Chasing The Light

October 3, 2011

The Chrissy Angel Memorial Cross Country Motorcycle Trip Extraordinaire

Filed under: Uncategorized — Tags: , , — Kristine Brooks @ 1:40 pm

Sonny and Chrissy Angel are important people in our lives. Many of you will remember Sonny as the man who married Phil and me in 2006. His wife’s name was Christine Angel and she was a light source of love, goodness and kindness. Sonny and Chrissy were married for 54 years and together ran Sonny Angel Motorcycles in National City for 53 years in the same location with mechanic brother Donny Angel rounding out the team. Sonny is a legend in the motorcycling world and it is true to say that a great man is often supported by a great woman. For isn’t that the way a good partnership is formed, supporting one another through it all? Sadly, Friday September 30, Chrissy Angel, died of cancer. We miss her loving face and hugs, stories and most excellent ideas on how to be thrifty, her presence and her essence. Being thrifty and taking care of your machines is important and Sonny, Chrissy and Donny have kept Philip on his motorcycle since he purchased it from them new 18 years ago this week.

Chrissy and Sonny in the early days. Such a beautiful couple.

 

Chrissy Angel at our wedding May 2006.

Phil and I are dedicating the hard work, dedication and love that his entire pit crew put into making this trip safe while allowing him to honor his need to ride, as well as a very special woman, a “Goodie” as Sonny often called her. Deep love, that is what they knew together. We wish the Angel family love and solace while they mourn their tremendous loss. Yes Sonny, we did lose a Goodie.

Beloved Philip and his trusty 1993 Ducati Monster named Patina (with 192k miles on her odometer) launched Sunday around noon for a 3700 mile itinerary across the country to experience Duc-Stock at the Barber Raceway near Birmingham, Alabama, with stops on the way to include The Carlsbad Caverns, perhaps a bit of New Orleans Jazz, with a final destination on Haven Road in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. We are sending good and safe thoughts to Phil and remembering a wonderful woman, our amazing friend, confidant and cohort, Christine Angel. Love to you both on your journeys.

Enjoy a few photos of pre-launch morning, yesterday Sunday October 2nd.

The weather was fine and my sweetie is looking pretty pleased with his world.

 

Tank bag and water – check.

 

Bed roll – check

Posing in his exoskeletal armor. Yesterday in La Jolla, a woman in her 80s came up to Phil and said, “Young man, I really like your jacket!”. That tickled him!

Doesn’t he look happy?!

And a little bit devilish? A bit frisky?

A rare shot-Phil without his glasses.

He is putting in his ear plugs before the helmet goes on. Phil’s mantra: Wear your gear DAMN IT!

 

The full gear set-up. He is very excited to have his trusty Patina back after they were blown over on Highway One in July. Both bike and man are ready for a 3700 mile road trip. He upgraded to Staintune mufflers and Cycle Cat Gran Prix shifting and foot peg assemblies. Watch out world, we’ve got a happy motorcyclist!

HAVE A GREAT TIME MR. BONCER!

Phil’s Itinerary:

02Oct – San Diego to Tucson AZ 410 mi. (8 to 10) – hotel departed SD 12:20 pm, called in at 7pm, already checked in to a nice cheap hotel we booked through Hotwire.com

03Oct – to Carlsbad NM 475 mi (10 to 375 to 62) — hotel

04Oct – to Austin TX 475 mi (10 to 290) – Friend

05Oct – to NOLA 510 mi. (71 to 10) – Friend

06Oct – to Birmingham AL 350 mi. (10 to 59) – Camping at the track

10Oct – to Mount Hope AL 100 mi. – Friend

11Oct – to Weston WV 630 mi. – Friend

12Oct – to Portsmouth NH 710 mi. – Newly rented room in a very nice house in downtown Porstmouth, NH.

November 27, 2010

March 22, 2010 ~ Part 7 ~ Tortoise Breeding Program

Filed under: CD Research Center,Galapagos,Wildlife — Kristine Brooks @ 9:08 pm

I am here, my guide bird pealed off to his own adventure, and here I am looking at the one, two and three year old tortoises that they collect from the wild and then care-take until they are large enough to be let back out into the wild safely.

