I look at those far blue mountains and want to see what is beyond them.  What mysteries are there for discovery?  Will I find a hidden people or a lost artifact? The undiscovered country is what pulls upon my heart.  I am not meant to sit still and exist in a fixed world.

Can any of us deny who we truly are? To do so is to lose a part of yourself.  My dreams are not typical of this modern age. I do not look for a large salary or a new car.  I am not concerned with the right club on Friday night or the Hollywood scene.  Drinking beer all day Sunday with friends while watching football holds not excitement. No, my desires lay in exploring the unknown.

I sent away my saved money to a friend thinking I could wait 6 more months at least before leaving. Now I am discovering that this will not work.  So, here we sit contemplating ordering a credit card, charging a ticket, and just going for it.  You can only deny your spirit so long before it begins to sicken.  I can’t deny mine any longer.

I feel like the character Barnabas Sackett who comes to the new word in the 16th century by way of shipwreck. He lands in what would be present day North Carolina and builds a settlement out family and close friends in the eastern Appalachian mountains.  He’s never really at peace because he always dreams of going beyond those far blue mountains.  I feel a kinship and like him, I must go.

Recently, I found myself with no plans on a Saturday. The entire morning my squishy matter (brain) had been looking for some type of external travel.  It’s a curse that if I stay put to long craziness sets in.  The gym was behind me and while it had helped release some of the excessive energy within… it wasn’t enough.  Driving home, I came across Santa Fe’s very on version of Occupy Wall street.  It struck me then that my possible solution would be found in a local trip.  Taking a right, I quickly headed home to shower.  A little over a half hour later, I, the travel dude, was taking a trip to occupy.

Arriving on the scene was somewhat confusing. I certainly could identify with the anger and dissatisfaction at our government.  On the other side I wasn’t really sure what would be found.  There seemed to be little organization or clear direction.  Taking a deep breath with camera in hand, I plunged in.

On a side note, I would like to remind everyone that travel can be anywhere and over any distance. I had covered maybe 7 miles from my residence to the protest.  It doesn’t necessarily need to be out of town, state, or country.  Travel can take place right in our own back yard.  So next time you need a trip look around and you might discover something just a few minutes away.

The group of people waiting for me were a far cry from the everyday crowds passed on a busy city street, in a restaurant, or at the office.  Travel is, on one level, a journey to meet and discover new people.  On another level, travel is about exposure to new ideas.  What better place than a movement that had grown nationally and was still growing?

The large group was found to  be pleasantly diversified.  Everyone there was full of passion and anger over what our government and corporate greed have done to this country.  During my time at the protest I found people covering the full range of social spectrum’s concerning political affiliation, religion, sexuality, age, gender, and race.  Believe me I talked to a number of people and almost every social demographic was there to be identified.

The most beautiful component of this protest was the peace around it.  If your are going to protest then please do it in the spirit of love and peace.  We only need look at what hate, violence, and greed, used in the role of  problem solvers, has done to this country.  On the other hand,  we can look at what protest done in the spirit of love and peace have accomplished.  Just think a minute….wait for it….a name or two should be coming to mind….Abra Ka Dabra! Ghandi,  Mother Teresa, Martin Luther King Jr, and many more.  All brought about positive social change through non violence(love), peace, and compassion.

Speaking to people at the protest one important common denominator kept appearing.  These people representing all ranges of social demographics, in the end, wanted the same thing.  They had gathered to promote change in an effort to bring opportunity for education, employment, freedom to practice their own religion, and hope.  Everyone wanted their kids to be safe.  Everyone desired the right to quality education and health care.  Most of all, everyone present desired that all segments of society be held accountable to the same laws.

Do not make the mistake of dismissing the protesters with the labels of malcontent, uneducated, free loaders, or any other negative heading that is so often applied to those speaking out.  For to long, the American people have been sleeping.  Since the 1950′s the individuals that make up this great country have been happy to get by on a day to day basis.  Now we are finally waking up and it is time to take our country and government back. Remember that has a unit,  our government works for us and answers to us! It is time to begin exercising that right once again.

