Heat Wave Over Weekend

Above, the Durango train departing the Durango Station. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Today's high temperature is forecast to reach 80°. That's according to the National Weather Service.

The temperature is expected to reach 80° or more this weekend as well. I guess Spring came a little bit early this year.

Also, the National Weather Service posted the following:

Early Spring Heat Wave in the Southwest U.S.; Critical Fire Weather in the Central Rockies and Plains

An unusual early Spring heat wave will continue much above-normal temperatures over the Southwest U.S. through early next week. Many locations are likely to set records for the highest-ever March temperature. Periods of critical fire weather will persist from the central Rockies to the central Plains through Saturday as gusty winds and low relative humidity continue.

Although we need more precipitation, the warmer temperatures are welcome as we've had to bundle up all Winter. 

As for the coming summer, as the new roof expense put a big crimp in my finances, I may just take short and local vacation trips. Durango, Colorado is at the top of my list. It is only a few hours away.

Ron Spomer Outdoors: The Cartridge That Made History!

The Cartridge That Made History! video by Ron Spomer Outdoors.

Summary:

Few cartridges have shaped American hunting like the .30-30 Winchester. Introduced in the late 1800s, it quickly became one of the most popular deer hunting cartridges ever created.

In this episode of Cartridge of the Week, Ron Spomer explores the history, design, and real-world performance of the .30-30 Win and why it has remained a favorite for generations of hunters.

We cover:

How the .30-30 changed sporting rifles

Its role in the rise of lever-action hunting rifles

Ballistics and practical hunting performance

Why it still works so well today

Some cartridges fade away. Others become legends.

 

10 Modern Lever Guns Staging An Unexpected Comeback

Above, the Winchester 94 I bought in 2019. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

When I bought my Winchester 94 in .30-30 caliber manufactured in 1962, I wandered in an Albuquerque gun store to browse around (and for something to do). I had wanted a Winchester 94 for some time.

I found it on a rack and checked it out, confirming that it was a pre-1964. The price was under $500. I put it on layaway as I was leaving for a cruise the next day. I picked it up when I returned. It is my favorite rifle.

Today, used Winchester 94s that are pre-64 command prices of $800 and up. I was lucky to buy mine when I did.

Little did I know that there has a resurgence in popularity for lever-action rifles. 

Bushcraft Base Camp posted an article on the 10 modern lever-guns that are staging a comeback. They are updated versions of classic designs.

They begin it with:

Lever-action rifles were once considered old-fashioned, but in recent years they have returned to popularity with modern improvements. Shooters now want firearms that combine classic design with updated materials, better sights, and stronger calibers. Manufacturers responded by releasing new lever-action rifles that are lighter, more accurate, and easier to mount optics on than older models. These rifles are now used not only for hunting but also for range shooting, home defense, and even tactical setups. Many modern versions include threaded barrels, synthetic stocks, and rails for accessories, showing how the design has evolved. The following lever-action guns are getting attention again because they prove the old system still works very well in today’s shooting world.

To read more, go here. 

#1 Best Lever Action Hunting Rifles 2026

#1 Best Lever Action Hunting Rifles 2026 – SHOT Show Picks, .308 Power & Classic Legends video by Alpha GunReview.

Summary:

Looking for the best lever action hunting rifles 2026? This SHOT Show inspired list breaks down the most powerful, reliable, and modern lever guns — from .30-30 classics to .308 hunting rifles dominating today’s hunts.

From the G-Force Huckleberry .357 to the Henry Long Ranger .308, we compare classic icons and modern tactical builds to find out what really works in 2026. Whether you're hunting deer, elk, or big game, these rifles deliver speed, power, and proven performance.

Yesterday's Drive

Above, the Jeep inside national forest property off of Mustang Road. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Yesterday was perfect. It was about 70° outside, so it was neither cold nor hot. It was a good day for some more Jeepin'. 

I took a drive up the hill from home and reached Mustang Road, an east-west side street. It tapered off as a hilly dirt road.

