Utah: Beyond The Mighty 5

Above, Forrest Gump Hill in Monument Valley. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

For those looking for places to go during the summer vacation season, the Travel Mole has posted a list of places to see and things to do in Utah beyond "The Mighty 5".

They start it with:

The state of Utah is deservedly famed for its iconic red rocks and The Mighty 5® National Parks, drawing millions of visitors each year travelers in droves to its majestic landscapes.

But for those seeking a quieter, more intimate experience with nature, Utah offers a wealth of lesser-known opportunities. From tranquil spots.

These include scenic fishing spots, rock-climbing adventures and fascinating dinosaur history away from the crowds.

To read more, go here. 

State Dept. Updates Bahamas Travel Advisory

Above, a shopping area in Freeport, Bahamas. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

When a friend and I went to the Bahamas on a cruise last summer, the country was under a Level 2 State Department Advisory at the time. 

While there, we saw no problems or potential dangers. 

The State Department has revised its advisory for the Bahamas. 

According to AOL:

The U.S. government wants you to be extra careful if you're visiting the Bahamas. So much so that it updated its travel advisory for the popular destination on March 31, alerting travelers to the dangers of violent crime, beach safety, and ammunition laws across the Bahama Islands.

The Bahamas has been at a level 2 advisory warning since January 2024, and the new update does not change the level.

"What do the advisories issued by the U.S. Department of State mean?

Level 1 (Exercise Normal Precautions)

Level 2 (Exercise Increased Caution)

Level 3 (Reconsider Travel)

Level 4 (Do Not Travel)"

“Violent crime—like armed robberies, burglaries, and sexual assaults—can occur anywhere in The Bahamas. Most crime occurs in Nassau and Freeport on New Providence and Grand Bahama islands,” the travel alert states. “Stay alert in the 'Over the Hill' area in Nassau, south of Shirley Street, where gangs have killed residents.”

We visited both Freeport and Nassau during the cruise.

To read more, go here. 

Girling the Boy Scouts

On the 115th anniversary of the Boy Scouts of America that arrived on February 8, 2025, that fabled organization ceased to exist due to the woke mob of leftist radicals that included attorneys filing lawsuits for alleged child abuse. 

The "leadership" of the Boy Scouts caved in and changed the Boy Scouts of America to something called Scouting BSA. This new organization includes everyone: girls, transgenders, LGTBQ and other wacko groups. Boy Scouts founder Robert Baden-Powell must be spinning in his grave. 

You'll find this 2017 post interesting.

Explaining the transformation and what led up to it is in the following video from PragerU with Heather Mac Donald of the Manhattan Institute:

Kiyosaki: Silver "Hottest" Investment In 2025

Above, JFK 1964 silver half dollars and Morgan silver dollars. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

 

SILVER set to boom. Hottest investment today is silver. Much more demand than supply.

Gold just passed its all time high of $3115 an ounce.

Silver still 60% below its all high…today only $34 an ounce.

I predict silver will 2X this year to at least $70 an ounce.

I already…

— Robert Kiyosaki (@theRealKiyosaki) April 1, 2025

Dems Suing Against Trump's EO Blocking Non-Citizens From Voting

 

Wow https://t.co/wUusBIjoEn

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) April 3, 2025

RV Internet

Above, Route 66 RV Resort with one of its cell towers behind my RV. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Whenever I go RV camping, I usually bring along one of my laptops. I connect to the Internet with my AT&T mobile hotspot.

I've had it for seven years. I got it when I moved to New Mexico from California and it, generally, has been reliable. When on the road, all I need is a nearby cell tower for the device to connect to it. 

RV camping and the Internet is the topic of a new article in RV Life.

It starts out with:

Starlink has received a ton of press the last few years, and for good reason. I had a great experience with Starlink when testing, though that is not always the universal opinion. Like almost any RV internet solution, your mileage may vary. Pricing and plans for Starlink seem to fluctuate frequently as the system continues to grow and change.

The curiosity around Starlink is justified. However, it often diverts attention from existing, affordable solutions that already exist on the modern 5G cellular network. If you frequently camp outside the vast data network dominated primarily by AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile, you should consider Starlink. The number of RVers that actually do that however, is smaller than you think.

To read more, go here. 

Oops! "In Harm's Way" Jeep Blooper

 A little while ago, I noticed something on Facebook. It is a video clip from the 1965 movie, In Harm's Way starring John Wayne and Kirk Douglas.

