50 miles away. It seems that one of the newer guys we know in Torrey had a car turn left in front of him near Calf Creek and he ended up doing a stopie (Hit the front brake for those who don't know moto lingo).

So off we go.

Mathew (2nd from the right) explaining what happened to Larry. He manages to sever both the front and the back brake resevoir and will need to have Ed (our local long distance Texas tow truck driver) take him back. This is now the 3rd Torrey that Ed has taken someones bike home.

Here you can see the bent subframe

But our new friend will be back and hooning before you know it!

What a glorious day. We spend another evening out at the cabin and Laura and I decide to go ride out bikes to the park the next day to get apples and pies for the kids.

We suit up late Sunday Morning for the ride. Laura and I look at alternate forms of transportation to get into the park but decide to just take the motos in the end. This one has zero trunk space.

Eating Apples in the park.

We ride back to the house and Bob convinces me to go out even though I really want to go lay on the hammock.

Laura and her girl posse decide to hang out and spend time together.

In the end, Mathew, Bob and myself set off in his truck to find some truly worthy colors.

Here is what we find.

What a worthy side trip that Bob talks me into.

We even run into a few critters enjoying themselves in the late afternoon sun.

I so love Utah.

We get up early Monday and head back to Phoenix. As usual, I am sad to leave but I am looking forward to seeing the kids. They are on my mind often up here and I miss their smiles. Plus we have brought them pie so they will be happy to see us.

We will be back.

PostScript:

Two years ago my pal Roger was killed on his way to Torrey when he was hit by a car near where this picture was taken. I miss you Roger.

When It Rains It Pours....

2010-08-01T11:47:00.000-07:00

Summer Storms. That time of year out here in the West where we get our rain in short violent bursts. The Desert changes in an instant from parched arid soil with small creeks which are often dusty arroyos into raging torrents of water.

This week I am in Utah though and the weather here is just about the same. Wet in the afternoons and evenings with pockets of rain that can be seen miles away.

Looking North over Boulder Mountain the storms are forming.

The storms are coming in now and it is only a few minutes before it is pouring down.

The rain drops almost an inch of rain in about 20 min. We know we can't take the motos but we hop into the truck to see if there are any flash floods in town or in the park.

The go kart track is now a river. Not that anyone has ever seen a go kart on the track....

The driveway to the Sandstone Inn is awash in rocks swept down from the hill above. Water still flows and we head off to the park.

As we get past the visitor center we come upon the first signs that the water is up and more is gushing into the canyon. While most of my friends know this, it is worth repeating. STORMS MILES AWAY CAN CAUSE FLOODING CLOSE TO YOU! Therefore if you are in areas subject to flash flooding and small canyons make sure you are out before the afternoon storms hit.

Here you can see one of the waterfalls flowing into the already swollen Fremont River.

Another water fall just up the road from there.

This view shows just how much water is coming our way.

We drive on to Grand Wash where we run into Dave and a few other Rangers. The water has already passed here this time but it was pretty massive. The road sits about 6ft(2meters) above the wash and there is mud and debri all over the road.

Bob, Janet and I just look on in amazement at the power of the water. Dave tells us that there are 2 people on the other side of the river that they are not sure they can get out today. Also cars in the parking lot at the other end of the Grand Wash Trail are stuck in mud and they are using a Bulldozer to pull them out. Did I mention that you need to be careful around these canyons yet???

Mud all over the road

One of the things I love about this part of Utah is the fact that they get the roads cleared fast. Pretty cool that this guy was on the scene so fast.

Janet and a ranger discussing the bike race. That whole flood thing is really not news the day after a race

Even now the sun is starting to peek out over the horizon. These storms come and go. But the flash flood is still miles away from us and coming.

Other Storms in the area are still dumping water into the basin

I always have to take this picture here since Caneman and I took some here years ago.

We decide to head towards home again. As we get to the visitor center though we see the river has crested and is in major flood stage. We turn around and race back to Hickman Bridge to catch it coming downstream.

We get there and I start to take some photos. Please take note of the water level compared to the cement walls on the side of the bridge. The amount of time it took to fill was under 10 seconds.

That my friends is a LOT of water!!

We head back to the house amazed again at what nature can do.

Not sure "What it Means" but I sure do love being up here.

Next the ride to Colorado and putting the band back together for a while..........

Capital Reef Classic 2010

2010-07-31T09:42:00.001-07:00

It is time for another ride. While married life is so worthy and I enjoy all of the time with the kids, I still need to get out and ride once in a while. Lucky for me Laura has really started to enjoy riding her bike and I see a lot of fun in our future. This morning though I am off with her blessing for a week of riding. I love my wife!

Photo by Laura
Our Hero is up before dawn (hoping to beat the heat) and has the GT loaded for a quick jaunt up to Torrey. I need to be in Page for a meeting by 8am so it will be a pretty quick run up the mountain this morning.

The Dawn finds me already 2/3rds of the way to Flagstaff.

First stop is getting gas in Flagstaff.

My first of several mobile offices. Amazing how with just a laptop, a blackberry, I can work almost anywhere I can pick up a signal. Crazy

I quickly make the rest of the trip up to Torrey where I settle in at Bob's for the next 5 days. This weekend is the Capital Reef Classic Bike Race and I have agreed to be a motor for the event. I love working this bike race.

It is always nice to get to Torrey!

I arrive at the starting line early and find out that I am going to be leading out the Cat 3 Mens group on an 82mile race. The race will also include a ride over Fish Lake. That is a total elevation gain of close to 4000ft for the riders.

This is the group I will be leading this morning. About 20 riders and they are fast. My job is to make sure that traffic is clear of the leaders, provide some time checks for the leaders, and to make sure that they do not cheat.

After about 10 miles of racing two riders make their break and quickly build about a 3min lead over the peleton.

One lone rider then tries to bridge the gap. He manages to get to within 90 seconds of the leaders but the big climb looms ahead

And this climb is brutal

Soon the peleton is splintered over about 5 miles and each rider works to get to the summit.

All the while the leaders have powered to about a 5min lead. These two guys actually pass some of the riders who had started 10 minutes sooner in the pro group. At this point they are riding at around 10,000ft (3000m) elevation. Tough dudes.

We get to the back in 3 hours 44 minutes. That is a pace of about 21mph. Amazing when you factor in the big climb. I can't wait for next years race. This year they had over double the riders of last year and I am sure this race is going to just get bigger over the next few years.

With the race over we head home and get ready to go to the Farmers Market.

Janet is making amazing Ginger Preserves now which are really hard to find in the US. MMMMM

Ed thinks he can get this working if he could only find the right tool in Bob's Garage.

Bob talking about local plants. One of the things that people always think when you are in these small towns in the back country is that you have nothing but hunting rednecks. The only real difference to the stereotype in this region is you insert Mormon Redneck, instead of Beer Drinking Redneck. Nothing could be further from the truth. I meet more diverse, highly educated philosophical wine drinking Rednecks here than anything else.

I end up hanging with Beth at her Wood Burning Pizza Oven Trailer catching up and making pies. This is such a cool thing. The trailer has a real wood burning oven on it and they are making some good money with it. Keep it up Beth. They are worthy pizzas!

We head back to Bob's and do what we do best in Torrey.

Enjoy one of these on the porch.

We are joined by Dave who is one of those Redneck Biologists who works for the Park Service at Capital Reef. You can tell how bored we are here.

We agree to meet for breakfast the next morning and head out to explore an area that Bob hasn't even looked at. Dave agrees to join us so the Tundra will be full for an adventure! Whoo Hoo!!

I really wish Laura and the kids would be here because I have no doubt that they would be not only enjoying themselves, but would be getting a wonderful education as well. Missing them for sure.

Sunday's Adventure
After getting Breakfast we head on down to the park. We are going to pick up Dave, but we also want to get some Apricots. One of the areas of Capital Reef is called Fruita. It has many different Orchards that the 1st settlers planted and the Park Service keeps them going. You can go and harvest the fruit and pay for them using the honor system.

The orchards are nestled along the river under massive Red Cliffs.

Edd finds some fresh Apricots and gets to picking. And for all my friends concerned about his papers, he assures me he is a US Citizen.

These Apricots are DELICIOUS!!! And that tool is the bomb.

After getting a full bag we are off to pick up Dave at his house. He brings along his Ranger Gear which include a radio.

I compliment him on his backyard Rock Garden but think it may be a little over the top

Before we head out into the boonies we have to get one thing that is really critical for our survival....

NO not the SPOT!

Cafe Diablo PIES and Ice Cream!

We meet some of the locals too. They don't seem that interested in the pies.

After heading out we start to hear radio chatter about a wild fire on Boulder Mountain. There are several agencies on and after a few minutes I hear our friend Jamie Austin on the radio. He is the Fire Chief in Torrey.

The area around Torrey has such diverse geography. I never tire of exploring it

All of us soon are lost in our own thoughts but are really enjoying the time spent together with friends.

Even if we didn't have a high ranking park ranger in the Truck with a radio Bob would still never deviate from the proper path. Ed on the other hand.....

We end up at the radio repeater station which is solar powered and allows the rangers and other emergency officials to get better reception down in the canyons in the park

A few cool Pics

Worthy Spider Web

The Yin and Yang of Life in a tree

The Valley below

As we come down the mountain, Janet gets into trouble with Bob. I tried to warn her....but you know how he gets when "Monty" comes out.

Objects are in fact closer than they appear sometimes.

Actually Janet can't sit in trucks long on the best of days and after riding over 50 miles the day before in a bicycle race, she needed to keep from cramping up. So she walked the slower sections of the trail.

We head back to town and the fire is still out there.

Dave starts to scan the mountains for the fire.

While not a huge fire, it is in a area that is remote. It goes out though by nightfall. Bummer because that are really could use a good burn.

A great day!

And we quickly fill these and enjoy another great night in Torrey.

But there are storm clouds on the Horizon and that tail is next to be told.....

Scouting For Summer 2010

2010-05-09T10:12:00.000-07:00

Ahh the summer vacation season is soon upon us and since I last posted, I have married which means going from a house of one to a family of five. This means that simple adventures aren't coming to an end but rather I am setting off on major expeditions! Not unlike Columbus, Powell, or even Clark Griswold I have a lot of new places to see this year.

My loving and wonderful wife has presented me with our Summer House. It is worthy

So with my Hun Tent ready, Michael and I decide to head North for the day to scout out places to make summer camp. Mom is at school, and the two little minions are with the grandparents so Michael and I are getting to spend to time together. It is a joy to have him as a companion since he is at that age where the woods still hold much wonder.

After Coffee in Camp Verde we turn off at Stoneman Lake Road and head East.

The Lake is full but also full of people so we don't spend a ton of time there.

One of the advantages of this area is that it is easy to escape to out of Phoenix. One of the disadvantages is that others have realized this advantage. Until I have final control of the Universe, I have to share so we decide to press on into the back country.

We pass a few rustic ranches that have been around since the 1800's and I think what would it have been like back in the day of Zane Grey?

After finding a turn off to another Forest Service Road we head South. After about 15 minutes we start seeing very few people and discover some amazing spots that will work for base camp.

While the Jeep is the vehicle of choice today, we are going to need to be able to get the Tundra back to where ever we are going to camp.

With this in mind we decide that it is safe to press on a little bit more. This is an area that I have not explored so I find it fun to just sort of go with the flow for a while.

We come to a butte with a fire tower on top. At the top we discover that there is a sign. I love signs explaining things. Oh and once again SCIENCE ROCKS!

As we spin our way down you can see all over central AZ.

A cool view of Sedona from a far.

There is a goofy line about seeing the forest from the trees or something...but let me tell you. There is a lot of value in looking at trees. Each of them have such amazing personalities of there own. This one catches my eye.

We stop for a bit to soak it all in and have a quick bite. I am amazed that there are so few people back here even with temps hitting the high 90's in Phoenix. Michael sees some carcass of a dead Elk out in a meadow and heads out to see what got it. Was it a cougar? A Bear? (fat chance with me in the area).....

DANGER!!! WE HAVE DANGER!!!!!!!!

There is almost nothing in all of the known wilderness as dangerous as a Ferrel Amazon.com Box!! Michael makes a dash to the Jeep while I scamble for......

one of the most important tools of the Old West. It is times like this where I really feel better being an Armed Socialist. At about 75 yards out I manage to unleash a fury of Lead partner. I won't be surprised if someone like Louis Lam our writes about it someday.

Looks like this one is tagged. Whew that was close!

We go ahead and eat a sandwich and then head out looking for some more fun.

We make our way out to old Highway 87 and head up towards Winslow a bit. We turn off and look at some camp ground near my favorite swimming hole. We then go look for some places to go fishing this summer.

Another Sign

I love signs

Well most of them. Some I tend to ignore

I do find a little guy to share some time with

We wander down the service road and see the back side of the dam ahead.

The Damn is really pretty impressive. Paid for by copper mines who needed to find a way to repay the local water companies for using water in the mines down by Morenci.

Ok here is a question for you Junior Civil Engineers. Why did they make the spill way look like this?

After this we head back to the Jeep and make our way home in time to take Mom to Pizza Dinner after her day at Moto School. Life is worthy.

Son #1 takes great pride in cleaning the 30/30. I have a feeling we are going to like heading North this summer just as much as I did last summer by myself.

Tommy

Heading West of Phoenix

2010-01-09T11:24:00.000-08:00

As my vacation comes to a close, it is time to get out and do a little exploring. As I look at the maps, I realize that I have never bothered to explore the area of the Sonoran between here and California. Most of it is off limits because of use by the US AirForce as a bomber range. But North of the 10 there are a few places worth exploring.

As luck would have it, Jan and Sharon are here from Utah spending time with Jan's Mom and they agree to go with me. The kids are in school, and Laura has to study as well.

We set off and head off out of town. Past Tonopah we find the exit and look out to see our objective.

About 20 more miles and we find the area we are going to go explore.

Some interesting reading

After a quick stop for lunch and use of the very nice facilities, we strike off up the road to climb the mountain. There are about 5 cars with trailers so I know there will be ATV's on the road.

The Saguaro's are thick out here and really pretty. Jan and Sharon are having a good time too.

We stop off a few times as the road starts to climb. What I thought would be a short climb is actually a bit more challenging than I thought. You can also see the road ahead is getting more steep. Good thing I am in a Jeep! We also are conscious of the time since we need to be back for dinner. It is so cool to see my friend Jan walking again after breaking his leg in Torrey this past Fall(See Torrey tales from 2009)

A few more miles up the road and we find the ATV's. There is one big group of about 10 of them and they tell me that the road up is tough but it is a wonderful view.

It already is pretty worthy.

Going is pretty slow at under 10mph now and it is getting pretty rocky too. Sharon spots something up on a hill. Amazing eye Sharon!!

A set of Petroglyph that is amazing! We climb up and have a closer look.

It is awesome to be in pretty good shape again. Climbing up hills is so much easier. Plus I can check the Jeep's Roof.

Wonder what they mean??

Desert Tortoise?

We head up a little further but the light is fading some and we still need to get down. With no other car on the mountain, we decide to turn around rather than risk it. I will be back!

The road down

I explain to Sharon that unlike Wii, you can't take these for a bonus point shortcut. It is tempting though

What looks almost boring from the interstate is actually amazing if you take the time to really look at it.

See you next time.

Tommy

LAST POST OF 2009 Birds and Blizzards

2009-12-31T21:32:00.000-08:00

As 2009 comes to a close here we are doing a few more trips to spend some time with the Kids. We want to go to Flagstaff but determine that Jackson has Football practice tonight. So I decide to go over to Tres Rios to take a few bird pictures. Within minutes all the clan has decided to go with me! Whoo Hoo!!

Tres Rios is a city park in Phoenix that sits next to one of the big waste water treatment plants here in the valley of the Sun. Phoenix had for many years a Riparian Habitat along the Salt River. Where it meets the Agua Fria River and the Gila Rivers the area is known as Tres Rios. It is only about 15 minutes from the house so is an easy

As we pull down into the parking lot, I spy this guy sitting across the road with about 20 of his cousins in the trees.
.
His buddies

PICTURE BY ACTION JACKSON
Laura and I enjoying some quality time

The Kids checking out one of the man made ponds that is cleaning waste water and providing a home to water fowl again after many years of little water in the basin.

You can see the waste water tanks in the background

By total chance I see Diane walking around the park and she is right when she says that it is like two totally different worlds right next to each other.

Everywhere you look there are birds.

A Yellow Rumped Warbler

Michael beats the bushes looking for more birds.

While Laura and Jackson spend some quality time together.

Cinnamon Teals and Mallards on the Lake

And the gate keeper is still there as we leave.

The next morning it is up early and we are off to the snow again. We have a few houses we want to check out and have decided to let the kids go sledding one more time.

It is actually snowing pretty good by the time we get up to Munds Park.

The first house we see is really nice with a nice small dog run, and a nice layout. It is a bit far out of town, but the upside is it is about 20 miles closer to Phoenix which is good if I am going to commute for a while.

After looking at a few more areas I make good on the promise to take the minions out sledding some more. You can see they are ready to go.

I have decided that in order to really enjoy the day, I need to get out of character and act like the biggest kid on the playground. Unlike last trip, it is about 24 degrees out, snowing and cold.

I bust out the cold gear! With this and a Sherpa, I could take K2.

I declare myself Head Hun of the Hill and declare all should fear me!

The other sledders flee as best they can!

As I dance my way up to the sled run!

This will be an amazing run!

My Faithful assistant stand ready to give me that needed push!

I am the blur in the middle of this picture

NOTE ALL OF THESE PICTURES WERE TAKEN BY MY LOYAL SHERPA LAURA

I so rock!

The Worlds Greatest Sherpa!

I love her!!

After sledding we go and get our standard hot drinks and homemade lunch at Late For the Train Coffee House on 180. I love them so much more than Starbucks. It is really snowing now. Laura gets all stoked because a nearly perfect snowflake falls on her.

Said snowflake.

Colyn amazingly makes a decision here in under 20 seconds opting for a Hot Chocolate! I love it when she does it!

I love Hippy Logic. The older I get the more it makes sense to me.

We set off to get some more house hunting done. Now we head into older parts of the city that we have not looked at.

I like this cool sign.

We find a really cool house, but it has almost no yard and no garage. Still it is one we will go back and look at again.

The ride home is goofy with the amount of snow piling up and desert people not knowing how to drive all that well. Still it a great day!

See you all in 2010!

CHRISTMAS!!!