A playpen full.

Each little tortoise has a number painted on its shell.

The numbers were all painted in either pink, blue or yellow, and I wondered if there was a significance to that, or if it was just the color of paint available at the time…I never did find out the answer to this question.

43 was a very active member of this group. He was off exploring quite a ways away from everyone else. He was doing his own thing.

The water was an attraction to a few of the large tortoises in the breeding program, but they just floated there, not much for laps.

And what a lovely surprise…

My guide birdie Linus the Lava heron is back, and he accommodated my wishes by putting up his crown and standing STILL for more than one second.

Isn’t he a lovely poser?

The texture and shape of these tortoises shells is really wonderful. Look at numbers 78 and 85 especially at the edges. Can’t you just feel the raised edges in their geometric designs?

Lunch time!

Actively munching.

The outliers in this photo were scurrying as fast as they could go to the main pile of tortoises.

The tortoises in the foreground were climbing up on top of each other. It looked like they were playing “king of the hill”.

Linus the ham bird!

Sleeping baby Giant Tortoises.

I think I heard them snoring!

March 22, 2010 ~ Part 6 ~ Cacti & Lava Lizards

Filed under: CD Research Center,Galapagos,Plants,Wildlife — Kristine Brooks @ 8:35 pm

This is quite a large cactus tree off in the distance. I really like the colored silhouette it presents in the sky.

Another type of tree to study and draw. Have you ever thought about how wonderful digital cameras are? They allow us such freedom in capturing once in a life time shots. Thank you Panasonic for my lovely Lumix with the Leica lens. My only complaint would be that it does not have a view finder, only a little picture display on the back of it, and when it is as sunny as it is here at the equator, it is often times difficult to see if you have the shot you were looking for. Other than that complaint, I like it very much.

This cactus is not the same one as above, but is the same type. Isn’t the bark excellent in color, texture and organic shapes?

I know I must sound like a bit repetitive, but as an artist wandering around this beautiful place, on a once in a lifetime sort of trip, I can’t help but want to notice this so as to go home and interpret what I saw in my art.

Pretty little bloom. Not quite yellow or gold…

It sort of looks like a straw flower, but it was a soft and luscious type petal, unlike the already dried petals of the straw flower.

Construction meeting. Is the nursery finished yet honey?

Excellent silhouette of the thorns and the birds atop.

Another lizard. I wonder what makes the holes in the cactus leaves? Something fairly hardy I would guess.

Here he is up close…another of the same sort as the last photo of a male Lava Lizard, but look at how the green on this fellow isn’t as blue, and his back is much more in the brown-green family.

Ooooh, isn’t she just so darned pretty?

Perhaps a whole line of Lava Lizard colors?

November 23, 2010

March 22, 2010 ~ Part 4 ~ Don’t Eat The “Apples”

Filed under: CD Research Center,Galapagos,Plants,Wildlife — Kristine Brooks @ 9:53 pm

A pretty tree on the pathway that looked like an apple tree…sort of.

Here is the ‘fruit’ up close.

Turns out these trees and their fruit are toxic to humans.

I have arrived! This is the map of where to find each species here. The Charles Darwin Research Station is part of the National Park of the Galapagos.

More interesting plant life. I took this photo because of the juxtapositon of the spiky pods, the big soft broad leaves, and the curliques that reminded me of the grape vines at the home and vineyard of my friends Pam & Lee Long just outside of Stockton, CA.

I don’t think they make wine from these pods!

This plant is a bit difficult to see with all of the green behind it, but it was really pretty. It acted rather like Willow Trees do with their cascading gravity, but the leaves were long, skinny and somewhat notched growing off horizontally. It was intriguing and quite Seuss-like.

On the station they have a garden museum area that aims at educating locals and travelers alike on what native plant species look like. There is a big movement afoot to educate the locals that native species are best. But it is being met with some resistance as the locals like their flowering container gardens of imported garden flowers.

Now I know that the above tree is a Palo Verde. I think it wins for favorite local plant in my travelogue. Oh, favorite is such a difficult and exclusionary word. I really thought the Palo Santo tree was something spectacular also. I can’t say favorite: amongst my favorites would be more appropriate. Everything is beautiful!

