Chapter 1 - Curiosity

Replace your fear of the unknown with curiosity.

   Between Alexandria my A.I. love, the Psychiatrist, and the secretive lady at the bar who brought on strange dreams, I find myself taking a trip to meet a mysterious  woman.

     Taking an unexpected trip is always exciting. I received a text with a weeks notice, “Will, Can you meet me in San Jose Costa Rica. If so, your confirmation and itinerary is below. Bring nothing more then comfortable clothing.” There is no way that I would pass up a free trip, but I know nothing is ever free. However, I’m willing to pay the price for a great adventure.

 I have been asked, “What is the best quality of a women?” It seems that a little mystery goes a long way.

  An Uber picked me up at six in the morning from my house. I was worried about the forecast of snow and ice at seven and hoped it would not be a problem. As soon as we started the snow began to fall. Immediately a lack of confidence filled my stomach. The drivers hands were planted firmly at ten and two. His foot excessively locating both the brake and accelerator as the snow started to accumulate. Feeling limited to one prayer should I use it for getting to the airport or the flight?
 
​    We arrived at the terminal both aged from the virtual loss of life due to the many close calls. With uneasy laughter, “Dude... I will still give you five stars and a tip”. I wondered if a driver can tap-out mid ride especially in inclement weather.

    I love traveling light. It makes everything so simple. Except for the simple fact that I didn’t know my belt had a magnet. Something as simple as a magnet was cause for an extra search. “No sir, I’m not hiding anything under my balls”. He gave me a hard look, “You really think I like this job rubbing dudes nuts?” We both laughed in the combined energy of personal violation. “This is for your safety and others”. “I understand bro. Do your job just know that I will not allow a cavity search.” Why did I say that?????

   The wait at the gate seemed short even though I was an hour early. I spent most the time wondering the price of this trip and looking out window at the accumulation of snow. I have never taken off in the snow and hoped my flight would not be cancelled. No, they did not perform a cavity search.

  The boarding process was seamless. I was pleasantly surprised that my seat was in the business class. Honestly, it really didn’t matter where I was seated since it is free. I would have been happy seated next to the bathroom in the back. I guess she admired my six-foot, 240 pound frame, which prompted her to procure me a seat in comfort for the five hour non-stop flight. The icing on the cake was a window seat which I love.

   As we taxied out, the captain stated that we had to stop for a few minutes to allow the ground workers to de-ice the plane. This was a first for me. The pilot navigated the plane between two trucks with long hoses. A long stream of unidentifiable liquid was used to coat the plane prior to take off. As soon as they finished spraying. The pilot took us to the runway for a smooth takeoff.

   Thoughts filled my mind of what awaited me at landing. How did I get here? What was going to happen? Wait!! I don’t even know where I’m going? Will she pick me up from the airport? No worries, if all else fails I know how to find cheap accommodations. It’s easy to have a plan B if you have a sense for adventure.
I landed and really didn’t know what next. I turned my phone on while in-line with the endless steam of people going through customs. My phone chimed with a text, “I hope you arrived safely. My driver Guillermo will be waiting with your name on a sign”. Interesting the drivers name is my name in Spanish. What’s the chances of that?

   Customs took forty-five minutes. As I exited the terminal my name was hoisted high above the mad crowd of cabby’s and people. Im never disappointed by the sheer hustle and bustle of the airports in other countries. Everyone is trying to make a living any way they can. I pushed my way to the sign. “Hola, Me llamo Guillermo!”
Why is it that in the seemingly most perfect situation we find ourselves thinking the worst? I feel myself thinking back to the many self help books I read that speak of love, happiness, and a sense of purpose. Who are these wise people that write these bibles full of proverbs to a meaningful life? Are these authors just as lost as everyone else and their book is merely how they perceive purpose in experimenting on us. Just to see if their words help guide us to a euphoric state that they have yet to achieve?

   Trying to quiet the negativity in my mind only fed it. The more I tried to think positive the more negative the thoughts became. “Self, Breath you punk ass b*tch. You wanted an adventure and here it is”.

