The Mind Ranch

Sweet Isuzu Amigo

noreply@blogger.com (DanaMite) — Sat, 11 Dec 2010 10:05:00 +0000

the next year of this blog will be dedicated to my 1993 Isuzu Amigo 2WD (that I treat very much like a 4x4 rig)

Bought a used Amigo XS; white, 5-speed, San Diego in 1994. This was the third vehicle I had ever owned. Now a days it is my 'work truck' for firewood, dump runs, and yard waste. Maybe a local camping trip to Quatal Canyon, but rarely take it past the Kern county line.

This mini SUV sometimes gets confused with the Geo Tracker or the Suzuki Samuri, but indeed the Isuzu is a much stronger, solid built truck. Almost as good as a Jeep ; )

My Amigo was 'totalled' on Dec 30, 1999 - on my way to the New Year Eve bon fire in the Anza Borrego Desert. I rebuilt it to last another 10 years and this is my dedication to this special vehicle. It basically started me on my big camping and outdoors kick, which lead to my 'outside addiction', which in turn lead to a creation of my online career - Total Escape!

This lime green babe was the first real camping machine. Convertible, high clearance, 4 banger, baby has got 206k miles on the original engine and has had the top end rebuilt twice; at the moment it needs a lotta work: power steering pump, new clutch, 1st gear is grinding, etc.

mods & upgrades include:

Rancho 9000 shocks (awesome)
Optima Red Top Battery (amazing)
Calmini cam (what a waste)
4" shackle lift (darrlington)
2 additional leaf springs

Mountain Lion California

noreply@blogger.com (DanaMite) — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 16:32:00 +0000

Last night while star gazing in my backyard, I heard the all too familiar deer munching in the empty lot next to me. After an hour or so, I heard foot steps in the leaves as she approached my yard. I stood up and told her not to eat my garden in a firm voice. She retreated back to the land above.

Several minutes later I heard a ruckus. Running, bushes trampled, rocks flying, a deer screaming. Then silence. Shortly afterward, I hear huffing & hissing noises coming from the area. I pointed my trusty 2-million-candle-power spot light up the hill to see the black tip of a long tail in between the trees. I spotted a mountain lion 100 feet away.

The deer had run off in terror and the big cat was still pacing about next door. My friend & I stood up, started talking, pointing, then it disappeared into the forest behind my house. This was the first time (in 6 years) I had actually seen a mountain lion near my back yard in Los Padres National Forest, so I thought I would share it with you.

Wild big cats, called mountain lions in California are also known as cougars.
Deer is the main food source for these large wild cats.

There is estimated to be approximately 6000 mountain lions living in the wild in California. Mountain lions are not a threatened nor endangered species in the golden state. Proposition 117 (passed in 1990), means mountain lions are now a "specially protected species," making mountain lion hunting illegal in California.

Apparently, the biggest population of mountain lions in the US lives in the Santa Lucia Mountains, Los Padres National Forest, along the Big Sur Coast. Numerous lion sighting have been recorded in - Gaviota State Park, Lake Cachuma, and Santa Barbara's "front country trails"

Mountain Lion Attacks California
16 verified reports since 1890

FAQ about Mountain Lions
from the Department of Fish & Game

Road to Nowhere

noreply@blogger.com (DanaMite) — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 17:19:00 +0000

Road to Nowhere
Originally uploaded by danamight

Finally got outta town - during the first storm of the season. I celebrated my 12 year anniversary online w/ Total Escape by taking a much needed road trip to the Eastern Sierra. The Rock Creek area was gorgeous in the snow, with the tail end of autumn still showing. See the awesome photos!

The AWD Saabaru

noreply@blogger.com (DanaMite) — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 17:32:00 +0000

The AWD Saabaru
Originally uploaded by danamight

After I climbed the Bishop 168 grade to Aspendell, CA @ 8500' the CHP officer parked in the middle of the road told me NO ONE gets past here without 4x4 or AWD. Lucky for me, I was prepared with new Yokohama tires & a full day of total freedom!

With the rising cost of gasoline, I am so glad I bought this compact beauty. This is now the main vehicle for Total Escape Adventures, plus all my R&D.

driven drunk an average of 87 times

noreply@blogger.com (DanaMite) — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 22:20:00 +0000

People who have previous drunk driving convictions make up approximately one-third of the drunk driving problem in America. These are people who have been failed by a system that has in turn failed to keep the rest of us safe. Even first-time offenses are serious indicators that a person is likely to become a repeat offender. First-time offenders have driven drunk an average of 87 times before they are convicted and most likely have a serious problem with alcohol.