2009-12-26T09:41:00.001-08:00

Ahh Christmas is here and the kids are making it pretty special. Laura and I are done running around, have all the presents and now are just enjoying the moment.

First stop for us is my parents house for Christmas Eve Dinner of German Sausages that I have been having since I was a little kid.

The Spread is being watched over by my Pop who is sure that we have too much food on the table as usual.

I explain to him that my minions are in top form tonight. Some have even donned Christmas War Paint to make sure no brat escapes the room. My Mother is tickled beyond words at the way the kids eat.

In the end a great victory can be claimed by the clan and we have given my mother a wonderful gift. If you know my Mom, she LOVES to feed people.

PHOTO BY ACTION JACKSON
Next we are off to the Living Room where we share presents. Here the photographer is asking me "To show the Christmas Love"

Three Happy Fellas

We agree to regroup at our house in the morning and I get the minions loaded up into the Tahoe and we make our way back home. The kids are really anxious to make sure that the cookies they made today are out for Santa

The Cookies look amazing and are Sugar Free. Each of the kids writes Santa a letter to be placed with the treats and heads off to bed.

Somewhere in the night magic happens....

The Turkey gets brined....

JUST KIDDING....

Even our trusty night watchman who here is faithfully doing his rounds misses it....

The Arrival of SANTA! Wow we are one lucky family.

The Kids notice right away that he was there.

Even the Dogs are involved in the ensuing carnage.

I know UBER WORTHY

Clothes!?!?

Ok Way Cooler.

My favorite Christmas present...EVER!

The Carnage afterwards made us all famished!

But as usual Laura has an amazing breakfast prepared for us. MMMMMM

As some of you know, Santa brought Jackson a bike for Christmas. Not a toy bike, but a Real GIANT bike with gears so he can ride with us. This should hold him over for a few years.

ATGATT Baby

Did I mention I got this Uber Worthy Gift?

The kids also got Golf Clubs from their Dad.

It really is amazing to watch them hit balls. Both of them are really good already.

All in all a great day was had by all and I for one am one happy Camper.

Merry Christmas Everyone. See you soon...

SNOW DAY!

2009-12-20T19:08:00.000-08:00

Ok the last time I played in the snow was in Breckenridge a few years ago with the gang so I am do a snow day! Jackson has been on me about going to the snow. So today we are on our way!

As I crawl out of bed just past dawn I am greeted by sweet Colyn

Dear God! I haven't had coffee yet and the she who has me wrapped around her little finger is already in mittens and hat telling me we need to go!

I stumble up get some coffee and then commence to load the Jeep with some food that Laura makes for us and we get ready to go!

Jackson is so happy. Oh and for the record he lost his 3rd tooth this week and his brother had nothing to do with it!

We are on the road shortly after 8 and make our way up to Flagstaff along the 17. Traffic is really light which I find odd since there is snow up there and the ski resorts are open. Guess people still have a lot of Christmas stuff to do.

As we climb up the hill outside of Black Canyon city I see smoke in the distance. It appears that this Honda decided to burst into flame. Odd thing was the Highway Patrol was waving us to pass the burning car. Goofy and I feel bad for the owner.

We get up to Flag and are off to our favorite sledding hill. Well it is the first sledding hill we have but hey we have to get a favorite sometime Colyn is now in her snow gear and is ready to conquer the "big hill"

Silly Mom, no way are we avoiding the ice!!

Mom and the crew climbing the hill to adventure while I stay below to take a few pictures.

Amazing how a 15 year old boy can find the 15 year old girls now matter where he goes

Action Jackson after a successful landing. He went solo a lot

I cant find Colyn though on the kids slope.

Girl Power again!! She is going down the big slope!

Laura keeps a close eye on the kids but they are ready for "POPS" to go up and have a ride too.

PHOTOS BY LAURA
Bumbles Bounce Baby!!! Whoooo Hooooo!!!!

PHOTO BY LAURA
Nothin!

PHOTO BY LAURA
Another worthy day with the troops!

Laura and I have decided what we want for Christmas. Stay Tuned

Company for the Weekend

2009-11-29T07:52:00.001-08:00

As I settle into a more normal routine I am finding that domestic life has its fun moments as well. This weekend the gang is gathering in Phoenix to talk a little business, hang out and try and find some silliness. What is interesting is that this will be the first time we are all together here in Phoenix. Usually it is somewhere out in the middle of nowhere, Torrey, or San Antonio.

First in are Bob and Janet from Utah. We stick them in Jackson's Room for the night since we are going to go for a bike ride in the morning.

Everyone settles in except Bob Arch Nemesis. He is on full Code Orange Alert.

Colyn and Jackson have no idea why Bob and Jesus have such a violent Blood Feud. But find it funny that Jesus is using me like a cheap UN Peace Keeper why he plans his next move.

Morning comes, we get the kids off to school and then it is off to go explore a new bike trail we haven't ridden yet. It seems that you can ride from the far NW Valley to the Biltmore along a canal that has underpasses built in so you don't have to cross major streets.

Bob needs a battery for the Sebring so we park at Sears and get ready. My old Trooper now has 156K on the odometer and I still am in awe of it sometimes. I can put 4 full size bikes in the back!

And best of all I still have room in the trooper for the most wonderful woman in the universe.

The ride is amazing and we really are enjoying ourselves out there. As usual this gem is almost completely empty of other folks and even though we are in the middle of town, we are more often amazed at the tranquil sounds of the canal than the fact that we are smack dab in the middle of one of the biggest cities in the country.

After about 8 miles though we decide to get some lunch. We got a bit of a late start though. But where to eat it?

Score!!! Finnegan's Irish Pub by Metro Center is perfect!

Don't tell me that Lance doesn't have one of these when he is riding the Emerald Island. They have Beer and Cheese Soup, Fish and Chips and some amazing Hard Cider too. Life is so worthy some days.

With the needed fuel we ride back to the car to go pick up Action Jackson from School. We have plans to meet Louise, Larry and Ed at my house in the Foothills later this evening. The house here out West is big but full. The house on South Mountain will take care of the over flow nicely.

We pull into the house and find that the Texans are here already! We time it perfectly and go to dinner at Va Benne. I never get tired of the food there.

Laura and I beat tracks after dinner across town and in the morning we get the kids up early to go see their adopted Aunts and Uncles.

My parents come and meet us as well. Dad and Larry hit it off right away and the it turns out to be another grand morning.

After breakfast, Larry and Ed go to pick up a Sherpa, Bob and Janet go to run errands in a town bigger than Torrey, and Louise joins us in heading back to the house to get ready to cook Indian Food for the feast tonight.

Laura Cooking an amazing meal. We will have a Cauliflower Potato Soup that is amazing with all the great Indian Spices, Chicken Tiki Masala, I make some Curry Chicken on the Grill along with some Tandori Chicken. The Naan is amazing too.

Photo by Whip
Larry and Edd arrive with the Sherpa.

At this point any semblance of being adults leave all of us. We are out to have fun. Plain and simple.

Photo by Whip
Edd up in a tree showing Michael and Jackson the ropes. He explains how you have to name each area you can sit in. There is more formality to tree climbing than I know.

But don't think for a minute that we don't still have our competitive streak brewing. There is talk of a race. Jackson shows the guys his form of two wheel racing machine. Edd and Larry soon are talking smack and we have a race!

The rules are simple. Out to the 1st light pole, you have to ride the turn and can't just hop off and turn around and then back to the driveway.

As always you must check your ride to ensure it is ready to go. Larry's is a little worse for wear. The racers pull up to the line and await my start signal.

Larry stretches the rules a bit and even without a shoe, he takes a big lead.

Their faces say it all!

Edd fairs little better against the local track champion either.

Boys and their toys.

The ladies coming home from the store though. Laura loves to see us having fun too. Louise and Colyn join in too.

See what I mean?

More racing

Girl Power Baby

Michael practicing for his big ride with Janet for tomorrow.

He has real talent riding.

Meanwhile there is serious work being done in the Kitchen

.
The living room is a whole other story though!

Dinner is amazing.

Life is so good.

PHOTO BY WHIP
Colyn won't go to bed but she finds a place just as comfortable.

PHOTO BY WHIP
Action Jackson still is going strong and has a future as a Chiropractor...or a circus performer.

Sunday finds us going for a big bike ride.

PHOTO BY EDD
The gang on the open road

PHOTO BY EDD
Ok this picture means a lot to me and Laura. Jackson is riding here on his trusty Walmart BMX bike which weighs more that Laura and my bikes combined. He rides it for 15 miles and never has but the one gear. Our little guy rocks!!!!!

These weekends are as great as any of the trips I have taken and are worthy of sharing. See you all down the road!

Tommy

Its a Total Jeep Thing

2009-11-16T14:20:00.000-08:00

I have no intention to ever stop having fun. There I said it. Yup, I mean it too. As I drink my coffee this fine cool Sunday morning in November I keep smiling at the thought of todays adventure. It is different than most of the ones I share yet it is closely related. Today Nick and I are off in the Jeeps but instead of it being he and I exploring, we are bringing the whole clan. Laura, the Kids, and even Russell.

Stepping outside I pull out the Jeep from the Hanger, err garage and determine it may be a tad bit nippy for the top down, but the kids have wanted this and without the soft top here at the house I make the call to keep the lid off. We will bundle!

I love the way the morning sun hits my newly planted flowers.

Ok I need to clean the Mr. G's windows but our hero looks darn good even in sweats.

As I go back inside the kids are stirring and they are already saying things like "Do I really need a coat?"

I tell Jackson to get on his coat and we will do a test ride.

There is adventure out there!

We get back and he goes and adds a layer. Better to show then to tell I say.

The two lovely ladies of the house getting ready warms my heart.

I go looking for #1 Son to see if he is in fact awake.

Not only is he awake and moving, but he has hidden himself in plain view!

Another convert for the revolution. Gotta love it!

Ok three kids in the back, check. Now where is the most wonderful woman on the planet?

Found her!

I don't have the heart to tell the kids that we have heater vents up front so off we go to meet up with Uncle Nick!

We cross town with no issues and arrive at the gas station where I find Nick and Russell waiting for me. So ok I am 10 minutes late. I think that isn't too bad with the new crew along. after gassing up we let Michael ride with Nick to make more room in the back.

Nick is topless too.

The only smart one is Russell.

At the light I think Nick is saying something about stopping at Subway for $5 foot longs, but we packed lunch so I ignore him.

PICTURE FROM SPRING 09
Our target is 4 peaks.

We stop a little ways up the road and all thoughts of being cold disappear as we marvel at how wonderful nature is.

Everywhere you can see beauty. I don't see the kids for a few minutes and figure they are off soaking it all in.

Nope they found a "COOL MICROWAVE" So much to teach them.

I let Uncle Nick take the next shift and Laura and I enjoy the ride up the mountain talking. It is a wonderful ride and I know just how lucky I really am.

Russell's new to him 02 Wrangler. It is great to have him hanging out with us.

We arrive at the trail head and Nick looks happy that he gets to spend such quality time with the kids. I just wish he was more handy around the house.

A couple of worthy KLR's are up here too.

It has been hot still in Phoenix this Fall. It is nice to get up here and see it coming to Arizona finally too.

We have great trail blazers who have tons of energy.

They lead us up the mountain at an amazing pace. We are just one big happy troop!

Laura is having a rough time of it though. I think the stress and tension are building. You can see it here.

I teach Jackson about the beauty in nature and how geology and erosion work over time to sculpt the landscape.

He teaches me new ways to use a hydration pack.

Michael seems very happy to be outside again. Did you see him 4 pictures back where the troop was leading us up the hill? He is on the left. That camo works pretty darn good!

What a great and content family.

This behind the scenes shot shows the other side though

I love this little girl. She is really a joy to be around even if she can't get to sleep at night without telling us 30 times.

We mount back up and head down the hill the back way deciding to go have lunch and take the Apache Trail home.

We decide to eat at a meadow that has a bit of a warn trail leading down to it.

PHOTO BY LAURA ZINSMEYER
Action Jackson and I taking the road less traveled

PHOTO BY LAURA ZINSMEYER
Nick is right behind us

Lunch Time!!

Nick Russell and I marvel as Jackson downs his 2nd sandwich. Where does he put all that food!!!

PHOTO BY NICK PURZER
Our Hero enjoying the moment.

The Jeep has so many uses Lunch Table, Jungle Gym, oh and a pretty good way to see the back country!

But we still have more road to go explore!

After a few miles of highway 188 we come to our next learning spot. The Theodore Roosevelt "DARN"

This is a family trip and Laura insists we look at the "DARN" and not get caught up with swearing.

Colyn reads all about the "DARN's" history....

While Nick and I chuckle about the word "A BUTT MENT". Laura just shakes her head.

As it gets dark we head along the Apache Trail and I am again amazed at how wonderful Arizona is. I love it here.

We say our goodbyes at Tortilla Flats after a wonderful day out and about!

What a Worthy Universe.

A Tremendous Torrey Experience

2009-09-29T09:49:00.000-07:00

Nothing is better then waking up and knowing you are off to go visit not only the most wonderful place in the Western US, but also get to see great friends. This trip is going to be special as I am bringing Laura up to meet everyone. While she admits to being a tad bit anxious to meet everyone hoping they will like her, I am totally at peace because I know that all of you will embrace her like you do me. That is a truly glorious feeling and one I don't take for granted. My friends are amazing.

We get out of the driveway on time and are off! Special thanks needs to be made for Laura's ex who is kind enough to come over and stay with the kids.

Laura is excited and looking great! Not that I am biased

First stop is Flagstaff for breakfast. This Torrey is going to be different. Instead of the normal Moto or Jeep tour, this trip Laura and I are taking the bicycles! I am excited at the chance to ride.

Of course I manage to spill coffee on myself. Luckily I am wearing white pants. Laura uses all of her professional skills to counsel me through my desire to just go home and we make our way to Page.

PHOTO by Laura Z.
Our Hero at the overlook in Page

I decide to take the Cottonwood Canyon Road in order to have a little fun offroad. Laura is having a blast!

The road is in pretty rough shape after a few late summer storms but we make it through. This trip I see a lot of Campers that seem to be made to go to the places I like to go. May have to look into one of these down the road.

Here we are having a miserable time in Utah.

I mean there is nothing worthy to see out there and do.

PHOTO BY LAURA Z.

We stop for Lunch and meet Max the Blue Bird. I have been in places where birds will get close to you, but Max is the first bird in the wild that I have seen that has zero fear of people. He comes right up to us and eats out of our hand.

He likes Apricots too! Right after this shot we discover that this bird is actually not Max at all but his lovely wife Maxine! Max is still over by the jeep.

We head on up the road and into Torrey to meet everyone before going to dinner in Boulder.

We see about 30 of these old cars as we do highway 12 into Torrey. It is totally worthy.

After a quick shower it is off to Hell's Backbone.

The whole gang at Hell's Backbone getting ready to go eat.

Two of my favorite peeps in the world. What is more amazing is that Janet has just finished riding her bike over Boulder Mountain. That is 37miles and over 3000ft of elevation change. She is our hero

Always good to hang with my partner in crime.

Day Two

We get up and have breakfast and decide we are going to go ride Capital Reef's Scenic Drive. Bob, Laura and I drive over to the park, but Ed, and Janet ride their bikes.

PHOTO BY BOB PALIN

The gang at the top of our ride. Altitude is tough on Laura and I as we only get down the road a few miles before the hills start to get crazy hard. My heart rate is about 104% of max, and I am puffing hard. We decide to turn around after 5 miles and ride back to the Jeep. This is a road though that I will come back to next Spring

Laura and I spend most of the rest of the day out and about riding around Torrey, and meeting friends.

Day Three

Today we are off to go hike Lower Calf Creek Falls with our friends Barry and Katy from California, and the always lovely Louise. This is a hike I have wanted to do for several years now and today is the day!

The team at the start of the hike

Setting off at the trail head

The Trail winds along the canyon with only moderate ups and downs. The Sand on the trail makes it a bit of march though and we are on the lookout for some Ancient Indian Art

PHOTO BY LAURA Z
Our Hero Checking his GPS. Now if he could only figure out how to turn it on.

PHOTO BY LAURA Z
Still looking for Rock Art. AH AH! We find it!

These images are about 30ft tall and across the canyon from us. Very Worthy

Pretty soon the canyon narrows as we approach the falls

Whew, we won't have to eat Barry if we run out of food. The creek runs all year and there are plenty of fish.

Laura is almost as happy as me as we work our way to the falls.

Victory!!

The falls are amazing and the temperature drops to about 70 degrees. All weekend we have been blessed with perfect weather.

The happiest couple in all of North America

This guy is having a hoot in the falls

The rest of the gang. What a great group!

We move out and make tracks back to the jeep. We are trucking and make it out in 1 hour (3miles). It is a great hike.

The post hike shot! We need to make tracks though back to the Chuckwagon since we have to be at the pool.

Larry had a great ride and the rest of the kids all had a great day as well

Day Four

Today we are in the chase jeep. We are going to do the Cathedral Valley loop. Lots of good sand at the bottom and some great aspens up top

Barry's Brother Kit comes in from Colorado to join us today. Andy and Debi will be in Bob's Truck with the Gas and to take out any bikes that may have mechanical issues. The route is over 50 miles of dirt and is pretty remote.

Laura sitting in the Jeep. Note the bikes aren't with us here

Bob channels his Monty and gets the troops ready for the ride.

Kit and the crew having a glorious ride and the weather is perfect

We enter the valley in high spirits. I have the truck in 4WD but there is only spotty need for it.

A few moments later I see Bob riding back towards me really fast. He tells me that Jan has had a bad spill in some deep sand and appears to have broken his leg. I speed off towards the accident scene and Laura (who was a medic in the AF) takes control within moments of arriving. I have a good first aid kit, and moments later Ed (who is a firefighter in Texas) arrives to help as well.

They get Jan stable and make sure that he doesn't go into shock. I love Laura for a lot of reasons but I am incredibly proud of the way she handles the situation. Everyone jumps in and helps.

They determine it is most likely a compound fracture and Laura and Ed splint it creatively. We have to go back about 10 miles of rough road and another 100+ miles to the hospital. Again, it is amazing how everyone has their A game, problem solves and pitches in to help a friend in need. And yes we used Duct Tape

My girl is so amazing. I love her lots!

We get Jan loaded into the truck and out to the highway. Laura rides with him to help keep him stable. That means I am heading out too. The other bikes (besides Ed and Sharon) keep going.