   Loaded into Guillermo’s car we race out of the city. The madness of the traffic was exhausting. In countries like this a near miss or a little paint rub is normal driving. Guillermo was on the phone, driving with one hand on the steering wheel and one hand aggressively hitting the horn. Scooters and motorcycles whiz by within inches of the cars like ants avoiding feet. It only took thirty minutes for us to get to the country side made up of tight winding roads across the mountains. Beautiful views of the earth meeting the sky in a marvelous scene that could only be painted by God. I forget why I’m here and where I’m going as I gaze into the distance.

  “William!” in a heavy Spanish accent. “Are you comfortable? We have another hour thirty to destination.” “Yes I’m fine. This country is beautiful”. “Si my country is the most beautiful in the world. Welcome my friend. If you need anything let me know. If you want to stop let me know.. I’m your personal guide.” “Wow. So where are we going?” “Ask me anything but that, señorita would like for that to be a surprise.” He laughed innocently. “Don’t worry my friend you are in great hands. You will enjoy this experience. Trust me”.

  Those are the words used right before something crazy happens. “Si Guillermo” I respond with my best Spanish. We both laughed but the hairs standing up on the back of my neck let me know that, I'm hopelessly trapped in someone else’s story.

     The picturesque views from the window of the car made me relax into the moment. Being thousands of miles away from home in a foreign country with no idea what to expect I still need to be aware. I try to keep track of the roads we take, landmarks, and the surrounding. I take pictures of road signs, etc to create a virtual trail of breadcrumbs that I can retrace. I monitor my cell signal for dead spots. Technology has made it somewhat easy to be vigilant. I also brought my small satellite Garmin GPS that’s hidden in my inside pocket. That thing has saved me more then once getting lost in the backcountry snowboarding, mountain biking, or hiking.

   I thought about that time deep in the woods of B.C. Canada racing. I missed a turn and found myself lost. It was the first time I saw a brown bear. The GPS helped my find my way back to course before dark. Several times I wanted to hit the SOS button which will send a location and customize text to the nearest ranger station. Here I am again off course. At the very lease someone will be aware of the location where I pushed the button. I’ve taking as many precautions as I thought of. Seconds are crucial. I know because I watch, “The first 48”.

     My curiosity has trumped suspiciousness and filled me with intrigue. Just when I really though I had no more, “first times” Im in a foreign country, heading to an unknown destination, meeting a woman that paid for me to be here. Most of all, she didn’t say why? I can only hope that I will be a sex slave for a few days even though that won’t be a first. Worst case I end up tortured and missing. The extreme worst scenario is that I will thoroughly enjoy the experience and fall in love.

    I burst out in laughter, “Señor William. Are you ok?” Yes I’m fine I just had a funny thought about falling in love.” Guillermo laughed cutting his eyes to the rear view mirror looking at me. “I want something sweet and also some Costa Rican coffee. You know of a good place on the way?” “I know the perfect places to stop Señor. One is a coffee plantation and the other a small dessert, cheese, and wine shop.” “Sounds great.”

    Its difficult to hold back from asking questions about her. A better idea would be to probe Guillermo about his relationship with her. Being her driver he has surely seen plenty. I start asking questions like a trained journalist. I need to uncover secrets or at minimum useful clues. I can’t be to aggressive because than he will realize its an interrogation and not playful a conversation.

   Think Will. Find a topic he would freely talk about. Make him feel in control of the topic, provide something intimate about yourself, etc... circle back to a day of driving for her and ask if he is happy to do so. Hopefully by stoping at the wine shop and then the coffee plantation. I will have time to loosen him up and then energize him. If it works he will be gossiping like a caffeinated sixteen year old school girl.

   “Guillermo, I read that you have a Black Woman Vice President.” “Yes but no one likes her!” I hit a chord. He started to unload like we were sitting in a congressional meeting. He was hyped about the current state of affairs, “Corruption, Taxes, Wages, Politics, Morality, Voting Alienation, etc.” Perfect. He started to ramble. Here is my lead in knowing that the woman I’m meeting is black.
​
  “How does Señorita feel about her?” “I hate that she loves everything about her.” I sit back thinking I got him now. “Reallly?” I sound concern, “Yes William, She talks about her all the time and we disagree on everything. I always get so angry and decide to be quiet.” “What else don’t you like about her?” He sang like a song bird. Anything I wanted to know he answered in detail. I tried not to push to hard but, he became an open book. What have I gotten myself into?