Before we all start patting ourselves on the back lets remember that two parties are responsible for our current situation.  I bring this up because at the protest it seemed almost everyone wished to place blame entirely upon the government. Keep in the mind even the most well meaning public official can not make informed decisions if we, the people, are not speaking.

Yes the government is one of the parties responsible for our current situation.  Our government has misrepresented the very people it was elected to represent. Multinational corporations have bought up practically every inch of political real estate.  Many of our representatives have sold out their own constituency for personal gain.  The laws we have are often enforced  on a discretionary basis with no over sight.  Our government has put us here but it was done with a willing partner.

Have you figured out who the partner was yet?  If not, let me tell you.  It was us, the people of this country.  It was me and you and our neighbors.  The partner was everyone who turned an indifferent eye to what was happening in Washington. It was every citizen that skipped an election vote or failed to research a candidates platform and claims. Through a 50 year sleep, we have allowed Washington and the powers that be to slowly manipulate the system.  We were unwilling to voice our displeasure and hold our government accountable so long has we received our fair share of the pie. Due to this blind indifference we gave away the greatest power available to us…our voice.

Now is the time to change that.  Warm up the vocal chords! We know who the players are and together is the only way we can bring this beautiful country back to its former prosperity and greatness. Together, the people and our government can return America to prominence.  We must once again hold our government and ourselves to the highest ethical and moral standards.  No longer can the people allow this government to say or demand one thing of its citizens, both nationally and internationally, yet not hold themselves to the same standard. No longer can our government have the same laws for everyone yet apply them on a discretionary basis.  A cornerstone of equality is equality under the law.

Like the individuals gathered today at Occupy Santa Fe we must sit down, find our common goals, and make them a reality.  Each of us has at one time or another sat down with someone who had a strong difference of opinion.  My best friend of 25 years is a strong conservative and I am a liberal. Through 25 years we have often butted heads yet in the end we find ourselves agreeing on what we ultimately want for ourselves and this country. If we can do it then our government can do it.

Enough with the political rhetoric of talking heads and mass media designed to stir up ratings.  It is time for political parties to stop pointing the finger at one another.  It is time for our representatives to sit down and bring us a balanced budget, healthcare, education, security, employment opportunities along with a justice system that is truly based on equality.   It can be done but only when the finger pointing stops. Sit down, make it work, and learn how to balance a check book for god’s sake!

So travel to occupy.  Stand up and let your voice be heard in a unified chorus of others.  Stand up for the right of quality healthcare and education.  Shout out for the right to send your children to a school that is safe.  Demand that opportunity for employment and the ability to walk a street safely be there for all.  Crusade for equality on all levels.  Demand our government act responsibly.  They demand it of you, the citizen, so shouldn’t they hold themselves to the same level of accountability? You either have equality or you have hypocrites. Become an activist to end racism, prejudice, and discrimination.

Get out there and demand our government work for us, the people, and not personal gain or corporations.  Wake up your friends, family, and co-workers.  Get them involved and lets bring about change in a positive peaceful manner so that our country can move forward in a productive, positive direction. We must act now or before much longer the ship will sink.

While there were many positives at Occupy Santa Fe,  I would also like to point out the negatives experienced.  First if these protest are to bring about change then the organization must improve on a vast level all over the nation.  Having a random rally at the spur of the moment does no one any good. Worse, for mass media seeking to cause controversy for ratings it is a dream come true.

Another improvement is the need for a clear, concise message that everyone can understand and get behind.  It’s terrible when the media finds somewhat at a protest who can’t answer basic questions about why they are there.

Third, with a clear and concise message to follow, there must be a well thought comprehensive plan on steps to take towards achieving goals. We can’t all just shout and yell and wave banners.  If we want our government moving in the direction of positive change then we must supply it for them.  It should be obvious to all that left to their own devices they achieve a great big FAIL!

Finally, once all of this comes together then it must be articulated to the public and the government.  Leaders with charisma and a firm grasp of the issues at hand must be found and put in the front line.  Delivery is everything.  If you can’t articulate your message then half the battle is already lost in confusion.