PHOTO Courtesy of Jan Barbas
The Break

After we see him off, we decide to take out Larry's GS for a ride up into the mountains to salvage the day. Laura and I hoon it up a bit and end up at Fish Lake.

Fish Lake is in full Fall Colors and for the first time I know summer is coming to an end. The GS is a great ride too! I love to moto.

We head back to town and have a grand dinner at El Diablo. Tomorrow we are packing up and heading home. Torrey always flies by but the memories are so worthy.

The girls had a wonderful day

Last Day

We are not in a hurry to leave. Too many friends to see off, and the lingering pull of loving Torrey always keeps me here.

This Trip's Album Shot. The band keeps getting bigger

Jamie is giving Calvin a run for his cleaning money by organizing the tires. We had a group of Arizona riders stop in and use one Saturday morning.

Matt and Devon stop by to say good bye. Great guys as well.

My fellas who I truly wished lived just a few hundred miles closer

We stop at the park on the way out and pick up 3 pies for the kids back home. They will love them!

We make great time on the way home. So great that a lovely Navajo Tribal Policewoman stops me outside Kayenta to ask for my autograph

Karma keeps me from arguing the stop. I pull over immediately when I see her start the Police car. I am very pleasant to her and she ends up giving me a warning for doing 75 in a 45 zone.

The warning

We get home and both agree that the trip was just gloriously worthy. Next Spring we are bringing the whole clan!

See ya soon.

GUNS N ROCKETS BABY!

2009-08-31T11:10:00.000-07:00

I am still getting into the flow with Laura and the kids but one of the things I am really enjoying is the fact that the whole clan is not about TV and Wii. They have both, but life at the house there is more about when the next "Diary of a Wimpy Kid" book comes out then the latest movie, or video game. It is a family of doers which is worthy. This weekend we have a huge amount of stuff on the plate. First off we are going shooting. Michael the oldest is just getting into hunting and this will be his 2nd season and first in AZ. My friend Gerhard has agreed to help sight in his hunting rifle and we are bringing everyone along including Grand Dad to help. After that, we have a date with Nick, to build and launch rockets.

We head out to the desert and find Gerhard has already set up the range. The road out is a hoot with the little ones in the back.

After some formal introductions, Gerhard takes Michael under his wing and starts the lesson. My man has been a hunter for 40 years, knows more about this part of the world than most, and is amazing with kids.

For his age, Michael is an amazingly patient and accurate shooter. You would not think he was 14 most of the time. Gerhard cuts him no slack though when it comes to doing things the right way. The drills are realistic and fun.

Meanwhile, Colyn is also working on learning the basics.

Though most of the time she is in my blind reading Robin Hood.

Ahh the joys of being a grandparent! And I think her face is priceless in this picture. Jackson can be seen in the background hitting targets over 100yds away with a 22 too.

Jackson is a worthy shot too. And he didn't shoot his eye out.

The day though belongs to Michael and his deer rifle. He is having a blast!

Laura waiting for a chance to shoot. She looks good with a gun in her hand.

Remember folks...I am not a liberal...I'm an armed socialist

You have to love a woman that can hit a target, and cook a mean Talapia!

But alas we need to head back into town to meet Nick and transition from Shooting to Rocket making. Weekends are short and there is so much to learn!

Nick arrives soon after we get home.

We quickly get down to having a design meeting and talk about what it is we are building and the launch schedule. Laura, Nick and I agree to manage the NASA like Budget leaving the kids to work with Nick on the design of the rockets and launcher.

The initial Design Review

Colyn absorbing the plan and making sure we know what each critical step is going to entail.

I don't think Von Braun took this level of detailed notes.

Nick surrounded by his support staff works to make sure all materials meet spec.

Construction then proceeds in CleanRoom 1. Colyn and Jackson do a really good job of sharing.

Rigorous Quality Testing is done to meet the design spec sheet.

Next it is on to CleanRoom 2 for some work with chemicals to bond the launcher together. Colyn manages to stress that it is ok to be a girl working in Science.

Again it is a total team effort here.

After the work in Cleanroom 2 is complete it is back to Cleanroom 1 to work on the rockets and the launch mechanism. This is our test capsule that will become part of the launch trigger. Colyn is so focused here.

These guys have the right stuff!

As heavy construction continues, safety rules get a lot stricter and we all don safety glasses

Michael has assumed a reserved roll in the build and is working on cleaning the guns from this mornings shoot.

We take a break for the evening and agree to regroup the following morning at 0730 to finish the rockets and launch. Morning comes and the staff is already hard at work even through breakfast.

Even the Chief of the whole facility finds time to get her hands dirty as she drinks her coffee.

Wildcat 1 is ready for launch.

Mission Control Leader Purzer at the ready. Laura's house is in the background.

Only thing funner then a rocket is a squirt bottle

But as liftoff gets closer everyone chips in to make launch a go. Michael being the oldest gets to test fire his first. He also babysat for us last night.

The results are spectacular!

Everyone now hustles to get the next rocket up into the air.

Not sure if Colyn likes the rocket flying over 50 feet into the air more then getting drenched by the water it uses to propel itself. Either way it is a worthy morning!

Jackson's Cola Rocket is next up.

Reentry is about 50 yards away.

He is happy.

The Junior Astronauts taking a moment for the press.

And one very happy Launch Manager.

All in all a great day!

See you all down the road

Tommy

Museums are pretty worthy too!

2009-08-28T17:03:00.000-07:00

Grand Adventure is always out there. For me most time it involves the great outdoors and/or Motorcycles. While I don't plan on stopping having those, today I am setting out on a new one as Laura and I are taking the kids to the AZ Science Center. Jackson and Colyn are coming while Michael is staying with his Grandpa to get ready for the big shooting day we have planned tomorrow morning.

After a nice ride on the Fuji this morning, I am ready to head out. We get the kids in the Jeep and make our way downtown to explore the place. Laura is a member but I have not been there ever. I make a few last minute calls before parking and we are on our way in.

It is a modern facility and has an Imax and a Planitarium!

Jackson is totally excited to be here and like all 7 year olds lives for the ability to go into a playground where you can touch almost everything. Laura really does a lot to keep the kids learning all the time. Very Worthy.

Ahh the energy of a 10 year old. I should note for the record Colyn will be 11 Monday. She may not forgive me if I don't.

We make our way in and discover there is a show in the Planitarium in about 10 minutes. Whoo Hoo it is about the Arizona Sky! We sit down in the theater which is almost empty and get a real treat. The man presenting the lecture is a retired teacher named Tom, and he is great not only with the adults, but with the kids too. Jackson is a lot like me in the respect that he has no trouble speaking up and asking questions. Pretty soon he is Tom the Teacher's straight man as we learn all about the Big Dipper, Little Dipper (which looks like a dead chipmunk if you ask Jackson). I am having a ball and Laura is too. We leave the planetarium a lot smarter about the night sky and I can't wait to try it out in Torrey next month.

Some of the tests there are actually really interesting. Firs of read the words on the chart above. Now say what the color of the text is. The brain is an amazing thing!

Balancing on rubber balls is a lot easier at 10 then at 42! Colyn and Jackson are both great kids in the fact that they are eager to learn but also polite and willing to share.

Jackson is a blur as he checks out all of the cool puzzles.

Moments like this really show how cool it is to watch Laura with the kids.

The competition heats up though when its time to race though! Here Colyn proves that she can still school Jackson. Oh and pushing a wheel chair is a lot harder then I thought.

In fairness, Jackson wasn't for behind

Colyn learned about spinning fast and gravity too

And I think she is trying out to be one of my monkeys. She still has some challenges saying the word statistics though

The kids next challenge is learning about building arches like the romans.

They do pretty good!

After a quick stop at the lego castle, we head out and grab some lunch before they drop me off to write this tale and take a moto back to Laura's so I have one to take to the office next week.

All in all a grand adventure.

See ya all later.

The Polar Heart Rate Experiment

2009-08-15T15:30:00.000-07:00

I have been having a virtual discussion about indoor cycling versus real cycling with my pal Bob and it has me wondering what is the difference. The only way for me to really find out is to go ride a bike outside for the same time and see how I do. Now if I owned a bicycle, it would be helpful, but as I have yet to find the one I want I am going to just go for a walk up the mountain this afternoon. The Temps are just over 100 degrees here and there is a bit of a breeze. In other words perfect for a walk about the desert.

The image looking up the hill on my street. This hill used to be a major cardio killer for me. Now I don't even think about it as I climb up to the trail.

Today, I decide to go counter clockwise. It means I walk about 1/2 mile further down the street to a 2nd entrance to the Park and will walk back up to the main entrance through the desert. The reason is simple. WATER. There is a water fountain at the main entrance and I have enough water to get there with reserve if I go this way. If I go Clockwise I have just about a mile more to go to get to it. Safety my friends is nothing to mess with in the desert in August.

As I get to the trail it is pretty hilly but empty. As a matter of fact other then 1 Mountain Biker, I have it to myself.

Pretty soon I am pretty much climbing an easy grade up to where the this trail meets the Telegraph Pass trail which takes me back to the house.

It is hot out and I am going through my water at the proper rate. The reason for this was to see about how it compares to my bike riding at the house. So I am about 40 minutes into it and take stock via my cool new Polar Heart Monitor.

I am cooking at about 94% and have burned about 750 Calories. Not bad and I really do feel really good.

I look even better. You can see the houses in the distance where I started up in the top left of the picture.

Funny it rained two days ago here.....honest

By the time I get to the junction of the trails I am feeling good, but the weather is there and I still have about 1.5 miles to get back to the house. Most of it will be down hill but still not a lot of shade.

Back on the street for the walk back down.

The final tape as I walk into the garage. My heart rate was down to 83% of max and I had burned just under 1200 calories in just over an hour. Average Heart Rate was 146 and max was 170 which must have happened as I was climbing out one of the steeper washes. So a great workout but not all that more than the Mighty Schwinn to Nowhere.

The AC inside felt pretty good though

See ya next time.

Tommy

Paradise Found

2009-08-09T07:01:00.000-07:00

August is probably the one month of the year that I tend to like the least all year living in Phoenix. It isn't the heat which is no worse then July, but more the fact that it is a time where work becomes somewhat more stressful, Torrey is just around the corner but not here, and the Tour is over for another 11 months.

Nick, just back from the Land Down Under, is a bachelor again for a few weeks and we decide to take a trip to Fossil Springs this morning for a chance to see if we can find a swimming hole. Temps this morning are in the mid seventies as we meet at 6am.

After a quick gas stop in Fountain Hills where I see a few of the local moto folks headed North, we are on our way. Knowing that I have several BMW motos in front of me screaming up 87 ahead of me allows me to not worry about the cops

A first NO DPS along the road at all this morning! This is the first Leo I see

We stop for some provisions at the one place I know Nick will eat. Having custody of a picky eater is not easy let me tell ya!

So as we drive up, I tell Nick, I know of a place sort of that is rumored to be as nice as Fossil Creek but is a bit more remote.

Nick looking at my recently reclaimed AZ Gazetteer to see if he can find out a fix. I have in my email, a vague set of directions and we decide to forgo Fossil Creek in order to see if this new Mystery Area is worthy. You all know how much I love a good adventure!

Pretty soon we find our way onto a forest service road and heading into part of Arizona I haven't spent a lot of time exploring. Very Cool

We find a few cars parked along the road in the area where we think the trail should be. We hop out and get ready to go scout it out!

PHOTO BY NICK PURZER
Since this is a pretty steep decent to the water, I take the hiking sticks. Also this is a great chance to use my little GPS with the Topo Maps loaded. This is gonna be great!

This may be the only level section of the trail. Right away we head down about a 5% grade and the trail is pretty rocky.

As we get closer to our target it gets steeper. If you look in this picture, you can see that in the distance there are the tell tail signs of a steep valley dropping off.

Nick and I are having a glorious time though! We saw 2 cars up where we parked and so far on the trail we have had the forest to ourselves! Very Worthy

We come to a section that has a series of switchbacks and I worry about them more then stopping to take a picture. So you have to trust me when I say while not super high, they are challenging to descend. Nick being more agile then me gets down about 5 minutes ahead of me. Since he is the first into the valley, we are going to call this place Nick's Swimming Hole. It is amazing!!

Nick makes short work of finding a place to soak it all in and claim the place as his own!

The water is crystal clear, cool and seems to go on forever!

Real Pebble Tech

Nick is still being very possessive of his swimming hole.

He won't acknowledge the neighbors even. Actually they were very nice people who had camped here the night before. He said he saw a bear near the camp site around 3am. I explain that with me in the valley, no bear will show. As usual, I am correct.

I put the gear down on the sand and take out the big camera and we set off to explore some more of the area.

We wander along the creek bed some exploring the great geology and each corner along the river bed reveals some wonderful things.

Incoming! I get buzzed by this monster! He was amazingly beautiful though and I watch him for several minutes.

It is about here that Nick and I realize that we are feeling ZERO stress and this was the best decision we have made in a while. The place is a hidden gem for sure

PHOTO BY NICK PURZER
There is even a pretty cool water slide!

PHOTO BY NICK PURZER
The only other neighbor we see is working really hard on his fishing skills.

Our Hero is one happy hiker here.

We pack up and head up the big climb. Riding the mighty Schwinn to nowhere every day is paying off big time about now. I set a pretty good pace and while my heart rate is about 130, I make good time up back to the Jeep. In the end it is just over 2 miles and I have had a great workout. Within about 10 min my heart rate is back to normal.

Nick finds some shade at the top by the car.

PHOTO BY NICK PURZER
It is still only about 80 degrees at the top and we take some time to really cool down before heading back to town.

The road out is pretty rough for the first bit but nothing for the Jeep.

Our Hero very happy with the discovery of Nick's Swimming Hole. It will be a trip he makes again real soon as there is still a lot more to explore!

See ya next time.

Tommy

Whats 24 Years Between Friends?

2009-08-01T13:37:00.001-07:00

Ok so the last time I saw Mike Jenkins was May 25, 1985, when the powers that be allowed me to leave the public school system wearing a dress and a level hat on my head with a tassel. This morning will end that streak right around 8800 days.

Mike found me on Facebook, and has expressed interest in moto touring. He currently rides a Harley and has been asking me about ST1300, RT's etc. I told him a few weeks ago to come by and he can ride both my bikes and see if he likes it. Today is the day.

The RT all ready to go for Mike. We have to jump start it though since it has been such a hanger queen in 2009. But in the end we take off and head out to meet another person who I may have known 26 years ago.... but there is no streak involved if you can't calculate the start date.

We pick up Travis on Idaho Road and head on out to Superior for breakfast.

Ok not the usual pace but better then the Torrey Bike Race most of the time and I actually enjoy just looking around at the lush desert from all the monsoon storms. The temp at 7:30 was only about 90F

See I wasn't making that up

Mike in a Full Face Helmet, not something I bet he uses a lot

After breakfast at Superior's finest eatery (thanks again Mike for the meal) We decide to go towards Kearny a bit since the fellas haven't been there before.

See how worthy the desert is after the summer storms? Travis' moto is really nice. Almost would love to have one for tooling around town with.

Travis's Scooter.

Mike riding the RT. We switched for a bit and he rode the GT. I took off on the RT for a quick Italian Tune UP and Mike kept up with me pretty good. I forget how much I enjoy the RT's handling.

In the end Travis takes off, Mike and I head back as the temps are now starting to creep into Triple Digits. At the house Mike is gracious and we agree that we will not wait 8000 more days to meet up again. It is a worthy day.

But wait, it is only noon. I need to work out still even though I have been riding all day. So I take off on a hike up the mountain behind my house. A short 3 mile walk in the bright cloudless low humid Southwest Climate I so love in August.

The wash leading up to the trailhead near Casa Kaisr.

At the trail head I fill up my bottle again so I have plenty of water and make my way up Telegraph Pass. My battery on the camera is almost dead or just tired from the heat. Not a cloud in the sky, but there is a breeze which helps a lot.

Yeah baby its a dry heat

See ya all next time.

Tommy

A Day at the Races

2009-07-19T15:53:00.001-07:00

Nothing like helping out in the community I always say. Well I think I may have said it once, but it may have been that instead of the other option the Judge gave me but still I am a big fan of helping out. Living in a city with several million people, I am going to help out in a place that needs more people then they have so I am off to Torrey to help the fine folks of the Capitol Reef Classic Bike Race in marshaling the various racers around the courses of the area. Hey somebody has to do it!

My GPS is still on Mountain Time so it is really 4am when I head out of the garage to beat the heat to Torrey. My plan is to make straight there and not stop for a lot of pictures along the way. I am going to do that in September.

I make fantastic time up and the weather is glorious! Never above 90 and hardly anything more than a small breeze. I get into Torrey and find the house deserted. Ed, Janet, and Bob are out and about laying out the bicycle race course. Before doing anything, I make the decision to set up the Hammock. I mean is there a more important job?

But I am also finally cleared to get back into shape so rather than sleep away the afternoon, I set off for a nice walk around town to see whats up in my home away from home.

Torrey in mid summer is something I haven't seen. Lots of Green and the canal is running.

Many of the locals still seem too shy to want to talk to me, but they sure don't have a problem staring

The fields are all coming in and the smell of cut grass, and summer flowers make for a great time walking about.

I stop at the post office and see my man Jamie. He fills me in on the latest happenings.

The big news is that his wife's new place is going up for a beer license this Monday. The issue is that in Utah if you are within 600 feet of a school or a church you need to jump through some extra hoops. So Monday is the meeting. Send a little Karma Christine Austin's way. She is good peeps and I wish her all the best!

From there I walk on back up the street to rendezvous with the hammock and await the road crews return.

Bob's Flowers are doing nicely as is the garden. I don't take any pictures of the garden knowing the vegetables don't grow as big once they have been photographed. Honest, google it.

The crew shows up soon enough and rather then enjoy a nice well deserved Siesta, our hero the man of action agrees to go out and help finish the Teasedale Loop. How often does one really get to go out and actually spray paint government property and not be breaking all the rules!?

Our man Ed, out there telling the bikes to turn right off 24 onto Highway 12.

One of Bob's finer pieces of street art. This arrow would later almost cause significant strife because a certain woman's polarizing glasses thought Bob had painted it in the wrong direction. My vows for 2009 prevents me from saying anything more.

We head up Highway 12 to the Teasdale Road and keep getting the course ready.

PHOTO BY ED
Where is a monkey when you need one! We have to sweep the gravel out of the corners to reduce the risk of a fall when the riders come through tomorrow

PHOTO BY ED
The Englishman and our hero working like a well oiled machine.