A girlie Lava Lizard sitting on a rock after the heat had evaporated away the last drizzles. Male Lava lizards’ normal activity when not feeding is to run along the rocks flitting about. Lava lizards are found on all of the islands, but they are threatened on Floreana Island by rats and feral cats. It is believed that several species have evolved, with only a single species being found on any one island.

That pattern on her back makes me think I will have to interpret her scale color patterning on my loom. Free form color weaving…hmmm…how would that be accomplished? Tapestry seems obvious, but I was thinking more about the pattern for fabric for a jacket and tapestry doesn’t offer the hand I would be looking for in that kind of fabric construction. Yet another form of study I must follow because of this lovely trip. Wow, holy wow cow.

March 22, 2010 ~ Part 3 ~ Charles Darwin Drive

Filed under: Galapagos,Puerto Ayora,Scenery,Wildlife — Kristine Brooks @ 9:29 pm

Here I go merrily walking to the east to the Darwin Center. A beautiful day, hot and humid, a bit overcast which is nice because it means I don’t have to put sunscreen on every hour. Every two will do with overcast skies.

I had seen this sign as a sticker on one of the aqua taxis yesterday, so was pleased to see the full sized sign so I could get my token photo. The Marine Iguanas are certainly something to have home pride about, and the Galapagoans certainly do show it.

As I walked further East to get to the Research Station, I passed the local cemetery. The souls inside were graced with lovely acacia trees and white stuccoed walls.

I was impressed with the artistic wall outside of these mausoleums.

I thought it was interesting that on this side of the cemetery the wall wasn’t stuccoed, but all of the mausoleums and grave sites inside were stuccoed and decorated.

I felt like the jungley interior fit incredibly well. As if the trees were somehow watching over those who had gone before. It was a beautifully peaceful place. I’d wished I’d brought art materials to do some grave rubbings for transfer to fabric once I got home, but I didn’t think of it before I left the states, so did not enter their hallowed grounds.

I am still tickled by how many lovely lizards there are on this island. Here is a boy just hanging out. I really like the colors of his upper arms and back.

But then again, look at the color shift on those back legs and tail.

Pretty berries and the flowers from which they fruit.

The gift shop up on the right is the official store for the C. D. Research Station, and their prices were twice what you could find in town, just 300-400 yards behind me. The funds went to help the research station.

That’s Bob & Sue in the photo on the left. They would walk and I would dawdle behind taking photos and talking to myself about the wonder of life and travel.

Some sort of berries that looked like mini-pine cones.

A songbird in the tree…it was singing at the top of its lungs!

All the while, it drizzled. A fine mist of dazzling drizzliness.

A fancily painted Prius on the grounds of the station.

Can you see the disappearing caterpillar worm?

A perfect color match!

Look at all of the wonder in this photo. Texture, color, shape, depth, movement. It is all here!

With as much fun as I am having walking to the station, I can’t imagine how I am going to react when I see the Giant Tortoises and the Land Iguanas. Expect many photos!

November 21, 2010

March 22, 2010 ~ Part 2 ~ Artful Walk

Filed under: Artisan crafts,Galapagos,Puerto Ayora — Kristine Brooks @ 8:50 pm

I noticed this building on my very first evening in Puerto Ayora, and was taken with its artistic design. It hasn’t been open once, and I think it must be one of those “by appointment only” businesses. The sign on the front wall says Fine Jewelery & Silver.

Isn’t that gate extra spectacular? At night the whole building and gate are lit in a most enticing way. Great shadows are created as they bounce off of the round white building and the sharp cacti.

I had to have my photo taken in front of it!

Water bottle and bandana, my constant companions.

There were some beautiful weavings in town, brought in from the mainland, this is the one that if I’d had the money would have come home with me. I think it is exquisite, and up close you could tell that the work was accomplished by a master weaver.

This photo does not do the colors justice. It was dyed with indigenous plant species of the highlands of Ecuador and the yarn was most definitely handspun. I was also quite taken with the pottery that is exhibited on the right side of this photo. It was painted in this set of colors, as well as in black, white and red, all hand thrown and painted and created with a high caliber of skill.