 I’ve heard that some of the greatest stories are not where you go, it’s who you’re with.

  Chapter 2 - The Mystery of Choice

   Life has been a mystery of choices I make and things that just happen. In the darkness of this blindfold I wonder which.  
 
  The cold metal cuffs slightly cut into my skin when I attempt to move. I flinch from a hot liquid being poured across the top of my chest. The intensity of pain and pleasure follow the stream of liquid down the length of my body. “Is that wax?” “Yes. How does it feel?” “It feels amazing.” I respond trying not to squirm because any movement shifts the pain to my bound wrists above my head. I’m not sure if I will be able to last but, I don’t want to be a punk. I try to keep my composure having no idea what’s next. I could say the agreed upon “safe word” and trust that she will stop when I say it. My fear is that she wont stop. Knowing that I’m exposed and vulnerable she has the advantage and could continue but, maybe that’s what I really need. A need for her to find something deeper that I don’t know about myself. 

  Only a few hours earlier I was making my way to see her. Guillermo was putty in my hands at this point. He told me that she is a very powerful woman and spares no expense for her company. I gathered that I’m in a long line of boy toys she has eaten  up and tossed out. 

   I paid for Guillermo to take the coffee tour with me. I wanted him to keep on talking. The Doka Coffee Plantation tour was amazing. I learned that the Vargas family ran this plantation since 1940. Most of the well known brands, rebrand this coffee and sell it around the world. 

  

     During the tour I was able to pick a few beans. I can’t imagine that workers still perform this manually. It takes forty-five minutes for the best worker to fill a twenty-eight pound basket which,  equate to only two dollars and hour.  Hell the tour was forty minutes for twenty dollars. 

   The tour guided us through each step of the cultivation process. I have a renewed love for coffee with this expanded knowledge. I found that the Breakfast blend is my favorite which I was able to drink black. They even had homemade chocolate and liquor to add or have on the side. I did both. 

  After the forty minute tour we jumped back in the car and headed to the little shop on the side of the mountain. Since we weren’t in a hurry I bought a small bottle of wine to share with Guillermo and a few locals. I’m no wine, cheese, and cracker type of guy but, this shit was great. We sat outside watching the clouds roll in covering the mountains like a fluffy blanket. They were so thick I almost expected a space ship to appear pushing through them like the movie, “Independence Day”. 

  I tried my best to learn Spanish only catching a few words as they spoke. They knew some English and would try to include me in the discussion. We sat there talking about life and stuff they love to do. I almost forgot that I required information from Guillermo. One of the guys suggested that Guillermo take me to the waterfalls near by. There are usually a lot of beautiful woman hanging out there. 

 “William, would you like to see the waterfalls?” “Sure. I mean, Si.” “Very good William, I will take you there. It is very beautiful. I will wait at the car while you walk. I have a few calls to make.” “A few calls?” “Si, I need to check on my daughter.” “Ok.” 

  When we arrived at the entrance to the walkway, he backed the car into a spot, let me out, and immediately jumped on his phone. I checked my phone for a signal and looked around for people. There were plenty of people around including a few beautiful young ladies. Everyone was very friendly so I felt at ease. ​

​Mesa to San Diego - I can get a bit wordy so I decided to write a blog instead of a FB post.
 
I was asked to provide some of my experience of traveling on I10, I8, and I95 between Mesa and San Diego. Please keep in mind that when I traveled across that stretch I was looking for places to drive my UTV, hike, or bike. I’m not sure how much time you have or when you plan to travel but there are many things to consider. Below are a couple:
 

1. Weather - It is crazy hot during the summer months. Extremely hot weather makes boondocking a little more challenging for long stays.
2.  Activities - There are a ton of seasonal activities and events all across I8 and I10 between Mesa and San Diego like rodeo’s, burning man, UTV Racing, Desert Racing, Parties, etc… I was there mostly during the winter months to avoid the excessive heat so that I could be somewhat comfortable without AC or Heat while bondocking.