Miller Jeep Trail 2008

noreply@blogger.com (DanaMite) — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 04:24:00 +0000

Summer Visitors

noreply@blogger.com (DanaMite) — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 21:54:00 +0000

I always love having visitors stop by & camp at my mountain pad.

Mountain Lions in Los Padres Forest

noreply@blogger.com (DanaMite) — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 05:37:00 +0000

I usually see the mountain lions while driving west of Pine Mountain Club. Sometimes I've seen them darting across the Mil Potrero Highway near the meadow (in pairs 2008); On Cerro Noroeste Rd where the length of the big cat took up the width of one lane(2007); On the ridge line dirt road on San Emigdio mountain (2006). And never to be forgotten, the baby cougar in my front yard at night (2005). Not once have a seen a wild kitty while hiking in Los Padres National Forest, only the occassional bob-cat, which is a much smaller animal. They are out there for sure & their main food source is deer.

It is now mid summer & I am updating this post to link to my newest sighting in 2009.

the mountain

noreply@blogger.com (DanaMite) — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 06:32:00 +0000

Some will die in hot pursuit
In fiery auto crashes
Some will die in hot pursuit
While sifting through my ashes

Some will fall in love with life
And drink it from a fountain
That is pouring like an avalanche
Coming down the mountain

pumping the brakes

noreply@blogger.com (DanaMite) — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 07:10:00 +0000

Always do sober what you said you'd do drunk. That will teach you to keep your mouth shut. ~ Ernest Hemingway

relentless

noreply@blogger.com (DanaMite) — Sun, 02 Mar 2008 10:06:00 +0000

The first thing in the human personality that dissolves in alcohol is dignity.

alcohol vs. work

noreply@blogger.com (DanaMite) — Sat, 01 Mar 2008 10:12:00 +0000

If drinking is interfering with your work, you're probably a heavy drinker. If work is interfering with your drinking, you're probably an alcoholic.

Be My Angel

noreply@blogger.com (DanaMite) — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 05:29:00 +0000

They say it's me that makes you do things
You might not have done, if I was away
And thats it's me who likes to talk to you
And watches you, as you walk away

Don't say it's useless, don't say forget it
Don't bring me wishes of silly dreams

Just save us all from too much freedom
Too many fingers and too many seams
They say it's you that washes the wind
And brings the night into the day
If you won't notice how can I show you
All of your worries have all gone away?

Don't leave me lonely, don't leave me unhappy
Just bring me up into your faith
If you don't need me, then don't deceive me
Letting my freedom turn to stone

Just be my angel if you love me
Be my angel in the night
Be my angel cause you need me

Be my angel treat me right

Don't say "Love me" if you don't need me
Don't send me roses on your behalf
Just take me down and walk through your river
Down in the middle and make it last

Holdin onto you, holdin onto me
Holdin on tight to my lover's cross
Don't say it's useless and don't say forget it
You are my spirit and now you are gone

lyrics by - Mazzy Star

Narcissistic

noreply@blogger.com (DanaMite) — Sun, 24 Feb 2008 21:26:00 +0000

a pervasive pattern of grandiosity, need for admiration, and a lack of empathy.

I AM SO DAMN HOT. Hotter than you will ever be.
I AM NOT OVERWEIGHT or FAT, I AM PLUS SIZE.
AND I AM A MODEL!!!

ALL OTHER GIRLS ARE CRACKED OUT LOOSERS OR ALCOHOLICS. My eyes are turquoise. I am cherokee. I am a professional hottie.

HE HAD IT GOOD WITH ME. I PAY ALL THE BILLS & MAKE THE $510 CAR PAYMENT. THE ONLY REASON HE CANNOT BE WITH ME IS BECAUSE HE HAS A SICK, TWISTED, MENTAL DISORDER.

(drama, drama, drama)

ticket to ride

noreply@blogger.com (DanaMite) — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 02:19:00 +0000

I think I'm gonna be sad,
I think it's today, yeah.
The boy that's driving me mad
Is going away.

He's got a ticket to ride,
He's got a ticket to ride,
He's got a ticket to ride,
And he don't care.

He said that living with me
Was bringing him down, yeah.
He would never be free
When I was around.

He's got a ticket to ride,
He's got a ticket to ride,
He's got a ticket to ride,
And he don't care.

