Sky News Australia: SNL Turns On Kamala Harris

 Sky News Australia has reported that Saturday Night Live has turned against Kamala Harris. 

As evidence, they presented this skit from SNL:

Ships That Got The Best (and Worst) CDC Sanitation Scores

Above, the Norwegian Sky scored a perfect 100 for sanitation in May. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It is nice to know that a ship I took a cruise on scored well in the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Vessel Sanitation Program.

Maybe that's why I didn't contract any illness during the cruise. 

USA Today reported:

Gastrointestinal illnesses like norovirus can be unfortunate anywhere, but they can be especially miserable on cruise ships, where they can easily spread without proper sanitation. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Vessel Sanitation Program is specifically designed to help keep GI illnesses from spreading on cruises by inspecting vessels, responding to outbreaks, training ship supervisors, and more.  

So far, this year, only two cruise ships have failed inspection, but several others have been close to the edge. Here’s how to find the sanitation reports for any ship sailing to the U.S.  

How are ships scored?  

Ships are scored on a scale of 100 for how well they’re keeping standards set in the VSP Operations Manual and given recommendations for addressing any issues.  

A score of 86 or above is considered satisfactory. Anything below that is considered failing.  

The ship I took on a cruise to the Bahamas in August had scored a perfect 100:

•  Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Sky in May 

It was one of twenty ships that scored 100. 

To read more, go here. 

A Little Drive

Since the weather here in New Mexico looks like it could rain any minute, I decided to take a little Jeep drive on a road inside Cibola National Forest.

I gave the Jeep a good 4 wheel drive workout on a hill near the corral near the entrance to Six Mile Canyon. 

As you can see from the photos below, it is cloudy out. 

Halloween In Jamestown

Last evening, I took a drive around our community in the Jeep and saw this Halloween display at Chris Schumaker's "convention center" (actually, his residence) featuring a 12' tall stripper.

 

Royal Caribbean Will Raise Gratuity Rates Next Month

Above, dinner on board Royal Caribbean's Majesty of the
 Seas (now in mothballs somewhere in Greece) in 2019.

  

Last week, I mentioned Norwegian Cruise Line's gratuities when ordering a cocktail from the Norwegian Sky smoking area bar. It was $20 a pop.

It looks like Royal Caribbean will be raising their gratuity rates starting next month.

USA Today reported:

Royal Caribbean International guests may face steeper bills on their next cruise. The cruise line will raise its recommended gratuity rates next month, according to the company.

Passengers staying in suites will pay $21 per guest each day, up from $20.50, while rates for all other cabin categories will increase from $18 to $18.50.

The changes take effect Nov. 1. Travelers who book and pay their gratuities ahead of that date can lock in the current rate, the cruise line told USA TODAY in an email. 

Gratuities are automatically added to passengers’ onboard accounts, but can be adjusted up or down before they disembark. Those funds are “distributed to crew members, including dining, bar and culinary services staff, stateroom attendants, hotel services teams as well as others onboard who work to enhance the overall cruise experience,” according to the line’s websi

I took a cruise to Key West, Florida and Havana, Cuba aboard Royal Caribbean's Majesty of the Seas in 2919. I don't recall the gratuity amount.  

To read more, go here.

Gov. Tim Walz Fudd and The Shotgun

 

On Monday's "Chris Plante The Right Squad," slammed Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz's failed attempt to appeal to male voters through a staged hunting photo-op.@ChrisPlanteShow @TianaTheFirst @hiltonsbeckham @MatthewFoldi @RobertBluey pic.twitter.com/dDBj5HD0tJ

— NEWSMAX (@NEWSMAX) October 15, 2024

Tsuchinshan–ATLAS Comet

During last weekend's clampout in the Arizona desert, I tried to see the  C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan–ATLAS) comet.

Unfortunately, there was a bright moon so I had no such luck. Last night, it was cloudy out so I could not see it. I'll try again tonight.

The only comet I had been able to see, and photograph, was Hale-Bopp. It was bright enough to see without any effort even from downtown Los Angeles and from the Silverlake Reservoir. 

Below is one of my Hale-Bopp photographs taken near Agua Dulce in 1997:

Here's where the Tsuchinshan–ATLAS comet will be:

Photo by: Rob Perillo/KATC.

The Points Guy: Cruise Ship Guide

Above, a cruise ship docked at Freeport, Bahamas. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Up to now, I have been on three cruises in my life.

The first was with Celebrity in 2001 with my mom and daughter to Alaska. The second was with Royal Caribbean for a cruise to Key West, Florida and Havana, Cuba in 2019.

