Ashes to Ashes

Yesterday, we lost everything that we own, except our bicycles, trailers, phones, and the clothes we were wearing, in a fire. We want everyone to know that Kayla will be posting the Daily OOMPH! for us until we can replace our equipment. We will not have the Tarot class on Monday, October 22, but will plan to resume class next week, on October 29.

Our friends in Quartzsite, AZ, Eric and Diane, had invited us to stay in the immaculate fifth wheel trailer behind their house. We had moved everything into the trailer, and were sitting on the front porch visiting. We noticed the neighbors gathering across the street, but couldn't see what the fuss was about. Eventually, one of them came over and said, "Did you know that you have a fire in your back yard?" The trailer was up in flames, which were even more spectacular before this photo was taken.

One of the neighbors worked for the fire department, and came over in street clothes and dismantled and removed the propane tanks. As Cougina says, he is a true hero. The fire truck arrived in 6 minutes, and they had the fire extinguished 6 minutes later. We are in awe of, and indebted to the Quartzsite firemen and firewomen. (When the protective clothing came off, one of the sweaty beings who had walked up to our fire was female.)

We've found a few gemstones in the rubble, but the ones that are still in one piece are cracked. We found some wire, which can hopefully be sold for recycling. Soft packages of tuna, and one titanium cook pot, have survived. We will be replacing everything else: tent, sleeping bag, panniers, laptop, video cameras, etc.

We are so happy that everyone is safe, and the house on the property was spared.

THINK GREEN
BLESSED BE
COUGINA and AGGIE

Saying Good-bye to the Garden

The Old Man decided that we needed to pack up the trailers and get a taste of our future. So we loaded a bunch of gear and headed out to Big 5 for socks and Nalgene bottles. We had a pleasant stop at Jack in the Box for Cougina's breakfast. This soon inspired a cooking creation, knowing that too soon I may be delighted to find available fast food.

It sure is nice to out for a little ride, feel hungry, and stop on the way in the front door to pick a few things from the garden.

(The squash in the photo really did climb a cactus and grow upside down.)

I sauted a butternut squash, an onion, a couple of mildly hot Hatch style peppers, salt, and dried red pepper, in olive oil, and added diced parsley, oregano, and a tomato near the end.  Mmmm... Too hot for the C man, though.

Cougina said that we did 20 miles, but when we got home and checked, Google maps said it was 5.0 miles. Cougina now says it felt like 30. That's perfect - 30 miles per day will get us to Houston on time :)

THINK GREEN
BLESSED BE
AGGIE

NEW2 LOOK FOR THE OLD MANS JOURNEY

DURING THE DRIVE DOWN HERE TO SOUTH FLA AGAIN U HAD TO FOLD UP THE TRAILER TO FIT AND IN THE PROCESS DISCOVERED A WAY TO CUT MY WINDAGE BY OVER 50%..
Staying at alans dads place, lots of neat tools//so I took a chance and tried it out....As soon as we get up to Asheville and put it all back together I will take pictures and show everyone///
CUT 15 INCHES OFF THE TOP SIDE, STILL HAVE MOUNTS FOR SOLAR PANELS BUT LOTS LESS WINDAGE WHICH HAS BEEN A REAL PROBLEM WITH BOTH HEAD AND SIDE WINDS..
IT LOOKS A LOT SLEAKER AND IT IS A BIT [5LBS] LIGHTER, so it should make a big difference//////CAN IT GIVE ME AN EXTRA 15 MILES OR MORE A DAY? WE WILL SEE..
LOVE YA
THINK GREEN
BLESSED BE
COUGINA