Belize and Beyond

Back from Belize. Feel a lot like a fish....out of water.... the Sundancer II not a bad way to spend a few days. Great Crew and new friends.... Ask for Tiffany at the Radisson Hotel bar. Very good rum punch.... Careful....Not too much.

Miles

First Monday again. Canton here I come

My new model. Jillian. A friends grand daughter. Where do you women get this look? She is ten. She will cut a very wide path.....boys beware.

Rodeo Sushi

Mesquite is known for a lot of things...Ok, well not that many except maybe the rodeo and the French Club banquet.... One thing that still makes me laugh is it has one of the tastiest sushi restaurants I have ever been to. Those that know me will understand my craving for the naked bounty of the sea. In Mesquite? Seriously? Kaze by Towneast Mall. This is the Eric special. Great company helps...but the food is awesome.

PLAYA TAILS #1

Here is the first installment of moments on the Playa. There will be 4 of them so please take a look and enjoy. Here is the youtube link.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=49iaigjL038BEEN
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=49iaigjL0...

Wildlife Shoot in the wilds of Colorado

What started out as a magazine shoot ended up as a total cluster. The equipment didn't show up...half the models left and the wardrobe was half there. The location and the weather were fabulous. So a few of the Colorado wildlife stayed around to brave the conditions. Morgan and Nick

September 15 Trailer Park Dinning

You really have to love the food trailers in Austin. I am making the rounds now and will report my findings. There are seemly millions but actually only a whole bunch. Here is today's find. Fliphappy near Zilker...Crepes of course. The pulled pork with white Cheddar is excellent.

I'm not sure if you believe in Signs from above but this one is big. I have heard of the LInguini Love Sign when I was locked in the Abby in Scaldonia but I never believed it was TRUE. Yet, just two nights ago it appeared. As the waitress picked up my plate...there is was at Romeos no less. After two days of exhausting research I have concluded it is in the same ballpark as the seas parting, the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, and the albino two headed gopher. NOW, what does it mean....other than I am an amazing slob. Please help....tell what is in the stars....

September 9, Murals and such in New Mexico

Again the State of New Mexico surprises me. What is it about murals in the hispanic culture. I love them. Why don't we see more of them than the taggers....wimps. This one was on a board in a back alley parking lot in Las Vegas....New Mexico that is. HUGE and Bright.

I found another desolate road in New Mexico on the way back from Colorado. New Mexico 104 out of Las Vegas. Great surprise at the corner....

Miles

Burning Man. Come on baby light my fire

Some things are just too much to believe even on the playa. To all those imaginations that are too much to believe.

The Dog Crew and the my dog crew. It's hard to believe you can find Heaven in the desert but it's possible. This is the end of our Spa Day at Camp Fiasco. 1000 hot dogs and two of my dogs......Thanks Rox.

house for sale...area 51

Ok, My last post before dropping off the grid. I'm motor gliding with Damien my Aussie buddy from Walmart in Fallon, Nevada on Wednesday. So....if you know where my house is....go get it...but not before next Monday....I case I survive. This "house was for sale in rural nevada...near area 51.....very sensitive neighbors...

ET Phone Home

ET phone home.... Well, I don't know if ET had ATT but if they did, good luck on getting service. Nevada 375 is another bizarre stretch of asphalt that was obviously laid down by the celestial brothers because there is not a single reason for it to be there. The ET highway is 150 miles of nothing except for the last chance bar.....and the beam...

MIles

Arizona and Utah....Nice Places

Ok. I'm a slacker. Too much play today only got me 470 miles. I did get to see Canyon de Chelly, have a dip in Lake Powell, See a bit of Zion NP, and drive down one of the most gorgeous roads around. Not a bad day. On top of that Mohammed said, " You go get nice room of hotel, now". That would be room 107 at the Knights Inn in Cedar City, Utah

I feel a houseboat week coming next summer to Lake Powell. ridiculously beautiful. Try outs will be held in May. Please be ready....

Very few times does a road make my favorite list...very few. Utah 14 is now on the list. Just crazy nice. 36 miles of alpine meadows, Zion like rocks, stark moonscapes, pine forests, and a little flat grassland at the end. Go north on Hwy 89 and turn right on Utah 14. You won't be sorry. Nevada tomorrow and Black Rock after that.

Miles

Trinity Test Site

This is the sign at the Gates of the White Sands Missile Range and more importantly the Trinity Test Site. The place were they exploded the first atomic bomb in 1945. I wanted to see it but Sergent Perkins did not want me to. Tell me that civilization has learned something from this madness.