I traveled to occupy this past Saturday.  The people came from everywhere.  Speaking to them took me on a trip into the desires and commonality of our citizens.  This movement and the people involved show that we can work together and we are not so far apart.  Travel with me and raise your voice.  Reach out to those who have different ideas and beliefs.  Share with them and find common ground.  It is the only way we can move forward together.  Travel to occupy and let us change the world.  Raise your voice on the journey of change!

Just a few photo’s from the Occupy Santa Fe protest.  This was an awesome experience to be involved with.  The people were fantastic and the general message was not one of hate but one of change leading us back to a brighter world.  One of my favorite’s here is the picture with the two American flags.  It just goes to show, protesters are patriots.  They are protesting out of love and concern for our country and were it is going.  My other favorite is the African American gentleman…his expression says it all.

Welcome Everyone to the MEET YOUR NEIGHBOR PROJECT (M.Y.N. PROJECT).  This a social project designed to enhance the global community by breaking down social barriers.  Of course there are many institution’s, think tanks, NGO’s, and non profit’s working towards that end.  In designing this project I decided to keep it simple and start at what could be considered a root cause of social barriers.  That cause is a lack of knowledge and identity with the people around us.

Have you ever found yourself intentionally avoiding a person because they have tattoo’s, a shaved head, and are wearing a leather bikers jacket? Your mind full of preconceived notions about them.  Later when you actually sit down and talk you find they are nothing like what was once believed.  That is just one example.  We must overcome stereotypes and false images and belief’s regarding those around us.  A sense of community on a universal level is necessary if we plan to have a living planet in the future.

In today’s growing world we can no longer afford to consider ourselves isolated. With social networking, rapid technological advances in transportation, an integrated global economy,  increased life expectancy, and a world population now now reaching 7 billion, we must begin to acknowledge that everyone on this planet is essentially our neighbor.  The concept of a geocentric community must take hold if we are to shift our current direction into something much more positive.  Hence,  The Meet Your Neighbor Project.

At the most basic level, much of our prejudice and discrimination comes from misunderstandings about the people around us.  The easiest method to begin reversing this practice is to encourage individuals to meet and engage their neighbors.  Through this project you will be meeting many of your global neighbors.  The individuals featured will be selected from the entire spectrum of the global community.  The object is to inspire all of us to get out and meet the people around us.  By doing so, we can and will begin to erase perceptions and misunderstandings promoted through the media, fear, and ignorance.  Once this change initiates, individuals will experience the discovery of common ground.  This leads to the development of ideas and a sharing of those ideas.  Together these changes lead to the development of community which is exactly what must occur if we are to move forward. Only has a unified world community can we come to a consensus on the leading issues of today and the future.

Throughout this project, the primary goal will be to continue breaking down barriers that keep us apart.  It is designed to introduce you the reader to knew faces, views, and lifestyles that will ideally lead to integration instead of isolation on a world wide scale. Yes, it is ambitious, but at some level we must all find a path to getting everyone involved.  If through this project I can encourage even a few people to break their comfort zone and start building relations with people perceived as different then count it a success. Join me on the journey.

During this project I will tag all the articles related specifically to the M.Y.N. project.  If you just wish to read those articles alone, you can simply go the the right hand side of the webpage under tags.  There you will find the tag M.Y.N. project.  Simply click on it and all articles falling under the project will appear for you.  When the article is first published it will also immediately appear on the home page.  Thank you for coming along. I hope to build a huge following of individuals who do not just read the articles but also start their own M.Y.N. group.  In your local town, city, state, university, high school, gym, county, or wherever.   This is designed to be a project that can and will encourage all of us to find common ground by getting to know one another.  So remember to walk across the street, join someone at a table, reach across the fence, and meet your neighbor!

Recently my travel plans changed in an instant.  It came without warning and was difficult to accept.  If you didn’t know, my plan had been to leave in December for South America.  Then suddenly a week ago, a good friend needed help.  It was a tough decision but the right action was to support him.  I had one been in a bind and he had done the same for me.  Could I really take off to South America knowing it was in my power to help?  Well I could but that would have been the wrong decision.  While I was upset at the prospect of delaying my trip south of the border once again, the right choice was obvious.