I drove it for a bit and reached a barbed wire fence that had a sign indicating that it was national forest property on the other side. There was an opening in the fence at that point, so I drove in. 

Above, the national forest property beyond the fence opening. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Up ahead was a square area (photo above) that had some sort of border that was of sheet metal. It may have been some sort of corral at one time. It looked as if it hadn't been used for a long time. I drove around it for a while then headed back out though the opening I came in. I think this is a part of the Six Mile Canyon area of the Cibola National Forest. This was the first time I had driven in it. As the canyon was still closed to vehicles, I didn't feel it was prudent to continue driving in it. I could have gotten a citation from a patrolling ranger. 

Still it was fun driving in an area I hadn't been in before. 

Above, after getting home, I fired up the mini bike. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

After getting home, I fired up the mini bike. It had been over a month since I last did so. It took a while to start, but it eventually fired up. 

The States Where the Most Guns Are Stolen in America

Years ago, my dad's 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air station wagon was stolen. Inside was a semi-automatic pistol.

The car was later recovered (and the thief was arrested), but the gun was missing from it. This happened in Los Angeles back in the 1970s. 

According to a post by AOL, California comes in at 48th place where the most guns are stolen in America. New Mexico comes in at 11th place. 

If you are wondering where your state ranks in stolen guns, the aforementioned AOL post is where to go to find out.

They begin with:

Each year, hundreds of thousands of firearms are reported stolen from homes, vehicles, and businesses across the United States. While gun theft can happen anywhere, certain states consistently report higher numbers of stolen firearms than others. These incidents represent not only financial losses for owners but also broader public safety concerns, as stolen weapons can later appear in illegal markets or be used in crimes.

Examining where firearm theft occurs most frequently can reveal patterns in crime trends, storage practices, and regional risk factors. Understanding these patterns can help inform prevention efforts and encourage safer firearm storage.

In this slideshow, History Computer looks at the states where the most guns are stolen, using federal data to rank states by the population-adjusted average number of firearms stolen annually.

To read more, go here. 

Stage 1 Fire Restrictions

We're now at Stage One fire restrictions in McKinley County unincorporated areas. I am in one.

It is a good thing that I cut the brush from the back yard. It had gotten overgrown. I was thinking over the years that I would need brush clearing tools as I could not tell if there were big rocks or the ground wasn't level. 

As it turned out, my zero-turn mower did the job just fine. The inspector from the insurance company didn't have any problem with the yard, but they did with the roof. So that was remedied last week. 

I've noticed other neighbors have been cutting down trees and brush over the past few weeks in the subdivision. 

We're considered to be in drought conditions here. It has been a drier than usual winter. 

St. Patrick's Day and Longhorns

Above, near the Six Mile Canyon fence line. 

As yesterday was St. Patrick's Day, I kept with my own tradition and watched The Quiet Man (1952) starring John Wayne, Maureen O'Hara, Barry Fitzgerald and Victor McLaglen during dinner.

Before doing so, I took a Jeep drive around our subdivision and then over to the neighboring subdivision, Mesa Ridge Ranch to see the longhorn cattle. 

Sure enough, they were gathered around fifty yards from the fence. I took several photos of them.

After watching The Quiet Man over dinner, I got into the Jeep again and drove over to the gate to Six Mile Canyon. There was a Class B camper parked near the corral there. I didn't see anyone there. I took a drive along the fence line from there. I took a photo of myself with the Jeep. 

When I was done, I headed back home for the night. My phone's battery was near zero, so I'd better get home and plug it into the charger.

It is supposed to be 77° today, which will make for another good driving day.

Some photos:

2026 Kaiser Willys Jeep Catalog Arrived

The 2026 Kaiser Willys Jeep Catalog was waiting for me at the post office. 

My 1952 Willys Jeep M38A1 made it into the catalog. It is located on page 4 of the catalog. 