The last was two months ago (already?!) with Norwegian to the Bahamas. 

While all were enjoyable, cruising is not my favorite way to travel. I caught some viral bugs with the trips to Alaska and Cuba. I came out unscathed with the cruise to the Bahamas. Considering how many people are packed onboard, it should come as no surprise that one may catch a bug, especially in this era of COVID-19.

I prefer smaller ships (about 2,000 passengers tops) as I don't like crowds. The new mega ships may be nice with a lot of amenities, but I am not thrilled to sail with 3,000 to 5,000 people. I am perfectly satisfied with a smaller ship with good food, plenty of bars, hot tubs/swimming pools and a casino (I've come out ahead on the cruises to Cuba and Bahamas).

Above, the casino during the Key West/Havana cruise. I came
out ahead here playing roulette. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

But, if one is thinking about taking their first cruise, The Points Guy has a guide to 20 popular cruise lines. 

They begin their guide with:

Thinking about booking your first cruise? The sheer range of choices can be daunting. There are more than two dozen lines marketing to North Americans — no two alike.

The list of brands includes everything from giant companies such as Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Line, which are household names, to lesser-known small-ship operators such as Windstar Cruises.

Some of the brands — Royal Caribbean, MSC Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line, in particular — operate massive vessels that are like giant floating resorts with multiple pool areas, deck-top water parks and other over-the-top amusements. Others specialize in intimate, boutique hotel-style ships.

Some lines, such as Carnival, are aimed at a budget crowd. Others operate vessels that are as luxurious as any upscale resort found on land. A few small luxury players such as Regent Seven Seas Cruises have ships with lavish suites that'll cost you as much as $11,000 a day.

Where should you start your search for the perfect cruise for you? Below, you'll find our quick guide to some of the most popular cruise brands. As you'll see, it's not meant to be an in-depth review of the lines. It's just a short overview — enough to give you a sense of which particular cruise operator might best appeal to you.

Once you've narrowed down the choices to a few brands that you think best fit your style, do a deeper dive into them and their specific ships, their itineraries and home ports and their comparable costs (either on your own or with the help of a cruise-savvy travel agent). Note that TPG has many in-depth guides to individual lines, which you can find by clicking on our cruise line hub pages linked in each segment below.

To read more, go here. 

New Mexico U.S. Senate Debate Tonight

It looks like I'll have to make another batch of popcorn tonight.

The reason being is that the first televised debate between incumbent U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich and Nella Domenici will take place this evening on KOAT.

According to the Albuquerque Journal:

Senate candidates Martin Heinrich and Nella Domenici will have their first televised debate Monday on KOAT TV. Airing from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. on Channel 7, the debate should touch on some of the most pressing issues facing New Mexicans.

Viewers can also tune in online, where the debate will be available on YouTube.

Republican Domenici and Democratic incumbent Heinrich have spoken about each other in televised attack ads already, but the debate could give voters a chance to see the two political candidates speak to each other and answer direct questions.

To read more, go here. 

Classic Rock Music Monday

The stuff that now passes as "music", particularly rock 'n roll, leaves me cold. So, to start off the week, here's a video of a classic rock artist.

To begin the week, we have The Association performing their 1966 hit, "Along Comes Mary" on the Smothers Brothers show.

From Wikipedia:

The Association is an American sunshine pop band from Los Angeles, California. During the late 1960s, the band had numerous hits at or near the top of the Billboard charts (including "Windy", "Cherish", "Never My Love" and "Along Comes Mary") and were the lead-off band at 1967's Monterey Pop Festival. Generally consisting of six to eight members, they are known for intricate vocal harmonies by the band's multiple singers.

Their best-known lineup included Terry Kirkman (vocals, woodwind instruments), Russ Giguere (vocals, guitar), Jim Yester (vocals, rhythm and lead guitar), Jules Alexander (vocals, lead and rhythm guitar), Brian Cole (vocals, bass) and Ted Bluechel Jr. (vocals, drums). This lineup recorded their first two albums, And Then... Along Comes the Association and Renaissance (both 1966) before Larry Ramos replaced Alexander in early 1967. With Ramos, the group recorded their third and fourth albums, Insight Out and Birthday. Alexander re-joined in late 1968, and the group released their fifth album The Association in 1969. Keyboardist Richard Thompson replaced Giguere in 1970, with whom the band recorded their final two albums Stop Your Motor (1971) and Waterbeds in Trinidad! (1972). The group has since been through several lineup changes, and has not released any new albums.