With some discomfort I gave away my funds that had been saved for the trip.  It left me feeling hollow on a personal level yet joyful in the spiritual.  After wiring the money I was left to determine what my next move was. Travel is so important to me.  This situation left me low on funds so how could I possibly travel even in the Southwest?  The answer was my own advice.  Travel comes in many forms and its up to us to keep an open mind.

I am a very active individual.  Being physically active is just a lifestyle for me and always has been.  Sitting around after a hard workout I was brainstorming about the type of travel that was open to me for now.  This morning, a good friend of mine posted that she had won 1st place in her age group for a 5k.  If you knew where she started(not very active at all) to where she has gone its amazing.  Her posting made me realized I hadn’t really challenged myself in some time.  I’m going to call her later today and say thank you.  New travel goal until funds can be restored for South America… I’m going to do some type of event, preferably an adventure race or triathlon.

It’s going to require an entirely new way of training and scheduling my day.  First off, I have to start running seriously again.  I run now but its no more than30 minutes and usually its sprint work or a slow to moderate pace.  Secondly I need to get a bike. I have an old ten speed but adventure racing pulls at me just a bit more so a mountain bike is needed.  Then its working out the training schedule.

So this is going to be my new trip. The journey to and thru a major competition that test me mentally and physically.  Its going to test my discipline not just with training but also diet and proper rest.  This is an expedition that isn’t taking me to far out of my region but on a trip of the physical body, mental toughness/will, and spiritual pursuit of completing whichever race is chosen.  Yes, I still need to choose an event. Any suggestions.

Oh and please keep in mind that if by some chance my funds appear suddenly again it’s off I go to South America.  Until then, however, it looks like lots of training. Either I am doing a major event or going to be in great shape upon leaving.  Win/Win in my book.

Stay with me.  Make your own trip using the same model and go for it. Travel does not always represent moving from one physical local to another.  Travel is, in its broadest form, about all aspects of life’s journey. Follow along my friends and get out there. Travel well!

Greetings my fellow explorers. The universe awaits us! Unfortunately it is not free.  So here we are with part two of ” How to gain some extra cash for your next trip when you really don’t think you have any.”  Hopefully all of you read my sweet little post on the change jar. If you haven’t check it out.  If not, this post can stand on its own so no worries.

First let me make a quick comment. I had someone leave a remark for me on the last post.  This individual recommended we all stand still and ideally catch up.  The comment indicated if you did this a change jar would not be necessary. I understand where she is coming from and it is true we all need to stand still.  The change jar, however, is about squeezing out unexpected dollars.  If your like me, you have streamlined, have no debt and a decent income. the change jar still rocks because instead of taking out of my daily income it comes straight from the dark hole of my closet. So do take the time for standing still and catching up but don’t discount the value of a change jar in the mean time.  Unfortunately it came through under spam and my Pavlovian response to delete took over. If you are the individual that made the comment my apologies.

The yard sale.  For some it brings a feeling of dread.  For others it is a time of celebration regardless of the intent to buy or sell.  In this case we are looking at selling.

We all have junk in the closet, attic, backyard, garage and anywhere else we can stuff it.  When one space fills up we create another.  Most of us at one time or another every month make a mental note or comment that the junk needs to go. If you like to travel then this is one easy way to make money for your ticket and space for the house. So a few tips for having a great yard sale.

1-Do it early in the morning and make it brief. Ex. 8am to 12pm.  If you make it all day you will be sitting there all day.  Get the people in and out.

2- Find a good location if you are not already in one.

3- Run adds in the paper and craigslist.  Start two weeks out and have all your friends and family spread the word.

4- Make sure you put plenty of signs in key locations (ex. key intersections close to your location) directing traffic to your yard sale.  The competition is fierce and you want everyone coming to your sale.

5- Do it with friends.  This is one of the best ways if you can do it with a friend or two.  You have a lot of fun and are not sitting around by yourself during the slow times.

6- HAVE PLENTY OF CHANGE ON HAND! I can’t stress this enough. People will show up looking to spend a dollar and hand you a Franklin.

