A Tent and A Trainride Help Find Happiness

“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!

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.