We Are Hanging Up The Keys and Aging Out of Our RV

Above, at Arches National Park in Utah last summer. Photo by Mitch Geriminsky.

Sooner or later, each of us will be so old that we can no longer do the things that were once easy to do.

Fortunately, I have not reached that point... yet! But there will come a time that I may not be able to drive my motorhome for long road trips. I managed to do a long trip last summer with a friend to Utah, Wyoming, Montana, South Dakota and Colorado at age 71. Taking one's time with more days to do so is a big help.

But there are some RV enthusiasts that have reached that are "aging out" of the RV game. 

Nanci Dixon posted an article on this at RV Travel.

She begins with:

A few weeks ago, I wrote about our RV seemingly falling apart on our trip to Minnesota and lamented all the work and maintenance it required. I even said that I was at the point of selling it in Minnesota and renting a small U-Haul trailer to take our too-much-stuff back to Arizona.

Aging out

It is not just the maintenance and massive costs of gas, insurance, and license; we are getting older. My husband just doesn’t have the stamina, eyesight, or reaction time to drive “Miss Ruth Brown” thousands of miles each year anymore. I never thought we would age out; I thought it was other people that aged out. I should be glad he is aware of his limitations, but still wish it wasn’t so. I am faced with the ultimatum of downsizing our rig, or I agree to drive it.

Above, camping at the Moab, Utah KOA Kampground. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

To read the full article, go here. 

5 Cruise Lines That Just Aren't Worth It Anymore

Above, yours truly enjoying an adult beverage on a cruise to the Bahamas two years ago.

Although I have been on three cruises in my life (Alaska, Cuba, Bahamas), it is not my favorite mode of travel and it never has been. RVing is.  

That being said, I did enjoy those cruises. But I noticed that the cruise lines passengers are being nickel-and-dimed, especially on adult beverages and food. People are starting to feel that cruises just aren't worth it anymore.

AOL posted an article on five cruise lines that aren't worth it anymore. I have cruised on two of the five.

They begin it with:

Cruising built its reputation on being the closest thing to an all-inclusive vacation. One fare covers endless food, a cabin that moves between destinations while you sleep, and entertainment every night. That reputation is getting harder to defend. Across several of the biggest names in the industry, gratuities have climbed, drink and dining packages have shrunk, and small perks that used to come standard now carry a price tag. For anyone trying to travel on a budget, the gap between what a cruise fare promises and what actually shows up on the final bill has never been wider.

None of this is guesswork or internet grumbling. It's a pattern of dated, documented fee increases and cutbacks announced across major lines over the past several months, backed by passenger surveys, company emails, and industry reporting. Here's a look at the cruise lines where the numbers back up what passengers have been saying. While these cruise lines still appeal to many travelers, recent fee hikes and shrinking inclusions mean they may no longer deliver the value they once did.

To read the full article, go here. 

Rain Later In The Week (Maybe)

Above, Grandpa's Grill, the location of our Saturday breakfasts. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It has been relatively dry here in the Four Corners region this weekend. 

The last rains were short downpours of a few days ago. But the rain we did receive helped green up the area. 

We're in a bit of a heat wave according to the National Weather Service. But, they do forecast some precipitation towards the end of the week. We'll see.

Here's the forecast for Gallup/Jamestown:

Today

Sunny, with a high near 93. South wind 5 to 10 mph becoming northwest in the afternoon.

Tonight

Partly cloudy, with a low around 64. North wind 5 to 10 mph becoming south in the evening.

Monday

Sunny, with a high near 93. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph becoming northwest in the morning.

Monday Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 65. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.

Tuesday

Sunny, with a high near 92. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph becoming northwest in the afternoon.

Tuesday Night

Isolated showers and thunderstorms before 9pm, then isolated showers between 9pm and midnight. Partly cloudy, with a low around 64. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Wednesday

Isolated showers and thunderstorms after noon. Sunny, with a high near 91. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Wednesday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 61.

Thursday

A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after noon. Mostly sunny, with a high near 90.

Thursday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 60.

Friday

A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Sunny, with a high near 90.

Friday Night

A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 61.

Saturday

A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 90.

The .30-30 Winchester Model 1894 - Firing it Out West

The .30-30 Winchester Model 1894 - Firing it Out West video by Part-Time Explorer.

Summary:

Winchester is known as "the gun that won the west". With that, I simply had to bring my antique Winchester rifle out west with me. Let's dive a bit into the history of this rifle and fire off a few rounds between the deserts of Nevada and the wilderness of Wyoming.