At The Clampsite

It was scorching hot during the clampout in Bouse, Arizona. It had to have been over 100° each day. It did cool off during the night. I managed to sleep pretty well with the RV's windows open.

The clampout was the fall doins of the Lost Dutchman Chapter No.  5917 + 4 of E Clampus Vitus. 

Despite the heat, we managed to have a good time. Saturday night's dinner was barbecued steak with beans and salad. It was good.

Some photos of the clampsite:

Above, Bobby, Tim and Tom. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, enjoying tequila sunrises. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, having a tequila sunrise.

Above, outside of my RV. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, The Beast at the clampout. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, Saturday night's dinner. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, yours truly doing a Gary Julian impersonation. Photo by Tom Garland.

 

Back From The Clampout

Around 2:30 this afternoon, I got back home in Jamestown, New Mexico from the fall clampout with Lost Dutchman Chapter of E Clampus Vitus.

The clampout was held in Bouse, Arizona, which was part of Gen. George S. Patton's Desert Training Center. It was quite hot during the daytime hours. Sierra remained at home minding the store.

We had a plaque dedication for a new plaque along with a rededication of an older plaque that was relocated a small park. In fact, the park holds s everal clamper plaques along with some military vehicles. It has to be the biggest collection of clamper plaques outside of Murphys, California. They were placed in various years by the Lost Dutchman and/or Billy Holcomb and Squibob Chapters.

The new and old plaques commemorate the A & C Mercantile store, the oldest business in Bouse.

A few photos:

Above, the old plaque is below the new one. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the A & C Mercantie store. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, a row of past ECV plaques. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, a WWII tank on display at the park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, getting the dedication set-up. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, yours truly at the plaque dedication.

Above, the reading of the plaque. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Campaign Contributions

The 2024 election campaign is down to the home stretch.

I did my bit for "king and country" by donating to Republican U.S. Senate candidates this morning. 

They are:

• Nella Domenici for New Mexico 
• Sen. Ted Cruz for Texas
• Kari Lake for Arizona 

All were done through WinRed.com. They are handling campaign donations for GOP candidates. To make a donation, go to the WinRed website and look up your state's candidate(s) here.

Black Hawk Helicopter Appears and Damages Supplies With Rotor Wash

 

Another angle of the Blackhawk rotor wash of the supply area in western North Carolina pic.twitter.com/zUSJgWe43D

— Washingtons ghost (@hartgoat) October 7, 2024

From the Western Journal:

Video from a North Carolina disaster relief station appears to show a Black Hawk helicopter damaging the site with its rotor wash.

According to one report, the incident came only 40 minutes after the civilian aid site was allegedly “slow rolled” by a pair of suspicious black SUVs.

The situation unfolded Sunday as people gathered supplies to help Hurricane Helene victims at a Burnsville parking lot.

A video of the encounter showed the helicopter arriving over the parking lot where volunteers and aid were being staged.

To read more, go here. 

John Wayne and The Draft

In recognition of the 82nd anniversary yesterday of the John Wayne movie, Flying Tigers (1942), the official John Wayne Facebook page addressed Wayne's draft exemption during World War II.

They wrote:

“Don’t try to win this war all by yourself.” —John Wayne as Captain Jim Gordon in Flying Tigers⁣​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Today marks the 82nd Anniversary of the release of Flying Tigers (1942). This was John Wayne's first role as a pilot. The New York Times called the film “a first rate aerial circus chock-full of exciting dog fights” adding, “Mr. Wayne is the sort of fellow who inspires confidence.”

Though many had questioned John Wayne's getting an exemption from military service during World War II, it was not entirely his fault. Duke was exempted from service due to his age (34 at the time of Pearl Harbor) and family status, classified as 3-A (family deferment). He repeatedly wrote to John Ford, asking to be placed in Ford's military unit, but Ford consistently postponed it until after he had finished one more film.

John Wayne did not attempt to prevent his reclassification as 1-A (draft eligible), but Republic Pictures was emphatically resistant to losing him; Herbert J. Yates, President of Republic, threatened Duke with a lawsuit if he walked away from his contract and Republic intervened in the Selective Service process, requesting his further deferment.

 

Florida Looters Could Meet Shooters, Gov. DeSantis Warns

Potential looters taking advantage of Hurricane Milton to loot someone's business or home may find themselves staring down a gun barrel, according to Gov. Ron DeSantis.

