A Few Images from On The Road

Pikes Peak
Divide, Colorado
April 22, 2010


Hi,

In case you haven't heard, I'm on a four week motor trip to CA with my fur kids Orion and Rosie.

After stopping at Natalie's in Chicago I was off for Brent and Tiff's in Manitou Springs, CO. Manitou is in the shadow of Pike's Peak, and it was planned that we would drive around to the back side of the peak to release some of Susan's ashes at The Crags, Susan's favorite spot in the rockies. But we were thwarted by mountain dirt roads full of snow and were unable to reach the Crags Trailhead, so we opted instead for a trail lower down the mountains that was snow free. Here's a shot of the view of the back side of Pike's Peak from the spot we selected.

Here's Tiff, Nick, Mike and Brent ...

and Stan with box of Susan's ashes ...

and Susan's ashes released to the mountains.

Leaving Manitou Springs on Friday, I had intended to head straight west over the back roads through the mountains, but I was blocked by a major spring Colorado snow storm. So I doubled back and drove straight south to New Mexico and then proceeded west. I could see the storm hanging ominously over the mountains to the north. On this new path I was able to make a short diversion to Sedona AZ, site of many of Susan's adventures both before and while we were together. 

My target was Bell Rock Energy Vortex, a spiritualist's holy place and site of extraordinary happenings on previous visits. Was I ever surprised that the sleepy, isolated spot I had remembered was now a major tourist destination with crowds of hikers, cyclists and horse back riders - huge parking lots and parking fees. Here's a shot of Bell Rock from a parking lot.

I did manage to hike cross country and find an isolated spot for meditating and releasing Susan's ashes.  Here I am watching the ash cloud and holding the camera at the same time.

I asked a tourist to snap a picture on the hike back to the parking lot.

Two days later I arrived at Ari and Kristina's house in Oak Park, CA - and a couple of hours later, Ari snapped this at Zuma Beach in Mailibu, CA. 

Tomorrow we plan to go out on a Whale Watching boat, observe some dolphins and humpbacks and scatter more ashes. But the weather may not cooperate as strong winds are predicted, so we'll discuss an alternative tonight. You have to play it free and loose in Southern California.

Love and Blessings,

Stan "On the Road"

Saying Hi from Malibu

Hi,

As you can see, I made it to California. Just an hour after arriving at Ari and Kristina's house, here I am at Zuma Beach in Malibu. Talk about NICE. Had to divert from my planned itinerary because of a major snowstorm in Colorado. Tried to plow through it but thought better of it and turned around and went around the storm through New Mexico and Arizona. Worked out well since I was able to make a stop in Sedona, one of Susan's most favorite places in the world. Scattered some of Susan's ashes at the Energy Vortex at Bell Rock. Very emotional. Very satisfying.

Lots of Love,

Stan "On the Road"