I don't know why he's ridin' so high,
He oughta do right,
He oughta do right by me.
Before he gets to saying goodbye,
He oughta so right,
He oughta do right by me.

I think I'm gonna be sad,
I think it's today yeah.
The boy that's driving me mad
Is going away, haw...

He's got a ticket to ride,
He's got a ticket to ride,
He's got a ticket to ride,
And he don't care.
Dont care.

I think I'm gonna be sad...
I think I'm gonna be sad...
I think I'm gonna be sad...

lyrics by --- The Carpenters

Ripping a Reality Check

noreply@blogger.com (DanaMite) — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 10:38:00 +0000

PLAYA -
a dry lake bed; a flat-bottom depression found in interior desert basins.

NOTE to the non-breeders: Vulger is actually Vul·gar

1. characterized by ignorance of or lack of good breeding or taste
2. indecent; obscene; lewd
3. crude; coarse; unrefined
4. pertaining to ordinary people in a society
5. current; popular; common
6. lacking in distinction, aesthetic value, or charm

>>> freaken, fucking, F**K, F.O.A.D. s**t hole, AHOLE, poodle meat, hores, whore, hoes & anything else that HE SAYS.

Damn this is Cool

noreply@blogger.com (DanaMite) — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 03:55:00 +0000

Down the Barrel of a Gun
Originally uploaded by Extra Medium

This makes me wanna get on the road & travel this week. Great lighting, textures & bizarre colors. Love it - Live it!

This flickr fellow suggest I may be as well traveled in California as "Huell Howser". Wow, that sounds like a new goal for me. DanaMite takes over the California Gold show (altho it would be available streaming off the web & not on network television). Why not! My crazy, red headed, best friend from San Diego, can be my side kick. Or the other way around, since he is the real ham. As long as I get to visit more hot springs than museums it will be okay.

My passion for local travels go well beyond any call for natural bonding mechanisms, motherhood or even wife duties. I am solo, single & loving life. Outside as much as possible. A custom 4x4 camper van w/ 32" tires & a winch is my ultimate dream machine. Living on the road part time doing research & web design for California is my ultimate path with this decade old web site. People who live to travel in my book, are the coolest around. I cannot wait to live on the road.

Wanderlust you might call it! Adventure trips await.

mind-fuck

noreply@blogger.com (DanaMite) — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 05:27:00 +0000

Will "hell" mean him?
(Taurus males in particular are specialist at this technique, but all men who may be considered "players" are subject to such bull)

The term is crude, but it summarizes the scenario. A mind fuck is where a dishonest boy tells you whatever you wanna hear, just to make things better, just so he can be on your good side & get sex - when he wants it. Every compliment, every cover up, every opinion. Nearly everything he says that comes out of his mouth is a facade to make you believe his lies. Whether it be romance, fantasy or hopes of ever lasting love, he will lay it on so thick & juicy, you will surely fall in love all over again & again... giving him just one more chance.

Whatever he says to you - will benefit him, the secrets he keeps or his selfish schemes in some way. If he could be honest enough to share his thoughts or activity, you would scream in horror at what he's been thinking about - or worst, what he's been up to. If you actually knew what he was saying behind your back - to the "other girls", you would be filled with rage & disbelief. Confusion, doubt, pity, low self esteem, self destructive, & "sabotaging" behaviors may play a big part in the drama.

But it's easier to dismiss his fowl behavior, forgiving again, so you can have your stable, happy, family unit back - until you ultimately find the truth. One day you will see his ways - up close & personal. Shocking perhaps, then sad. How could this be happening to you? You saw it coming a mile away, years before. Beginning to wonder if this is the man you really need, you realize he doesn't need you in the same way.

Hmmmm. Or maybe he was coaxed into being with you in the first place (for ever & ever) & now he regrets his choices, looking for a possible way out.

Either way, it's all an unpleasant experience.....

I am a looser because I cheated on my wife over and over (and still do). Left her & my baby at home crying every night (that's my sick power) while I hang out at the local bars. I WILL say I have changed just to get her hopes up & break it all over again. I also lost my job several times at different places because I am an alcoholic - but I wont get help, because I LOVE TO DRINK (to escape my miserable mind/life)

I refuse to pay for her & her junk food, to sit at home & watch TV all day eating. I can barely afford my racing hobbies, much less buying more home decor (clutter). I MUST PAY my child support, but it will unfortunately cut into my money for my beer, bikes, and babes. Dang. I don't even want to baby sit my daughter because I am just too damn busy DOING NOTHING. May as well just phone my maddening mistress.