Here's the page (my Jeep is circled):

This is about the third time it made it into the catalog.

Heatwave Starting Today

Above, the Jeep at the shooting range last Sunday. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

We in the Gallup/Jamestown, New Mexico area will be seeing a heat wave this week (at least through Monday). 

We might take advantage of the warm weather and may do some target shooting. Hopefully, this time without any mishaps like the last time. 

It will be good driving weather with the Jeep as well. Too bad Six Mile Canyon won't be open to vehicles yet. 

According to the National Weather Service, the weather for Jamestown/Gallup will be as follows:

 Today

Sunny, with a high near 70. Light and variable wind becoming northwest 10 to 15 mph in the morning.

Tonight

Mostly clear, with a low around 40. Northwest wind 15 to 20 mph becoming light after midnight.

Wednesday

Sunny, with a high near 77. Light and variable wind becoming north 5 to 10 mph in the afternoon.

Wednesday Night

Clear, with a low around 41. North wind 5 to 10 mph becoming light and variable in the evening.

Thursday

Sunny, with a high near 81. Light and variable wind becoming northwest 5 to 10 mph in the afternoon.

Thursday Night

Clear, with a low around 43.

Friday

Sunny, with a high near 82.

Friday Night

Clear, with a low around 46.

Saturday

Sunny, with a high near 81.

Saturday Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 45.

Sunday

Sunny, with a high near 78.

Sunday Night

Mostly cloudy, with a low around 43.

Monday

Sunny, with a high near 74.

Semi-Automatic Bans Are Unconstitutional

A proposed "assault weapons" ban was considered in the most recent New Mexico legislative session. Fortunately, the measure failed to pass. 

Currently, a proposed assault weapons ban is sitting on the desk of Virginia's governor. Citizens have been rallying to urge a veto of the unconstitutional bill. 

The American Rifleman online website discusses the unconstitutionality of semi-automatic assault weapons bans by leftist Democrats. 

They begin it with:

If the logical application of the rule of law means anything in this constitutional republic, bans on massively popular semi-automatic firearms will be found unconstitutional.

That might seem a bold claim to Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger (D), who, as this is being written, seemed poised to sign a ban on yet another political definition of the term “assault weapon.”

This would make Virginia the 12th state with some such ban on some version of the definition of the politically shape-shifting term “assault weapon.”

Before stepping into the semantic and legal rhetoric of the potential Virginia ban on sales of America’s rifle—and the NRA’s coming legal response—some context is always beneficial.

To read more, go here.

History of the 30-30, It Isn't Going Anywhere

History of the 30-30, It Isn't Going Anywhere, We're Just Looking At Where It Came From video by The House of Browning.

Summary:

We're taking a look at how the last days of the black powder era gave rise to the American .30 caliber and led to one of the most popular hunting cartridges in North America.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

The pot at the end of the rainbow...

 Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Six Mile Canyon Open To Vehicles At Month's End

Above, the Jeep at the windmill in Six Mile Canyon. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

We're fast approaching when Six Mile Canyon (our playground) of the Cibola National Forest is open to vehicles. Officially, the canyon is closed to vehicles from December 15 until March 31 for the winter season.

It will be nice to be able to drive the Jeep into the canyon to explore or take a drive up to the McGaffey Lake recreational area. I last did so in November. 

As it has been a relatively dry winter season, wildfire restrictions will likely continue. Several of us Jamestown residents have cleared brush and cut down trees for wildfire safety. A wildfire can't spread if deprived of fuel. 

The Most Reliable Firearms Every Serious Collection Should Include

Above, my 1980s vintage Ruger 10/22. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

For those who wonder what guns (pistols, rifles, shotguns) should be included in every serious collection, Newsbreak posted a list answering that question.

They begin with:

Spend enough time around guns and you start noticing something. Some firearms run well when they’re clean, perfectly lubricated, and fed the right ammunition. Others keep working when conditions are far less forgiving. Those are the guns that quietly earn their place in serious collections.