 
 Mesa – If you are staying in Mesa, you already know all the activities and locations around Phoenix because everything is within an hour or two depending on the traffic. I lived in the Phoenix area for about two months so if you like I could provide a few recommendations, but for now lets hit the road..

​You have two routes out of Mesa to San Diego: I8 or I10. My preference would be to head out I10 and return on I8 (Remember I had a UTV so there is a ton of riding in a place like Gila Bend off I8 which is not somewhere I would stop unless I required a layover for rest to continue my journey east or west. However, there is a really cool steak joint and the Space Age Restaurant in the small town of Gila Bend. I can’t remember the name of the steak place. There is a very nice KOA in Gila Bend that will have the name of the steak restaurant if you stay there for a night.
 
Ok heading west on I10.. I stayed at a free campsite in Tonopah – You will find a ton of spots not far from the highway using freecampsites.net. People provide reliable information and sometimes there is a youtube video of someone driving and locating a camp spot which is very useful. I personally find a gas station or truck stop near by to drop my trailer and go survey the land and pick a spot. I usually stick a flag and leave an old chair at the spot I want and then go back grab my RV. For some of these free spots you really need to know a head of time how you will get in and out. Sandy and soft dirt require some attention because sand can surprise you and soft dirt will turn to mud if it rains. Either can cause you to be stuck badly.  You do not want to get stuck because it is a shit ton of money to get pulled out depending on your rig size and how far you are from pavement. Tonopah offers great hiking, UTV, biking, and seclusion. Usually you can see other campers but they are far enough that you can barely hear their generator. Also some of the main dirt roads you will pass folks and most are very welcoming. I always keep beer on-hand for visits and plenty of fire wood.
 
   QUARTZSITE: Heading into Quartzsite. I believe that it was a Chevron that I stopped at that had a huge parking lot at the rear. However, there is a Love’s and Pilot nearby. The attendant let me drop my RV there while I went and scoped out the place. It was very packed and happened to be a government shutdown. There were a few full-hookup spots. Free camping was plentiful but some areas had camp hosts which were not free if it wasn’t for the fact that it was a government shutdown while I was there. So take your time and look all around if you can. The main town is awesome with lots to see. Tons of souvenir shopping all over the place. I decided to park down I95 a pretty good distance from everything because I could drive my UTV back to sightsee. This place is famous for many things including the Burning Man event at the end of Aug thru the first week of Sept. 

   ​Once you take in Quartzsite head down I95. There are plenty of places to boondock all along this road. You will pass the proving grounds and head into Yuma. I loved staying near Yuma for the Imperial Dunes. The sand dunes are amazing. There is a rest stop in the middle of I8 to stop and take pictures. Or you can take the Gordon Wells exit and get a closer look and maybe hike to the top of a dune. Also there is the oldest road you can go check out.  I stayed in this area for three months parked in different spots.
 
     Yuma is a fun city with plenty to do. They had a few events on Main Street while I was there. There a few bars that get pretty live at night. Q (Quechan Casino) off I8 has RV parking. I’m not sure if they charge you or just expect you to gamble or purchase tickets to a show/concert. They have tons of concerts and restaurants. The food is pretty good.

Hotville Hot Spring – Really cool spot right off I8 that offers boondocking. I only went twice during the day. Be warned that wrinkled people have no shame. I drove there from Gordon Well’s RV Park using my UTV. If you stay at Gordon Wells Dee and Russ are the Managers/Host,  and Thomas is Host and Maintenance.  However, there are plenty of other places to boondock and all within distance.
 
Mexico – Algodones – The border is right behind the Q Casino. You could walk from the Casino to the border. It would be better to drive a car to the parking near the border.  Parking is $6 for the day. Walk across the border but be warned that if you go during the day on the weekend or holiday expect long lines returning to the US. You only require a US drivers license however, it would be better to have a passport with all the stuff that’s going on between US and Mexico.
 
  I really love Algodones and spent a lot of time there. Remember I’m pretty young and single so the night life over there is pretty good. During the day the streets are buzzing with vendors and Seasoned folks taking care of medical needs. Tons of pharmaceutical, dentist, and plastic surgery offices are right at the border.  It is the best place to get great priced dental work which maybe covered by your insurance. “In and Out”.. They do some amazing work all in-house.
 