The rest of the usual suspects start to show up around dinner time. We go eat at the Rim Rock and have a wonderful time.

Next morning we are free until 1:30 so we decide to head out for a little hooning out on Fish Lake. My left shoulder is still bugging me and to be honest having taken the jeep the last few times, I have forgotten the road. Makes me a tad off the normal pace, but still a glorious time!

The GT was ready for more here. Fish Lake is still one of the best kept moto secrets in the land and with Highway 72 being resurfaced this summer, it should be in perfect shape come Fall Torrey for more Hoon madness!

The Hoons posing for a shot at the top of Fish Lake. I love these folks!

But we need to get back to town to meet with the Race Director and the Referee to get assigned to our races. This is a stage race and today's event is a 18 mile loop that the bicycle riders will circuit 1 to 3 times depending on the class of rider.

All of us moto escorts ready to get to work!

I draw the Most experienced and competitive Men's Group and we are off to do three laps around the circuit.

Now these guys ride fast and on the first circuit, Larry is with me to help sweep the cars around the peleton while Eric leads from the front to clear traffic. It is a total blast and I am zipping around pulling cars around them as possible or charging ahead playing chicken with oncoming traffic to get them to slow down.

Here they are just about to head out of town and onto the main highway leading through Torrey. It doesn't take long to get the hang of knowing where you need to be and I have a whole new appreciation for cyclists now.

It was totally cool watching these guys race and to be in the middle of it. Very Worthy

About to turn up Highway 12 towards Bryce Canyon. This is a pretty steep climb with a lot of corners. The issue becomes the bikes are averaging about 18mph and the cars about 50mph so getting people around is a bit of a challenge.

Our gal Janet Leading the Peleton!!

I have to admit that the enthusiasm for following bikes at 20mph did not have the same thrill on everyone.

The next day I get to lead out the group of men who want to do the medium race which is 51 miles.

Photo by Sharon Eblen
Sharon got a picture of me leading off this group

The same time roughly but from my persective

After about 10 miles, a single rider attacks and he and I spend the rest of the race together where he finishes with a 3 minute gap on the rest of the field. I have a blast and will do more races in the future.

I need to be back in Phoenix so at 2:30 am I take off and try to get a jump on the day in hopes of getting home before the summer sun gets too crazy. I see about 6 deer on the road before dawn which isn't bad but always keeps you fully aware. It is actually so cold this morning (under 40) that I stop and layer up and put on my rain jacket.

The tale of the tape. A nice 3+ 1300 mile trip. Can't wait to get out and do it again!

Tom

A quick ride at the end of July 4th

2009-07-05T12:57:00.000-07:00

After a great 4th, I have discovered that I need to go Moto.

Somehow over the last 6 months I have managed to get stuff from a few members of the board and today is the day that I return it all. Howard has left his Hoon Cooler with me since last Memorial Day, CraigC has not needed his Gerbings in Arizona, and 10ovr has a Torrey Tshirt he refuses to pick up. So at the crack of dawn this morning it is off to meet them and then go on a little ride up the hill for breakfast.

The merry trio is there to meet me. 10ovr, CraigC and Philly. All in fine spirits and all riding the same color RT.

It is hot this morning already here and while the temps hover in the low 90's even up into the hills, I am not bothered at all by it. Odd how I am so used to riding in the desert.

RT's in front and back. All accounted for

Traffic up is really light on the Beeline and pretty soon, Timmy pulls away with Howard and we have a fun run up the hill. Still better than any drug.

We decide to not go to Payson but rather Punkin Center. But where to eat?

This has become my normal staples since being told by the Doc to get my act together in the next 6 months or be in trouble. All good for you but not really gonna be available in Punkin Center.

This doesn't look promising....

We eat at Aunt Becky's which has a really good menu, is very clean. I eat a plain omelet and pass on the meat and potatoes. Will have to go back there again someday. By the way the horse head weirds me out too.

Now this is something you don't see in every small town in America. A Pratt J57 in the middle of a guys backyard(Ok it said Marine Corps Museum) but I am still going WTF?

I am pretty sure if I take off the side case, I can make get that J57 mounted. Timmy tells me though that it isn't metric so we leave it for another day.

This fella doesn't like being fenced in...

While his pal is having fun with the tourists. Gotta love dogs.

But its time to moto. I need to get back to the valley before it gets too hot and the boys want to work on their bikes before heading to Colorado next week.

Tale of the tape. Not a big ride today at all, but quick and fun.

See ya down the road

Soaring to a Desert Island

2009-06-28T07:52:00.000-07:00

Yikes, today is going to be a hot one. The summer is finally here in Arizona and I have a plan to escape it for another few hours. With a high of 109+ forecast, I call my man Nickolaus up and say we need to Jeep. Looking at the map the closest spot I know it will be cool is Mt Lemon, which is South! We hatch a plan and are on the road by 6:30.

The dawn is beautiful but let me tell you it is already 89 out.

After a few miles on I-10 we exit at Tangerine Road North of Tucson and head towards the hill we are going to climb.

Skirting around Tucson to the South we end up in Oracle Arizona a cool little town founded in the Old West and other then the new dollar store, a place where little has changed. But that is another trip for another time as we need to go climb the mountain.

We are not the only coyotes on the move. This guy is looking for a nice Saturday brunch.

A sign that I love to see in the Jeep. Whoo Hooo let the fun start!

The Jeep just floats up the first few miles of road through the high desert. It is glorious out side

I don't tell this little Lolita about the brunch in town. But we see a fair amount of animals as we make our way up.

As we come around a set of hills we see a whole roost of turkey vultures riding up on some thermals. We climb up and see that some hawks have joined in.

He is cool

What a worthy creature

But not all the animals out today are large. These Yuccas in bloom have their own totally cool micro environment happening

You just have to look a little closer

We stop in a wash to check it out and stretch the legs.

I am always totally blown away at the art I discover Mother Earth has created over the ages. This natural mosaic is a fine example of that. Totally glorious.

I need to work with Nick on his desert camouflage choices but you can't ask for a better Jeep partner.

We keep climbing and climbing

We run into the occasional bad Hombre in Black who we have to face down.

Eventually we are in the pines and the temp has dropped to about 70 and the world is a wonderful place. Even if there is pavement to drive on now.

It is amazing that about 20 miles in any direction and about 7000 ft down the temp is about 30 degrees higher. I love Arizona.

The area has been hit with fire recently but is recovering nicely. If I lived in Tucson, I would seriously think hard about buying a place up here. It is only about 40 miles from the center of Town!

Over 9000 ft! Whoo Hoo

The lifts are running but we have a lunch date!

We drive down the South Face past some HooDoo's and get treated to some great vistas as well.

Even with all the fun Nick and I have on the mountain the highlight of my day so far is getting to see Tanya for the first time in months.

After Nick buys lunch (why does he bet me?) we head home saying goodbye to Tanya and shoot up I-10 so I can get to a very important Birthday Party.

This guy forgot to have his people pack the Escalade properly. We turn off before it shakes loose. Traffic on the 10 is normal and I can't wait for them to get it widened to 3 lanes each way between here and Tucson. That will make it a lot better.

See ya next time!

Ouray IV

2009-06-23T23:23:00.000-07:00

The Solstice is upon us and there is no other place in the world I would rather spend it than in Colorado. Colorado rocks! And most of my dear friends are willing to take a little break from our realities and get together for a weekend of fun. We have our condos there that we have rented for years and now it is all a matter of getting on the road.

The boys from San Diego get to my house and immediately surf the net to see the weather in Ouray. Since they just crossed the desert I can't blame them. Jamie and Bill are always welcome in my house, even after Jamie refuses to honor the "Rules for 2009".

Nothing like waking up in the morning to a garage full of motorcycles ready to go.

The GPS is set to zero, and Jamie checks the map. We are in fact ready to moto!

My moto is pretty much loaded with gear. My hardest decision was to take my sticks for hiking. Since it is June, I strap the Camelback onto the tank bag so I have extra water. The Top case pretty much has all my cameras packed in there.

Our first stop is Flagstaff where it is already in the 60's. We are amazed that the temps are not colder.

For those in the know, Cafe Express is a great local joint for breakfast. The wait staff is fun, and I quickly make friends with Dana there who treats us like kings.

Dana and I have trouble parting and I am pained to tell her that I need my hiking sticks more than a Pillion. But for a minute I think about letting Bill carry the sticks

But it is time to Moto!

We eat the miles and soon find ourselves back on the Navajo Reservation heading towards the fake Four Corners Monument.

A quick pass Tuba City on the way to Kayenta.

The V1 Radar Detector is worth every penny to me. That along with great sightlines let us just eat the miles.

The views are pretty good the closer we get to Colorado.

Just over the border in Colorado, we hit some road work.

Having a GT on these roads gives me a big advantage over the guys on the RT's. My ability to pass other cars is a lot easier. By the time we get to the Flag Girl, I am several cars in front. She tells me to get the boys up in front. We wait about 20 minutes there and then have 10 miles of nice road beyond the construction with no traffic. I wish I had looked down to see how fast I was going over most of it

After a short stop in Cortez, we make our way up past Delores and then into the Mountains!!!!!! WHOO HOO! Traffic is really light even with the BlueGrass Concert in Telluride over Lizard Head Pass.

It just keeps getting prettier and prettier.

We are really enjoying the ride when out comes the one big buzz kill to any sport touring ride

Our pal LEO

We arrive and some of the hoons are there waiting for us. Nothing like a great ride and seeing old friends

All of the usual suspects are there. But hold on. The guy on the left looks like my buddy Danny from Florida.....

It turns out two of my favorite hoons from the Grapefruit League are here!!! What a grand suprise!

As day one comes to a close, it is clear that this is going to be a special weekend.

We have a grand dinner

After walking home somebody tracks mud on the carpet. His name is Bill Walker

He takes on the job of cleaning person and does a good job. Little do I know how his cleaning abilities will cost me tomorrow.

Jan has a plan I am sure for tomorrow

Janet laughing at something funny I said. One of the many reasons we love her. Her ability to laugh at lame jokes.

Bill taking out his road rage on Larry

More later.....

Ouray IV Part II

2009-06-23T20:19:00.000-07:00

Waking Up in the morning is always one of my favorite times of the day. Waking up to the sound of a river outside and knowing it is cool because the window is open and not the AC is a bonus I only get once a year at the condo in Ouray! Today is going to be a great one!!!

The view from my condo

I need to excercise since I am back at the doc next week. This getting in shape thing takes no breaks and neither does Tommy. Today, me and Louise are going to hike up to Cascade Falls. It is a big deal because while it is right in town, the hill to the falls is LONG. Steep and LONG. My man Larry and Bob are already up as I get to the other condo and Louise is just about ready. We set off for the Falls.

This is about half way up the hill. Way down at the bottom is where we started. I am breathing...sort of. Ouray is almost 8000 ft and this hill is double tough for me. But I am not a quilter....or a quitter

It is worth the walk though to see this. Amazing place

On the way down we run into Danny walking the town taking pictures.

This old Jeep catches my eye on the way down. It is pretty cool to see old relics like this guy still working for a living.

As we work our way back down to the condo to change and meet people for breakfast, we take a back alley as a short cut

This young lady must have been taking a nap but decided to not be friendly. Her loss

At breakfast we decide to set off and conquer Engineer Pass. A few of the crew lugged in dirt bikes and my man Joel has a GS and wants to make the trip as well. Those of us with street bikes will rent jeeps. We head off to get them and after a few diplomatic calls we have 3 jeeps (well Roy already had one) and set off to the launch point.

Honestly I am concerned and have told most of the folks that I think the road up to Engineer Pass will be tough in the best of conditions. This is Colorado and even in June, conditions can be goofy. Clouds are building as we set off.

Phil in one of the jeep with Bob, Larry and Louise in it.
Following close behind is Roy and the Rock Star who also happens to be Roy's Son.

Our Hero's Kick Ass Rubicon. Now it isn't as Plush as the Mr JK or even the Mr. G, this guy had some serious ability to make Billy Goat Mountain Men shudder. It is a worthy steed for the day. Though Jamie in the back wishes it has more weather protection. I tell him it may sprinkle.

The big GS heading up the hills.

So as we climb up the first set of crazy switchbacks up the pass I see Phil in the Lead Jeep stop and jump out. Seems that Joel's big GS has decided to take a nap in the middle of the road. For those of you who are not adventure riders out there that means his bike fell over. It is now facing down hill and missing a few minor parts. It still runs though! Joel decides to park the bike and jump in with Roy and the Rock Star.

Phil not buying for a minute that the Giant Ouray Snow Yeti knocked Joel over

The other 4 riders have pressed on and I take up the chase while the others bring up the rear guard.

As I catch the Florida boys and the SLC crew up the hill, it starts to Rain. We decide to press on. I give them some space

It is raining pretty good now and as we climb higher the weather is getting a tad more iffy. I put on a rain jacket to keep me dry in case I have to get out.

Pretty soon I have to get out. Jan has caught napping disease himself and his bike sits on the side of an overhang. He dodged a pretty big bullet.

While the picture above doesn't look bad,

This shot looking down says it all. How the bike didn't slide down that cliff will be a mystery forever.

Jan talks hard about going back down but we convince him to press on. Not because we want to see him get in worse, but the Animas Fork Rd down to Silverton is a much easier grade and going down what we just came up in the rain is really a bad idea.

We group up at one of the little ghost town. Here Rock Star and his Dad are having the time of their lives. Pretty damn cool. I think again about all of the folks that should be with us but aren't and I sigh. Then I laugh as I see some people riding up on 4 wheelers.

Not often do you get to see a German Shepard in Camo Raingear.

We keep a chugging along

Cool old Willy's

As we climb up I talk to a guy coming down and he says that up on top it is starting to snow. That's right, June 20th and it is snowing up ahead. I love Colorado

Jamie laughing and fully understanding that the reason we brought him and Phil wasn't because we love their company as much as it was because they are both paramedics in real life.

Even Rin Tin Tin thinks we are nuts to keep climbing up. But how bad can it be?

The First few flakes

Ok maybe it is a bit more then a few flurries. But the road is still clear.

The Bikes are thinking this is not as much fun. The temp is now near freezing which is tough on the Florida guys who aren't used to this. They moto on though. We may be nuts, but we sure aren't too sharp either

Jan at the top of the crossroads where we can take the road down towards Silverton. Looks like Engineer Pass will have to wait for Ouray V.

I step out for some fresh air

All bikes are still up though and running and we head down the hill.

There is a reason they make red jeeps I guess. To see them in the snow!

Eventually we get down off the mountain enough to be in the rain again and not the snow. All safe and sound and laughing at the simple of thrill of living life to its fullest. There is something about getting out of a tough spot that is better then any drug on the planet. Having your friends around makes it all the better.

I love all you guys and can't think of a better bunch of people to call friends.

OURAY IV Part 3

2009-06-23T17:49:00.000-07:00

I have had a few health issues that are causing me to be very cautious about what I eat. So I decide to skip dinner Saturday Night and just hang out with Bob and Janet. Now I have been to over 40 countries and have done some very interesting things. But tonight Bob and Janet have agreed to teach me a real new tradition....

Super Scrabble. Oh and there is truth to the fact that there is no mercy rule when it comes to playing with these two. As we finish up, the Hoons show back up and add comic relief.

The rest of the evening is spent enjoying each others company and doing what we do best. Be silly

Sunday Morning gets here and a few of the crew have to set off back to the world. Phil is first out the door around 3am but he has to get back to California.

The creek is running as I get up and the sun is above the Horizon. Another winner of a day awaits!

After breakfast the Jamie, Roy and Rock Star depart as well. It is sad to part but I also know that we are all better for the time together.

What to do today?

First up for me is to take a spin on Bill's Old Air Head. This type of moto is one that I am seriously thinking about getting somewhere down the line. It is a tractor, not super fast, but will go on the dirt and still do 300+ miles in a day. Best of all, it can be worked on in the garage. Worthy Steed

The bikes are going for Ophir Pass, but I elect to jump in the truck with Bob, Janet, Louise, and Bill and head up to Yankee Boy Basin. I want to shoot some photos today and just relax.

The road is just outside of town but soon enough we start to see the results of the spring runoff and it is so green.

Lots of birds on the trail doing their thing.

Bob enjoying the majestic vistas

Don't buy that silly grumpy fascade folks. Killer is one happy guy. I just wish I could figure out why

Bill dancing between the waterfalls Most Worthy

I keep getting the feeling like I am being watched though.

We make our way to the top of the road and look back down the valley. The view doesn't suck

Some lucky stiffs got to go skiing! Maybe for Ouray V

The road ahead is closed and we have to turn back down the hill

The mountain streams are ice cold but totally glorious to watch

Waterfall!

I try and imagine what it would be like to have been here in 1909 instead of 2009. I am sure it would have been much more of an ordeal, but still as beautiful

I want to just take a nap in this meadow for a bit. We talk of coming back in August, when the wildflowers will be in full bloom

Heading back towards Ouray

We head back into town to wait for the rest of the gang to get back from their ride.

North Rim Top 40

2009-06-09T11:10:00.000-07:00

Nick knows how to pack for an adventure!

The ride up to Flagstaff was as usual very worthy. Gotta love sunrise.

We stopped off at Navajo Bridge and did a little exploring

Nick is standing on the left bridge which now just carries people on foot since it was built in 1929 and never was meant for the large vehicles of today. The Bridge on the right was completed in 1995.

A view of the Colorado River. As I take a look around I notice movement in the rocks below me.

I find Number 9!! or is it Number 6!!!!?

What a cool bird! And he is pretty damb big. Nick mentions something about him thinking that he is looking at me like I could be lunch so we move on towards the Canyon.

Pretty soon we are up on the Kaibab Plateau and making our way toward the Canyon. The fires in this area have done a lot of damage, but the plants are coming back now. That cycle of life thing is pretty darn cool.

We decide to head off the beaten path and see if we can see the start of the canyon. Since the North Rim is so much higher you can get a pretty good view of the vistas to the East and South.

The Aspens up here are getting their leaves and the sense of green is almost overwhelming. This is the lushest forests in all of Arizona.

The road ends and we walk out and find a grand sight. This is a place I am going to come back to and explore some more in the future.

We find a lot of motorcycles on the road to the Rim. Makes me miss mine a little but it is about 50 outside and the Jeep is pretty comfortable.

I love being a tourist!

Nick negotiating for our deluxe private camping spot.

