Steps to the Future

Steps to the Future
Originally uploaded by sofieamanda.

It takes just one step at a time to make the future you desire come true.

THE HAWK AND THE MOTORCYCLIST

Lunar Orbit
Originally uploaded by Tommy Simms.

The Hawk glides through a dusky eve, peering below for wayward morsels of dining delight. The Moon bathes the fields with glowing amber. The Hawk has the advantage.

Like a Hawk the motorcyclist expertly and curiously manuevers along a moonlit country road. Fast and smooth she zooms through fields aglow with nightlighted wheat, irridescent onions, and tip-topped legumes.

The Hawk and The Motorcyclist. One and the same.

GEYSERS AND LIFE

The geysir is just blowing
Originally uploaded by Gunnlaugur.

Nothing is as full of natural essence as a geyser. Mother Earth allows her heated soul to explode in rythmic cycle, deep and pure. How primitive; how balanced. Simple.

Becalmed

Walk Into the Light
Originally uploaded by Slightly Cynical.

On certain eves a wind evaporates; clouds disappear and moonlight fills a previously blackened sky with soft light and tone.

The air fills with pungencies of flowers, trees, even a nearby bay. You are within a world beyond -- a world unharmed by storm or care. The nowness of place and time is poignant.

Like an ancient mariner you are becalmed. You are in a perfect state of being.

Yonder lies your future. Here lies the present. Enjoy the present.

STREET OF DREAMS

Old road in Lohr am Main
Originally uploaded by PauPePro.

Years ago I was privileged to meet privately with Sarah Vaughan. What a wonderful vocalist and performer.

She asked me which songs of hers were my favorites. I told her that I most loved her renditions of "Black Coffee" and "Street of Dreams." She laughed and explained that she had recorded those songs 30 years earlier. "Yes," I replied, "but I really adore those songs."

Later that night I attended her show in Georgetown. She was so vivacious, so masterful of the entire audience.

She didn't sing my old favorites, but she did bring down the house with her rendition of "Smoke Gets in Your Eyes."

I still listen to her music. I even hum my favorite tune when my adventures take me to special little ways, like that shown from Germany in this fab photo taken by PauPePro. Great street.

I want to walk along it humming a Sarah Vaughan tune.

PATAGONIA

El Camino se Va
Originally uploaded by Nandos.

Patagonia.

Now there's a place for a long ride, a slow ride with music and wine, motor humming along, a bite of cheese, an embrace, laughter, and then more riding.

Patagonia.

I'm ready to try it.

ON TOP OF THE WORLD

照片 119
Originally uploaded by hs_yin.

The best adventures are those that leave us feeling, as the saying goes, "On Top of the World." Concerns are overcome with new knowledge and new perspective.

Artists show us new perspectives in their masterpieces. Nature shows us new perspectives in ever changing environs.

Those who embrace new perspectives are blessed. They see more than what is momentarily at hand: they see a better tomorrow.

NO COINCIDENCES

A Surrealistic Dream
Originally uploaded by _marmota.

Looking at this lovely photograph of a tiny stream one thinks of peace, tranquility, and even fate.

Are we just floating along in a course we cannot steer? Such a normal question.

I think not. I believe that we have greatly more steering control than not. True, life's curents and pools pull us. In the end, however, we steer our own ship, our own path.

How lucky that we can do so. To all you venturers of the world I say "Bravo"! Steer your streams. The rest will be as it will.

Openings and Explorers

Con los brazos abiertos / With the opened arms
Originally uploaded by Ignacio Ábalos.

Sometimes an opening to beyond is as small as the wingspan of a sea bird. Sometimes it is as wide as a gulf.

Whatever the width, the traveler is compelled to peer through and ...... ponder. Many times the traveler ponders only a bit and then steps through to see what is on the other side. He or she is then an Explorer. What fun.

A BRIDGE TO UNDERSTANDING

Bridge to a perfect hike
Originally uploaded by JanetD.

Winter hikes offer a different perspective on things. I'm never sure whether its the low angle of the sun or the stretched shadows dancing on the bright snow, or both (since they're inexticably related).

Whatever it is, moments happen on such treks when everything fits together in a span that lingers for just a bit. And in that tiny fleeting nanosecond all things seem right.

Splash!

Splash!
Originally uploaded by AdeleS.

We move through our day and, suddenly, Splash.......

We work our jobs, make food for our loved ones, and then out of nowhere "Splash."

We plan a month in advance, nothing left to chance, and then Splash!

Splash reminds us that we have far less control than we care to admit.

Splash reminds us that we are mortals. We are human: We do our best.

Cumbria Cruising

Yew Tree Farm - Coniston_HDR
Originally uploaded by timlumley.

It is time again to fly to London, grab a Triumph motorcycle, and head out into the great hinterlands of the UK. How lovely is this?

Walking on Snow

kickin' it
Originally uploaded by seawallrunner.

We've been gettng more snow lately, though still not enough to brag about. My new snowshoes sit in their perfect little carry sack awaiting a loss of virginity.

I've decided to head north in search of deep powder. It's time to kick it, and I'm ready. I only hope that, at the end of the day, a fabulous Pomegranate Martini, or just as nice, a fine wine awaits "the man who walked on snow."