I think this guy saw me taking a photo of him, and turned away, but for quite awhile, he was facing my direction with his “fanny” pack in the front covering himself. I took this photo because it was so far out of the realm of normalcy in Puerto Ayora. They are pretty laid back, shorts and tanks were fine here, unlike in Panama City, but you never saw *anyone* without their shirts or shorts, and to be in a speedo bathing suit on Charles Darwin Avenue, the main drag, well this was something *quite spectacular* and I could only imagine the story behind it. It was obvious he was uncomfortable and was looking for something. Everyone that passed him stared…it was a little Twighlight Zone-ish.

I have seen this truck all over the town by now, but this was the first time I had a good shot of it not moving!

Urging folks to get out and vote. It is such a luxury that we take for granted, please vote, even in the small elections. Your voice only counts if you get out there and vote your mind, not what the television tells you is right to vote, and not what the newscasters think because they do their best to sway people who aren’t willing to think for themselves. Do some research, call the candidates and ask questions, it is your freedom (and your grandchildren’s freedom) you are protecting by voting! I love my country and want it to remain free.

Off soapbox…for now…

The art center just before the Charles Darwin Research Station. I was impressed by these weavings, but as I got closer, I realized they were woven with commercially dyed acrylic yarns, not hand dyed or spun at all. And where that is completely understandable as it is for the tourist trade and they must be made quickly with a low cost of goods, it was also a disapointment as I had been looking for a weaving that was within my price range that was traditionally constructed. It was strange my reaction to them as I believe there is a time and a place for every fiber, and I understand the need of the artisans to gravitate this way, but I was sad about it because I’d never seen tapestries made with acrylic commercial yarns, and they lacked the bumps and sways that hand crafted color and yarn provide.

It felt like they were prints instead of originals, and I think that buying original art is very important. And where each one of these weavings was original in the fact that someone wove them, there were multiples of the exact same color and designs. I wanted a one of a kind original…but I couldn’t afford one, so I suppose I shouldn’t complain, everyone needs to make a living…but I was bummed because the Ecuadoreans have such a rich textile tradition, this seemed to lessen it somehow. Don’t get me wrong, I’d still rather see this kind of weaving than none at all, but in the past ten years as Phil and I have collected art, mostly originals, my ideals have changed. I want my natural fibers!

Maybe I am really just bummed because I couldn’t afford the piece above that was created using hand-spun, hand-dyed fibers. You’ll notice it was created using much more subtle colors and the designs were the traditional geometrics. These are definitely designed for the tourist in mind. That being said, I think the subjects of these weavings are lovely. But I did opt to photograph them and not purchase.

March 22, 2010 ~ Part 1 ~ Off To See The Charles Darwin Research Station

Filed under: Galapagos,Puerto Ayora,Sea Lions,Wildlife — Kristine Brooks @ 8:33 pm

Today I am heading out to the Charles Darwin Research Station, which is the hub of all conservation efforts here in the archipelago.

I stopped at the Hotel Sol y Mar first as it was rumored that Blue Footed Boobies, Sea Lions, Sally LIghtfoot Crabs and other sea creatures mingled amongst the guests at the pool and bar here. I had to take a look. I ordered a limonata and took a seat to observe. I really, really, really want to see a Blue Footed Boobie! I have seen Brown Boobies, so I must see a blue one!

There were three Sea Lions on deck, a large and two mediums.

Large was really suffering, and let me know how he was feeling “”Really, I am trying so very hard to stay awake, but the life of a Sea Lion is quite arduous! Please, just a few more minutes?”

This sleepy fellow was only able to keep one eye open at a time! I’ll bet he is one of those that would perpetually press the snooze button on the alarm clock.

Aren’t his tail flippers interesting to look at…and they have a little nubbins tail.

I know, I took a photo of his bootie, but how often do you get to see the bootie of a Sea Lion that isn’t wriggling around in the water?

Here they all are, sleeping amongst the tables at the bar. Academy Bay is directly to the left of this photo.

Look at that sweet little face with the whiskers. Made me miss my kitty cat, as Mr. Cosworth Motors likes to sleep like that too…I think in hopes that someone will scritch his chin…I wasn’t allowed to scritch this fellow, but I sure did stare at his face up close for quite awhile. Those whiskers look to be translucent.