Reliability isn’t about marketing claims or range-day impressions. It’s about guns that continue to function after thousands of rounds, rough weather, and years of use. Many of them gained their reputations through military service, hard hunting seasons, or decades riding in truck racks and saddle scabbards. They aren’t flawless, but they’ve proven themselves the hard way.

If you’re building a serious collection, these are the kinds of firearms worth owning. They’re dependable, well-designed, and capable of doing their job when it matters.

Of the guns listed, I have two of them: the Winchester 94 and the Ruger 10/22. They definitely fall within the criteria as stated above.

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.

We begin the week with Canada's The Guess Who with their 1969 hit, "No Time".

From Wikipedia:

The Guess Who is a Canadian rock band formed in Winnipeg, Manitoba, in 1965. The band found their greatest success in the late 1960s and early 1970s under the leadership of singer and keyboardist Burton Cummings and guitarist Randy Bachman, with hit songs including "American Woman", "These Eyes", "No Time", "Laughing", and "Share the Land".

During their most successful period, the Guess Who released eleven studio albums, all of which reached the charts in Canada and the United States. Their 1970 album American Woman reached number 1 in Canada and the United States, while five other albums reached the top ten in Canada. The Guess Who charted fourteen Top-40 singles in the United States, and more than thirty in Canada.

Sunday Jeep Driving

Above, on a side road next to Interstate 40. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

This morning, I went over to the El Rancho Hotel in Gallup for breakfast as usual. For those who have inquiring minds, it was their Monument Valley Enchiladas.

Above, at Barking Spider Acre. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

After some grocery shopping, I headed home. I decided to take a Jeep drive. Except for the wind, it is a nice day to do some driving.

Above, at the shooting range. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I drove around the subdivision for a bit. As someone decided to do some shooting at the shooting range at 7:00 this morning, I headed over there to look around. I saw nothing unusual. 

Later, after a break, I drove down to the Flying J. The price for unleaded regular there is $3.859. 

Above, a different view at the shooting range. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Afterwards, I drove on a side road (parallel to Interstate 40) until the dead end. 

All in all, it was a pleasant drive today. 

Celebrate St. Patrick's Day With "The Quiet Man"

Above, the buggy from The Quiet Man at the John Wayne Birthplace & Museum. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

St. Patrick's Day is two days away (Tuesday) and many celebrate the holiday by popping in the John Wayne/Maureen O'Hara/John Ford classic The Quiet Man (1952).

The Quiet Man is one of Hollywood's most beloved movies. 

Here's a St. Patrick's Day clip:

@john.wayne.fans Happy #StPatricksDay! 🍀 The Quiet Man was said to be John Ford's love letter to Ireland & is one of the few Hollywood films where the native Irish language is spoken. 🍀 What's your favorite scene from The Quiet Man? #JohnWayne #MaureenOHara #JohnWayne #TheQuietMan ♬ original sound - John Wayne Fans

10 Best-of-the-Best .22 Rifles — I Bet You Own One

10 Best-of-the-Best .22 Rifles — I Bet You Own One video by GunForge.

Summary:

What makes a rimfire truly unforgettable? In this video, we break down the Top 10 Legendary .22 LR Rifles that have earned their place in American history through unmatched reliability, brilliant engineering, and generation-spanning value.

Who is this for? If you are a senior looking for a low-recoil classic, a beginner stepping into the world of firearms, or simply someone who appreciates wood and steel, this guide to the Top 10 Legendary .22 LR Rifles offers insights you can trust. We are looking past the hype to examine the soul of these firearms and their real-world utility in your home or out in the woods.

Is RV Travel Really Cheaper?

Is RV travel really cheaper? 

The recreational industry says yes. Experienced RVers say "it depends."

This is the topic of an article in RV Travel.

It begins with:

Is RV travel cheaper than other types of vacations? The RV industry says yes. According to the RV Industry Association (pdf), a family of four can vacation by RV for 27% to 60% less than trips that rely on hotels, flights, and restaurant meals.