The model 1894 Winchester was first produced in 1894, but were redesigned in 1895 to accommodate smokeless rounds - being the first rifle to do so. Used in both world wars and becoming the most successful high-powered rifle in the United States, the rifle was produced regularly until 2006. In the 1960's, Winchester changed the way the rifle was made in order to save on production costs, using cheaper material and lower quality methods. In more recent years, production was moved overseas. The rifle in this video is from 1949, when these rifles were in their prime.

NRA Museums: Winchester Model 1894 Lever Action Carbine

Above, my 1962 Winchester 94 .30-30 cal. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Google is acting up. This started yesterday. I generally have it set for the last 24 hours on different subjects but it is not limiting itself to that range.

But it did come up with something of interest to me that was posted in 2010 by NRA Museums. It is on the history of the Winchester 1894 (or Winchester 94).

It is an interesting article, especially for those of us who are fans of the firearm.

It begins with:

Winchester's first smokeless powder lever-action rifle, the Model 1894 Rifle is by far the company's most successful centerfire rifle. This John Browning-designed firearm is still in production, and over five million have been manufactured. Originally priced at $17.50, Model 1894s available today sell for several hundred dollars. As with other Winchester lever-actions, the Model 1894 is available in rifle, carbine, trapper's model carbine, takedown, and extra-lightweight versions. This example was manufactured in 1925.

John Moses Browning (1855 - 1926) was a true genius of mechanical design. The son of a Mormon gunsmith, he began working full-time in that profession at age 15. His 1878 design for a single-shot metallic cartridge rifle resulted in the first of many patents that he would receive during his lifetime. In partnership with five of his brothers, Browning later opened a machine shop in Ogden, Utah, but the firm's output of three guns per day could not keep up with demand for his products. One of his rifles was purchased by a representative of Winchester Repeating Arms Company and shipped to Thomas G. Bennett, the firm's General Manager, who purchased the patent rights for $8,000 and hired the Browning brothers as Winchester "jobbers". 

To read more, go here. 

Winchester Model 12 Overview

Winchester Model 12 Overview video by The Hunting Gear Guy.

Summary:

The Winchester Model 12 (1912) is a great takedown shotgun from yesteryear. It's a pump action shotgun known for its smooth action and high-quality internal construction. Unlike modern shotguns that use stamped parts and aluminum receivers, the Model 12 is built from steel and walnut.

This model is a take down design, meaning the barrel and magazine tube can be easily separated from the receiver for transport or cleaning. While it was an innovative powerhouse in its day, using one today for modern hunting requires understanding its limitations regarding steel shot and shell length.

Are Casino Carpets Ugly On Purpose?

Above, a casino in Nassau, Bahamas. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Here's a topic I've never thought about.

Are casino carpets ugly on purpose to keep people gambling? 

That is the topic of an article in RV Travel. Frankly, I figured that they are designed the way they are to hide spills. 

The article begins with:

Many RVers like to stop at casinos on their trips. They stop for a buffet, or sometimes to stay overnight in a casino RV park or for free in a parking lot. And, yes, some like to gamble. If that’s you, have you ever noticed that the carpeting in at least some of those casinos is gaudy, even ugly? 

In Las Vegas, one of the most enduring gambling myths is that the loud, colorful carpets in casinos are designed to keep people gambling longer. Is that true?

To read the full article, go here. 

Japanese Yen Surges to ¥157

We are now in a new month and we're still in the summer vacation season, so it is time to see how the U.S. dollar is faring against the Japanese yen in foreign exchange.

Japan Today reported:

NEW YORK - The Japanese yen briefly surged to the lower 157 level against the U.S. dollar in New York on Friday, with Japanese government sources confirming a yen-buying, dollar-selling intervention by currency authorities.

Trading at 157.24 per dollar for a brief span, the yen hit its strongest level since mid-May.

To read more, go here. 

Hoover Dam Currently Closed

Above, Hoover Dam in November 2020. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I have been to Hoover Dam twice in my life.

The first time was with two friends in 1973. We took the tour that had us go down inside the dam to the machinery area. The second time was in 2018 with a couple of friends. We didn't take any tours but walked around the top of the dam.

If one is planning on visiting Hoover Dam, you have to delay your visit as it is closed to visitors currently.

According to RV Travel:

If Hoover Dam is on your Southwest RV itinerary this summer, you’ll want to adjust your plans. One of the West’s most popular roadside attractions remains closed to visitors. Read on to find out why.

What happened?

The first shutdown began on July 27, 2026, after emergency road repairs blocked public access through the site. The latest closure, announced July 29, was triggered during routine maintenance when the massive transport cableway carriage moved unexpectedly. This prompted a second closure this week.

To read more, go here. 

Hornady .30-30 LEVERevolution Ammunition: Worth the Premium?