7. Know that if you say the sale starts at 8am people will start showing up at 7:30am. Be ready! You don’t want to miss any sale.

8- Remember this is about getting rid of junk your not using anyway. It’s about creating space in your home by removing items that are just taking up space and getting paid to do it.

9- Keeping the above in mind, don’t get caught up on the price.  People coming to yard sale’s are looking for a deal.  Your item’s are only worth what people will pay.  It would probably get thrown out eventually. This way you are getting a small return.

10- It is up to you but I have found marking items with a price is worthless.  Just have a general idea.  If there is no price the shoppers are forced to engage in a discussion about price.  If they look at a price and think its to much they often just walk away.  Make offers, bargain, and most of all sell.

11-Finally, create an environment of fun.  When people are having fun is when they spend the most money. Make it fun for you and them and watch your money box fill up.

12- MARRIED OR COMMITTED COUPLES PLEASE CHECK WITH ONE ANOTHER ON WHAT IS GOING TO BE SOLD! I have seen relationships on the verge of collapse because what one half found to be junk was a treasure to their partner.

13- Like a gambler don’t count your money at the table. Wait until the end of the day when everything is put away before you start counting.

Yard sale away my fun loving travelers. I have made up to 1300 dollars on nothing.  The least I have ever made is 300 dollars.  Right now 300 dollars will almost buy me a round trip ticket to Costa Rica! So sale and sale and sale.  Clean out the house and take an honest look at what you actually use or appreciate. If it has been stashed away or packed up for more than a couple of years then odds are it’s perfect to put out on the lawn.  Good success to you and let me know what ticket you purchased with the money earned!  Until the next time take care and travel well.

See that big ugly in the photograph above? Yep that’s it.  The jar wrapped in duck tape that looks like it came out of a crypt.  Trust me in some ways it did. Can you identify what relic has been pulled into the light? No, well let me tell you.  If the title didn’t give it away,that is my change jar.  The crypt it was pulled from is the back of my closet.  That is old faithful and it has been with me a long time. Right now it’s feeling pretty good because the light of day is only seen about twice a year. For something that serves my desire to travel so well I should have it on a pedestal. This blog, now that I have aroused your curiosity,  is the first in my new two part series on one way to fund your travel.

Just a note, this idea developed because right now I am not going anywhere outside of the Southwest.  My big trip is coming in December to South America.  There are, however, numerous points that can be made about travel.  One of those points is how one can afford travel especially on a small budget. So keep reading and maybe I can give you a hand.

The change jar is an awesome creature. If you don’t have one now then start one.  Tape it up, cover it, and put in some dark hole that you can barely reach to drop your change in.  Don’t look at it.  Don’t think about it.  Make it automatic to drop your change in it at the end of each and everyday.  In fact, don’t even lift it to see how heavy it is.  Just keep dropping the change in.  When it feels like you can’t fit anymore change, shake it a little and let the change already inside settle.  Keep packing it in.  Trust me you will not be disappointed.

If you are like myself and many others, money is not always available for that plane ticket or road trip.  We have bills, mortgages, day care, more bills, car payments,insurance, and children that take most of our finances.  Finding several hundred dollars are more for that ticket when it goes on sale is often impossible unless we wish to add more debt. Its frustrating but there is a way….enter the change jar.

Every year, I have numerous friends asking me how I afforded a plane ticket or a long weekend halfway across the country.  They tell me how they wish it was them taking off for a week to go diving in Mexico. Often times they are financially better off than me.  I always tell them about the change jar but few actually give it a chance.  So, I’m giving it to all of you. Oh how very generous of me. That’s sarcasm if you missed it.  Sorry, to much coffee is making me rambunctious.

Each year I drop change in that jar at the back of my closet. I don’t touch it. It stays in the dark and out of sight. Unless there is a super big bad emergency it stays there until its time to take a trip.  Usually the change is used for my ticket. Now, if you are good that ticket can be over a thousand dollars and your change will pay for it.  Don’t believe me? On my best year ever, I put away 1,832 dollars.  Can you say Cha Ching!