During a press briefing, the governor issued a warning that since Florida is a Second Amendment state, looters wanting to loot in the aftermath of Hurricane Milton had better think twice.

According to Florida Politics:

'You don't know what's behind that door.'

Another hurricane brings another unambiguous assertion of Floridians’ right to self-defense from the state’s Governor.

“If you think you’re going to go in and loot, you got another thing coming,” Gov. Ron DeSantis said during a briefing at the state’s Emergency Operations Center.

“If you go into somebody’s house after the storm passes, think that you’re going to be able to commit crimes, you’re going to get in really serious trouble. And quite frankly, you don’t know what’s behind that door in a Second Amendment state.”

Variations of this theme are a staple of storm press conferences for DeSantis, and Hurricane Milton continues the tradition familiar to Floridians who were around for 2023’s Hurricane Idalia and 2022’s Hurricane Ian. 

To read more, go here. 

Che Guevara Executed 57 Years Ago

Above, an image of Che Guevara on a government building at the 
Plaza de la Revolución in Havana, Cuba. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Tomorrow will mark 57 years since the October 9, 1967 execution of communist revolutionary Ernesto "Che" Guevara by Bolivian forces. 

Here's a short video on his execution:

He was buried in secret intending to be never found. But his remains were found in 1997 under an airfield  in Vallegrande, Bolivia.

After being positively identified as Guevara's, the remains were sent to Cuba for burial. 

Here's a video on the finding:

Watchdog Found $7 Billion In Untapped FEMA Funds

 

Watchdog found $7B in untapped FEMA funds — even though DHS Secretary Mayorkas said none available for future disasters https://t.co/sKOahimGfp pic.twitter.com/8Nwi67kuHW

— New York Post (@nypost) October 7, 2024

$600 To Boondock On BLM Land?

 

Summary:

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is proposing a large increase in fees for winter camping in Long-Term Visitor Areas (LTVAs) in Arizona. We have all the details. 

The BLM will host two virtual public information sessions about the proposals at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 10, and Wednesday, Sept. 25. The Yuma Field Office will hold a virtual public meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 11, from 5:00-7:00 p.m.; an in-person public meeting in Quartzsite on Wednesday, Oct. 9, from 1:00-3:00 p.m.; and two public information sessions on Nov. 6 at Imperial Dam LTVA and Nov. 20 in Quartzsite from 1:00-3:00 p.m. Public meetings are interactive where attendees are invited to ask questions and provide comments. Information sessions are presentations where attendees can learn about planned updates from BLM experts. 

Find the links for the virtual meetings here: https://www.blm.gov/announcement/blm-...

You can provide comment on this draft business plan by emailing BLM_AZ_YFOWEB@blm.gov with the subject line "LTVA Fee Proposal Comment" or by delivering/mailing comments to:

BLM Yuma Field Office

7341 E 30th St, Suite A

Yuma, AZ 85365

Hurricane Milton Cruise Itinerary Changes

Above, the storm approaching Nassau, Bahamas last month. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

When the cruise to the Bahamas was booked, I was a bit leery over going in early August as it was inside Caribbean hurricane season. I monitored the weather reports leading up to the cruise.

The only day of inclement weather during the cruise was when we were in Nassau. It was rainy there, with periods of hard rain, while we were on a bus tour. But we "weathered" it fine.

Now, Hurricane Milton is causing cruise lines to modify or cancel cruises.

Cruise Radio posted:

All eyes are on the Caribbean as Hurricane Milton continues to intensify. The storm is forecast to become a Category 3 or 4 hurricane with winds of 120 mph before making landfall on Wednesday on Florida’s Gulf Coast.

This week, voyages out of Miami, Port Everglades, Palm Beach, Port Canaveral, Jacksonville, Tampa Bay, New Orleans, Galveston, and Baltimore could be impacted. Florida ports are expected to close depending on Hurricane Milton’s track.

You can check the status of your cruise port here.

If your cruise is affected this week, your cruise line will contact you by email or text regarding any potential changes and cancellation policies.

Below are the updated changes from the following cruise lines. We’ll add itinerary revisions and possible cruise ship diversions as they become available from the operators.

If your cruise has changed, you can let us know here.

 To read more, go here.

Classic Rock Music Monday

The stuff that now passes as "music", particularly rock 'n roll, leaves me cold. So, to start off the week, here's a video of a classic rock artist.

To begin the week, we have Dick & Dee Dee performing a couple of their hits on American Bandstand from November 1964, "The Mountain's High" and "Thou Shalt Not Steal". 