Miles

The Ramber in the Land of Billy The Kid.

560 miles today and I didn't even make it out of New Mexico. I guess you could say I was taking my time and doing a little bit of exploring. New Mexico is an amazing state. There are so many different landscapes. High desert, dry scrub, rocky high country, and thick green ponderosa pine. "Land of Enchanntment"? Maybe? Bob Duval said it best to John Wayne in Rooster Cogburn. "That's bold talk for a one eyed fat man".

There is a small road just outside of Quemado, New Mexico near the Arizona border that is truly magic. It starts off as NM 36 but will branch off to a forest road and go high in the mountains then drop again to gravel and pavement. Desolate roads call me for some reason and this one did not disapppoint me. 103 miles of twisting and turning among Elk and Deer along the way to Gallup.
Lots of stuff in this part of New Mexico.

Miles

August 27.....The Road Warrior

With Quiet resolve the lone road warrior makes his way to the Black Rock Desert. A short stop in Cloudcraft New Mexico for some grub and back on the road. Hwy 82 from Artesia to Cloudcraft is a wonderful road. Long and desolate for the first half and a climbing green snake at the end. 627 miles so far. Wish me luck.

Docks and boats for sale...water not included

Property is expensive in Austin and the surrounding towns. Of course the most expensive property is lake front property at Lake Travis. The lake is very clear compared to other lakes in Texas and is haven for Scuba divers. As you can see the water appears very clear and all things considered it might be a good time to find a great deal on that lake front lot....

Romeo Romeo where in the hell or you?

No sort of Bar photos really explain what is going on. It was the same tonight back in Austin. I just dropped in on some dinner and the look from the bar was very entertaining. Armed with a point and shoot it looked way better than this.... So much for technology....or talent I guess. The highlight was a man and his infant daughter.... Very cool. OK. Lose the head bands! you know who I'm talking about.... to the test of time and all those who will live after you....Cheers from the street.

Miles

Deer Deer Wino's

There are certain things that you just have to like about Colorado. There are spectaular views, four seasons, 55 degree nights in August, and of course the locals... These guys were next to the fence at "Flights" wine bar this evening. Considering it was in the middle of beautiful downtown Morrison is was a very relaxing event. What is it about Mountains and things associated with them that make you feel differently? Anyone care to comment on that one? I feel a long mountain trip coming before the snows of winter. A campfire and some Cab seem to be calling....

Miles

The Face of Peking

I realized today that no one knew the outside of Peking which of course is now Beijing. It's a bit of a paradise of course for those water bugs... here is a scoop. There is something strange about the Cliff House Lodge. Not sure what is going on here but the main house seems to have a revolving door of young folks. Hummm? Not sure what the story is about the Hotel but I am bound and determined to find out... if this is my last post .... you know it was not of natural causes... Watch the Red Door..

Miles

Formula One Racer

Adrenline Junkie....sure, Speed Freak...always.....Big Man in a small car...obviously. I wanted to take the Italian racing suit home but it was not allowed. 20.03 seconds was my fastest lap. No brakes and fear....well, ok a little fear but only a few clips of the corner. Push it to the floor....

Miles

The Peking in Morrison

I"m back in Morrison again and have returned to the Cliffhouse lodge. I'm excited about being in another room this time...The Peking Room. True to it's name it is covered with cheap chinese decorations and accessories. Very far out...east if you get what I'm saying. The temp is already starting to drop as the sun goes down. These little adventures really make you think about living in places that are hotter than the sun. Big tub in the Peking Room but no lifeguard to save you either.


Miles

Hollywood and Vine

Certainly one of the more famous intersections on the planet. The question is...where is it, really? I have found a very quiet and appropriate rendition of the crossing in Glen Rose Texas. For those of you who are not familiar with Glen Rose, please ask you great great great great great...(10x 23 power) grandmother. The town is famous for Dinosaur tracks in the dry river bed. The town is quaint and a bit slow but the River City Grill is a great restaurant with wine...a big one since the county is dry and a very good menu. Not a bad place to get away for a night.... if you can handle the celebrity feel....