How did I do it.  Well there were some advantages to my job. At the time, I was bartending in school.  At the end of every night because beers were a 1.50 our tip jar would be full of quarter’s.  Each night I would buy the other bartenders out and put it away.  So that’s a little unfair.  Since bartending passed away after school, my best has been 1,200 dollars roughly.  That is a big ticket.

So a few tips for starting your change jar and helping it grow.  The First time you cash in the change, buy a ticket to Paris or New York and still have spending money left over you will be hooked. Oh, don’t forget you can get tickets pretty damn cheap to the Caribbean also.  It’s beautiful there any time of year.

So follow the list and get busy.

1- Every coin goes in that jar at the end of each day.

2- Don’t give change to get a bill back.  If its 2.01 and they try to give you a penny, tell them no you need the change!

3- I hear people complain about change in their pockets a lot. When my friends do it, I buy the change from them.  Yes it’s a bit extreme but the results are so good.

4- Check your washer and pockets before doing the wash.  A lot of change is lost this way. Be sure to find it!

5- Keep your eyes open! Change is all over the ground. I’m not saying you need to be a human metal detector but look around. If it’s a coin pick it up and put it in your jar.

6- Twice a month check your car.  Coins fall everywhere in the car. Sometimes you can harvest 2 or 3 dollars from the car.

7- If you spend a lot of time on your couch then check the Couch!

8- Don’t spend what you put away.  The only time that jar should be cashed in is when you are buying the ticket.

9- I suggest you wait at least 6 months before cashing in. It’s better if you can go a year.  You will always be surprised at how much is there.

10- All coins count…this includes pennies!

11- Finally be sure to cover your jar so you can’t see how much change you have acquired. I also recommend that your jar be at least a gallon.  Also be sure to put it in a place that you can reach but not see.  Out of sight out of mind people.  If you see that change every day adding up it is just to tempting.  Once again OUT OF SIGHT OUT OF MIND!

There you have it my friends. I know it sounds somewhat absurd but this works.  Each year I buy a major ticket somewhere on change. Often, I will have several hundred dollars left over which goes on the trip to be used at my discretion.  Change adds up and it feels almost like free money because we just don’t think about it.  Take the time, make the jar, fill it up. When its full cash it in and decide on where you wish to go. Travel well my people.

Once when I was traveling in Latin America a strange encounter took place. My particular location was a nice spot for diving and I had been there about two weeks when another diver showed up. She came with her sister.  The first day on the boat someone mentioned to her, for what purpose I have no idea, that I would get up and run every morning which would be followed by a body weight workout.  She told me I was crazy.

Later that night we were out in a bar.  This particular woman started really laying into me. She told me I was F#$@#ing stupid for getting up so early to exercise.  That is no exaggeration!  At first I thought she was just being a smart ass.  Many a beer had passed her lips.  Eventually, I realized that she was very serious.  She criticized me harshly for several minutes before I excused myself realizing this wasn’t going to stop. All the criticism was directed at me for exercising. Imagine that, someone getting on to you for trying to stay healthy!

This is relevant because she and her sister stayed for 10 days. During that time,  She became ill with a virus. Yes this could have been a fluke but quite possibly prevented if in overall better health. One day we went on a hike and she had to stop and turn back because she physically could not make it. She missed out on some great waterfalls.  This was a coastal area so elevation wasn’t a problem. On dives it was worse. By the third day no one wanted to dive with her because she used all her air in under 30 min.  Eventually she just sat around the hostel by day and went drinking at night. I actually felt bad for her.  She was missing out on some great adventures. It was terrible and her tropical vacation is probably one she would like to forget.

I’m just using this woman for an example. Believe me it is men and women that show up in poor shape and health. Many 0f them in much worse condition than the woman mentioned above  Sometimes its a medical issue but I feel most often its lack of action.  Being in good physical condition will only enhance your travel experience

Here are a few things to help remind all of us why it is so important that we take care of ourselves. Specifically in regards to travel.

1- In new locations it is common to encounter new viruses and bacteria.  Exercise and being fit strengthens the immune system.