What I remember most about Dick & Dee Dee was not so much themselves, but a friend of my Dad's, Don Brennan, doing a funny imitation of them one night while we were driving somewhere.

From Wikipedia:

Dick and Dee Dee (or Dick and Deedee) are an American singer-songwriter duo who reached popularity in the early to mid-1960s. The group was founded by California classmates Richard Gosting and Mary Sperling. They eventually changed their names to Dick St. John and Dee Dee Sperling (currently Dee Dee Phelps). They had their first hit in 1961 when "The Mountain's High" reached No. 2 on the Billboard 100. They toured with the Beach Boys and opened for the Rolling Stones during the Stones's 1964 tour of California. Regulars on the show Shindig!, the duo had multiple hit songs before St. John and Sperling disbanded in 1969. In the 1980s, St. John toured with his wife, Sandy. Dick St. John died on December 27, 2003, after a fall at his home. Dee Dee Phelps began performing with actor/singer Michael Dunn as Dick and Dee Dee in 2008, appearing in large doo wop and rock and roll shows throughout the United States.

Cruise Gratuity Charges

Above, the smoking area bar on the Norwegian Sky. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Whenever I ordered a drink from the bar while on Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Sky recently, I wasn't charged for the drink per se, but I did get saddled with a service charge of $20. I kept my indulgence of adult beverages to one or two a day. Good thing I know how to "nurse" a drink and make it last longer.

I expected this since I have been on cruises before and budgeted for it prior to departure. Years ago, a friend was unaware of the gratuity or service charges (thinking drinks were part of the package and therefore no charge) and ran up a tab of a few thousand dollars for his group. I think it was the first cruise he went on.

One can tell if they are going to be charged is when a barman or waiter/waitress asks for their stateroom key card. They will run it like a credit card.

Cruise Radio posted an article on whether or not gratuity (or service) charges are fair or unfair to passengers. 

They begin it with:

From self-checkout machines to drive-thrus, you’re expected to leave a tip everywhere now. But do you have to bring that tipping culture on your next cruise? Some say yes, and some say no.

Others argue you don’t have much choice regarding cruise ship tipping. 

Automatic Gratuity Charges: Yes or No?

Many cruise lines automatically add gratuities to your bill—whether it’s the standard daily amount per person, a spa treatment, or even just a soft drink from the bar. But is this a good move? Maybe.

To read more, go here. 

Oddball Arizona Attractions

Above, at Standin' On A Corner in Winslow. Photo by Russell Azbill.

RV travel can bring one to interesting and oddball attractions.

Nanci Dixon at RV Travel has posted some interesting ones that can be found in the state of Arizona. I've been to one she mentions, Standin' On A Corner in Winslow, Arizona.

She starts off with:

We arrived in Arizona too early this year. It is 101° out right now and climbing to 107° today, so I am inside with the A/C on. I am taking this inside time to check out some of the oddball roadside attractions in Arizona that I may want to visit during our stay. Here they are. You may want to visit them, too.

To read more, go here. 

Trump Back In Butler

Above, former President Donald Trump addresses the Butler, Pennsylvania rally.

As he promised, former President Donald Trump returned to Butler, Pennsylvania to hold a rally and to honor those who fell victim to a would-be assassin. The shooting on July 13 killed Corey Comperatore and wounded two others. A bullet grazed Trump's right ear.

Much of the rally honored Comperatore and the other victims. A moment of silence was led by Trump and then it was accompanied by a tenor singing "Ave Maria". 

Above, Sen. J D Vance addressing the Butler rally.

Before Trump arrived at the rally, other speakers took to the podium including vice president nominee Sen. J D Vance. Trump had Elon Musk speak to the rally.

Above, Elon Musk addressing the Butler rally.

I was in Rosemont, Illinois (outside of Chicago) attending G-FEST on July 13 when the assassination attempt took place and was able to catch the news coverage in my room at the Hyatt Regency O'Hare.

Hornady's LEVERevolution .30-30 Winchester Ammo

The other day while in Albuquerque, I picked up some ammunition for my Winchester 94 .30-30 rifle at Omni Arms.

The ammo is Hornady's LEVERevolution ammo with a pointed flex-tip. It is not the traditional flat-nosed .30-30 ammo normally used in lever-action rifles to prevent "chain-fire" accidents in the tubular magazine as the nose rests against the primer of the cartridge in front. 