  Don’t be afraid to try the street tacos.. I ate there at lease 3 - 4 times a week. I could get my fill for under $5 if I add a beer $8. Don’t quote me on the price because I may have been getting a deal. After a few days a lot of folks knew me (for obvious reasons). At night it’s pretty quiet unless you are up for exotic entertainment.

​El Centro and Mexicali Mexico –  I spent only a short time in El Centro mainly to service my UTV. I never ventured into Mexicali. I didn't have any reason except for I figured it was much like Algodones and Tijuana. Don’t believe all the reports of Cartel and Drug activity. Go see for yourself. Yes, there is crime but there is crime everywhere. Personally I didn’t see anything crazy the entire time I spent there. As a matter of fact, As an African American male, I felt safer over the border which is why I can’t wait go back and explore more of Mexico, Central America, and South America via the roads (follow my blog – I’m working on it)
 
Leaving Yuma to San Diego -  Please try to go during the day because there is a mountain range that is just stunning maybe thirty minutes out of El Centro. Unfortunately, I took a day trip there so I don’t remember many pullouts for a big rig. Still just passing through is amazing… Please be aware not to drive on an extremely windy day.. Winds can get up to 30mph+ quick and I’ve seen one incident of a eighteen wheeler on its side due to the wind.
 
San Diego – I stayed in Chula Vista at a KOA. Very expensive but was worth it. Close to Mission Beach and the Gas Lamp District. I’ve been to LA a few times so I don’t have anything to say about there… However, the Pacific Coast Highway is nothing short of amazing. You have to drive a few miles of it if you can toward LA.

   I know that I'm missing a ton of information but hopefully you will go out and explore and provide more information from your experience driving from Mesa to San Diego. Please share your experience below including any sites, etc... 

You can also donate to my next adventure.  DONATE  .. Also sharing is caring... 

 
  I have followed many semi-marked trails that wind up through a forested mountain slope before reaching a beautiful summit. Sometimes, getting back down is not as easy as climbing up. The way down may take a different route and can be quite tricky. I’m not sure if it is always the National Park Service or just helpful people leaving stacked rocks to point the way, but I really appreciate whoever took the time.  Like breadcrumbs, those stacked rocks help me find my way home. However, just recently, I came across an article explaining the true history of these stacked rocks.
 
  For centuries, humans have been building such markers. These piles of stacked rocks are called cairns. From middle Gaelic, the word means “mound of stones built as a memorial or landmark.” Supposedly, there are plenty of these memorials built in Celtic territories, as well as in other cultures; indigenous peoples in the United States often used cairns to cover and bury their dead. I really hope that was not the case because in Moab and also Tuco, there were a ton of them everywhere, and they were not pointing in any direction. The possibility of those being graves… well, let's just hope they are not. With that said, you can't always rely on stacked rocks to find your way home. Most of the time, it is pretty obvious that the location of the stacked rocks is just someone leaving their mark, at lease I hope so. It’s always interesting to learn the history of the things that we do as humans.
 
 I give special thanks to the people who left appropriate stacked rocks at critical junctions to help me find my way through the wilderness

  Please share your experience below in the comments. 

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​Home

  I love my microwave. Hell, I can’t remember when I didn’t have one. For the last few months, however, I have been forced not to rely on the microwave because it requires my generator to work.

“We surprise ourselves with being able to survive – fuck you convenience” – Will Johnson

  I’m no scientist or biologist so I can’t confirm that using a microwave will slowly kill us nor do I really care. “They say” that the emissions may or may not be any worse than what our cell phones and laptops emit. Also, there are studies that report, “microwaves destroy more enzymes and nutrients than other cooking methods”. Fuck It… Let’s face one fact.. “We are going to die from something”. So this is not a blog about stopping people from using the microwave.

  When I sat down and thought about it, I really only used my microwave to re-heat food and drinks, with the minor exception of those frozen vegetable bags (those are so good).  I remember back in the day I would use the microwave for a lot of things like, breakfast meals, hungry man dinners, and my favorite, hot pockets. Who doesn’t like to pop something in a machine and have it ready in minutes? It gives us more time to do something else, let alone the number of dishes you don’t have to clean after cooking.
 