Miles

100,000 Words

I have been writing my thoughts for well over 25 years. Most of the years were sloppy handwritten entries into the EZ 164 Black 5x8 binder. There are tons of them. Last year was a year in pictures and this year I decided to "go digital". So tickling the computer keys have taken the place of Mrs. Garrison's classically trained hen scratch. An odd feature of the computer entries are that it counts the number of words. When I noticed this I wondered what would be the first word and last word. Along the way I started wondering about milestone words.....50,000th, 100,000th, etc.... I have decided that perhaps one of the most significant words will be the 100,000th word. It places me just about halfway into the year and that's what excited me. So, Last week in Grand Junction, Colorado sitting with a very good Cuvasion Chardonnay in a street cafe, the milestone was reached. I didn't even notice it as I wrote and it took some reverse counting to find it. But it was there. There in all it's glory and splendor. The word was also just as amazing and telling as the first half of the year. It rang true for the past as well as the future. It was a call to arms and a jem for reflection. I hope all of you take a few moments at times to write down the ebb and flow or your lives. We forget so much with the passing of time. It's nice to get a hint to help remember our journey.

99,999, LIFE, 100,001


Miles

Time to start the fire....Burningman is coming

I can't believe it's been almost a year since the great road trip to Black Rock. My how time flies. Some big changes too. I suppose everything moves on and so will I around the end of August. The mutant vehicle is not going to make it this year. Just not enough time to mutate. Does that ever happen to anyone? I will call a yurt home this year I hope and some portable shade. It actually will be wonderful to get to the Nevada desert in August where it's so much cooler. Got room if anyone wants to make the trip... Go big or Go Home.

Miles

What happens in Sonoma stays in Sonoma, literally

I realize that sometimes a cool breeze, some sunshine, and a good wine can make people forget themselves and cause them to "loosen" up a bit, however, has this ever happened to you? One shoe in the middle of the road on Highway 12 in the Sonoma Valley. Am I the only one that wonders what happened and who it belongs to? Am I? Just to be on the safe side I did check the ditch but found no one. Not even the other shoe. So if you have any clues or ideas please let me hear from you. We will get to the bottom of this....PS. love those heels...

Miles

July 22. Good bye Morrison

I'm heading back to Austin today. I will miss the Cliffhouse Lodge in Morrison. Very quirky electic place to stay. I had a soak last night and a glass of wine. I felt like a desperate housewife soaking in the big hottub with candles. Yes, I have a sensitive side...

If you get a chance and are in Denver for the night. Chuck the chain hotels and drive out to Morrison. Wine at the Wineflight which is right across the street from the Cliffhouse and dinner at the Cafe Prague. Very very good food. Don't let the scary Eastern Euro waiter make you nervous. Good bye for now Colorado I will see you again soon.

Miles

July 19. No Honeymoon in Morrison

I am back in Colorado for a few days and I'm staying at one of my favorite hotels in the world. It's the super electic cliffhouse Inn and hottube cottages. One of the truly bizarre places in Colorado. In the middle of the town of Morrison just West of Denver in the foothills, every room has a hottube. My room as it turned out is the honeymoon suite. Alone in the honeymoon suite. I guess that figures. This trip to Colorado has been tough. Lot's of wonderful memories here. My favorite month will always be October here. Lot's of lightening in October. Like there was on the drive in today. Actually July was a magical month too but for a different reason. Somehow it all signals dreams and freedom. I miss that often. So, I will drink my Champagne alone (it comes with the room) and toast memories.
I may even proofread this post just because I remembered too.

Ciao,

Miles

July 16, The River Band

Only in Austin. The moonlight cruise to see the bats with a floating band. The armada included peddle water bikes, sailboards, canoes, Kayaks, and a small hobie cat. Not much room to stretch out the strokes but still a world of fun. They didn't have this stuff when I was here years ago. I have been critical of the "hype" of Austin in the past but I must admit that there are some very very cool things about this town. Take the Blue Bell root beer floats at the Might Cone for instance.. Onward through the fog my dear friends.

Miles

July 14, Sushi Nome

I have always heard the legend of the Sushi Nome but I really didn't believe it was true, until last night. I was at a sushi bar in Houston and snapped a photo of the logo on the wall ....then suddenly, there it was....the NOME. A small head with no apparent body hovering over the raw fish. You decide....fact or fiction. I have my answer.

Miles

July 12, Wheat Thins in Paradise

Few things are better than a night in a secluded cove with a breeze and an almost full moon. Few things except of course Wheat Thins. That brings me to the real question. I have not seen any scientific research on it, but why are the chances of you opening a Wheat Thin box from the wrong end more than 50 percent? Anyone got an answer?

Miles

July 11. Zilker Park playground

It was awesome. A bunch of big brothers and big sisters in canoes with some of their flock. It makes you want to get in and join them. There are still some good folks in the world....they just never make the news. Raise your glasses for those good people you will never know.

Miles

July 9th Water Works

A soak in Lake Travis is a good place to spend a warm summer evening. Obviously, I'm not the only one that thinks so. The view from the back of the Slow Dancer.