ADVENTURE

FlyMe
Originally uploaded by fotonstudio.

“We live in a wonderful world that is full of beauty, charm and adventure. There is no end to the adventures that we can have if only we seek them with our eyes open.” Jawaharlal Nehru

Tenerife by Moonlight

Luna y Oceano / Moon and Ocean
Originally uploaded by Atlantico 2006.

Early morning in Tenerife, and the moon alights the darkness nearly as brightly as the sun will in an hour. How precious to be in such a time and place, then, with perfection all around.

Windows of the World

Window
Originally uploaded by Méndez.

Inevitably it is a window that allows the outside within and the inside without. Light and air exchange. The interior is brightened by the light: the inhabitant is enlightened by the view.

Some windows grab your attention as you walk past. Those are the special windows, the ones that make you desire ever so strongly to see what is within.

Like the eyes of an honest person such windows offer a glimpse into the very soul of the building.

Frozen Water Crystals

Ice up close at night
Originally uploaded by MontaukRider.

A recent ice storm dressed every object in a sheen of crystalized water. How fascninating that water, the most essential element for life on earth, changes back and forth between gaseous, liquid and solid states just from a change in temperature.

Zinging!

Zinging!
Originally uploaded by Blue Straggler.

That's a Gibson SG Deluxe, the beautiful guitar that I used to play when I had a Blues Band. My incredible axe was later stolen, to be replaced by a fabulous 1964 replica Fender Stratocaster.

Both guitars share a feel that is perfection to hand and ear. I miss my old SG, I adore my Fender. The music they allow my fingers to emote is mysterious, magical, and cutting all at once.

How lucky I am that I have enjoyed such instruments.

Helen Keller Knew

Misty sunrise
Originally uploaded by aremac.

"Life is either a daring adventure or nothing." -- Helen Keller

MYSTERIOUS WINTER WILDERNESS

HDR, Siberia. Cold & Snow
Originally uploaded by http://www.flickr.com/people/martovskiy/.

My snowshoes await a silent walk through the winter wilderness. Glistening snow, crunch in the air, mist from the nose, joy from those sharing the adventure.

What will we find in these northern woods?

BOG WALKING ZEN

walking the walk
Originally uploaded by Ed Karjala.

Bogs are primordial wonderlands with ooze and ancient vegetation living in harmony. If you are lucky enough to find one, tread carefully, as they are so very delicate.

Here a bog in New Hampshire is lined with a pathway that both protects the environment yet assists the explorer enjoy a most exciting step back into prehistory.

Excellent adventure.

REACH FOR GREATNESS

Cerro Torre
Originally uploaded by maegges.

We must be like the highest mountains reaching to the heavens: strong, idealistic, and never deterred. That is a life worth living.

Light on Gold Hill

Gold Hill, Shaftesbury
Originally uploaded by g-man 1.

How grand the little villages of the world. They are as vibrant and lovely today as they were a hundred years ago.

Would that we had the time to visit them all. Oh how fine that would be.

This particular village (Shaftesbury) was in a famous advert some years ago (1973 I believe), directed by none other than Ridley Scott, who later directed Gladiator, Thelma and Louise and other big hit films. Cool.

THE SWANS OF ONTARIO

Crossing the line
Originally uploaded by gp0256.

Lake Ontario hosts wonderful sights from Cobourg Light to Port Credit, and so many other lovely little villages along the way. I recall a warm summer day when, after a long day of riding before, I rested on hot rocks along the shoreline and watched sailboats and swans glide past.

The dance of time, water, and motion was intoxicating.

Here an Ontario Swan glides along at dusk, passing the lighted buoy's reflected beam as if forming the starting line for a royal regatta.

But the swan is not racing; it is simply swimming toward its chosen resting place for the night -- Perchance to be with its mate.

Tomorrow the swan will venture forth again. All is well.

Nature fills each void and beckons the adventurous to paddle just a little further when the sun rises again.

Icelandic Touring

Natural harbour
Originally uploaded by Biker-Torben.

For those who, like I, have a desire to motorcycle about Iceland, you must abstolutely check out Torben Hansen's amazing photoblog of his 2004 journey around the island ..... at

http://www.flickr.com/photos/bikertorben/show/

Well done sir. And now I wish to go even more. What an adventure!

REFLECTION

The Second Moment
Originally uploaded by thepres6.

I am reflecting on the joy of journeys past and on the prospect of upcoming motorcycle travels. The earth is changing its orientation to the sun. The days are getting longer.

Riding Season may well be only 8 or 9 weeks away.

Reflection of another sort is just as enlightening. See how the sky and clouds are painted upon earth's aqua canvas.

Plato taught us that "the life unexamined is not worth living." Nature shows us the art of reflection every day. Each day is precious.

PINGO MINGOS

Winter Flamingoes
Originally uploaded by Trpster*.

These bizarre plastic Pink Flamingo lawn ornaments are fast disappearing, with no others being made. Fifty years of iconic rule all but extinct.

Years ago my youngest son (around age 2) saw his first real Flamingos in Florida. He was quite awestruck and asked "What are they daddy?" I told him they were Pink Flamingos, whereupon he declared them "Pingo Mingos."