I think he did pretty good!

So we decide to head off to get some fire wood. Lets just say we got a lot of wood.

From there it was off to the Rim to have a look at the famous Lodge there.

Not sure if they were going to take these down the river but I sure thought they were amazing

Very Worthy

The view of the inside of the lodge. Amazing place and it being June 6th, they had period music from the 40's on the radio.

Though the radio was a little older. Very Cool

Nick was still on the search for more firewood

No Nick we can't burn the Kachina. No need to get the Hopi's mad at me.

The dining area was pretty nice too.

Oh and the weather for a June day...Perfect!

From here we strike out to go see Cape Royal which is about 20 miles from the campsite. I have no memory of being out here when I was a child and am amazed by how beautiful the area is

Again this is the far end of the canyon

Amazing

Nick and I are getting along great here.

But somehow he "slips"....I go get him in a few minutes though since his wife is just now starting to like me again.

There is just something about this place that makes one reflect.

There are a few small fires on the South Rim today.

Everyone should go see the North Rim at least once.

The place has so many less tourists then the South Rim. We had several places all to ourselves or maybe one or two people on the vistas.

Word was out about dinner though.

I feel like giving a really good speech about something totally spiritual but Nick mentions that the vultures keep looking at me like I am going to be the main course.

Hmmm a feast for a king

Cooked to perfection

What a great day!

Roughing it

Sunday is here and we decide to break camp and head for home. A lot in real life now for both of us but we have had a grand time.

We say good bye to Bambi

Spliting the driving makes the 400 miles fly by and before you know it we are back.

But what makes the time go by even faster?

Some super sounds of the 70's Baby!

See you all next time and to quote my man Kasey Kasum, "Keep your feet on the ground and keep reaching for the stars"

Tommy

Thor's Folley

2009-05-25T14:07:00.000-07:00

My Gosh, what a glorious morning for a motorcycle ride! For 3 years now on Sunday of Memorial Day Weekend, Howard and I go for a ride to New Mexico and back. This year we have decided to not go up 191 in Eastern Arizona to change things up. Also a quick call has Chris Olson joining us too! We had hoped Tim would be here this morning, but he has puppy issues.

This is Memorial Day Weekend and you have to be aware of a few things. There will be a lot of Leo's on the road today. So I am putting the V1 up on the shelf instead of in stealth mode. Those extra few feet of protection may help to prevent a performance award somewhere today. The other thing on my mind is people out there today who are not the best drivers. Finally weather may be an issue.

First stop is Globe for Breakfast. Everyone is in good spirits and Howard does his best impression of Tim. I am not counting it as one of the 3 yet Timmy but it was a borderline infraction.

I am a believer in Zen and Motorcycles. As a matter of fact it is about the most spiritual thing I do believe in. As we leave the diner, we have agreed to go to Safford, over to New Mexico, and then ride up 180 to come back into AZ from the East and ride back home via Salt River Canyon.

Howard is leading and I am tucked in behind him with Chris "Glue" bringing up the rear. For some reason Howard turns North from Globe towards Salt River Canyon. Weirder still is the fact I say nothing and just go with it. This will turn into one of the best decisions we could have made today.

We make great time up towards Show Low AZ and there is little traffic and what we see we pass

We stop near the White River Turn Off and get Gas. Howard decides that it would be fun to take the road through White River and up to Hon Dah. The first clouds of the day are starting to build and it isn't even 8:30am. Thor, the Weather God is going to toss us some fun I suspect.

We get about 200 yards down the road and over the radio, I hear Howard say his bike has a warning light. We go back to the gas station to trouble shoot.

Howard looks at the manual and discovers that the light he is getting isn't the normal Bad Warning light, but it does indicate that the oil is a little low.

Chris, being a non certified Shaman, decides that a quick chant and sacrife of a goat will get us through this ok. Since we can't find a goat, we risk it

Meanwhile Thor Makes Ready for us.

Now I know this picture is a tad bit blury, but you have to have the "Glue" shot. My Man Chris is the best wingman there is. No matter what he will be right there 99% of the time.

As we pass Sunrise Ski Resort, Howard is saying at least we don't have to ride through that mess off to the right!! I then tell him that the turn to Alpine is about 10 miles and it isn't a left hand turn.

We talk for a moment of turning North and trying to circle back to the West. But the weather is almost all around us and we decide to press on.

About 1/2 way to Alpine from Eager, it starts to rain good. Then better than good for about 5 miles. The temp also drops to 43 degrees. Thor I scoff at your attempt to stop us!

We decide to press on to Glenwood New Mexico to get gas. After about 10 miles we see white stuff on the road.

It isn't salt, but rather we missed by several minutes a really vicious storm. That oil light on Howard's bike may have saved my life.

We talk to Leo to see how bad the road is. He tells us to take it slow and we should be ok. This rollover happened during the storm but was in the final stages of clean up.

About 1 mile further up was a really bad head on that delayed us for about 30 minutes too.

Might as well have a cigar!

We got moving past it and then the next 30 miles were utter crap with rain and a bit of hail until we got out of the mountains and back into the valleys of Western New Mexico.

We get gas at the gas station I hate the most in NM and motor on down toward highway 78.

Up until now the riding has been either average or even below because of the weather. It still beats 90% of anything I do in a cage, but still I am really jonesing for a good road. Thor threatens us with more weather but he knows he is defeated.

I find it! Highway 78 is in great shape. No tar snakes, no traffic, great tight corners and the end is about 9 miles of really fast sweepers. NIRVANA!!!

Ready set GO!!!

Howard wants to go back and do it again!

We head off though since we need to get back to town. We decide to top off in Safford. I love small towns in Arizona. The pace of life is just so much slower.

See what I mean? I am sure he is in good hands too.

We make tracks to El Rey in Globe for dinner. It is a nice way to top off the trip.

The boys getting ready to head home.

I love my GT

We get stuck in a line of traffic between Globe and Superior

I still get like a 7 year old going through tunnels. What can I say.

BEEEEEEEEPP

The tale of the tape. Just shy of 600 miles for the day. We actually took it pretty easy for the most part and even though the urge was there to go a little faster, I told someone I would be safe.

Thanks for coming along.

Tom

2009-05-25T07:35:00.001-07:00

Saturday is here already. Wow how time flies when you are having fun. Today I have agreed to take Thomas and Katerina up the mountains with Calvin to enjoy a lovely day watching my dirt biking friends have fun. But first we need breakfast! And no better place to go then the good ole Capitol Reef!

One of the reasons I love it here. This is the perfect temperature for fun

The thrill of victory and the agony of defeat. The battle for the check is one that has taken on legendary proportions with Larry and I. We all can see who is the latest champion in this sport!

From here we go and pick up the Germans, and prepare to head out for one more trip in the back country. The weather is perfect so we take off the top of the Jeep again. I am still amazed at how easy this is.

The band is planning their routes

Oh and Spring has arrived in Torrey

To save time and tires, we put the motorbikes into the trucks and drive the 20 miles to the trail head.

Thomas supervises the whole thing. I mean if you can ride a moto from Argentina to Alaska, you can get this gaggle to unload and ride up a mountain!

Plus it is always good to have a German watching the English.

Pretty soon we are on our way down the trail and up to see what trouble we could get into.

Richard has the second chase truck and we have radios along so rather than choke on dust I take the Germans off road a bit and see if we can see some cool flowers and maybe an animal or two.

The Jeep in its element

We go back to the road and find that progess has slowed somewhat about 9000ft since there is still a bit of snow on the road making passage tricky. Richard does a great job of telling me where trees have fallen over the road, where the best mud puddles are and what the bikes are up to. We catch up to them pretty fast and find that there is a tough patch that is giving them trouble

Bob however is a master at this sort of thing and soon finds a way around. Nobody is stressed and we are all having a wonderful time!

Sharon is so glad she is in the chase car!

I have to get back to take care of a few things in town so Calvin, Sharon and I roll on down the mountain. Saturday is always very mellow in Torrey for me. And again I don't take a lot of pictures but rather enjoy being with my friends.

Sunday comes and I have overslept! I wanted to see Calvin off since he needs to be back at work on Wednesday in Florida. I miss him by about 30 minutes. It is the first sadness I have felt all week and I am bummed big time.

I then look at the Jeep and see he left me a note. I won't wash the jeep for a week now. Even though I see my man Calvin just once or maybe two times a year, he is a dear friend and it is a privilege to call him my friend. This gesture means a lot to me.

The rest of the morning I spend saying goodbye to friends leaving and getting ready to pull out myself the next day. I also do a spin around town looking at houses and a few businesses that I know are for sale up here.

While we were out and about the day before, Whip manages to break the KTM. That is now two KTM's down this weekend. Larry can't make it back so Bob has decided to loan Larry the Tundra, so he can get back to Texas. He will return it in Ouray in June.

Loading up the big KTM

The New York Crew has invited us to a BBQ at the Chuckwagon! Whoo Hoo!

My main man the Moose works the door to keep the press at bay who are trying to get the latest EZ pictures for OK magazine.

Life can be hard in Torrey

My man having a cocktail before dinner chatting with Michael.

Bill and Janet enjoying one of the best meals of the entire trip.

Mom needs to eat too so I agree to babysit for a few minutes.

Here Uncle Kaisr is teaching EZ about what a Good Scotch is vs a bad. He is such a fast learner!

Such a proud papa!

It can get a little crazy at Torrey. People dancing on the tables and such is not uncommon.

We stay up too late hoping to prolong the magic just a little longer. Eventually we say our goodbyes knowing we will be getting back together soon. It is very hard having your best friends spread out like this. But there is also a part of me that knows that because of the gap, we are more close when we are together. I love them all.

Morning breaks and I pull out fast and quietly. Seems like nobody is around to see me head home.

Well almost nobody

See ya all soon

Tommy

Fantastic Friday!

2009-05-21T20:16:00.000-07:00

This morning we are headed over Boulder to find some Moqui Balls.

Into the Jeep hop Calvin, Louise and joining us today are Richard and Jacqueline.

We stop at the Hogback on the Staircase to get a few pictures..

You seen one amazing vista.....Kidding. It is totally amazing here.

I think Jacqueline isn't impressed with the big drop off here.

We head on down the road and stop off at the Kiva Coffee House.

Now I love this place. Calvin and I always make it a point to stop here.

The view is amazing, and they have the best lemonade in Utah.

And they have treats for Katie even.

From here we backtrack over the mountain again toward Torrey via Posey Lake and get home in time to just do nothing for a while. More of our friends are arriving by the hour and by tonight there will be about 40+ of the Hoons in town for the rest of the weekend.

Mama Hoon (bad cast and all is making the most of her down time. To bad her husband is working election stuff back in CA. Would have loved to have seen my favorite Union Thug.

The boys are having discussions on the "A-Frame" that may or may not be for sale up the street. Ed on the left is about to retire and Larry is convinced that he needs a project to keep from going nuts.

I decide to go take the KTM for a short spin to see who is at the Chuckwagon.

I don't take a lot of pictures for the rest of the day. Seeing all my friends again that I haven't spent time with since September takes me away. We have a grand time though and if you go to BMWST.com and look at the Ride Tales in the discussion group, I am sure any of them that say Torrey will have some to look at.

PHOTO BY MY PAL SEBASTIAN
Me, the New York Crew, and Russell from SFO holding court in Torrey. Russell's pictures he shows me are amazing. I am sure he and I will hook up again in the future to shoot some pictures.

From here we head to dinner at the Rim Rock and go to bed way too late but man o man do we have a grand time.

Discovering Clamato Canyon

2009-05-19T19:41:00.000-07:00

AH the smell of Torrey in the morning. That usually means coffee and a fresh pastry, a chat out on the front porch of the ChuckWagon Store with a few of the locals and then maybe a quick adventure to start the day.

We have moved into the cabin now and this will be home base for the rest of the week.

I tell Calvin, I need to moto and he lets me borrow the S Bike. Now the S Bike is amazing. It has more power then my GT and it is bundled in a lovely package that is a lot lighter then my dark blue monster. I do think the speedometer is broken though as I find my self in triple digits and not out of 4th gear.

Did I mention how much I love motorcycles? I mean really, I love them.

I moto on back to Killer's Garage and see that he is taking out all of the dirt bikes. While I can't ride with them this trip, I do get to see them off. They have plans to go and see what trouble they can get into.

I keep thinking of some 80's pop band when I see Sharron in this outfit but I am actually happy that she is in it since it is a pretty safe bet we will find her if she gets lost.

Larry is just riding in the same gear he rides the KTM in. Black and White Baby

The Englishman is ready for adventure!

Calvin, Louise and I decide to go for a hike. I am really excited to go spend time with them since we always have a grand time together. Calvin and Louise have really become dear dear friends and everytime we go out you know that we will have a good time. I am really blessed to have them in my life.

We set off to Go to a place East of the park that is known for slot canyons and some very interesting Geology. We decide to keep the top on the Jeep today since it is a tad bit cool, and we have sunburns.

I think these guys were following us.

We set off down the wash to see if we can find a slot canyon.

It is nice to find shade out here because it is in the low 90's when we get to this spot.

We find the entrance to the canyon but it turns out we need to go over this section as there is a blockage preventing us from moving through it.

PHOTO BY CALVIN CLAMATO MAN
A shot of me getting a shot of Calvin

We decide about here that we are going to head back to the jeep since we are not all wearing the right shoes or have the needed gear to move forward. Another day we will though.

PHOTO BY CALVIN CLAMATO MAN
My double sticks RULE!

After getting back to the car, we decide to gamble and try and get back to Torrey via the back way which has a road that is not maintained. The following pictures are from that road. It is amazing

I am so glad I didn't see this sign until near the end. Ignorance is bliss!

What a great day with two of my best friends. Oh and I forgive them for actually liking this stuff. At least it is lime flavored bud lite.

Tommy

A lazy ride over the Mountain

2009-05-18T19:04:00.000-07:00

The week is flying by and I need to head out and get some pictures. My Man Calvin is always up for a little pre-breakfast safari

There is a road near the Fish Hatchery that we are going to take today that goes to Escalante. There is a wetland preserve there that I want to check out too.

We see this guy making the rounds but hear some geese as well.

Sure enough they are clear for landing!

Here they are honking away in the marsh

We decide to head up the hill before meeting the gang for breakfast

We come upon these guys about 9 miles from town just waiting for their pictures to be taken.

As we get into the heavy brush I see a few deer make a run for it. I just am not fast enough bringing my camera up to get the shot.

We need to be back to meet the kids for breakfast

And we just barely beat them to the Capital Reef Inn. Home of the crazy breakfast.

The more things change, the more they stay the same in Torrey. The waitress is stressed and drops Louise's tea.

But we take it in stride getting a good laugh.

After we eat, we set off to see some friends of Janet over in Escalante who are making a beer garden. Instead of going over the paved road, we decide to take the dirt one which is shorter.

The first part of the road takes us up onto the rolling steppes of Bicknell. These are second only to those seen in Mongolia. Or maybe like 54th. I get confused

We do see the occasional wild beast on the road. I guess earrings are in this year.

Soon enough we are over 9000ft and in the pines. This area has a few lakes on it and the scenery is amazing.

A rare self potrait of our hero. It is cool up here still even though it is May.

The Jeep is getting a tad dirty

We next see one of the more interesting things I have seen. As we approach a cattle guard, we spy a marmot (insert Lebowski Joke) off to the side of the road. He ducks under the guard.

No Marmots are curious creatures and he uses the cattle guard like a bunker. I don't have my big camera at the ready again so use my point and shoot to get this shot.

He makes a break for the woods but we are after him now!

Handsome little devil though

From here we head on over to Possey Lake which is a really great place that one can only find if they get off the black top.

Of course I have nothing to worry about. Yet another day without seeing a bear!!!!

I do end up seeing this guy on the water and his bill is amazing.

There is even a pretty cool Beaver Dam here

And some cool lichen too!

We make our way down to the town of Escalante and stop for lunch and wait on Larry, who is taking care of business the old fashioned way.

Just a man on his horse.

Have to love the Gluten Free Truck!

What a rough way to spend the day.

Big Birds and Little Ones

2009-05-12T20:11:00.001-07:00

Today is a lazy day where we are really staying close to the house. I need to work, we need to move to the Chuck Wagon since more people are coming soon, and there is some maintenance that we need to do on the motos to get them running.

This fuzzy image is of the mythical Giant Hummingbird of Wayne County. Too bad Janet doesn't believe.

Mr Brown (UPS) shows up mid morning with a new chain, a new sprocket, and a few other things and we get to work on the KTM Adventure.

I have no idea what you need to use this special Austrian tool for on the Katoom. But I believe in Larry

And we did have a real life Master Mechanic on standby

Meanwhile I am hard at work trying to care about Gulfstream. I mean really trying.

At lunch we decide to go find the Bald Eagles that are nesting. Now that is a good plan!

As we drive down, I am amazed that I know a lot of people in town. We run into Randy, the owner of the Chuck Wagon and shoot the breeze for a bit.

We head off and soon find the nest as it isn't all that far from the house.

What a worthy animal. My money is that this one is Momma

I think Pops was in the nest because he was a bit bigger.

And then after a few minutes, the little guy pops up to say hello!

They had something to eat up there but the angle was no good to see

I just hope it isn't rabbit, because you can starve eating those per the British SAS

Mom never moved but always had an eye on us. After a bit we head home to have some Pizza.

What a worthy day!!

Kaisr

First Steps Into the Wilderness

2009-05-12T11:04:00.000-07:00

Sleeping with the window open and clean air at 6000ft just makes you happy. We are going to take the Jeep out today! And more than just that, we are taking it topless for the first time.

I set of to figure it out and determine that it really is a lot easier than I thought it would be. 8 screws and a crazy electric connector and we are good to go.

I love it when a plan comes together. Especially when the 3 stooges are involved like, Larry, Bob and I!

After a quick lunch at slackers (no better place for a burger for miles around) and we head on up the Sandy Creek Road to see where it goes. It has a spur to Prairie Flat (Like you all have a clue where that is) that even Bob has never seen. WHOO HOOO! Adventure!

The road up from the house starts off pretty tame but soon turns into one big doll head rock fest with some nasty sized boulders in the midst. For some reason the passenger next to me from England thinks I am driving a tad fast. I discover here a grand loophole in the 2009. I can't say anything but nobody said I had to give him a comfortable ride!

The start of the boulder field

We stop off at the first vista and take in a great view. The Jeep is back in its element!