The claim appears frequently in industry reports and promotional materials and is often cited as one of the major advantages of RV travel.

But ask experienced RVers about that claim, and you’re likely to hear a familiar answer.

It depends.

To read more, go here. 

Trump Administration In Talks With Cuba

Above, yours truly at the Plaza de la Revolución in Havana in 2019. Photo by Mitch Geriminsky.

Back in April 2019, a friend proposed going on a cruise to Havana, Cuba. I thought it would be an interesting to place to see and so I agreed to go. Besides, the price was quite reasonable with Royal Caribbean.

About a couple of months later, President Trump halted cruises to Cuba. 

When Trump (supposedly) lost to Joe Biden in the 2020 election, it was rumored that the Biden Administration would resume cruises to Cuba. They never did.

Right now, talks are taking place between the Cuban government and Trump officials. 

According to USA Today:

Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel on March 13 confirmed his government is holding talks with the Trump administration, in the latest sign that the communist-run nation is open to signing a possible historic economic deal with the United States.

Díaz-Canel made the announcement in a video broadcast on national television and he also spoke in a subsequent press conference, where he addressed Cuba's energy needs amid a U.S. oil blockade, saying no fuel has entered Cuba in three months. He said the talks with the U.S. have reached initial phases only.

"These conversations have been aimed at seeking solutions through dialogue to the bilateral differences that exist between our two nations," Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel on March 13 confirmed his government is holding talks with the Trump administration, in the latest sign that the communist-run nation is open to signing a possible historic economic deal with the United States.

"These conversations have been aimed at seeking solutions through dialogue to the bilateral differences that exist between our two nations," Diaz-Canel said.

If these talks bear fruit, there may be a possibility that an agreement would allow Americans to take cruises again to Cuba. 

To read more, go here. 

Key West Is A Literary Pilgrimage For Fans of Hemingway

Above, one of the many cats at Hemingway House. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Back in 2019, a friend and I took a cruise to Havana, Cuba. Along the way, the ship stopped for a day in Key West, Florida.

While there, I got off the shuttle bus to visit the Hemingway Home & Museum. I then took a self-guided tour of the former estate of Ernest Hemingway. There were many cats roaming around. They were descendants of a cat Hemingway had. 

Above, Ernest Hemingway's office. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

A piece of trivia: The Hemingway Home was featured in the 1989 Timothy Dalton James Bond movie, Licence To Kill.

AOL posted an article on why Key West is a literary pilgrimage for fans of Hemingway.

They begin it with:

Hemingway's influence in Key West is so strong that it would be difficult to avoid hearing about the writer while visiting the island. The house he lived in with his second wife, Pauline, is now the Hemingway Home and Museum. Hemingway fans travel from all over the world to visit the beautifully preserved property and get a glimpse into the novelist's private life. Besides bedrooms and family rooms, you can go into the writer’s studio, where he worked on masterpieces like "To Have and Have Not" and "For Whom the Bell Tolls." While the house is great, the best part about the museum is seeing the true owners of the property roam around their kingdom: the six-toed cats that are direct descendants of Hemingway's beloved Snowball.

To read more, go here. 

Buc-ee's Gets "F" Rating From Better Business Bureau

Last summer, while driving home from South Dakota, we saw many signs along Interstate 25 in Colorado advertising Buc-ee's travel center. The location advertised was in Berthoud, Colorado. We didn't stop.

I have never stopped at one. But according to the following, maybe I dodged a bullet in not doing so.

RV Travel reported:

Buc-ee’s has long been a cult favorite for some road trippers and RVers. Buc-ee’s offers travelers enormous stores, miles of snacks, barbecue, and famously clean restrooms.

Lately, though, the glow has dimmed. Recently, the chain was given an “F” grade by the Better Business Bureau. That’s quite a fall from the company’s ranking just last year.

To read more, go here. 