It shows a Jeep approaching Wayne and George Kennedy. It is supposed to be a South Pacific base during World War II. The Jeep shown did not exist at the time. It is a Willys Jeep M38A1 that was first produced in 1952. I should know, I have one.

It was spotted by the front fenders. I have the movie on DVD, but I never noticed this until today. 

Here's a screenshot of the Jeep from the movie:

Here's my 1952 M38A1:

The Jeeps during World War II all (different models) had flat fenders. It is anachronistic for the era.

Gun Ownership By State

I don't know how accurate the following map is, but it is interesting to view. 

This map shows gun ownership rates of people by state.

Travel Ordeal of Flights To Cruises

Above, cruise ship departure from Miami cruise terminal. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Last summer, a friend and I booked a flight out of Albuquerque to Miami to take a cruise to the Bahamas.

We booked a flight that arrived in Miami in the wee hours of the morning of our cruise departure date. We had no problems getting to Miami, but the flight was a long one as we had to catch a transfer flight from Salt Lake City, Utah to Miami.

Getting to the cruise terminal from the Miami airport was a different matter. We pre-paid for a shuttle service, but that never arrived. We called them several times and got no response. Ultimately, we took Uber to the terminal.

TheStreet posted an article on the pitfalls of airline flights to reach a cruise departure port. 

They start with:

Sometimes, even when you think you’re playing it safe with your travel plans, what can go wrong does go wrong.

Even if you’re an experienced cruiser with plenty of smooth sailings under your belt, your streak of good luck can easily be broken by circumstances outside of your control.

If you’re flying to your cruise departure port, your chances of a flight delay impacting your arrival at the port are pretty significant. On average, more than 20% of flights experience some kind of delay, according to U.S. Bureau of Transportation statistics.

Booking a flight that arrives on the same day as your cruise is risky and generally not recommended due to the unpredictability of air travel. Most expert cruisers recommend always flying in the day before your cruise departure. But sometimes, even that isn’t enough.

Frankly, flying is no longer enjoyable for me. Too many flight problems have cropped up over recent years. I am now avoiding airlines and just going to travel with my motorhome. At least I have more control traveling that way.

To read more, go here. 

Spring Snow

Above, the deck and deck furniture shortly after the snow started. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

We got a bit of a snow-dusting yesterday afternoon/evening in Jamestown, New Mexico. It looks like we received about an inch of the white stuff from what I saw this morning. 

It was pretty much expected. But it was also needed as the winter has been mostly dry. 

We may be getting more tonight through Saturday according to the National Weather Service. At least I am not located in the southern part of New Mexico. They've been having dust storms like crazy.

Here's the forecast for the next several days:

Today

Scattered snow showers, mainly after 3pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 45. Southwest wind 5 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. Total daytime snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.

Tonight

Scattered snow showers before midnight, then isolated flurries after midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 21. Southwest wind 10 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.

Thursday

Scattered snow showers before 3pm, then scattered rain and snow showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 44. Southwest wind 10 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. Little or no snow accumulation expected.

Thursday Night

Mostly cloudy, with a low around 25. West wind 5 to 10 mph becoming light and variable in the evening.

Friday

Snow showers likely, mainly after noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 45. Calm wind becoming northwest around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 70%.

Friday Night

A 50 percent chance of snow showers. Some thunder is also possible. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 25.

Saturday

Snow showers likely, mainly after noon. Some thunder is also possible. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 44. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Saturday Night

A 30 percent chance of snow showers before midnight. Some thunder is also possible. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 20.

Winchester Model 12 Overview (Video)

 By The Hunting Gear Guy.

Japan's "Golden Route" For First-Timers

Above, Osaka Castle. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

For those who have never been to Japan, there are several websites that will greatly aid in one's vacation planning. 

One such site has posted an article on "The Golden" route that is aimed to first-time visitors. It was posted by Japan Today.

It begins with:

TOKYO - The Golden Route is the quintessential travel itinerary for first-time visitors to Japan. It traditionally includes Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and (sometimes) Hiroshima, offering a well-rounded introduction to Japan’s modern and historical sites. This route is ideal for first-time visitors as it provides a mix of modern cityscapes, historical sites, natural beauty and cultural experiences. The entire journey typically takes 7 to 14 days, depending on how long you stay in each location.

The Golden Route is well-connected by the Shinkansen, Japan’s high-speed bullet train, making travel between major stops fast and convenient. Local train lines, buses and subway networks will also make accessibility a breeze in each city. Many travelers opt for the Japan Rail (JR) Pass, which offers unlimited travel on most JR trains, including Shinkansen services, making it a cost-effective option.