The view up the valley towards Capital Reef National Park with the Henry Mountains in the background

From here we crawl on up the mountain more and more. While not totally technical per se, we are careful in a few spots but have no trouble and a lot of fun.

We come to a cross road that causes some conversation. The road to the left goes up to a road that leads out over the mountain. The problem is that it is no good for anything wider than 50" The jeep is a tad bit wider so we go right. Bob will scout it out to see if we can make a return trip that way later sometime

We are not the least disappointed with our choice as the scenery is spectacular!

Man it great to be with your pals out in the middle of amazing country.

The road is little more than a ATV track here

Did I mention how worthy Torrey is yet? Almost Divine I tell ya!

PHOTO BY BOB PALIN (using my camera because he left his battery at home)
Coming down is a lot of fun too! I did use low a couple of times to play it safe.

The scenery as we get lower down the hill again

We see some signs of Eagle nests and decide to stop and see if there are hatchlings

Alas no eagles today but we did see a crow. Like I said..."Three Stooges"

It is getting later into the afternoon and we all need a lap. This loafing around is hard work when you are in the back country!

I may need to buff a few of these out tomorrow

But lets not push ourselves too hard.

More tomorrow!

Tommy

Torrey...Life on the Farm

2009-05-11T09:45:00.000-07:00

Day two finds me feeling wonderful and ready to do....well nothing

But here on Mr. Palin's Farm we have to keep things growing and today is irrigation Monday!

I am always amazed at how some people just naturally know how to fix things. Bob and I are not those types of people but lucky for him he has Janet! Here we are replacing a bad wheel and a broken handle on the Wheelbarrow. Janet really appreciates all the hands on help as you can tell by her expression.

Good as new!

Bob hands me a shovel and we work on cleaning out the various canals on the property to make sure that water gets to the new beds. Remember frost is still a threat up here at 6800ft. Sure is pretty though.

The water coming from the source canal is not flowing to proper English standard to Bob and I set off to see where the blockage is. He says this is not for the feint of heart as we will be going deep into the unknown....I ask if I need my gun...he pauses and said no as quarters will be too close for that. He hands me a hoe instead.

Deep in the thickets. I hear things in there that sound otherworldly. But I am too much a man to turn back and we press on.

We find the dam and make quick work of cleaning it out as the other keeps watch for "hostiles".

I am told to not mention the word Hoffa around this newly dug area. Not sure why

We spend a good part of the rest of the day working on watering the rows and gettting ready to plant Onions, taters, and maybe even a few flowers

But man cannot live on manual labor alone. There are 3 great matches this weekend in the Premier League and Bob has them saved. We sit down to watch Liverpool. It is a slaughter

PHOTO BY JANET BORG
Janet captures us in a very rare moment of sitting on the couch and watching football. You almost never ever see Bob and I sitting still, drinking beer and doing almost nothing.

It isn't always easy being me. Please don't be too jealous

As it gets on with the day, we hear the familiar rumble of a big KTM which can only mean that the Whips are here!! Let the real fun begin!

Larry is just looking for a place to be comfortable. I hope he finds it.

2009 is not always easy for Larry and I but we are going to hold true to our word to not engage in any put downs with Bob

One of the many hazards of farm life is the dreaded farmers tan. Luckily Janet is here and has been trained as a Holistic Healer/Herbal Medicine Woman! Of course Larry and I are here to fully understand this to be a private and personal matter. I only took one picture

It is so great to see my two pals happy as we walk to El Diablo for dinner. It is a good day.

Walking past the canal this time of day sure is pretty. Rumor is this place may be on the market soon....

Torrey has no stop light, no movie theatre, but it has 3 really amazing resteraunts within 40 miles of it and 2 within 10. The Diablo can be walked to. Amazing place. Janet showing off one of their salads.

Here you can see that the ribs that Louise is eating that the lamb that Bob and Larry had are amazing.

Happy people

For the record we did split dessert.

As we leave I spy a cool Tulip bed that is lit up.

All in all a perfect day. Lets see what happens tomorrow as we are going...somewhere. Check back!

Springtime in Torrey Day 1

2009-05-10T09:04:00.000-07:00

I am ready to go. It seems the past few months really have been a roller coaster both in my personal and professional life and I need some comfort time. Worse still, I am finding myself sitting around the house more and more too tired to do the things I love. No other place like Torrey to help fix being a couch potato! My dearest friends are all rendezvousing there over the week and it is time to get in the Jeep, and reset life's real priorities.

Making time up the hill finds me North of Flagstaff in no time

There is a bit of snow on the San Francisco Peaks but the sky and weather are perfect for touring about!

I motor up highway 89A not and through Kanab without the desire to stop. I am still tense but as each of the 500 miles I drive pass, I am getting more and more into the scenery and beauty and less and less tied to the madness of the day. Very Worthy!

I see this old shack and the clouds and the photo Muse returns!! I keep expecting Henry Fonda to come out or Woody Guthrie to be sitting on the porch but alas after a few minutes I move along but am better for having stopped.

I see my first mythical creature along 89 just south of Koosharem. I wish I had a better picture of the Horned Harley Creature but it turns away from my path and I have a purpose in mind to get to Torrey ASAP. I will seek him again though.

Ahh life is good when you see this sign!

And even better when you see this!

I pull into Chez Killer and I am immediately greeted by hugs from Bob and Janet. It is amazing to see them again and I am happy, tired though from the trip and little sleep.

So what do we do as avid adventurers who fear nothing!?

We bake bread of course!

Ok it may seem a tad weird but smile with me and just go with it

Plenty of work for Calvin to get into so we can go riding this week and I have brough Bob a present from Phoenix

A hammock Chair!

The bread finishes up and we decide that we better go out for dinner.

What a great day and as we sit at the Rim Rock I reflect on just how wonderful it is to be with friends. And there is so much more in store too!

Catching up with the Motos!

2009-04-29T11:27:00.001-07:00

I have been spending some more of the spring in the saddle again which is always a good thing. Over the past few weekends I have taken a few rides. I usually write these posts in the present tense, but I am taking a break to get some photos up and out before May gets here.

Enjoy!

Katie getting ready for her first ride on the GT.

I don't think we stopped laughing the entire 129 miles. Well other than that time with car coming right at us....kidding!

This is the Florence Court House (old and new) which is where we stopped on the way to get Ice Cream in Superior

She seemed happy getting off the bike too but tells me we are going to go riding again real soon. All in all a "step" in the right direction!

From here we jump ahead to my Birthday where Nick and I decided to stop goofing around and put the RT back together

Since Feb I have had the RT in pieces because of a leaky brake line. The line finally came in last week, we swapped it out in about 15 minutes. It then took us 4 hours to bleed and put the moto back together.

Mr Princeton and MIT decided he needed a book for bleeding the brakes. I had a better plan

I would use Nerdy Jami....I mean Cool Jamie's (not really but it is 2009) post from the RT board. As usual the man knows motos!

As usual I used the Honeywell brand products

We had it back and running like a champ!

After a short test ride (it needs tags and insurance) the verdict was a job well done!

The next morning I met the hoons for a little ride up to Christopher Creek for Breakfast on Howard!

The usual suspects

It was a perfect day to moto! And we kept it at a good pace though I admit I need a lot more practice in the upcoming weeks

Some people never get tired of asking for refills

I love motos

I took off alone to just enjoy the pines for a bit. What a great way to spend a Sunday Morning!

The tale of the tape

Springtime in Kaisr's Garden

2009-04-29T10:19:00.000-07:00

It is that time of year where I get to spend time with my own garden.

Here are a few pictures

Senior Jesus Perez agreed to sit for a formal Spring Portrait for his ever adoring fan base.

The Hibiscus plants are now in full bloom!

As is the oleander

One of my Raccoon resistant fish

How about some pink roses for a blue lady.....

Seriously happy Jesus Perez getting to go outside. Now where are all the birds???

Grapes are coming in!!

Our Hero enjoying his little urban oasis

Tom

I Went to a Garden Party

2009-04-11T16:44:00.000-07:00

I hate repeats. But today I am going to revisit the Chihuly collection at the Desert Botanical Gardens to shoot it in the daylight and then see if I may have missed something when I was there at Christmas.

Some of you know Theresa who works with me and has become a good friend. Her interest in photography is growing and we agree that today we will go together and just take pictures.

We arrive at the gardens around 5ish with clouds looming in the distance for what may be the last real rain we will get before July. I love the weather, but hate the timing! Note the three glass sculptures that look like Agave in the picture.

T is armed with her camera. I am armed with a camera, a tripod, a big ole vest full of lenses a bag for my big Sigma macro lens that doesn't fit in my vest and with two cameras around my neck.

The cacti are in full bloom at the gardens which even without the glass would make for a worthy afternoon of photography

But I am here to shoot the Sculptures in the afternoon light.

Glass is such an interesting medium for art. I have now put it on my list of things to learn how to do.

All very worthy

We walk along with people who I have never met ease dropping on bits of their conversation about the sculptures, many not from Arizona speak of the botanical gardens as if it is another world. This is interesting to me since I have lived among the area for so long. One woman grumbles that how can one have a Blue Palo "VERDE" tree? Another speaks of the fact that the desert if full of "harsh killing things" unlike the safe streets of Chicago where she is from. On a path somewhere near the entrance a teen age girl says to her father, "I can relate to Chihuly because he likes to make Monsters". That sticks with me. As we make are way around I look at some of his art as just that.

Like a B Movie feature, this poor soon to be forgotten starlet has no idea the fate that awaits her at the hands of "Zorgon from Planet K". Pass the popcorn Owen.

Is it art or one of the eggs of the creatures that will take over planet Earth?

The Monster theme runs its course and I come back to earth with the help of T who is really getting into taking pictures which makes me smile. She also has had a good laugh because I have dropped my lens cap for about the 40th time by the time we get about half way through the park.

Taking pictures with me is fun but I also am grateful for her offering to hold the tripod and lens bag. No Sherpa from Nepal for me, I am keeping T.

We wander over to the Boat with all the glass spheres.

Totally amazing how they get the colors in these.

As cool as these are my lens is drawn to the crowd. I see a woman who must be from Alaska to be wearing boots like this in the desert.

And to think that Katie wouldn't let me bring Mr.Penguin the Wizard along. I told her I wouldn't be the only guy with a doll at the garden.

T is really trying to take her game to the next level!

The subject matter is glorious!

There is a small riparian pond at the gardens we check out. It has these glass icebergs floating in it.

I find these guys pretty interesting too

The sun is starting to set and we make our way back towards the main entrance to get some night shots before it closes.

One of those Blue Green trees

This is why I need to get a second camera with a big ole lens to get shots that just happen. This woodpecker strikes the perfect pose and I have no time to get a great picture. Still it is pretty cool to see them

Another boat which I missed back in December.

It is more crowded now as the sun sets and I am not all that into crowds tonight. T is taking it all in and I take a break while she sets off to explore some of the areas that I have already been to.

I decide to mess with my flash a little and see what comes out. I like this one a lot

This is another worthy shot that I get messing around

A future River Dancer

AS it gets dark a whole other world comes to life in the gardens.

It is a worthy night and I am so happy I am here. But I need to run to Ikea to help a damsel in distress so away I go.

NOTE: The Chihuly show is on until the end of May. You need reservations It is totally worth seeing!

Tom

A Ride to See Hayden

2009-04-09T17:11:00.000-07:00

I have to get out of the house. Work can wait for next week to show me the latest slide and to be honest while I want to go far away, I know I have to stick close to the house. Too much happening here this weekend with friends in town from all over, A chance to go shoot the ChiHuly collection one more time in both daylight and nighttime with T, and of course Easter.

So I decide to head....somewhere. No plan just me, the Ipod and the GT. These rides always turn out the best when there is no plan.

No need for luggage other than the Tank Bag. I have just recently got a new chord for the Garmin so I slap it on more for a speedometer then anything else. The numbers are easier to see than the speedo on the dash. Not that I look at my speed all that much.

I am off and down the road and decide to head East with the thought of maybe going South to Tucson the back way, maybe up to Show Low and back through Payson or maybe end up in San Antonio to hang with Louise and Whip!

As I get out of town I just let the bike lead the way up and out towards Globe. For some reason I am just burning through stress like it isn't even there. I have great music on and my troubles are just peeling off of me.

The road is open with almost no cars and I just set a nice leisurely pace towards Superior where I will get some gas.

Gassing up takes no time and I decide to head towards Kearny instead of Globe. Hey its my ride! As I ride past the Copper mine I think about how man can do that to the landscape. I am engrossed in a very interesting conversation about this with a friend and it has me puzzled now more than her use of purple in the email. Can you have a serious environmental conversation in purple?

While I ponder this I ride right past Kearny and head towards Tucson. As I get to the next junction there is a sign that says it leads to Hayden Arizona. Having never checked out Hayden, I turn as I am apt to do more than not and discover a living ghost town. There is a mine there and people living there but the down town is dead. I mean totally shuttered up.

I park and explore a bit

The architecture is stunning and I would have loved to have seen it in its heyday.

Now all the windows are broken and the place is dormant.

A porch from the days before AC

The old theater. I bet films like "On the Waterfront", "Hoffa" and even "Norma Rae" were big hits in Hayden. Though I wonder if the marquee had the "N" in "Norma Rae" going the right direction?

Even Disney had a presence here at one time.

I will come back to this place with my big camera one day and spend an afternoon getting to know it better. There is much more to photograph but I need to get back for dinner and the road pulls me more today than usual. So back on the GT and off to the house.

A nice clean 200 miles. Not a bad way to spend the afternoon.

Desert Flower Power Baby.

2009-03-15T19:06:00.000-07:00

Setting off to find something always makes me think of how we are always searching for something. Today it is wild flowers that are rumored to be blooming out in the desert. It is a time of year that I hold very dear since it really is the start of the riding season for me and I know that places like California, Colorado and Utah are just over the horizon for me.

We drive North on highway 87 towards Payson and quickly find the road covered in blooms but somewhat less than last year. We pull off at the Balantine trail head to have look about.

Daisies in bloom near the trail head but the area is not as lush as some of the areas to the South. We decide to walk up about a 1/2 mile to see if there is anything worth exploring before we turn back to the South.

Caught this little guy sneaking up behind me

The weather is interesting since in Phoenix there was nothing but clear skies but out here it is almost Monsoon like. We never get rained on,but the weather is off a bit from the norm.

At about here we make the call to turn back. This weekend is all about seeing color.

The weather looks better that way anyway but the temperature is just perfect!

The weather to the North is not looking that good, but we stop anyway to play in the poppies

Diane is all over the place exploring the different flowers that she all knows by name. I wish I was that good at botany.

The variety is amazingly worthy

Four Peaks off in the distance is covered in the shadows of the puffy clouds and I feel totally content.

These are totally funky and I have no idea what they are

Diane always makes new friends when we go out into the desert

It amazes me how long old trash sits out in the desert. When did they stop making beer cans with pull tabs?? About 1986

What a glorious day to explore close to home.

Big Birds, Muddy Waters and some Worthy Time Away

2009-03-08T12:10:00.000-07:00

It is time to get out of Dodge. Stress is something we shouldn't let get to us. For me I take pride in my work and with that comes a little more absorption of the troubles of the current economy and trying to make sure I do everything I can to help keep folks employed. Diane suggests we go up to the Vermilion Cliffs and watch the release of the latest batch of California Condors. She once again comes through big time in suggesting a great getaway for us and I start the planning.

Now most of you may know what a California Condor is and even know it is one of the rarest birds in the world. There are just over 300 of them left with about 1/2 living in the wilds mostly in Northern Arizona, Central California and in Baja Mexico. They are also the largest bird in North America with wingspans reaching 7ft! Pretty Worthy Creatures

IMAGE FROM WIKI

Pretty Ugly mug but a righteous animal that plays a critical role in Nature.

So we are out the door by 5:30 and make our way to Flagstaff for the night. I have a lot of Hilton points so we stay at the Hilton Gardens in Flagstaff for the night. The release point is only 300 miles from the house but they are scheduled to go at 11 on Saturday morning so we decide to make our way North Friday.

Diane getting dinner ready. We are both tired and decide to just stay in an watch TV.

Diane has a cool new PINK phone. I am comfortable enough with my manhood to be photographed with it.

Diane watches some more TV and I pretty much fall asleep within about 20 minutes. We get up and while she gets ready I go get some gas for the Jeep.

The Hilton from the gas station. It really is a great place to stay. Especially when it is free!

Plus I think the Hilton has mostly Earthlings. Not that I have anything against Martians.

There is even a trace of snow on the Jeep

As we head up 89 towards Page there is some weather. You can see that snow is still a reality even though the deserts have been unseasonably warm these past weeks.

We get to the release point and discover that there is a pretty good crowd there already and that the Release Managers have opened the cages early but the birds are still in them. Now I knew we would have some seperation between us and the birds. What I am not prepared for is the fact that it is really far and that photo's are going to be hard with the equipment I have.

Condor Groupies.

The top of the cliff is the release point. With my spotting scope you can see them great. But my 1000mm lens isn't going to cut it.

This is max zoom and while you can see the birds sitting on the rock, the detail of them is lost. Oh well next time you have to just tag along with me.

Miss Diane uses the scope to get a better look at them

Meanwhile I fall madly in love with the neighbors Rig. Man o man the place I could go with that!!

It is pretty darn windy and cold for most of the morning but the weather is starting to get better.

You can see just how big these birds are though.

It is a worthy place to go see if you get up there

We get out of the area just after lunch and the weather has turned for the better. We decide to go explore Lee's Ferry on the way home.

Stopping around Marble Canyon reminds me a lot of further North in Utah. Glorious Red Rocks!!

Worthy how stress just goes away when you get outside.

Miss Diane at Lee's Ferry

Lee's Ferry showcases the mighty Colorado River and the colors today are spectacular

Worthy Water!

Another thing for me to learn how to do. May need to bring Kendal out here next time to show me the ropes

The war of the Worlds comes to mind when I first see this in the distance.

We have to be home tonight so off we head back towards home. As we near Flagstaff we decide to head to Grand Falls to see if they are running.

They are and we get some other folks there to take our picture

The falls aren't as massive as last year yet but they are still a sight to see

I don't know why Bob hates taking pictures of old cars. They are glorious subjects. Not unlike Horses.

It is so wonderful to be out and about in Arizona. The Jeep is still amazing me every trip we take it out on.

We will see you next time somewhere out there!

