Internet "Friends"

I have spent alot of time on one of those internet "forums" and I must confess, its been mostly to argue. I have, and continue to examine myself as to why I do it. It's clearly inviting stress into my life.

Its so easy to say that I am "spiritual" and "enlightened" but then why this indulgance in such negativity? I originally arrived to that "place" to talk about my love of the desert and hear about the experiences of others.

I have made there people I consider to be friends. A strange occurance in this modern age of communication, this age of the internet!

One of my friends is on a journey. We were lucky enuf to spend some time together today. I am feeling happy that I was able to "turn him on" to The Verde Wilderness! The surrounding areas of the state in which I live, Arizona, are indeed quite beautiful. Yet, there is something unique about this place I call The Verde Wilderness. In an instant, I sensed that this newfound friend understood completely.

I took a ride on my dirt bike after our visit.

I am riding, but today I am going slow. I am not feeling "up" to the task of going fast this day. My motorcycle is a tool of a different kind this time. I am using my considerable skill to navigate this piece of earth I am on right now that is chuckling at me for even daring to try to succesfully traverse it! I am in what is called The North Hole on the Forest Service maps of the mountain in the picture above. The afternoon lighting demands that I stop and look. I park my bike against a tree and am sitting in its shade, looking strait up at the majestic rock cliffs covered in green moss.

I am drifting into an imaginary conversation, talking to those on that blasted forum that demonize me for the simple act of riding my dirt bike here. I am doing nothing "wrong" in fact, I am not even breaking any of mans laws! I am telling them that what I am doing and who I am is good, but it is no use, they do not understand, so I concede defeat! I will not go back and argue anymore.

We are all travellers here. Its time to embrace the idea that its ok to be different. I am a "native" of the land, as much as any person that was present here long ago. My vehicle is just a newer version of what was used in the past, nothing more. One can only get to where I am sitting right now with a sufficient amount of interest. Without that key ingredient, a helicopter is useless! I am, right here in this wilderness, OK!

The moment has passed, and I feel its time to decend, down, down, down the countless rocks, STRAIT DOWN! Manipulating the brakes on the machine to perfection. Sliding along, waltzing with the earth. I am turning right and spying on a herd of cattle near a tank. I quiet my motor and glide past, only two run away, the rest sit and look at me like everything is ok.

I have arrived home, and enjoy a hamburger with my family, feeling the gratitude pulsing thru my body for The Verde Wilderness. I am enjoying my love affair with my home.

No posting on the forum tonite. Its a good night.

Kevin