This guide provides a summary of each destination in the order you would travel, including practical travel information.

To read more, go here. 

Dollar At ¥149.62 In Tokyo

We're now in a new month (no, this is not an April Fool's joke) and it is time to see how the U.S. dollar is faring against the Japanese yen in Tokyo trading.

According to Jiji Press:

As of 5:00 p.m. on the 1st, the yen was trading at 149.62 to 149.63 yen per dollar on the Tokyo foreign exchange market, down 48 sen from the previous day (149.14 to 14 sen).

This is still great for American travelers to Japan as their dollars will get them more yen.

To read more, go here. 

Gamera Day Yesterday

Above, yours truly in line to get into the theater.

Since it was windy outside and that drives my sinuses crazy, I stayed indoors for most of the day.

I decided to revisit Gamera The Brave (2006), a reboot of Daiei/Kadokawa Pictures Gamera character.  I attended the premiere of the movie on April 29, 2006 at the Picadilly Theaters in the Yurikucho Mullion Building in Chiyoda, Tokyo. 

Above, yours truly at the souvenir table in the theater lobby.

Later, when I bought the Japanese DVD of the movie, there was an extra showing the premiere and I was seen waiting to enter and at a souvenir stand in the theater's lobby. I was at the "ripe old age" of 52 at the time. Hard to believe, now that I am 71. Where did the time go?

Above, the JR Central Towers at JR Nagoya Station were
 featured in Gamera The Brave. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

In 2014, I planned to visit Nagoya, where much of the action of Gamers The Brave takes place, but a snowstorm caused me to modify my Japan visit. In 2007, while taking a train down to Kyushu, the train stopped at JR Nagoya Station and I got a photo fo the JR Central Towers featured in the movie.

Later, during dinner, I decided to watch Gamera: The Guardian of the Universe (1995). It had been a long time since I watched it as well. A few months before my dad's passing in 1999, I loaned my parents the DVD of it and they both enjoyed it.

Above, the Fukuoka Dome in 2007 was featured in Gamera:
 The Guardian of the Universe. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

In 2007, I did pay a visit to the Fukuoka Dome that was featured in Gamera: The Guardian of the Universe during the attempted capture of three Gyaos birds. 

The locations mentioned were covered in The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan.

NM GOP Headquarters Firebombed

The Republican Party of New Mexico Albuquerque headquarters was firebombed yesterday morning. 

Deemed a hate crime, the incident is under investigation. 

Good Idea!

Leave it to James Woods to come up with good ideas!

 

In a toilet stall maybe? https://t.co/OnqUFLgUOF

— James Woods (@RealJamesWoods) March 30, 2025

Winchester 94 Book On The Way

The other day, I spotted this book on the Winchester 94 (or 1894) being offered for sale at Walmart. Unfortunately, they had none available.

Instead, I did a search and spotted one at Amazon and ordered it. It has been shipped and will be arriving by Friday.

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 start off the week and note that today is the last day of March, we have the 1968 hit by Arthur Brown, "Fire". 

From Wikipedia: 

Arthur Wilton Brown (born 24 June 1942) is an English singer and songwriter best known for his flamboyant and theatrical performances, eclectic (and sometimes experimental) work and his powerful, wide-ranging operatic voice, in particular his high pitched banshee screams. He is also notable for his unique stage persona, featuring extreme facepaint and a burning helmet.

Brown has been the lead singer of various groups, most notably the Crazy World of Arthur Brown and Kingdom Come, followed by a varied solo career as well as associations with Hawkwind, the Who and Klaus Schulze. In the late 1960s, the Crazy World of Arthur Brown's popularity was such that the group shared bills with the Who, Jimi Hendrix, the Mothers of Invention, the Doors, Small Faces and Joe Cocker, among others.

He is best known for The Crazy World of Arthur Brown's 1968 single "Fire", reaching number one in the UK Singles Chart and Canada, and number two on the US Billboard Hot 100[6] as well as its parent album The Crazy World of Arthur Brown which reached number 2 in the UK, number 6 in Canada, and number 7 in the US. Following the success of the single "Fire", the press would often refer to Brown as "The God of Hellfire", in reference to the opening shouted line of the song, a moniker that exists to this day.