July 7, Clueless

Have you ever felt like you had your head in the wrong place when everyone else was watching the fireworks? That has been me last couple of months... At the old homestead for a few minutes today and saw myself at the lake across the street from my old house. I'm the one in the back. My advice to all....don't stick your head down there. It's dark, cold, and tastes funny....

Miles

July 5th, Alternative Transportation

Austin has always been a center for research in alternative transportation but it was somewhat of a surprise to see among the mopeds, bikes, skateboards, bio fuel cars, and dog wheelers, a MUORSE. What I believe to be 35.9 percent mule and 64.1 horse. Your percentages may vary. The driver appeared somewhat confused as to how to park the experiment gone bad as there were no hitching posts open. Do you have to have a poop bag for this beast like you do a dog?

Miles

Happy 4th. Where ever you are?

Happy 4th of July. Do you ever feel like you need an anchor in the sea of life? I do every once in awhile. Late night munchies are always better at a place that has history. To my history I miss you.

Miles

July 2, Missing the water

I've been landlocked for a few days now and I'm missing the sea or at least water in general. I would go out to the Slow Dancer but the Lake in Austin is more than likely a little crazy. It would be nice to soak my feet a little somewhere. Maybe tomorrow I will find a crew.....a little one.

Miles

Mighty Cone....Dinner at the Trailer Park

June 30.
Food is a big part of living on the edge. Just ask Tony Bourdain or those weird dudes that eat that huge stuff.

Hot and Crunchy Shrimp Cone $5.45
Shrimp crusted with Almonds, sesame seeds, chili flakes, corn flakes, and seasonings in a tortilla cone with mango-jalapeno slaw topped with ancho sauce.

My favorite.

Miles

June 26, A Pilgrim goes to Mecca...Day 5

The Sonoma Valley was kind to the Pilgrim again today. The weather was perfect as was the wine. I suppose I wlll have to go to Napa next, but it will be hard to beat the Sonoma Valley. I'm already planning for the Fall. Want to join me?

Miles

June 25, The Pilgrim goes to Mecca Day 4

99 bottle of wine on the wall, 99 bottles of wine, take one down pass it around, 98 bottles of wine on the wall. There is a bunch of grape juice in this place. The Sonoma Valley is only about 18 miles long and 17.98 miles of that are vineyards. I got to visit my favorites....La Creme and Chaulk Hill. I had to do some driving to get there but it was worth it. If you ever come this way be sure to stop at Hearldsburg and go to Charlie Palmers on the square. Mr. Spock's brother works there and will give you wine mags to read while you are waiting. Charlie Palmer may be Captain Kirk. Membership has it's privilege's as I am now a member of two new wine clubs....DUH! I don't want any of you to hide in the bushes and wait for those shipments.... More wineries tomorrow and then off to San Fran for the trip home....

Ciao,

Miles

June 24, A Pilgrim goes to Mecca...Day 3

There are few drives in the country that can compare to the Pacific Coast Highway from Santa Cruz to Half Moon Bay. The waves and the secluded beaches could take a couple of days to explore.

This is my patio in Sonoma. Yes, I'm finally here. MECCA. The Metro Hotel has rooms with airstreams in the back. Mine is "AIR 1". Super comfy and roomy for one. I doubt it would work for a family of 4 but it's perfect for me. Tomorrow is a trip to the Temple... La Crema and Chalk Hill.

Miles

June 23. A Pligrim goes to Mecca...Day 2

Summoning up all of the will I had I left Santa Marie and heading North crossing over to the Pacific Coast Highway. It was tough passing up Paso Robles and Cambria. I must stay true to the quest....on to Mecca. My trip to PCH was amazing. Take the G16 Monterrey county road from Greenfield, CA west to Carmel. Beware only a couple of old folks in town seem to know where it is. Clue-ELM street. For 60 miles I twisted and turned in the California sunshine. I passed two cars in the first 45 miles ending up in the Village of Carmel. Not Clint Eastwood's Carmel but much better. A sleepy little back water town with great Monterrey wine and wonderful friendship and food at the Village Fish House. Tell Rose I sent you. Stay at the Blue Sky Lodge and feel like your in a happy days episode. Don't miss this drive and try the River Ranch Chardonnay. Thanks Rose.

Ciao,

Miles

June 22 A Pilgrim goes to Mecca Day 1

A good true Texan will always wonder why do those California folks say that place is so good. No matter how many times I come here I always forget how beautiful it is. Did I mention 60 degrees in the morning? A crisp Chardonnay and her brother the solid Cab are waiting a few hours North...Onward I say.....to the Wino's Mecca