2- Exercise increases mental alertness. Believe me, you want to be mentally alert when traveling. Especially in the third world.

3- Being fit limits the possibility that an adventure will be missed out on because you can’t physically do it.

4- Research the environment you are traveling to.  Example: If you live in a coastal area and are traveling to the high Andes of Peru, develop an exercise program that will help you adjust to the high altitude. Begin the program at least several months before departure.

5- Consider the activities you wish to participate in.  If you just want to lay on the beach then you don’t really have to do much. If, however, you wish to go kayaking, hiking, skiing, mountain biking, or any number of physical activities tailor a program that is activity specific.

6- Eat healthy. This is self explanatory.

7- Being fit builds confidence.  This new found confidence may be the key factor  that drives you to try something entirely new. It could end up becoming your favorite memory of the trip. Travel is about new experiences after all.

8- Upon arrival don’t just stop exercising and eat anything you want.  I’m not saying you have to find a gym or can’t splurge on diner a few times. Part of traveling is about splurging. I encourage you, however, to try and maintain healthy habits.  You can do a number of body weight exercises to strengthen and tone the entire body.  For cardio,  pack a pair of running shoes and a jump rope.

9- If you don’t enjoy exercising on your own ask a fellow traveler staying in the same place join you or look around. There is usually a class of some type being given.  Going to a class is also a great way to connect with locals and other travelers.

10- Finally, if you didn’t know it already, exercise causes your endorphins to spike giving you a natural high.  It’s a great way to start everyday on your journey.

There you have it.  Just a quick blog on something I consider important. One, its good to take care of yourself regardless.  Related to travel, it can only optimize your experience.  Find what works for you and stick with it.  I hope everyone has found this article helpful.  Travel well and travel healthy.

Friday rolled around and the phone was ringing again. It was the road calling.  Of course, I answered already packed and ready to go.  Myself and Andrew had already planned out another day long road trip.  This time we were heading down into the Southwestern part of New Mexico.

The original intention had been to go explore some lava tubes.  These are some of the longest lava tubes in the country and come complete with ice formations.  Unfortunately when I called the local information center it was revealed that the caves were closed.  Apparently there is a fungus attacking the residential area of bats.  It was disappointing but when one door shuts another opens.

Arriving at Andrew’s home we decided to continue our journey into this part of the state.  A new destination was found close to the original and off we went. It should go without saying that our first stop was for coffee.  We never leave town without getting coffee first. Today was perfect because Luci and Lisa, our two better halves, were going to a sweat together. This left us free to take our time in getting back.

Our new destination was El Morro national monument. This monument is not large and the hiking trails only cover a few miles.  It is located 41 miles south of Grants along NM53.  The drive is beautiful with varied scenery and environment.

Along the drive to El Morro we stumble upon a true treasure.  Understand that between Grants and El Morro there is nothing…I mean nothing.  So when we rolled across the ancient way cafe in the middle of no F#$@ where, it was a surprise. This beautiful little oasis is situated exactly where one might be wishing for a drink or snack. It is right off the road and impossible to miss because it is the only damn thing out there. Imagine our sense of jubilation at this discovery. Being lovers of the bean,  we had to pull over.

Typically in a place like this one might expect to find fair or poor coffee with terrible food.  Nothing could be farther from the truth.  We were amazed at the quality of service. The americano’s we had were fantastic.  Even better was the dessert case displaying home baked goods.  They had four freshly baked pies which consisted of a cherry pie, peach pie, green chile pinon nut apple pie, and  a three berry pie made up of blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries.  It was magnificent.

Oh how we wanted a piece of pie but driving while eating that would have been dangerous. Lets face it, we would have been stuffing our faces and probably ended off the road in a ditch. Next to the pie there where cookies, brownies, and scones.  We chose a butterscotch pecan scone and a white chocolate almond scone to complement the coffee.  Christ, this is a must stop!

So, I invite you to stop at ancient way cafe if you ever find yourself on NM53.  I’m confident you will not be disappointed. Along with the fantastic baked goods and coffee, the atmosphere is fun and quirky.  Everyone one is very helpful.  It’s just a small oasis in the desert. Don’t miss it!

