'Tis Many Tramps Among Us

Hello 2015!

We have had quite a good start to the new year, and we are hoping you have too!

I can't believe that January is almost over, although it seems to have lasted quite a while. Sometimes I can't believe how many memories just one month brings...and to think we get 12 of them, how cool is that!

Over the past two weeks, we have met some really great people, as well as getting to see some old friends whom we've made new memories with. This time of year always brings a sense of "home" as we gather in the desert, around camp fires, telling stories, having coffee & brekkie together, building things materially as well as emotionally, and all the while, hearing music & laughter echo through the washes. It's an amazing time for us dwellers and those that are just starting out or just have the itch.

For our little corner, most of the afternoons of the first week were spent working on our dirt bike, well...more like working on getting the motor OUT of the dirt bike! The bike stopped running and with a ton of research and forum talk, it was decided that we needed to have work done on the piston and head. So our "RTR Army of Men" got the motor out and shipping boxes built for send off. Everyone was so helpful and I think the boys even had a little bit of fun doing it! Boys and their toys!!

Throughout the gathering, there were morning "classes" on various things such as; solar, tune-ups for your vehicle, boondocking, stealth camping, Vision & Dental services in Mexico, gadgets, cooking & work-camping. The afternoons & evenings included everything from jam sessions, hula-hooping, wire wrapping, "family" dinners, walks, drinks and firepits. For some, there was much more and for others, much less but all in all we are quite the festive bunch!!

I have to agree with Bob that this was the best RTR yet. We networked much more this year, and like I said at the beginning, met an array of amazing people. At this time, we are all starting to move on in different directions; some going home, some going to work-camp, some going to Mexico, many to their Winter destinations. We may all be going to different places but we all hold the memory of good food, awesome company, a great gathering and friendships that will last a lifetime.

Thank you for being part of it for us and we hope to see you next year, down the road or anywhere else in between.

PEACE

Catch me if you can

I'm not going to lie...it's really easy to find other things to do than sit down and write a post for this blog. I guess I only have myself to blame, along with my new computer (and my other lame excuses)...which has taken up a good majority of my time with the screen jumping back and forth, back and forth...I swear you breathe on the mouse and the screen jumps to another screen. I had made the excuse (to myself) that I can't write a post without all of my pictures, so I finally got all of my pictures on the computer. Then, I made the excuse that I don't have anything to write about (an excuse I've been making for about 7 months now...oops). Then, I was making the excuse that no one is interested in this blog anyway....then I went to the RTR and people kept telling me they WERE reading the blog up until about 3 months ago when they realized I wasn't updating anymore. So I was excited to start writing again but now that it's been so long, I feel like I've lost my verve for tha' word.

[caption id="attachment_5207" align="aligncenter" width="350"] Feeling Flat[/caption]

So bear with me peeps, while I try to get my groove back. I may ramble and I will try not to vent too much, for there are things that have happened within the last couple of months that have really irked me and I'm trying to keep the negatives out...negative thoughts AND negative people.

There is a ton of awesome in the here and now though and on the horizon for us. For example, we have found a great spot to camp for a couple of months (hopefully), with solitude and amazing views and pretty good weather. Chili Moon is doing amazingly well in this lifestyle, she never ventures away from the van and loves to smell the air in the wind and feeling the sunshine on her skin (she has very little fur). She has been an amazing little addition to our tribe, I love her so much! And yes, Savannah is still a brat!

[caption id="attachment_5206" align="aligncenter" width="350"] Fun in the Sun[/caption]

I will be selling my Claramae soon...that's my guitar for those of you that are just joining us. I found out, from two people that I trust (and know what they're talking about) that there is too much wrong with it to be a good learning instrument or a good instrument period. I knew there had to be something else going on there, I just knew it couldn't be that hard!! So, while Claramae was my first, she's not worth the save, and the money will go back into other funds. I am a little sad to sell her, but it's for the greater good of my tribe (& their ears) & my poor little fingers. You will be missed Claramae..you're so purty!

[caption id="attachment_5208" align="aligncenter" width="224"] Ya ole stinker[/caption]

On the other hand, I was able to play a friends' Ukulele at the RTR and fell instantaneously in love with it.... so I am awaiting the arrival of my Anuenue Akua (pronounced AA-Nuw-eh-Nuw-eh-aa-KUW-aa)...I am very very excited!

I'm afraid that's all you'll be getting out of me this time, but I figured if I didn't just sit down and put some words on my "paper screen", I never would.

I hope all of you that are dealing with horrible weather are keeping safe and warm and those of you in the better weather...Wear your sunscreen, wear your hats and have fun keeping the sunshine out of your face and the sand out of your van!

Until next time my peeps

Much Love & Peace