 

Friday the 13th

Friday the 13th will hit on the 2026 calendar three times this year.

First, it was last month. Then, this month (i.e., today). The last will come in November.

Enjoy your day!

Gun Control’s Endgame: No Guns for Anyone

Gun control advocates don't want guns in the hands of citizens. 

Incredibly, they don't want guns in the hands of police either. 

Real Clear Politics posted an article on the endgame of gun control proponents which is to disarm everyone. 

They begin it with:

Gun control advocates do not just oppose civilian gun ownership; they also argue that guns in the hands of police make people less safe.

In January, a Border Patrol agent in Portland shot and wounded two Venezuelan nationals who belonged to the violent Tren de Aragua gang after they allegedly tried to run agents over with their vehicle. In response, Kris Brown, president of Brady United, tweeted the following:

“We don’t know the details behind the shootings of 2 people by a Border Patrol agent in Portland. But I know one thing for certain: whether in the hands of federal officers or everyday Americans, guns do not make us safer. Yet Trump is reshaping our country based on this lie.”

What were the Border Patrol agents supposed to do when an illegal alien with a criminal record tries to run over an agent? How are unarmed agents supposed to apprehend and detain violent gang members?

To read the full article, go here. 

10 Lever Action Rifles That NEVER Let You Down!

10 Lever Action Rifles That NEVER Let You Down! video by Gun Man.

Summary:

Lever-action rifles have survived more than a century of technological change for one reason: reliability when it matters. In this video we break down ten lever-action rifles that built reputations through real field use rather than marketing claims. From compact truck carbines like the Rossi R92 and modern hybrids such as the Henry Big Boy X, to classic hunting standards like the Marlin 336 and the legendary Winchester 1894, each rifle on this list earned trust through durability, practical design, and consistent performance.

We also examine innovative platforms including the Savage Model 99, Browning BLR, and Henry Long Ranger that pushed the lever system beyond traditional limits. Whether designed for dense timber, open-country hunting, or defensive use in harsh conditions, these rifles demonstrate why the lever action remains one of the most dependable repeating rifle platforms ever built.

 

XNGH Tom Bent, R.I.P.

Way back in 1984, I started going to events (clamp-outs, etc.) with the Platrix Chapter No. 2 of E Clampus Vitus for Los Angeles and Orange Counties.

There, I met a number of Clampers, including Tom Bent, one of the Greybeards (and, later, Humbug) of the chapter.

Above, the Godzilla plaque dedication. Tom Bent is at front
in the tan slacks holding a paper. Photo by Jean Carbajal.

The Grim Reaper has struck the chapter again as Tom Bent has passed away. This comes on the heels of the passing of XNGH Abe Hoffman in January. 

Bent was one the chapter could always count on for getting things done for clamp-outs and other events such as the Doo Dah Parade in Pasadena. He will be sadly missed. 

My condolences to his family and friends. 

Southern Living: Best Cruise Lines 2026

Above, Royal Caribbean's Majesty of the Seas at Havana Port in 2019. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Like anything else, some cruise lines are better than others. 

Since 2001, I have cruised aboard three cruise line ships. The first cruise being with Celebrity to Alaska. The second was to Key West, Florida and Havana, Cuba with Royal Caribbean. The third cruise was with Norwegian to the Bahamas. 

Southern Living has posted their list off the "best" cruise lines for 2026 as chosen by their readers. 

They begin with:

With 370 ships sailing the world’s oceans, rivers, and waterways, it can be overwhelming to find the one that’s right for you and your family or group of friends. From luxury and adults-only to those filled with onboard adventures and kids’ clubs, there’s a cruise and a cruise line for everyone. 

To help narrow it down, we’ve compiled a list of the best cruise lines chosen by Southern Living readers to inspire you to find the right fit for your next trip. In addition to far-flung global destinations, many of these cruise lines offer enticing itineraries departing from ports close to home in Florida, Louisiana, Puerto Rico, and Texas, too.

To read more, go here.