Although Brown has had limited commercial success and has never released another recording as commercially successful as "Fire", he has remained a significant influence on a wide range of musicians in numerous genres because of his operatic vocal style, wild stage persona and often experimental concepts; he is considered to be a pioneer of shock rock and progressive rock and has had an influence on both electronic and heavy metal music. In 2005 Brown won the 'Showman of the Year' award from Classic Rock magazine, receiving the award at the Classic Rock Roll of Honour Awards ceremony held in London's Café de Paris.

Winter May Not Be Done With Us

It appears that winter isn't quite done with us in New Mexico.

According to the National Weather Service, we may be getting some snow showers mixed with rain this week. The fun begins on Tuesday night, uh, maybe. 

Here's the week's forecast:

 Today

Partly sunny, with a high near 56. West wind 5 to 10 mph increasing to 15 to 20 mph in the afternoon.

Tonight

Mostly clear, with a low around 30. West wind 15 to 20 mph decreasing to 10 to 15 mph after midnight.

Monday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 64. Breezy, with a southwest wind 5 to 15 mph increasing to 15 to 25 mph in the afternoon.

Monday Night

Mostly cloudy, with a low around 39. Breezy, with a southwest wind 20 to 25 mph, with gusts as high as 35 mph.

Tuesday

A 30 percent chance of showers after noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 52. Windy, with a southwest wind 20 to 25 mph increasing to 25 to 30 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 45 mph.

Tuesday Night

A chance of rain and snow showers before 9pm, then a chance of snow showers between 9pm and midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 21. Windy. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Wednesday

A 20 percent chance of snow showers after noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 45.

Wednesday Night

A 20 percent chance of snow showers before midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 20.

Thursday

Partly sunny, with a high near 48.

Thursday Night

Mostly cloudy, with a low around 26.

Friday

A chance of rain and snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 50. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Friday Night

A chance of rain and snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 26. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Saturday

A chance of rain and snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 47. Chance of precipitation is 50%.

The Utimate Japan Travel Guide For First-Timers

Above, Kyoto's Kinkakuji "Golden Pavilion". Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Since 2001, I have been to Japan eight times over the years. Each time I try to go to places I haven't been to during previous trips. In 2010, I published The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan.

There are those who would like to visit the Land of the Rising Sun for the first time. To help get them there, GMA Network has posted their "ultimate Japan travel guide for first-timers",

It begins with:

Traveling to Japan soon? This guide will help you plan your trip from acquiring a visa to setting your itinerary.

Now that the COVID-19 pandemic is over, everyone is making up for the lost time. People are now in their “revenge travel” era--a period when travelers are eager to explore the world after being restricted for years.

One country has emerged as one of the top destinations after the pandemic--Japan. The Japan Embassy in the Philippines has been receiving a high volume of tourist visa applications since January this year. From the usual processing time of less than a week, tourists are now advised to apply for a visa at least two months prior to their intended travel date. To address this demand, the Japan Embassy introduced a new visa application center which will start processing applications on April 7, 2025. This means other accredited agencies have until April 6 to submit directly to the embassy.

If you're planning a trip to Japan, this guide will provide a comprehensive overview of all the things you need to know from applying for a visa to budgeting and travel tips.

Above, Godzilla peers over a building in Tokyo's Shinjuku district. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

To read the full guide, go here. 

1902 Custom Winchester Model 94 (Video)

By Ron Spomer Outdoors.

 

How To Zero A Rifle With Open Sights 30-30 (Video)

Since the weather is starting to get warmer (we got our first upper 70s temperatures this week), the gang and I will be getting out to the shooting area near our subdivision soon. We've already talked about doing so.

The following video by Ron Spomer Outdoors is on the topic of sighting a Winchester 94 .30-30 rifle, which is what I have. I am posting it for my own reference, but those who stumble on this blog post who have rifles, whether it is a Winchester 94 or not, with open sights will find it useful.

I have already adjusted my rear sight on my Winchester 94 (a best guess), but I can re-adjust it out at the range.

U.S. Military Personnel Deployed On Border In New Mexico

This is sure to not make Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham happy!

 

U.S. military personnel were deployed along the border in New Mexico.https://t.co/8POzsaoazn

— KOB 4 (@KOB4) March 29, 2025

New Mt. Fuji Eruption Safety Recommendations

Above, a bullet train (Shinkansen) view of Mount Fuji. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The last time Japan's Mount Fuji erupted was in the early 1700s.