Off to See the Lizard

2009-03-01T11:22:00.000-08:00

Diane and I decide to go for a little jaunt on the GT down to the Desert Museum. The weather here the past week is near perfect with it almost bordering on hot this weekend. Temps around 85 make for a nice time to go explore the desert parts of the state. We decide to head to the museum because I haven't been there in forever.

The two of us near Marana. It is just amazing how much I love riding the GT even two up. Traffic on the 10 wasn't too bad and we make great time

We get there and make a beeline for the reptiles first!

This is about as no stress as you can get west of Whip's couch full of hounds.

This little dude was digging in the dirt. Something none of us ever do

The big cats are lazing around dreaming of eating a small child who just needs to lean a little bit more. Diane offers to help the cat out so I take her to go see the bears!!!

My streak of not seeing a bear continues

Diane asks me if I have a metal file in the tool bag. She wants to bust out her new pal

I think this could be in my future in regards to make a overhang for my grapes.

This Gazebo made out of Mesquite trees salvaged from a road project also has some promise as a future project for me.

It is just a real glorious wood to contrast the Sonoran Desert

The desert is starting to bloom too!

This guy was enjoying the sunshine. Diane tells me that there is sunscreen in the bathrooms which helps me from looking like Rudolph.

Sometimes I wonder if I picked the wrong profession. I think I would have made a great skunk.

The Otters are just uber worthy to watch.

This bird reminds me of Sydney Greenstreet

Crazy huh?

This parrot is something I didn't know lived in the desert either.

The hummingbirds are our last stop as it is getting dark.

We moto off down the road and stop at this no name Pizza joint in Marana that turned out to be pretty good.

Diane getting her gear on for the ride back to Phoenix. All in all a pretty good day out on the GT.

Hiking...A forgotten Love

2009-02-08T20:56:00.000-08:00

It seems I have forgotten how much I love to go out hiking in the desert. It really is a worthy thing to go do.

Photo by Nick Purzer
Longest hike for me in a long time. The sticks make a world of difference out there.

Black Mesa looking towards Weaver's Needle

Closer to the Needle

If you look close you can see snow on the top of the mountain in the background.

A glorious trip out and back

Desert Botanical Luminaria

2008-12-15T21:03:00.000-08:00

A few from the Desert Botanical Gardens Luminaria show here in town featuring the Glass Art of Chihuly. Amazing art!

It is a worthy show here in Phoenix through May 09

How the West was won

2008-12-08T20:42:00.000-08:00

We have talked a lot about getting together in Arizona for some riding in the winter before but since many of the folks here are really into dual sporting lately it became clear that we were actually going to do it this year. Being dirt friendly we decided to rough it and camp as well. This is the story of that adventure.

It is about 11am Friday and I am still getting hammered with work calls. Seems with the fiasco of the Auto guys, I can't get a break and it feels like every corporate flight department in North America is worried about budget cuts. Do these people not know I am late to meet the Hoons at the Lake? Enough already, I tell my Admin to send my calls to voice mail and I get my buddy Rick and we take off to the lake. He is in from San Antonio for the week on business and is going to hang with me and the gang out on the lake for a few days. We decide sort of at the last minute to head out via the Apache Trail. As we get near the Lake, I mention that I see a few bikes behind me and one of them is in a loud jacket that my pal Twisties has. Soon enough it is apparent that they are our group.

Twisties rocketing by us on the pavement!

We catch him in the jeep once we get to the dirt.

The nomads are already making themselves at home roughing it out here.

You can see that base camp life will be a true test of their resolve

Chris takes it upon himself to be the "fireman"

I go and catch the sunset on the water while the Hoons continue to gather

Jamie and Whip keeping the world in balance

We may not be smart but we for sure aren't clever

Mrs. Whip had all sorts of food out for us. I tell you she is just AMAZING!

Mr Happy arrives soon enough

Did I mention my man Chris is making a mean fire? Man it was good to be warm cause it was cool out in the desert.

I end up riding with Rick back out to my house and return the next morning. I have to answer the 74 emails about nothing important. I get up and head out in time to get a great breakfast Saturday.

First man I see is Butters! I has been too long since I got to see my pal from Tucson. We chat a bit and I make the rounds to see Timmy and little Sammy too. It is great but then I notice it.

Love is in the air out here let me tell you.

One of the top 100 Finns I know is there getting a hug from the ever lovely Camille

Mr. Happy and Janet getting into it on the trailer ramp.

Diane is studying for a big test Monday so she is not coming to the lake. I miss her a lot but understand. It is great that everyone asks about her too.

But we aren't here to just kiss each other. We are here to get out and ride! I take the folks not riding out for a little Jeep Tour.

We climb out to the East of the Lake and make our way along the road towards the pines nearby

The majestic Saguaro is a plant I never tire of photographing. They are worthy.

But we keep climbing and soon enough we are out in the pines and having a grand time in the Jeep.

I catch these guys darting over the road. As usual. NO BEARS.

I am on a mission to bring back the glory days of early 70's Album Art. Tell me this doesn't look like that to you. From Left to Right Chris "House" on Lead Guitar. Ely "is coming" on the Bass Guitar, Louise "Fingers" on Keyboards and backing vocals, Rick "Squishy" on Drums, and Mr. "Two Shocks" Lead Vocals and Rhythm guitar.

We roll back into camp to hear about the fun that the others had. I think we win though because the record company is giving us a big advance. The other folks are stuck in tents!

Tim has us in stiches with #14, a rare funny joke even to me

But Sammy steals the show!

We eat like kings. Chase away Javelinas

Drink enough Scotch that wearing White Mittens gets to be a sign of being cool

And fall asleep under the stars of the desert. It don't get much better than this.

Dawn broke Sunday Morning but the blue skies were short lived as a low moved in from California. I guess they were jealous

I spent the night in the back of the jeep and was very comfy! I will be buying a Futon mattress from IKEA for the CA trip, but the Jeep is going to be almost as good as Whip's RV!

Our Hero well rested but ready for a day of adventure...after some coffee of course

Louise gets my vote for most amazing person on this trip. She did so much for all of us and was great in the jeep too! Here she is dishing out breakfast.

This Blueberry Oatmeal Breakfast and sausage looks amazing.

But I am trying to be healthy

I still am not sure where those purple streaks came from on my plate!

Even the Vegetarians are happy this morning!

This is as close as I get to riding because the tailbone Maybe next time

Philly Flash even shows up on his RT and takes off on Whip's Dirt Bike. I will let them tell that tale though

Whip wastes no time hoping on Chris' KTM to give chase!

All the while Bob sits waiting for his chance to try and kill them out on the trail.

While all the moto's scatter, we take off in the jeep to go explore.

Now we take off on a small fire road and I decided to take a left and not go into the mountains. As we cut through the Cholla forest the road turns into a trail, then into a ATV track as it makes it way out into the desert. I am not concerned but do not want to back track. We come to a point and at first I think we have hit a dead end because all of the ways down look pretty steep. Then I see the trail heading down a bit of a slope. The ladies choose to walk down the hill. Chris and I decide to ride down.

It is always tough to show the real steepness of the hill, but this picture comes close.

We make it down and back out to the road. The colors in the lower desert are finally changing and winter is coming even here.

On the way back we see two of these guys out in the marshes near the top of the lake on a nest.

Utah in the Off Season

2008-11-22T08:17:00.000-08:00

Diane and I decide that it is a grand idea to head up to Torrey for the weekend. She and I both have some vacation left to burn this year and while there is a opportunity to ride out to Death Valley and see the hoons, we decide to get to Torrey for the weekend. She has never been there, and I have not in the "off season". Since it is high on my list of place I want to live (there is no real runner up), I want to ensure I understand what it is like with most of the place closed up for the winter.

We leave Phoenix early and traffic up through Flagstaff is light and we catch the dawn near Black Canyon City. Before we know it we are past Flagstaff, Cameron and are out in the Painted Desert. The sky is perfect and the weather brisk but I love it this way.

The Jeep in the Painted Desert just seems to fit in. As I drive the Jeep more and more it really is turning into the most worthy of steeds for me. Diane can drive it fine and she is pretty comfortable in it. Its only quirk is that it just has no desire to go faster then 75mph. Oh well I can finally smell those roses I always seem to miss on the moto.

Sometimes a hitchhikers can be a good thing!

We decide to cut the corner and head up Cottonwood Canyon via 36 miles of unimproved road. This is the same road that I had my adventure on several years ago on the GS. It is much more pleasant to drive it in a Jeep. Plenty of water in the creek and colors are just surreal on this road this time of year. I am going to come up here for a few days over winter and do some real exploring.

Diane walks up to me as I am trying to get a photograph of a rock formation. Normally I do not like having people around when I shoot pictures but she actually doesn't bother me at all. She is as into the landscape, critters, and plants as I am so we don't have any issue spending time outdoors together.

Ok Ok....maybe looking right into the sun isn't a grand idea.

Mars with plants. The geology of the area different in appearance every single time I come here. The reds this trip really stand out and I am just amazed at the views around here. Utah just "rocks".

After passing it 2 times we decide to go turn and see Grosvenor's Arch. I get there just as a plane was passing through the area. We have the place to ourselves for a bit once we part with a Frenchman in Pajamas. I don't have any excuse as to why I didn't take his picture. I apologize. The arch has a great place to picnic and we make the most of it.

I take this picture of Diane and just am totally happy to be out of the hustle and bustle of the big city. There is a future for us up in this part of the world. Many say I would miss big business too much living in the hinterland. Today sure seems to be proving them wrong.

Sometimes the simplest of lunches are the best. We have some Pita, grapes, and cheese along with smoked turkey. I am a happy man.

We role on out towards route 12 and back to the pavement. We have spent 3 hours exploring the back country and have seen 2 cars and almost no people. As we approach the highway again. we start to see signs of ranching and other people out hunting or enjoying their ATV's

We come upon a real Cowboy. I can't help but to think of this young man and the John Wayne movie. His spurs jingling, I dip my hat to him and off we go. Not far down the road we come upon his grown up brethren working a herd.

There is something just worthy and even comforting in seeing real people working the land. This picture is one that Diane told me to take as the cows moved by us. The face of the cowboy's horse is one that I won't soon forget.

With Boulder Mountain on the left and the Henry's in the back Right the Escalante is just basked in perfect light. I try and tell Diane that each mile between here and Torrey is just beautiful and she slowly understands that I wasn't over hyping the story.

We stop at another vista and just take it in. Yes that is a beer bottle in her hand. I will let her explain her issue with it.

Hell's Backbone is something I have written about before. We are totally stoked to know it is still open through Thanksgiving and we make reservations for dinner. We have about an hour though before they open and decide to go down the Burr Trail but Diane wants to explore the grounds of the hotel first. Seriously, if you are there, hungry or not, you must try it. Oh and the hotel there is amazing too!

She leads me into the main hotel and up some stairs to the back balcony where looking out I see this amazing pond and vista looking to the North. I would not have known this was even here had she not pointed it out. Very worthy.

As we drive on the trail we see the sun starting to set and the moon rise. The patterns of light and the rocks just are so beautiful

These trees are almost like small bonzai in front of the majestic rocks. Totally worthy and I can tell Diane is as awe struck as I am.

We get into the valley floor just as sun starts to set. I do not have a lot of time to frame shots but the light on the rocks, the blue sky above, are just stunning. Sometimes you take what you can get and know that you must return sometime later on to try again. I have no problem coming back.

We pull into the restaurant and find a wonderful meal awaiting. The food is so good here and very well presented. The owner comes to our table, signs a cookbook for us and we catch up about the happening of the area. In a matter of moments we go from tourists to locals again. The fact that I have friends in Torrey makes me part of those in the know. Very cool.

This may be the closest thing to a shrine that I will ever be connected to. There is peace here. but it gets dark and we still have to go up and over the mountain before getting to Torrey. I have an idea where the key is but I am sure that the house will need to be habitized before we can stay there now that the owner has moved on up to the big city up north.

We are amazed at how everything is organized for us and other than the heat Diane is very pleased with Chez Palin. She gets to work making us some hot chocolate. And Bob, I finally find a use for that cheap peppermint schnapps you have been hoarding!

Clean Room and once I get past Palin not being there we settle in nicely.

We sleep in a bit as the weather is not supposed to be all that great Sunday but we get up to find some wind. some snow on the mountain but a very workable day ahead of us. I decide to show Diane the house of my dreams and we set off to explore Torrey. We grab carrots for Fletcher but I am not real sure where he is this time of year.

I think she likes it as much as I do

There is no doubt that the hot tub would get a lot of good use out here on the deck. I really want this place. You all can have Sedona.

We strike off to the park to explore the area some more. It is cold but the weather is dry. Fall has now come off the mountain and is in the valley. Only a small amount of tourist remain but we hear French, German, and Russian as we go from point to point.

The Canyon in color

Art of the Ancients are now much easier to go visit without the 300 tourist bustling through. It is actually very interesting to see this type of art

The Path to the art strikes me as very beautiful in the fall.

There are still a great many deer around and we take a few pictures.

This fella was just lounging around out in the open and didn't pay a whole lot attention to me.

From here we ventured back to Torrey and Teasdale to look for a house for another friend of ours looking to move up this way. We decided to head up the Donkey Lake road and find some snow to play in.

It is here that I learn to never ever turn your back on a woman wearing mittens and who has an arm like a Cy Young Winner. I am only typing this because her aim is a lot more like Barney Fife.

The day is getting towards late afternoon and we take a drive over to Bicknell and then Loa. We decide to drive up highway 72 and I make a stop at Mt Gleno.

Mt Gleno is still a place where I go to say hello and remember my friend Glen who is no longer he in one sense but I know is always around sweeper madness looking out for riders like me.

As we head back to the house for the night, we look for Fletcher and decide to ask at "The Lodge" if they know. The guy feeding the buffalo has no clue and thinks he may be in his summer quarters but a check earlier showed us no fencing and no camel.

Diane decides we can feed the carrots to the horses and quickly makes a new friend

We have a great evening at the house just enjoying being off the grid for a bit. I think the tequila helps take the edge of a little too for both of us. Both of us agree that Torrey is a place that makes us very happy.

In the morning the weather is again very nice though cold. It is now Monday and I have to force myself to pull out of the driveway and head back to Phoenix. We make great time through the park and the road is empty of all cars.

We do see a flock of turkeys though. As we get to Hanksville Diane takes over the wheel and drives us towards home.

That's Diane! Always trying to keep the world clean.

Oh and she handled driving the Dugway like a champ!

When can I go back?

See ya all soon

Tom

Hanging out in Geronimo's Back Yard

2008-10-28T08:58:00.000-07:00

One of the places I have been set on going to see this fall is the Chiricahua Mountains of far SE Arizona. Diane mentioned to me several weeks ago that her friend Christine would be in town and we could spend a night in Bisbee.

We set off early Saturday morning and make our way through Globe into Safford before heading South towards the Chiricahua's. This area is most famous for the Apache Indian Wars that took place in the late 1880's. Names like Cochise and Geronimo were a big part of my childhood, and I am excited to be able to walk in the area they did.

Sorghum Fields near Mount Graham Arizona. This crop is something I am seeing quite a lot of this year all throughout SE Arizona. Pretty interesting food that comes from Africa.

The Jeep at the base of the Chiricahua Range. This is where Geronimo held out against the US Army. These mountains just rise up out of the desert. Very cool

We drive through Portal Arizona and make our way into the National Forest. There is a pretty good Border Patrol presence here and we see several trucks even on the dirt tracks we use to cut the corner to the parking area. As you drive in the change of plant life is stunning in you go from open desert to lush forest in about 1/2 mile.

The road into South Fork has a lot of trees changing colors and there is light traffic as mostly serious bird watchers and hunters use this area. We see a lot of hunters on the road.

We park the Jeep at the trail head and have a great lunch before setting off on our hike. We have already done over 250 miles from my house just to get here but the area is beautiful. We are all in great spirits though I think I am catching a small cold.

Christine finds a great place to check out the area from. She is a lot of fun to have on the trip and is a great sport. Rare to meet someone and be able to travel with them so well. I hope she comes out from KC more often to visit.

The area is full of trees that you don't see very often in Arizona The Aligator Juniper is one of those trees.

Some of the other trees are pretty darn big as well

Fall is here and the color changes against the Red Canyon Walls make for some amazing sights. We are lucky because there are few other people in the area and we set off down the trail.

As usual, all hype about bears but my bearless streak continues. I will see one this year. You just wait!

The forest has some really amazing plants like this Yucca that looks out of place away from the desert floor.

I marvel at the beauty of the small as well as the big. Glorious times and we laugh a lot as we wander up the creek. The sounds of birds and water put one at ease.

Diane and Christine pose for me at the sign showing we are now entering the wilderness area. I am a little cautious here because the area is close to the border and some smugglers use the rugged terrain to ferry in drugs and people. You have to be vigilant out here.

Of course Diane has no desire to take the easy way. We spend a lot of time finding the trail on this hike mostly because we don't pay attention to the trail as much as we should. It just means we need to practice more in the coming months.

It is so fun to be able to act like a 12 year old some days. The drop is about 10 feet to the creek floor but you can't tell in this picture.

We wander up the stream bed for a while. I find a lot of cool rocks and things that
catch my eye. There is little conversation as we just get into the rhythm of the forest

The trail is empty for the most part but I did come in contact with a fellow Red Hat Cool Vest Member. Never do ask his name though.

Diane even found us a great place to camp…except you can’t camp along the South Fork. Details my dear details.

Here is a picture of the luckiest guy in the world and the reason why.

We have about a hundred more miles to drive and head back to the Jeep. We make it out and drive out along the Northern rim of the mountains heading towards Bisbee

The area is stunning and has a lot of great opportunities to explore further.

We stop briefly here at the monument but doen't go in as we are on the trail of a rumor that the SandHill Cranes are back in the area for the winter. We are definitely coming back though as both Diane and I fall in love with the area.

As we drove from the monument towards Douglas, I count a big raptor about once every 25 telephone poles. The habitat is just perfect for them here. This Red Tail Hawk is one of the most beautiful birds I have seen. I doen’t have the heart to tell him he has a feather out of place though. You can see a piece of fur from his last meal sticking out of his beak even.

We go to the WhiteWater Draw area just as the sun is setting and are greeted by one of the biggest flocks of cranes I have ever seen. It is so worthy. Here they are coming in wave after wave of birds for several minutes. There had to be almost 500+ birds there.