Ok just had to put that in there. Now back to El Morro.  The first thing noticed when pulling in to the park office is the giant sandstone bluff rising above the surrounding landscape like a watching god.  Its beautiful and inspiring.  The trails are not long and around the base is actually paved. I know many will be wondering how great a hike on paved trails could be.   It is fantastic.  We spent over four hours here.

El Morro is also known has inscription rock.  There are petroglyphs and writings in the rock going back for over a thousand years.  Some of the early Governor’s of New Mexico stopped here.  When I say early how about 1605.  The elegance of the inscriptions are amazing and often translate into such flowery statements as: “I come in the name of the holy faith and royal crown.”

Along the base you will find thousands of these writings and petroglyphs. Also around the base you will come upon a large natural pool of water complete with cattails and long grass.  Its full and rich.  The steep sides of the bluff walls keep it shielded well enough to allow a full pool of water year round.  There is a groovy echo here that’s fun to play with. Also take notice of the water patterns shimmering off the sandstone walls…that really gives a hint of the mystic here.

Once we had followed along the base, the trail carried us up to the top of the the bluffs. You can spend a good hour or two up here.  The bluffs are covered with small shallow pools of water.  In the sandstone evidence can also be found that the indigenous people who lived here between 1000-1400 manipulated the sandstone by carving channels. This lead to a series of interconnecting water pools.  It was really quite amazing.  Along with this are the fantastic rock formations on top of the bluff.  Bring the camera. It is a photographers delight up here.

A little further on we found the ancient Pueblo Atsinna.  This Pueblo was the home of present day Zuni ancestor’s. It is believed that they where present between 1000-1400 ad.  Most of the Pueblo has not been excavated due to deterioration.  On top of the bluffs it is incredibly easy to picture why this particular location was chosen.  Just to name a few one could see that defense would be fairly easy and water seemed to be plentiful for the area.

Those are some of the main attractions that are open if one just stays on the trail.  Of course around the base you can look around a bit and also on the the way down.  We found some great photo shots including and abandoned cabin that looked to be 19th century in origin.  On one part of the hike, by complete accident, I cam across a few pottery shards that had been washed down.  It was truly an amazing experience visiting EL Morro.  The park entrance fee for each individual is only three dollars that is well spent. Also, let me suggest you take plenty of water, sunscreen, and a hat if visiting.  I hope all of you take the time if NM 53 is ever found to be rolling away beneath the wheels of you traveling car.

Our journey’s last stop was in Albuquerque.  We stopped on the corner of second and central to grab a burger.  There is something tasty about a nice juicy burger and fries after a day of exploration.  Our stomachs content we headed on to Santa Fe returning just after 10pm.  It had been a fantastic day and now it was time to sleep.  Leaving Andrew’s I was home 15min. later and in bed shortly after dreaming of the next exploration day.

On a note, let me just stress to take the chance on many beautiful and interesting locations.  At El Morro the trails where listed at roughly 2.5 miles yet we spent over four hours exploring here. It was well worth the time.  A few weeks ago when we visited Capulin Volcano the trails were listed at 1.2 miles. Here we spent 2.5 hours exploring. So, I suggest not letting the length of a hike or environment detour you from visiting.  It is amazing what can be discovered and that is what road trips and travel are all about.  Be sure to check out the photo’s under the same title.  Take care and explore well.

1- The natural oasis at El Morro.

2 Cattails in the desert.

3- Ancient Rock Art on the Sandstone bluffs.

4- A Spanish Explorer leaves his mark on the sandstone wall.

5- Landscape of the surrounding area from the base of the bluffs.

6- Me discovering the inner flower child.

7- A nice shot of the rock formations from the base of the bluffs.

8- A hidden box canyon not discovered until the top.

9- 10- A couple of shallow water pool’s found on top.

11- The perfect bonsai growing from stone . Completed by the Artist Nature.

12- Rock formation.

13- Old abandoned log cabin.

14- Another beautiful rock formation shot.

15- The Ancient Way Cafe…an unexpected bonus.