The reason being (according to ChuckHawks.com):

The key to the LEVERevolution ammunition, two years in development, is a new Evolution spitzer (pointed) bullet with a red elastomer Flex Tip. This tip flattens enough to cushion the primer of the cartridge in front of it in the magazine during the acceleration of recoil, yet returns to its original shape instantly thereafter. The Flex Tip has been tested at temperatures from -40 to +130 degrees F, and also passed 15' drop tests in full magazine tubes and many rounds of proof loads. The Flex Tip eliminates the possibility of a magazine chain-fire, the bugaboo that has prevented the use of pointed bullets in rifles with tubular magazines.

 I decided to give a box of the LEVERevolution rounds a try.

Here's a comparison of the Hornady LEVERevolution .30-30 Winchester cartridge (left) and a flat-nosed Hornady .30-30 Winchester cartridge.

Fort Wingate Missile Launch Possible Today

Above, yours truly at the Six Mile Canyon gate.

There may be a missile launch from Fort Wingate today. As such, for public safety, some areas are under a temporary closure order. This includes Six Mile Canyon of the Cibola National Forest.

Fort Wingate is roughly ten miles from Jamestown (as the crow flies).

According to the order posted by the Grant County Beat:

Albuquerque, NM, October 2, 2024 – A Temporary Area Closure Order (03-03-02-24-12) has been reissued within the Mt. Taylor Ranger District, Cibola National Forest, McKinley County, New Mexico. The previously announced launch dates of Sept 25 and 28 were postponed by White Sands Missile Range. A launch is tentatively rescheduled for Saturday, Oct 5 with a backup date of Sunday Oct 13 requiring an area closure order within the Mt Taylor Ranger District.

This Order shall be in effect from October 4, 2024, at 2:00 PM, through October 5, 2024, at 4 PM, and if necessary, October 12, 2024, at 2:00 PM, Through October 13, 2024 at 4 PM. unless rescinded.

The purpose of this Order is to protect public health and safety during the U.S. Army's planned missile launch, including pre-launch periods, near the Fort Wingate Army Depot.

The Described Area is within Township 14N., Range 16W., Sections 1-24 and 27-35; Township 13N., Range 16W., Sections 2-6; Township 14N., Range 16W., Sections 7, 8, and 18; specifically, all NFS lands within the boundary starting at the Forest Service gate on NFS Road 547 in Six Mile Canyon, then following NFS Road 547 in a southwesterly direction for 4.6 miles to the intersection of the section lines of Sections 23, 24, 25, and 26, then following south along the section line between Sections 25 and 26, until the southwest corner of Section 2, T13N., T16W., then following the section line west to the southwest corner of Section 6, T13N., R16W. (excluding private inholdings), then following the Cibola National Forest boundary north then east, back to the point of beginning, which is the Forest Service gate on NFS Road 547 in Six Mile Canyon, as depicted in Exhibit A Map of this Order. 

To read more, go here. 

Autumn: Used RVs Seeing Price Cuts

Above, Monument Valley KOA Journey. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

With RVs built during the pandemic (roughly 2020 to 2022) having a myriad of problems with shoddy workmanship, the used RV market for years prior to 2020 looks a lot more attractive.

Now that fall is here, the used RV market is seeing price cuts. This may be a good time to buy.

That is the topic of an article in today's Newsletter at RV Travel.

They begin it with:

With autumn making its presence known by colorful leaves and cooler night air, the used RV market is likewise cooling off. Wholesale auction houses are moving used rigs across the block and reporting fall RV price cuts. If you’re in the market for a used RV, it could bode well. And if you want a new RV? Read on, there’s something here about market reflection.

To read more, go here. 

Japan Travel: 15 Unwritten Rules

Above, a food court at the Tokyo Skytree. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Japan is one of the world's most favored places to travel, many people are traveling there for the first time.

As this is the case, they should be mindful of proper etiquette while in Japan. There are 15 unwritten rules that all visitors should be aware of.

Condé Nast Traveller has them listed.

They begin with:

In Japan, the concept of “hairyo” – a profound embodiment of thoughtfulness and consideration – serves as a foundation for public interaction, reflecting a culture deeply rooted in mutual respect. This principle encourages individuals to be aware of their surroundings and anticipate the needs and feelings of others in order to cultivate a harmonious environment. However, navigating the many unwritten rules and social cues can be challenging for foreign travellers. As our readers named Japan the best country in the world in this year's Readers' Choice Awards, resident foodie and travel connoisseur Tokyo Halfie offers a snapshot of essential guidelines for your visit to help you avoid any faux pas. 

 To read more, go here.