Though I've resisted any urge to put such ornaments in my yard I admit to finding myself smiling whenever I see the creatures, real or plastic. To me they will forever be Pingo Mingos.

ICELAND CALLING

Bessastaðir and Mount Keilir
Originally uploaded by hauxon.

I've always wanted to travel in Iceland. So far I've gotten no closer than a layover in Reykjavik on a flight to Sweden.

According to legend, Iceland is inhabited by magical "Little People." They come out at night and do various forms of mischief. The land itself is varied and stunning. There's even a famed "Blue Grotto" for diving and exploring.

Iceland is defninitely calling.

Baffin Island Aurora Borealis

Baffin Island Aurora Borealis
Originally uploaded by jsphotography.

Newport Harbor has its welcoming green light beneath a fresnel lense atop a man-made lighthouse. Baffin Island, on the other hand, has an undulating green sky painted in heaven. I shudder in awe.

Welcome Traveler

The Green Light
Originally uploaded by cruadinx.

The Newport Harbor Light welcomes the wearie traveler to safe refuge after a long voyage at sea. Its steady green light brings comfort to those who venture far in search of their dreams.

NIAGARA FALLS IN MOONLIGHT

Falling Night
Originally uploaded by jedistemo.

Water pours over a precipice crashing onto rocks below and thence on towards the sea. Rain fills the rivers, the rivers fill the lakes, the lakes fill the rivers below, and on to the sea where the water evaporates and becomes once again...rain.

By moonlight the perfection of our water cycle is pure and simple.

I recall the famous lines of The Three Stooges, those zany characters of old black and white television: "Niagara Falls, slowly I turned, step by step, inch by inch, Niagara Falls." I recall Lake Ontario and how the moon gleamed from its shiny surface late at night.

The night is made so grand by the orb we call the moon. How nice.

THIS IS BODYSURFING

12-9-06 la jolla california usa
Originally uploaded by sosidesc.

No board. Just one man and one wave perfectly in tune and flowing together.

This is an act of faith in high speed -- "If I swim just fast enough the wave and I will become one."

Simply, organically, perfect.

FLIGHT OF THE MONARCHS

monarchs
Originally uploaded by emdot.

Those of us in the frozen north wonder where our butterflies go each Fall. Apparently these flying works of art enjoy wanderlust as much as we cruising motorcycle fools.

Emdot found them having a Formal Ball in a grove in Central California just a few days ago. Absolutely awesome!

Solitary Walking

L'attente
Originally uploaded by Eden-lys.

In oneness there is beauty. Yet there is sadness.

One as a number can be liberating, but not so if you adore sharing joy.

Oneness is fine: Aloneness is not.

Find your best friend,and share your dreams.

Moonlight in Rio

Moonlight over Miami is marvelous. Moonlight over Montreal is magical. Moonlight over Rio is riveting.

I could live and ride by moonlight. It's just absolutely so inviting, so warm. I recall moonlit nights in the Adirondacks, in Montreal, in the Alps, in Greece, in India. I pray there are so many more in my future -- nights so bright they seem like day. Music is in the air, the smell of life is all around.

Rio beckons. I think a ride there would be, as we used to say, "Way Cool."

Pomegranate Zen

Engarce de granates
Originally uploaded by vermeer48.

What a fabulous fruit these Pomegranates are. Alone they are deliciously tart, tangy and yet sweet.

Mixed with liquor they make a fine cocktail. Tonight I've taken my field research to a new level: Pomegranate Martinis made with Patron Silver Tequila. Oh my!

John Lee Hooker is singing "Use me again" on the radio. I'm just sittin back thinking about motorcycles and friends.

I was skiing two days ago, and it's supposed to be 50 degrees tomorrow. Strange times indeed.

MOONLIGHT MAGIC

Somewhere Out There
Originally uploaded by notraces.

Late at night a bright moon fills the sky with an eerie illumination -- the world appears hazy, soft, cozy. Here, a timelapse photograph demonstrates the magical beauty of backlighting by moon.

Lovely. It makes me want to walk amongst the trees, dance between the dunes, and sail upon the seas.

A Winter Morning

winter morning
Originally uploaded by withrow.

This is how I remember Winter Mornings. Snow to the knees, gleem upon the trees, a nip in the air, a brief walk, a laugh, and then to the kitchen to savor a yummy fresh coffee.

HAPPY NEW YEAR

sunset skaters
Originally uploaded by Samuel K.

It's a brand new year, a new beginning, and we are in the midst of Winter. El Nino or El-All-Of-Us is causing havoc with our climate, nonetheless.

So while we should be locked beneath several feet of snow, we are thrilled to have just enough of the white gold to ski upon (most of it sadly coming from a copious use of snow-making equipment).

Friends to the south are still riding their bikes, as is normal for their climes. But friends to the north are also riding on this New Years Day. That is truly strange.

In any event, it is a new year. May you have adventure, health, laughter and joy. May your days be peaceful and your nights exotic. And may the ice on your lakes give you sunset walks as pure as that shown in this gorgeous photo from Samuel K.