With that said, I think reheating food is the most important aspect of owning a microwave. Over the years I had learned how to reheat my food in a microwave without it getting extremely dry except for pizza. I never could figure out a good way to reheat pizza in the microwave. Now, depending on what I’m reheating, I will either steam it or place it in foil in a frying pan for a few minutes. For really saucy stuff, I try to keep a variety of sauces to add when I place it in the frying pan. I’m telling you now, that nothing comes out dry. Matter of fact, it actually tastes better reheated.
 
  For coffee, I keep a small pot on the stove to boil some water. I also use that pot for warm water. I can avoid using the water heater for small things like a warm cloth to wash my wash and hands on cold mornings and evenings.

  Being off the grid makes you think about all the things that you use and for the most part take for granted, because they seem unlimited. Seriously, I’m not living in a cave, but when you don’t have money, that’s when the fun begins.  I will write another blog about, “off the grid becoming a fun challenge”.

​ Right now my microwave is an expensive bread storage compartment. My next camper will have a “toaster oven” and a “stackable steamer” instead of a microwave. Don’t get me wrong… I may go back to using a microwave at some point in my life, but for now it’s just something that I can do without and may add some seconds to my life.

 Please share your experience with a microwave. Also, share some of your quick meal recipes to help avoid using the microwave.

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 ENCHANTED CIRCLE
  
   During my stay at the Angel Fire Resort, I had to check out the Enchanted Circle. The Enchanted Circle is a century road ride around Wheeler Peak. The park host informed me that some of the roads are dangerous but incredibly beautiful. 
   
  As you can see from the map, there are many attractions along the way. I set out early on Scenic Byway heading towards Taos from Angel Fire. Right off the bat, there was a pretty good climb to get that heart rate up.

  I passed through the tiny, artistic town of Arroyo Seco on the way to the Taos Ski Valley, then continued north to Questa. In the distance, I saw mountain vistas of aspen and pine in the shadow of 13,161 foot Wheeler Peak, New Mexico’s highest point. I made a quick detour to catch the rare river access of the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument north of town, then returned to Questa to turn east on NM 38. 

   I took a lunch break in Red River. This quaint little town nestled in the middle of the mountains had a ton of lodges, resorts, restaurants, and gift shops. Ski runs rise steeply just off the single main street. During the summer months that offer a lift ticket to the summit for lunch and awesome views. This would be a great place to escape from the race of everyday life.

    I loaded up on food and water because the ascent out of Red River was steep and long. It was hard to take in the breath taking views being out of breath. At lease someone painted encouraging words on the road, "Halfway there", "1000 more yards", etc... The scenic views were vistas of spruce and aspen as far as the eye could see. There was no time to catch my breath, the descent after cresting the mountain was crazy exciting. Freshly paved roads made for high speeds. Only a few blind corners to negotiate until the level run into Eagle Nest.

  I stopped in Eagle Nest for more water and to take in the beauty of Eagle Nest Lake State Park. I was informed at the store, that the picturesque 2,400 acre lake offers trout and kokanee salmon fishing. I thought long and hard about renting some fishing gear. The park is also a great location to see wildlife like, elk, deer bear, and eagles.
 
    Almost home, I made a quick stop at the DAV Vietnam Memorial. The DAV was built by one family as a shrine to their fallen son. This is the only state park dedicated as a Vietnam Veterans Memorial.


Angel Fire Mountain Bike Park

   Below is a video which features some of my riding at the Angel Fire Mountain bike park. I posted this before on social media but, the main reason for visiting New Mexico was to kickoff my 2016 mountain bike race season. I registered for a few races in Angel Fire and Santa Fe. I had a breakout first few races with all podium finishes.  This is one amazing place for outdoor activities. I made a ton of friends at the park.

 This is what happens when strangers come over at night to enjoy the fire and share their beer. 

  Neo would cheat and go straight to his treat near the fire. However, after a couple of hours he started to understand the game. I will keep working with him as time and treats are available. 