Pretty side flippers.

Shape, texture, color…

A view of the hotel, which faces Academy Bay…the Sea Lions are at my feet as I stand taking this photo. It was about to rain as you might guess by looking at the sky.

Here is the view out to the East of this area.

This view was delightful. If you look for a moment, you will see that there are two small row boats in small inlets between the lava rocks. This was at low tide. This whole island is of course made up of black lava, and it is such a gorgeous color combination with the color of the water and the rich yellow greens of the flora. This house is one of those hold outs you see in big cities. You know where you drive by big buildings and in between two of them is a sweet, tiny little cottage that is in its original state. Not that it is run down, far from it, but the owners haven’t bowed to the “bigger is better” mind set. There are large (large to Puerto Ayora is a different scale than large in America or even mainland Ecuador) hotels and homes on either side of this quaint little home, and I was quite taken with it, as I am with those folks who hold true to their own homes even if it means they live next door to sky scrapers.

I am really digging all of the metal in rock pieces I have seen. You may recall the large shipping chains in one of the Panama posts, this is used for much the same thing, just on a much smaller, Puerto Ayora scale.

And the crabs are happy to have a few jungle gym bars to play upon.

The pool had two Giant Tortoise shells as decoration, one on each end. And a pelican mascot who just hung out here on this bench for the entire time I was sipping my limonata.

Next I will walk to the CD Research Station and see what I can see. It should be great as they protect and breed tortoises and Land Iguanas there. Oh boy, the color should be awesome!

November 17, 2010

March 21, 2010 ~ Part 15 ~ Lone Galapagoan Adventure Ends

Filed under: Galapagos — Kristine Brooks @ 11:09 pm

Once I came back out onto the road that leads to the dock from Laguna las Ninfas, I looked up and there was another one of the absolutely stunning orange Acacia trees, abuzz with the life of winged things.

A sweet little cottage protected by many trees. Shade is a hot commodity around here! hahaha

I really like the wrought iron work that is seen all over this island. Aren’t those “bars” on the windows beautiful?

This home made me wonder if the wrought iron was there for decoration or protection. You may recall that I have been told a number of times that there is no real crime on the islands here.

Light pink bougainvillea shining in the sunlight. I don’t recall seeing that color in California. We have an abundance of the bright salmony red color and the hot hot hot magenta color, but this color seems rare to me. So beautiful!

The alley I walked on to get to the dock had two of these in the wall near the church, and I was surprised I hadn’t noticed them this morning.

They were across the alley from the hotel I liked so much with the pretty wooden doors, so I suppose I only had eyes for the texture and color of the hotel this morning.

Here I am, back at Academy Bay, about to go hop onto a water taxi out to Fugue.

This is just sublime color. Look at that water and the old fishing row boat anchored in the foreground.

The layers of blue as the water depth changes. Mmmm.

Hey Mrs. Lightfoot, how is it going?


Seemed like everyone was having a wonderful Sunday afternoon.

I know I did.

March 21, 2010 ~ Part 14 ~ Laguna las Ninfas

Filed under: Galapagos — Kristine Brooks @ 10:49 pm

I am slowly toddling my way back to the dock for a ride to the boat, and I remembered that I had been curious about this place on my way out to Tortuga Bay, but thought it prudent to keep going because I had been advised to get out to the bay and back before it got too hot. So now that I am in town and there are places to sit in the shade, and I have remembered I wanted to see this place called Laguna las Ninfas, I am going to take the time to see what it is.

You may recall that I was quite taken with the B&B that had the little hand painted tiles embedded in the garden wall? This is another side of it. The room you can see through the artistic wrought iron is the dining room. Isn’t it wonderful?

Laguna la Ninfas = Lagoon of the Nymphs

You may notice that the lighting is very different in this photo as opposed to the one above and below. I took this photo in the morning at about 7:15 on my way to Bahia Tortuga. This is the pathway on the North side of the B&B leading out to the lagoon of nymphs.

That little garden in the raised stone bed in the center was full of native plants that were all tagged as if a proper master gardner lived there.

