An older man travels over sea and land in quest of new adventures
First Impressions
I’ve done my best to verbally convey my first impressions of real desert. I suppose, if you found me in the same environs in mid-August trying to re-shoe the donkey, I might have a different perspective. Would it be be my soul for a Popsicle and how’s the weather in the Gulf Islands?
I spent an interesting few hours in a place called Randsburg, well up in the Mojave Desert. It is inundated with off-road motor-heads who love noise, dust and the wild abandon of ripping up the desert. However, their dollars keep the old mining town alive and for me the place was a fantastic photo opportunity. I could spend days there as the light changed and new colours and textures are revealed. This blog will be a simple photo essay from one afternoon in Randsburg and the area nearby.. I hope you like it. The photos selected were a tough choice. First impressions are often lasting impressions so I have taken some artistic liberty with a few shots. There’s nothing wrong with your computer.
The pause that refreshesWhen a tree falls in the desert… …yeah probably!That old tiny feelingA kindling bush, well that’s what I call it.Rattling-dry melonsBoom and bustComplete with optional donkey hitchHonest Pedro’s Used RVs and TrucksMoved, address unknownJunk MailThe mailman always shots twiceI always wondered where this guy lived, the note under the rock describes a lost dogThere’s always one!Homeland SecurityHot MailAt the Corner of See More and Do LessDry OasisEat Here and Get GasAfter almost hitting an elephant on a road in Mexico, I’ll believe anything.First ImpressionRandsburgPutting up a frontI’ll have two floozies with a side of friesIf we ain’t got it, you don’t need itNever driven on pavementNo commentA beautiful little beastA doom…I mean dune buggy, with compulsory trophy chick Zoom, zoom baby!Old VW’s never dieGetting away from it allA picture’s worth a thousand wordsDoobees are usThe jobYeah really!In the desert I sailed a boat with no nameHow do you play these things?My kind of lawnsA truly civilized community provides public washrooms in the town centerIndigenous gardeningOriginal paintSnob HillPit Prop PresbyterianOnce, someone shut off the ignition and stepped out of this car for the last timeHe was in the pinkSlivers and old nailsThe old man remembered growing up in a small house at the edge of town
Fred is a slightly-past middle age sailor / writer / photographer with plenty of eclectic hands-on skills and experiences. Some would describe him as the old hippy who doesn't know the war is over. He is certainly reluctant to grow up and readily admits to being the eternal dreamer.
He has written several books including two novels, 'The Keeper' and 'Storm Ecstasy,' as well as 'The Water Rushing By', 'Sins Of The Fathers', 'The Magic Stick', as well as an extensive inventory of poetry, essays, short stories, anecdotes and photographs.
His first passion is the ocean, sailboats, voyaging and all those people who are similarly drawn to the sea. He lives aboard 'Seafire' the boat he is refitting to go voyaging, exploring new horizons both inner and outer. This blog is about that voyage and the preparations for it. In spite of the odds against it, the plan is to sail away this fall and lay a course southward. If you follow this blog your interest may provide some of the energy that helps fuel the journey.
Namaste
Contact him at svpaxboat@gmail.com
View all posts by Fred Bailey
4 thoughts on “First Impressions”
The desert is big huh? So much open with so much quiet. Lotta lost dreams out there. Great trip Fred. George
George:
Good as ever to hear from you. Actually you have inspired me and got me thinking this way. I’m thinking Albin25 on a trailer. I’d need a bigger truck but the thought works for me. Looking forward to chucking ideas around with you. Thanks, Best, Fred
I simply had to appreciate you once more. I’m not certain what I might have worked on in the absence of the type of creative ideas shown by you regarding such a industry. It was before a very difficult situation for me personally, nevertheless understanding the expert way you dealt with the issue took me to cry over gladness. I am happier for the support and wish you comprehend what a powerful job you have been providing teaching many people with the aid of your website. I’m certain you haven’t met all of us.
The desert is big huh? So much open with so much quiet. Lotta lost dreams out there. Great trip Fred. George
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George:
Good as ever to hear from you. Actually you have inspired me and got me thinking this way. I’m thinking Albin25 on a trailer. I’d need a bigger truck but the thought works for me. Looking forward to chucking ideas around with you. Thanks, Best, Fred
I simply had to appreciate you once more. I’m not certain what I might have worked on in the absence of the type of creative ideas shown by you regarding such a industry. It was before a very difficult situation for me personally, nevertheless understanding the expert way you dealt with the issue took me to cry over gladness. I am happier for the support and wish you comprehend what a powerful job you have been providing teaching many people with the aid of your website. I’m certain you haven’t met all of us.
Thank you for your kind words, they help keep me going.
Best wishes, Fred