And I thought landing on a carrier was tough. These guys have no Air Traffic Control. Amazing to watch them come in and land

Something spooks them as we were getting ready to leave and they take off as a huge group. This is about 25% of the flock that I get in the frame. Amazing
We get into Bisbee after dark and find our way to the School House B&B that Diane has booked for us. It is a very nice place and we decide to go downtown for dinner. I am feeling a cold coming on though which is a bummer.

Did I mention that I was the luckiest guy in the world yet?

Bisbee’s Main Drag Sunday Morning. The shops are mostly closed still but we wander down doing some window shopping.

Worthy Sign

Sometimes worthy art is right at your feet. I would love to hear the stories this old man hole cover can tell.

A return trip is definitely in the plans. Maybe on the moto.

We make our way up towards Kartcher Caverns and stop in Tombstone. I am really not feeling all that great so I let the girls go wander the streets while I nap in the Jeep. Tombstone is too commercial for me in many ways and I think that helps put my mind at ease about missing out.

This Hombre though makes me smile as he walks to work. Gotta dig the sombrero

(Photo Above: Big Room at Kartchner Caverns State Park. Courtesy of Arizona State Parks)

There is no way to do justice to just how cool Kartchner Caverns is. You can’t take a camera into the place but I will be back a lot over time because it is one of the most spiritual places I have ever been to. Uber Worthy

This flower outside the discovery center at the park catches my eye. I am lucky because I get to live in one of the most diverse places on Earth and have wonderful people to share the trip with.

Postscript: I came home to discover that I had Bronchitis (I am sure the moist cave air didn’t help) and have been on some pretty high doses of antibiotics. Should be back in the saddle soon though.

The Butcher of Boulder and Snow on the Mountain

2008-10-04T11:04:00.000-07:00

Morning at the Chuckwagon is glorious. I love looking out and seeing all the motorcycles and people stirring to get that first morning cup of Joe. It will be a wonderful day for sure.

Today, we ride with the dirt bikes for a bit. I say a bit because I know that we will go off at some time and start our own adventure. There will be 4 chase trucks today so we won’t be needed.

Operations getting under way. Notice how Killer morph's into his alter ego "Monty" once people let him think he is in charge. Not unlike a great episode of the German version of "Rat Patrol" I have infiltrated the ranks here with the Jeep. They don't suspect a thing!

Ahh the Motorcycle that just won't die. This is the KLR. Notice that parts aren't there, it sits for 360+ days a year in Bob's garage, and yet you can always find some fool that will get on it those 5 days. This year is a little different since Wurty is the foo....I mean gunslinger who takes the challenge of the "MOTO THAT WON'T DIE" on.

I hear him telling the less experienced.."Hand Guard? We don't need no Steenkin Hand Guards!"

Why do guys on BMW Motocross bikes go out with us? We almost all ride BMW Street Bikes, but Monty takes pleasure in killing them off on the trail. Poor "TubeSock" doesn't stand a chance. Also notice at this point Boney still has a left hand turn signal....

We gather at the start of the ride up Boulder Mountain. It will be ove 11,oooft when we get to the top. I tell Bob, not to worry about us as we are going to stop a lot for photo's and to play

As we climb out of the valley we see that as usual, there will be some weather developing as the day progresses. The vistas are great

PHOTO BY PHIL

The moto's start to file by the Jeep with Whip in the lead.

PHOTO BY PHIL

Poor "TubeSock on the lead BMW still thinks he is going to have a flawless day at this point. "I feel like screaming "ACHTUNG! The Englishman hates almost all things German!" but I am not that nice a guy :)

We take the jeep up a hill and look at the surrounding country side. The Jeep can just go almost anywhere that I am confident enough to take it.

The 4 of us in the Jeep are having a hoot and the ladies haven't ever gone this far off road before

Monty rides off after checking on us through the Aspens. As much as I am no fan of the British Empire, Monty is a great rider, a very good trail boss, and maybe even an ok guy. I just wish Jesus Perez liked him.

PICTURE BY BONEY
You got to love traction control. I am ready for Paris Dakar!

The valley is dusted in Yellows

The Aspen groves are amazing.

And having a couple of hotties in the Jeep makes life all that much better.

We really are having this much fun. And I am not going to even talk about the green gummy worms..

As we climb to the top of the Boulder Plateau, we cross 11000ft. We don't settle on just getting next to the sign.

We take the jeep up to the summit!

After this we catch up with a couple of the other chase trucks and set off to look for where the bikes went. Monty gave us a small map but it doesn't really tell us where it starts. With no frame of reference we just sort of wander around.

The little truck that Roy brings does amazing on the rough road. I am very impressed

Oh boy, the Jar Head has no clue where we are. My guess is that he must have been doing extra PT during map reading school. What to do?

Give the map to the Hotties who in about 2 minutes "figure out" where we are. And you think they are just here for their looks. But what do you do when you think you might need to get more involved in navigation?

Put a 15 year old ROCK STAR from California behind the wheel!!

I mean what trouble could he get into?

Actually my man Alec did a tremendous job behind the wheel and took us about 10 miles into the back country and really made his Pop proud.

Tell me this isn't Album Cover material. I hope he hangs out with us again someday. The worse part was the Hotties were all over him and I was 2nd Banana. Oh well one day you are in and the next you are out.

The Man and his Son.

There are some great little lakes out here and we figure we could just relax out here all day and not worry about the bikes.

And just as everyone was having the time of their lives, Monty shows up for a surprise inspection. He informs us that things are not going well. The Butcher of Boulder has showed his true face and blown the rest of the crowd all over the bloody mountain. Already Tube Sock had to limp down the mountain on his BMW and we may never see him again.

Even Boney lost control trying to keep up with the Butcher

And then I see him. Smock ready looking for the next victim. The man has no conscience when it comes to leaving the others in the dirt. Hide the children.

Janet has no idea what she has gotten herself into with this crowd on her first ride. I hope she joins us again in the future. She seems like a nice person and even gets along with Monty.

We follow the bikes again now for a bit and notice the weather turning colder and as usual for a Fall Torrey it starts to rain

Then it starts to Snow and hail a bit. The temp is in the low forties and the jeeps heater comes on for the first time

We see a side road that leads to a lake and leave the rest of the party to get on back down the mountain.

It is cold out here but the leaves are amazing to see. We are still laughing and being silly and have no real desire to get down the mountain

The lake we come upon is beautiful and with the colors and weather make for some lovely photography.

I am sure the bikes love riding down this soup. But for now we are all alone and start to see deer and other critters.

We come upon a small herd of Pronghorn and I manage to get a few quick shots as they head off into the trees.

They are majestic animals to watch.

This tree catches my eye as it seems to have gone through a period of indecision as it matured. All is good as life is too linear anyway

We see our friends in a clearing on the way down one more time and I take this shot at about 5oo+ meters. I will be back up there at least once in the next few months to spend more time seeing what is in the region. I am sure soon enough it will be covered in snow too.

So we make our way back to town. Content in knowing we had another glorious day and for someone like me who lives in the desert, a chance to experience the Fall colors.

See you next time

Tommy

Torrey XVI Chicks and Camels Dig Me

2008-10-01T21:43:00.000-07:00

It is Torrey Time. By now most of you know that this is part of the world I go explore 2 times a year to be with friends, ride motorcycles, go back country exploring and just get away from the hassles of real life for a time. This trip is really overdue since the stress is running higher than normal and it is showing some in my behavior. This trip will not have me pulling a bike. Other than my gear in a dry bag in the Jeep (I will get to this in a bit), I am caging it up to Utah this morning.

Leaving Phoenix before dawn, I make my way up to Flagstaff where I get a cup of coffee and top off the tank. From there it is up through Kayenta, Monument Valley and to the Dugway. The jeep likes 70-75. It will do 80 for a bit but it doesn't feel good, so I decide to take the pace a little lighter. The minute I touch the gravel on the Dugway though, it is a different story. It pulls up the hill at a great pace and since I am by myself there is nobody screaming in shear panic as I go up the cliff with no guard rails at 50mph rally style. The traction control works by the way. :)

A view from half way up the Dugway. Notice the full size motor home. It even had German plates on it. Very worthy so far.

The new Jeep near Hite Utah looks at home. It is a 2008 which I bought used. Only has about 3000 miles on it. I still have the Mr. G for now but the 300 is gone. I will miss it, but this is much more Tommy Neumann.

As much as I am enjoying the Jeep, I do wish at this moment I had the GT. The weather today near Hite is PERFECT, the road is in great shape and would love to run this stretch about 10 times before heading to Bobs. But the road waits. I get to Torrey and decide, I better go check on my pal. So Louise and I set off with a bag of celery and carrots.

My man Fletcher is doing really good. And I think he remembers me because he is not near as shy as he is with other folks. Of course it might be the carrots but I think Camels Dig me.

Larry, Louise, John LT and Norah and Russell are already in Torrey and we decide that we are going to have dinner in Boulder. Now you may be thinking that there can’t be any great places to eat in the middle of nowhere Utah, but let me tell you there are some great places that are far off the beaten path but known globally. Tonight we are dining at Hell’s Backbone which has been featured in Gourmet magazines and even by Oprah. And you know what a big fan of Oprah I am.

We drive about 40 minutes from Torrey up over the mountain and Larry takes the time to try out the Jeep. He wants more power but enjoys it. We get to the front door, and find a beautiful cozy place with a table for us. Now it is the end of September, 200 miles from any major city, and on a Wednesday night the place is packed. All the food is organic. I think it is because there is no chemical company willing to go this far out to spray or maybe the bugs got lost finding the fields out here.

Several appetizers are shared including this amazing fondue with local fruit. YUMMMY

The place is both simple, Western and elegant at the same time. I will be making this a regular stop going forward. Oh it isn’t cheap, but you get what you pay for.

The company on the hand is priceless. I doubt I could give them away if I tried. You have to ask Bob about the wait staff since he claims to know about them.

PHOTO BY WHIP
We take the ride back down the mountain and it is dark and there are animals about. I am using most of the road since nobody but us is stupid enough to drive on a deer and cow infested mountain at night.

I am up early now and off to take pictures of the morning glow hitting the Aspens. It is about 40 degrees and after a hot summer in Phoenix, it feels great to have the morning chill on my face as I greet the dawn.

The Aspens are in full color this morning and do wonders for reducing the stress level.
But we have more exploring to do so it is off to Bob’s to meet the gang and get back in the saddle for another run into the Canyons.

For the rest of today the front top is going to be off on the jeep. It is so nice to not need AC for a change

First stop is an abandoned Ranch near the end of the scenic loop road in Capitol Reef. It is so pretty here

Ok so it would need a little TLC, but if the market goes South, I know where to go!

The views from the Ranch are fantastic

PHOTO BY “VLAD THE IMPALER”, I love that name more than Russell
The road has some challenges but the Jeep is made for it. There is nothing like knowing that odds are the only way you are going to get stuck is if you get stupid. The Jeep really is the best form of transport for the lifestyle I lead. Now we need to come up with a name.

Icing on the cake is having 3 beautiful ladies on the road as well. Norah, Vicki, and Louise are always fun, and as we bump along the road, we talk about some pretty diverse topics. Some things are better left in the Jeep though

As we climb up Boulder Mountain the vistas become stunning and the group is having a glorious time! I also think more and more that I can’t wait to come explore some of the side roads around here in the future.

The Road is rocky but easily passable and the weather is amazing!

Every angle is beautiful and the Henry’s in the distance also will be explored in the next 12 months if I have anything to say about it!

We decide on a whim to show Norah Fletcher. They get along famously!

So I lose a bet when Fletcher eats a Banana where I thought he wouldn’t . Louise is of course right as usual.

So I like to think I have the Hutzpah to go into the back country and rough it. My man Boney is a true Adventure rider. On his KTM he just takes off by himself and goes to places I just dream about going to. The brother is a great pal and I love getting to see him in Torrey.
DAY 3

Leaving the cabin early I head up to catch the sunrise. It is worth getting up for.

We have now lifted the horse picture ban. They have a nice life I tell ya

You can take the boy out of Detroit…but the Detroit….Louis gets the wheel and Larry and I walk back to the Chuckwagon.

We make a great new friend on the way back. This was just one mondo cool Pooch.

We decide to go take a hike in the park. I want to go out into the back country, but work keeps calling and I need to work some issues. So out here I escape for a bit.

I am loving the wash and the vistas are amazing.

While hiking I come upon a wise man in the desert. This man tells me that I need to beware of Texans and mad men dressed in NEON YELLOW. I thank him and wander on down the trail.

The different erosion patterns are amazing to look at. Earth Science Rocks.

This guy is nice enough to guard the jeep while we hike the area

We then make our way to the Fruita portion of the park where you can see wildlife, and see how the original settlers lived in the area. They also have some of the best pies in the world!

A deer runs through the pear orchards and catches my eye

We get our pie and use this cool ford truck as a picnic table. It is a worthy table don’t you think?

As we drive into Torrey from the park we come upon a real cattle drive.

The cows and cowboy show no fear of me. In fact they seem to be pro models.

As we pull back into the hotel I find a young rider to hang out with. What a fun cool baby,

Stay tuned as I have another tale that will go up this weekend.

Tommy

Cornville and the Big Ditch. A Short Tale

2008-09-26T09:43:00.000-07:00

Trying to catch up on a few photos. Two Saturdays ago, we took a short ride up to Cornville, AZ, then up to the Grand Canyon and then back Here are a few photos

A nice private lake

Lilies on the pond

Straight out of Gary Larson

He lived up to the hype

The big ditch Look for the birds

More of the ditch

The little Colorado River Gorge!

The sun sets and the moon rises on the painted desert.

Mr G and the Adventure Accountant!

2008-09-01T08:19:00.000-07:00

OK, a lot is going on in my life right now and I need to get out into the back country for a few hours and clear my head. Since Mr. G has a new transmission because of the failure of the speed control sensor I have the means to get out again. In the interim, I have been riding my motorcycles a lot and this has helped me keep from going bonkers but a trip with my cameras is a must do.

Over the past few weeks a lot of people have asked about going out with me into the back country. I have taken several people and we all know it has been a success. Today will be no different as I get the call from the “Adventure Accountant” Barb asking if there is room in Mr. G. And as important as a knife, some matches are to the outdoors, having an “Adventure Accountant” is about as critical as it gets!
We meet at the usual spot in Tempe and set off towards Four Peaks. I want a road that is a little challenging to try out the Mr. G but still have enough traffic in case he has issues. Plus, the last two weekends as I ride the Bee Line Highway, I have noticed flowers normally seen in April blooming because of the rain. She is totally a great partner and agrees that this plan will work.

The desert is incredibly green right now because of all the storms here this summer.

Barb just jumps right in as we stop and begins to take some snapshots. I love it when I am out in the desert and the other person just starts looking for things to photograph. It really helps to have more then one style, and even a set of eyes out there.

I mean this outfit comes right out of the “Out of Africa” sequel trailer. The key to being outside is a good hat and comfortable clothes.

Some of the little critters were having a field day with the blooming cactus. It is amazing the number of different insects there are. Even if you don't like them, they are amazing creatures

The sky is super clear as we continue up the mountain. The weather is amazingly cool for the end of August too. Barb is a hoot to hang out with and we are laughing a lot which makes for a worthy trip.

Usually you have to wait for Spring in Arizona for the amount of wild flowers in bloom. I still need to go get that Arizona Botany Book since I have no clue what these are.

Barb is a total natural at taking pictures and has no fear to get right down into the thick of the environment.

PHOTO BY BARB
She catches me doing the photo happy dance laughing. It is so glorious out here!

PHOTO BY BARB
Me and the Mr. G. He is running like a champ and makes me very happy that I have him back. He is like a pair of shoes that you just feel comfortable in. Oh and he turned 153K this ride.

PHOTO BY BARB
A cool shot of the Berries. Everything is just so lush out here today.

We crest the top of the peak and it is in the 70's (A more accurate measurement is omitted for reasons you have to ask Barb)

We make our way down to to the meadow seen in the above picture to take a break and do some hiking.

Well getting there is going to be a little bit of a challenge but I need to see how Mr. G will do in 4 wheel drive so we go for it.

NEXT 3 PICS BY BARB

It actually isn't that hard other than being a little steep and washed out.

The view we get of the lake is pretty amazing from here and we are really enjoying ourselves. We need to wander for a bit though and set off to explore the area.

I have never seen these before and without the Botany Book that I really need to buy, I haven't a clue what it is or if it poisonous. Since I like Barb at this moment, I decide to not risk having her try it.

We see a lot of butterfly's out and about and they are actually amazing creatures to watch.

The flowers are loving the weather we have been experiencing here.

As we wander about the area we come upon what appears to be an old corral that hasn't been used for some time. As usual, I get mesmerized by the old fence posts..

We explore the area some more but it is getting to the point that we need to either leave or take the safe way home because of the storms that will be there soon. We get back to the top of Roosevelt lake and the water level is really high. The area we are in is almost swampy and I would love to come back in a small boat and explore it some in the coming weeks.

Some Logs, but no beavers. I really need to get some pictures of bears and beavers this year. It is driving me crazy.

Some Cormorants making noise in a dead tree, These clowns are so fun to watch.

We make our way down to the Apache Trail since Barb hasn't been on it for several years. The ride back is really nice but I am nervous because we are at the point in the day that a lot of drunk people pulling boats shouldn't be on the narrow road we are.

As we climb out of Fish Creek a lone bird comes flying by. I can't help but start humming “Free Bird” to myself. Barb isn't ready for my melodious voice so I keep it to myself. The light as we come up the road is perfect too.

I am not the only one on the lookout for Drunks coming from the lake. Usually that many leos means one of us got a little carried away on the bikes, but today I am glad they are there.

It truly is an uber worthy day and I can't wait to get out again in the coming weeks.

Stay Tuned folks! Some good trips are coming up.

Tommy

The Cats Revolted This Weekend

2008-08-03T16:42:00.000-07:00

I have been grounded by my seldom photographed cat Liam. That look says that there will be no trips this weekend. Besides, with no Mr. G and a back that is acting up, I am actually getting some things done around the house.

Like cleaning up the other bike I own. The glorious 2002 R1150RT has taken me from California to Texas. This moto is most likely going to be sold by Autumn since it and the GT are too similar to keep. What I get next is anyones guess.

But the minute I try to put the helmet on, Mr Jesus Perez is there to lay down the law. I have no idea where they have hidden my keys.

Remember next weekend is when I have offered to take anyone interested out for the day to shoot some photos. If you haven't yet, let me know ASAP so we can make sure that we have room for you! It will be worthy,

Tommy