I had been thinking all morning about my dear friend Jennifer who had recently closed her online store in order to focus on fiber kits. The part of her business that really floats her boat and that she excels at…I mean really excels. I looked up and found the first real bit of graffiti I have seen here…just words, not art. I had to get a photo of it, because it was a difficult decision for Jen to close a lucrative business arm, but it was taking tolls on her in ways that aren’t acceptable, and she was strong and did it. I am so happy for her. Jennifer…this photo is for you.

My first glimpse of the lagoon.

Here is the lagoon. Isn’t it lovely?
Do you see that fellow in the right hand corner hiding behind the trees? He was whistling the most beautiful music. When I first approached, I could hear him but could not see him so it truly felt like a magical place. I haven’t heard much music on this trip, and coming from a household where the stereo is on most of the time, it was a lovely feeling in my head and heart. This fellow was sitting in the water cooling off, enjoying the beauty of his surroundings, and adding to it with his music.

It was quite shallow on the southern end, but looked much deeper in the northern end of the lagoon.

I am not exactly sure how this lagoon is fed, but this photo shows the south end of it, and it looked like it might get fed from the part of the bay where the water taxis park…I wasn’t sure, and I forgot to test the water and see if it was salt or fresh. It could have been a lake or pond and not a true lagoon, but I was happy just to have experienced its beauty.

This is an amazing place.

November 15, 2010

March 21, 2010 ~ Part 13 ~ Panorama of Puerto Ayora Township

Filed under: Galapagos,Scenery,Tortuga Bay — Kristine Brooks @ 8:01 pm

I’ve made it. I am back at the check in point, and I am wiped! out. It is so hot that I feel like I might explode! I don’t think I’ve ever been this hot and humid in my life. Growing up in the high Sierra desert did not prepare me for this, but I wouldn’t have exchanged this experience for the world.

I had drunk all of my water and juices, eaten my apples and granola bars, and was so thankful that the check-in office sold water and frozen juice bars. The ranger that was on duty today was so kind, I bought a half gallon of water and he gave me a special one he had been chilling in the freezer for himself. His associate told me in hand language to please put it against my face. They had me sit in their office for awhile, I think they were worried I might keel over from heat exhaustion. My face must have been as red as Dorothy’s slippers.

I was fine, just needed to stop moving, get out of the beating sun and get more fluids into my body. You know, this might sound a bit coarse, but you can drink a gallon of water a day here and never have to go to the bathroom.

Once I had gotten closer to my regular color back, the ranger suggested I go atop the check-in office and check out the view.

Here is Academy Bay sparkling in all of her glory. The Darwin Research Station is all the way to the left on the bay, and I am going to visit it tomorrow.

Here is a zoomed in shot of the Bay, Fugue is just to the left of that big blue ship/boat at the left side of the photo.

I decided to make a panorama from Academy Bay from South to East and then North. The next six photos have a small overlap, and if they were aligned on a horizontal plane including the first photo of this post, they are the view I have had the joy of experiencing on the top level of the check-in office.


Palo Santo tree bark with lichen. So pretty!


You start to see the volcano stretching into the highlands in the background of this shot.

There it is…covered in the low fog/mist the Ecuadoreans call guara.

So green!

One of the town’s water cisterns can be viewed in this shot…it is the red barrel in the sky. They are short of fresh water here, so there are many cisterns atop buildings and homes.

The pretty tree at the foot of the check-in office.

I’ve rested and now I am going to head back to the boat for a nap! What a fantastic day! One I will never forget in my life.

I was told that most of the locals feel the walk to Tortuga Bay is too arduous so they don’t go there often. Most travelers are off on tours out to the other islands and rarely take the time to come out here. I’d have to say they are missing out on a treasure.

The funny thing? I didn’t see one Tortuga. Not one. But I saw so many wonderful animals, had beautiful interactions with some of the locals that did find it worth the trek, and had a color inspiration extravaganza. Actually I didn’t quite see much of what I had been told to expect, but I still had one of the most delightful days I have ever experienced in my life. Just shows that if you are totally tied up into expectations you could easily forget to enjoy what is right in front of you!

Almost back to the boat, nap time.

Older Posts »

Powered by WordPress