31 Comments
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Mr. Troy Ford's avatar

You're pulling all my levers, Holly - desertscapes, DIY repair, ecology. Rather fascinated by the ironwood tree - I was more familiar with an Asian variety also called ironwood, but a completely different genus/species. The wood doesn't float? Cool... ;)

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Holly Starley's avatar

Right?! I thought the same about its inability to float. Talk about an example of persistence. Not surprised we have so many matching levers. 😉

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Kara Westerman (she/her)'s avatar

I am yearning to get my own travel vehicle.

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Holly Starley's avatar

Kara, I can't recommend it strongly enough. What kind of rig are you envisioning in? Where would you love for it to take you?

Thanks much for reading and commenting. I look forward to hearing more. :)

And PS, I dig your Substack title.

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Nancy Hendrickson's avatar

You are a superwoman.

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Holly Starley's avatar

Hahaha! I’m learning to feel more and more competent to handle what needs handling or know who to turn to for an assist. Thank you, thank you, Nancy. I much appreciate you reading and commenting. 💕

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Kimberly Warner's avatar

Your adventures with Ruby are one-of-a-kind. It’s like she’s a wise old ancestor steering you this way and that to encounter all the magic and love your life deserves.

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Holly Starley's avatar

Truth! She is an old soul. And she has afforded me a great deal of magic I'm more than happy to accept. Thanks, Kimberly. :)

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Cathy Jacob's avatar

Great story, Holly. Thank you❤️

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Holly Starley's avatar

Thank you, Cathy! 🥰

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Jenna Vandenberg's avatar

Good job working those butts off :)

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Holly Starley's avatar

Bwhahaha!🤣🍑🍑 Thanks, Jenna!

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Duwan Dunn's avatar

Going to a junkyard seems like an adventure. A city of vehicles and a guide to explore it. It is good to know that junkers in those vast fields actually go to good use sometimes. I admire your resourcefulness to get this job done. Glad you chose the red door! Ruby is more than a car or a dwelling, but a loved individual!

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Holly Starley's avatar

She really is. And you may not be surprised, knowing me (as I seem to have a hankering for wanting everything), there have been times that I regretted not getting the yellow. I mean, that would make her obviously one of a kind. But really, I know the red was the way to go. Haha!

Where are you guys? Have you parted ways with Ballena Blanca? any thoughts of visiting the Pacific Northwest?

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Duwan Dunn's avatar

Right now it looks like we will be heading your way. Haven't sold Ballena Blanca yet.

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Holly Starley's avatar

Well, I'm sorry to hear you haven't sold her--if you're feeling sorry about it at any way. But I'd be delighted at the opportunity to connect!

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Gary Gruber's avatar

Love your descriptions of the details. You paint pictures with your words. The bonus for us, former long-time RVers, is that we have had similar experiences with damage and repairs but not quite so fortunate in a junk yard and had to order new or replacement parts, including an entire powered awning. I tried driving away from a campsite in a Michigan national forest with the awing still extended. For the rest of that 10,000 mile trip the awning was out of use and held up to the side of the rig with duck tape. Friends along our journeys are among the best memories of all, some who became lifetime friends from distant places.

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Holly Starley's avatar

Oh, Gary! the awning. Thank you for sharing. What an image. I could just imagine that happening to me. Thank the gods for duct tape. It held a large shelf rattled free by a potholed forest road for a long time in Ruby years back. Rarely a dull day with life on the road, eh? Or maybe it’s just that dull days are lovely and adventuresome too.

Thank you for reading and appreciating the details. I do so enjoy to “ paint” them. 😊

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Tara Penry's avatar

Wow! Lucky Ruby to have such capable and fearless friends.

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Holly Starley's avatar

Right?! She really is lucky and well loved. I’ve been spotted by people who recognize her first. I’ve ran into old friends and acquaintances, when visiting here or there and had people ask, “Where is Ruby?” I hadn’t even known they were following our adventures. And I’ve had Ruby sightings, some of which were not really us. A friend will call and say, “I saw Ruby in Santa Barbara.” But alas, I am in Colorado.

Thank you, Tara, for reading and commenting— from both Ruby and me. 💕

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Tara Penry's avatar

That's pretty sweet to be recognized for your travel buddy. ☺️

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David Roberts's avatar

That photograph! Like a gentle fire. I enjoy these vicarious adventures with you and Ruby on the road.

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Holly Starley's avatar

Oh gentle fire. Such a good description. The skies of the US southwest are something else. I swear they, as much as anything else, are the reason I often linger longer than I ought when I’m out that way.

Thanks you, David, for adventuring with Ruby and me. ♥️🔥

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Brenda Uekert's avatar

Ah, those Arizona sunsets are really awesome, aren’t they? I’m impressed by your repair work. Perhaps we’ll meet up on the road? I’ll be heading north- to WA state - to cool off for the summer.

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appleton king's avatar

"the vagabond of it all" ohh yeah

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Holly Starley's avatar

Yasss! I'm glad someone shouted out that phrase. It made me grin when it came to me. Thank you ever so much for reading and for sharing, appleton!!

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Jeffrey Streeter's avatar

"For a second winter of the pandemic, I’d roosted among gold and umber deserts, climbing ridges to study the patterns of growth that coiled from mesquite and palo verde nurses. I’d lingered too long."

Glorious writing, Holly!

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Holly Starley's avatar

Thank you, Jeffrey! That desert is a glorious place to write about. 🏜

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Good Humor by CK Steefel's avatar

And just like that Ruby is fixed. Love your descriptions, pictures and videos. Seeing the shorts and tank top and reading about the desert sunshine warmed my bones on this chili Seattle morning.

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Holly Starley's avatar

Oh, man, that was a hot hot day. I was probably longing for chili Seattle morning. Thank you for reading, my friend. Here’s wishing you a mug of something delicious to warm your hands and bones. ☕️

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Paolo Peralta's avatar

Thanks for sharing beautiful moments

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