So I guess I will just let that fat bitch wife work her multiple jobs trying to make ends meet and run off to the desert every chance she wants. She'll never get to spend time with OUR daughter because she is always at day care.... while I just sit on my ass calling all my buddies, banging the neighbor chicks and be the idiot I am.... NEVER amounting to anything. Heck, some girl WILL love me tonight!

AFTER ALL, THIS IS THE AMERICAN DREAM - RIGHT?

[this marriage is not a dream, it's a nightmare.]

Snowmo the Sierra

noreply@blogger.com (DanaMite) — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 09:15:00 +0000

Snowmo the Sierra
Originally uploaded by danamight

Real winter weather for California. Look out!
Late January is always my favorite time of year.

Who might be dreaming of a Sierra Nevada winter wonderland, with new snowmobiles.....

totalescape.com/trips

Weekend Specialists

noreply@blogger.com (DanaMite) — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 04:21:00 +0000

Total Escape's web master is its tour guide, and the weekend included optional excursions to nearby caves....

California weekend specialists.

[Way back in 2002, a review in Business Week magazine]

Hot Days / Cold Nights

noreply@blogger.com (DanaMite) — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 04:55:00 +0000

Hot Days in Moab
Originally uploaded by danamight

Since winter has officially started here tonight (in the mountains at 5000' - I think it may even be snowing on the ridges) I decided to post a sunny warm day memory of one of most favorite hikes in Utah. This one is called Negro Bill Canyon & it's a great half day hike. Trailhead is right off of the Colorado River along Utah highway 128

California Outside

noreply@blogger.com (DanaMite) — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 01:36:00 +0000

The lack or lull in blogging here doesn't mean I've lost my interest, vision or blogger account. I am consumed by a new WordPress blog residing on Total Escape. Merging the top database of towns to the all the cool stuff to see & do around each region. We are talking festivals, parks, waterfalls, hikes, anything outdoorsy - in California, it's gonna be on Total Escape.

Bridging old HTML pages to new fresh data & retaining my well indexed pages w/ the search engine robots. This new Total Escape OUTSIDE blog format is my newest, easiest, most efficient way to organize decades worth of quality California content. Campgrounds, Hot Springs, Back Roads & California Sightseeing data. All the lil pieces, DanaMite tips, personal advice, secret spots & useful info that make travel w/ Total Escape so unique, different & overall better.

Starting w/ the overabundance of California Festivals, I am organizing all the local events, celebrations, jamborees, rodeos, & street fairs into a new format. HERE -
totalescape.com/outside/category/event

Pretty soon, there will be more photos & less scrolling. Bear with me on this new venture.

All Hallows Eve

noreply@blogger.com (DanaMite) — Thu, 01 Nov 2007 06:34:00 +0000

All Hallows Eve falls mid-week. Yuk! Trick or treaters were out running about in 45 degrees, but the lazy adults turned in by 9PM. I dressed in costume for a Saturday night party & danced at a mountain cabin with dozens of new friends. My platform boots were off by 2AM & I was relaxing at an after hours party until 5AM Sunday morning. Then we went for a hike on Sunday afternoon & had a BBQ too. What a fun weekend!
I usually have a Halloween Party on Halloween night, but this year I took some much needed time off. This image was from my party in 2003. Jan just sent it over this week. Boy how times have changed! Jan is now living in Utah & wanting out bad. The brave soldier to the left of me cannot stand the sight of me & took me to court based on my frequent local post office visits. How heroic is that? And today he still must see me around our small village, always turning his head - but damn he looks so cool in that hat with his big truck, with no one to smile at. Persona non grata.

Palapa Pool Paradise

noreply@blogger.com (DanaMite) — Sat, 20 Oct 2007 09:27:00 +0000

The Palapa Pool
Originally uploaded by danamight

Uploading my travel photos into Flickr is great work. A solid place to keep them all & to share. Walking down memory lane & re-living all these trips is mind boggling how many places I went over the last decade. This one is from a birthday in Cabo, 2000.

SoCal Desert Camping

noreply@blogger.com (DanaMite) — Wed, 10 Oct 2007 00:36:00 +0000

Oyster Shell Wash in Anza
Originally uploaded by danamight

Oh how I miss Anza. The cooler temps are setting in & the weather is starting to get good now. The secluded campsites, the endless dirt roads, the mud caves & slot canyons. The scenery is fantastic out here in Borrego Springs East San Diego County.