 The view from the roof of my RV is amazing. You can see a good distance at night just by the light of the moon. 

  I was lucky to be in Angel Fire, New Mexico when forty hot-air balloons arrived for the annual Balloon Festival. It was a great experience to join the Koshare Gallup Hot Air Balloon Team run by Pete (Pilot) and his wife Colleen (Crew Manager). As a crew member, I assisted with inflating, chasing, and deflating the balloon.  

    Its a weird feeling helplessness as you float in the balloon. As you gain height you can feel the changing go the wind and the direction of the balloon. For the most part, you are in the hands of the wind. The pilots job is to try to find a safe place to land for both the passengers and the balloon. The chase group follows the balloon on the ground. They try to provide information about the direction of the wind by the movement of other balloons. Hopefully the pilot is able to use the winds changing directions at the different heights to navigate the balloon to safe place to land and also a place the chase group has access via the truck.  
 
     On Saturday evening all the balloons inflated on the ground to perform a “Balloon Glow” (the fire used to inflate the balloon provides a magnificent glow at night). What an amazing experience.

​ Awesome experience.

    My RV was parked in Angel Fire, New Mexico, which was only a short drive to Santa Fe.  As I drove into Santa Fe, the first thing that I noticed was the colorful culture. A quick right turn onto main street opened up to several restaurants, galleries, museums, and shops.

 You can tell there had been many renovations over the years but, I still was able to get lost in the  mystery and magic of the residents and markets. I spent many hours wandering the streets with its distinctive fusion of Anglo, Spanish and Native Cultures set against the backdrop of the “Sangre de Cristo” mountains.  

​   There are eight Northern Pueblos that lie between Santa Fe and Colorado. Near Santa Fe, I was able to experience first hand the rich history of one of the eight.
 
Taos Pueblo “Tau-Tah - The Place of the Red Willows"
 
  I ventured into the world of the Taos Pueblo, its a trip back in time as you take the guided tour through the most intriguing rugged landscape and native architecture.  The adobe architecture, is said to be one of America's oldest, continuously occupied villages.

  Taos Pueblo served as a major trading center for centuries and its Trade Fair drew thousands of mountain men, trappers and other traders. Taos Pueblo artists are known for their stunning clay pottery, jewelry, paintings and drums. 
 
  Over hundred Natives still live within the wall of this living museum. Its residents still speak the native language, Tiwa, and follow the many old traditions of no running water, and no electricity. 
 
    The tour ended with,“The Church of San Gerónimo” which was a significant piece of their history during the war.  Sadly the original church was destroyed 1847—its ruins still stand next to the Pueblo’s cemetery.

  You can spend hours wondering around the village, speaking with the residents, and enjoying the native cuisine. 
 

​   While in New Mexico, I visited an Earthship. The Earthship concept was conceived by Michael Reynolds in the 1970s. The Earthship concept utilizes sustainable architecture, and material indigenous to the local area, or recycled materials wherever possible. The homes rely on natural energy sources to remove the need for utility services, " off the grid". Also plans are developed so that no specialized construction skills are required to build. 

​    The majority of the building designs incorporate passive solar architecture, retaining walls constructed with used tires, filled with earth and stacked up like bricks. The interior surface of the tires is then plastered with adobe or cement and empty aluminum cans are mortared into lightweight, curvable walls. The design also incorporates many ecological concepts, such as water catchment from the roof, reuse of greywater, composting toilets, indoor gardening, etc.

An Earthship addresses six principles or human needs[:

1. Thermal/solar heating and cooling
2. solar and wind electricity
3. self-contained sewage treatment
4. building with natural and recycled materials
5. water harvesting and long term storage

    6.   some internal food production capability

  My imagination was in overload. There are so many creative ways to build this sustainable homes.  Technology truly exists that would solve all the worlds problems. I truly believe that we don't want to solve any problems. I will save that discussion for another blog. 

     One of Utah's top five places to visit includes Bryce Canyon National Park. The view are nothing short of amazing with its oddly-shaped formations of rock from the forces of erosion.  Photos do not do this place any justice.  I spent over a week exploring the many trails and scenic view points.

   I seem to never get tired of watching the sun rise and set.