We’re opening to our vulnerability out here, physically from the vicissitudes of body, weather, and gear, and emotionally from the astounding spaciousness of blue sky and sagebrush terrain.
Porter awoke in the New Mexico desert one morning to snow falling. He had camped a mile down a red clay trail to find a bush out of the wind, and used the rib and shoulder bones of a cow skeleton (pictured below to the right of his tarp) to shovel a dirt windbreak. The snow turned the red clay to deep mud, so he had to push his snow-covered bike a mile out to the road.
He made it to Grants and then Cuba, and I brought him back to the Tamaya Resort, historically part of the Santa Ana Pueblo. It’s indeed sacred land. We had a view of the Sandia Mountains, named for their reddish watermelon color at sunset. 
Tamaya is a Native American word meaning “in the center.” Each morning I hiked to this volcanic plug, which to me looks like a giant ancient being emerging from the center of the mountain. 
We celebrated over dinner on Tamaya’s windy terrace.
Amber sat on our balcony and contemplated what Saint Vincent of Saragossa, the patron saint of wine, might think of her favorite Zinfandel, 7 Deadly Zins. 
She’s a party wherever she goes, and we wish the same for you this Memorial Day weekend!
Amazing!! Stay warm you guys!!
Thanks, Pam, we will! And I’m doing the PT exercises you gave me religiously!
I love 7 Deadly Zins!!!!
But be careful out there in the snow and mud!!!!
Jerrie, you and Amber and I have so much in common! Good thing we had a little left in the bottle, because tonight we’re at an inn that doesn’t serve any alcohol on Sunday because of the New Mexico Blue Laws!
That flimsy shelter doesn’t look like nearly enough for the weather Porter confronted. What a guy to push through anyway. Hat’s off!
Thank you, Claire! I know, Porter wished he could bring his bike under his tarp, but no way! Hope all is well with you and Ral!
Your ledes are so wonderful. And you both look so happy.
Dean, you and your profound photographs inspire me to go deeper, thank you! Porter and I will email you soon to talk about your own upcoming adventure.
Porter is one tough guy. Thank God you and Amber are there when he steps off his bike. And you’re a pretty tough cookie yourself. Funny how a certain kind of toughness goes hand-in-hand with the ability to sink into and appreciate sacred space. I’m loving this trip you two are on.
Melanie, I’ve been thinking of you a lot out here. At Tamaya I met and talked with a Peruvian shaman and told him how wonderful and gifted you are. Looking forward to seeing you when I can. Sending love.
New Mexico mud is famous for its ability to swallow whole bicycles and then being dry the next day. And all of the land in all its forms down there feels sacred to me too. Everything sounds wonderful except waking up to snow! Thank god Amber is there to be guardian of the healing elixir and companion to another soul-rich Storey adventure!
Kim, all the sacred cacti out here send blessings to you and our little cacti that you’re taking such good care of. Thank you so much!
This post makes your adventure seem so real and awe-inspiring — you are both just amazing!
Love as always,
Brenda
Brenda, we’re having so much fun and learning a ton on this journey, so different from our previous. Hope all is great with you and your wonderful writing!
Wow! Are we having fun yet? But the country looks stunning.
Beth, we’re having a blast! And the country truly is stunning. Hope all is well with you and Philip!
I admire your willingness to put yourselves into the elements, facing whatever is with courage, strength, and presence. I ran the BB today, at least.
Dawn, Congratulations on running the Bolder Boulder! You rock!
So much snow! Keep the fires and Zinfandel’s close by!
Totally, Philip! We so appreciated talking with you by phone a couple of days ago, and are keeping you very much in our hearts and meditations. We love you so much! Dad and Gail
So good to be with you both on the road again! We’ve had our own ultimate adventure this month as Hajo passed on and I’ve been finding my way without my trail mate of 53 years. Glad you both are doing this together while you can! It puts things in perspective. I have no regrets, Hajo and I toasted each other over smooth roads and rough and now he is well on his way to the great beyond! Keep pedaling, Porter,. . .how well I remember our miles together on the way to Moab…and Gail, you are an inspiration to us all. Thanks for the trail talks.
Dear Pat, Our hearts go out to you on Hajo’s passing. We’re keeping you in our hearts and meditations. You and Hajo remain an inspiration to us on how to enjoy life’s trail together. We especially thought of you as we went through El Malpais again recently. Much love, Gail and Porter
Another Wild Adventure!
We drove to Breck yesterday and it snowed! I guess I shouldn’t be surprised. Have a great trip!
Thanks, Susie! Yes, there’s still so much snow in the Colorado mountains! Glad you’re having your own continuing adventures and I love seeing them so well documented on your fabulous blog!
Snow!! The photos are beautiful, and I can see why it is considered sacred. Know your adventure is inspiring! And so are you both.
Thank you, Peggy. Your own adventurous travel is inspiring to us too!