It is still considered an active volcano, just dormant. But that's not stopping Japanese authorities from providing recommendations for public safety in case the mountain decides to erupt.

According to Travel and Tour World:

The Japanese authorities have released new recommendations urging residents to remain indoors in the event of a possible eruption from Mount Fuji. An expert panel has classified ashfall into four distinct levels of severity, advising evacuations for wooden structures experiencing more than 30 cm of ash. The guidelines stress the importance of having emergency provisions for at least seven days, avoiding the use of cars, and effectively managing ash accumulation. Public readiness and awareness are key components of the recommendations.

In light of potential volcanic threats, the Japanese government has issued updated guidelines advising residents to stay indoors if Mount Fuji erupts, causing significant ashfall across the Tokyo metropolitan area. This comes after thorough evaluations by an expert panel assembled by the government. While Mount Fuji, Japan’s tallest peak, last erupted over 300 years ago and the likelihood of another eruption is low, these new regulations aim to prepare the public for any unforeseen events.

To read more, go here.

Things To Do In Arizona

Above, the Bird Cage Theatre in historic Tombstone. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Since vacation season is just around the corner, Travelbinger has an article on things to do and places to see in the state of Arizona.

Some of the places posted I have been to already and each are worthy of consideration during vacation plans.

They begin with:

Arizona has long held a reputation for being the wild and equally enchanting West. Being born in Arizona and having lived there for almost 40 years, I can tell you that there are plenty of beautiful destinations that this state has to offer.

Whether immersing yourself in one of its many hiking trails is calling your name, or perhaps delving deep into some of the west’s gold rush past, I’ve handpicked 33 of the best must-see attractions Arizona has to offer. 

In this article, we will cover everything from natural wonders to some of the State’s most historic landmarks. So keep reading, and get ready to start planning your next vacation! Arizona has an abundance of must-see attractions with your name on it, ready and waiting. 

To read more, go here. 

How fast can silver hit $50 and $3,500 for gold?

Above, silver Franklin half dollars. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

These are interesting times, economically.

One of the more interesting things going on currently is the rise in gold and silver spot prices. This is begging the question: How fast can silver hit $50 and $3,500 for gold?

That is the topic of an article in Kitco News.

It begins with: 

Silver finally closed above $35, and the double top formed on the charts from last October and mid-March. But the question remains: Is this just another setup for disappointment, and when will it hit $50? The last time Silver hit that milestone was April 25, 2011, while Gold continues to hit new all-time highs after breaching $3,000 for the first time on March 14, 2025. Gold has everything going for it right now, with uncertainty surrounding US trade policy, US fiscal policy, geopolitics, and a global growth slowdown. 

To read more, go here. 

Not The Starter

Above, near Cibola National Forest a few days ago. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Well, I checked the Jeep yesterday and the problem is not the starter.

The whole vehicle has no power. No headlights, no horn, nothing. It is definitely not the battery. It is as if a circuit breaker triggered.  At least I won't have to shell out $470+ for a starter. 

Now, all I have to do is figure out how to get the Jeep to the mechanic's in Gallup. 

2025 Gallup Rodeos

Rodeo season is almost upon us in the Gallup, New Mexico area. This is my favorite times of the year in New Mexico.

So far, these are the rodeos scheduled:

The Gallup Lions Club Youth and Open Show Rodeo, a historic event with rough stock and timed events, is scheduled for June 12-14, 2025, and the Best of the Best Rodeo, featuring junior and high school athletes, will be held from June 21-24, 2025. 

Here's a more detailed breakdown:

Gallup Lions Club Youth and Open Show Rodeo:

• Dates: June 12-14, 2025
• Features: Rough stock and timed events, wooly and steer riding
• Stock Contractor: Casper Baca Rodeo Company
• Youth Rodeo Start Time: 5:00 PM on Thursday, June 12th
• Open Show Rodeo Start Time: 7:00 PM on Friday, June 13th
• Morning Slack: 9:00 AM on Saturday, June 14th
• Saturday Open Show Rodeo Start Time: 7:00 PM 

Best of the Best Rodeo:

• Dates: June 21-24, 2025 
• Location: Red Rock Park in Gallup, New Mexico 
• Participants: America's top junior high and high school rodeo athletes 
• Events: Eight timed events, including barrel racing, pole bending, breakaway roping, tie-down roping, team roping, and steer wrestling 
• Special Competitions: Parent-contestant team roping and ribbon roping 




• Gallup Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial August 1 - 10, 2025 (rodeo schedule not available)







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