Above, a Hornady LEVERevolution round (at left) and
a "traditional" .30-30 round. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The advent of lever-action rifles in the 1800s soon made them popular hunting rifles. The lever-action rifle is versatile and is an excellent shooter up to about 200 yards.

One disadvantage was the tubular magazine. The rounds touched each other inside and it was feared that a pointed bullet resting on a bullet's primer in the magazine might detonate. That is why .30-30 Winchester ammo (and others) were made with a flat or round-nosed tip.  

Hornady came up with a solution to this magazine detonation fear with their LEVERevolution ammunition. "It is a jacketed spire point with a soft polycarbonate red tip in place of hard copper," according to GunsAmerica.

GunsAmerica posted a detailed article on the Hornady ammo.

It begins with:

For those who hold and own lever action rifles, the imagery of living in the shoes of cowboys, outlaws, and the classic hunter is impossible to escape. It also helps that the lever gun, by design, is light, quick-shooting, naturally ambidextrous, and holds a fair amount of ammunition. The lever action is also available in several different calibers to tackle anything from beer cans to bear. But one big downside of the lever action is that most of them use ammunition with round-nosed bullets. This drops quicker and loses more energy compared to pointed spire point rounds. That was until the Hornady LEVERevolution line of ammunition came onto the scene.

The Hornady LEVERevolution line of ammunition represents a quantum leap in lever action ammunition. Hornady has grown the line since its introduction in 2006. It has an excellent track record for pushing the power and range envelope of existing lever action rifle cartridges. Despite that, most lever action rounds are still based on old round-nosed designs.

I had good luck with both rounds in the original .30-30 Winchester configuration, but my luck isn’t anything objective. After a long hiatus, I took up the lever gun once again. I began to ask: is the Hornady LEVERevolution round that much better than traditional soft points? If so, is it enough to matter?

I bought a box of the Hornady LEVERevolution ammunition and tried the rounds in my 1962 Winchester 94. The rifle took the ammo just fine and it shot it just as fine. No problems. 

Above, a box of .30-30 Winchester LEVERevolution ammunition. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

To read more, go here. 

Short Jeep Drive After Dinner

Last evening, after dinner I took a little Jeep drive over to the corral where the entrance into Six Mile Canyon is located.

Today wasn't rainy out, but there were plenty of clouds. The Six Mile Canyon Road was dry and the culverts were passable.

I stopped at the corral and took the following photos:

Fauci, The F*cker Needs To Be Jailed!

The Gutfeld group took at look at Anthony Fauci's hearing before the congressional hearing. Talk about infuriating. The S.O.B. was granted a blanket pardon so he really couldn't lawfully plead the Fifth.

The bastard needs to be jailed for Contempt of Congress.

Summary: 

Fox News host Greg Gutfeld and the ‘Gutfeld!’ panel analyze Dr. Anthony Fauci’s congressional hearing in which he invoked the Fifth Amendment 111 times.

At least the video ends with a humorous reference to Clint Eastwood and the Second Amendment.

Now 14 Million!

The ol' blog has now reached 14 million page views overnight. 

It seems I have to change the header more frequently and at shorter intervals. I last had to change it was on June 19.

The new one reflecting the new milestone:

 

The 8 Best Lever Guns For Big Game Hunting

The 8 Best Lever Guns for Big Game Hunting You Can Still Buy in 2026 video by IronSight Reviews.

 Summary:

America's Top 8 Lever-Action Rifles for Big Game Hunting is our complete 2026 ranking of the most trusted lever guns for deer, elk, moose, bear, and other North American big game. If you're looking for the best lever action rifle 2026, best lever action rifle for hunting, or Marlin 1895 SBL review, this countdown covers the rifles hunters trust most in the field.

From timeless Winchester classics to modern hunting favorites, we're breaking down each rifle's history, technical specifications, real-world hunting performance, strengths, weaknesses, pricing, and why these legendary lever-action rifles continue to dominate big game camps across America.

The 7 Lever-Action Rifles That Will Be Worth A Fortune

 The 7 Lever-Action Rifles That Will Be Worth a Fortune by the End of 2026 video by Zona de Disparo.

Summary:

While most people are burning through cash in disposable polymer, a silent class of tactical investors is printing real money.

These seven lever-action rifles aren't just tools… they're literal gold encased in hickory that will be decoupled from the market by the end of 2026. Today we break down the legends that are skyrocketing in value: the Rossi R95, Henry Model X, Marlin 1894 in .357 Magnum, Browning BLR Black Gold, Winchester 94 Pre-64, Henry 410 Axe, and the king, the Marlin 1895 SBL in .45-70. We analyze hand-forged metallurgy, lock-up tolerances, raw ballistics, short action, native Picatinny rails, threaded barrels, tritium sights, and why unmodified original examples are becoming high-growth assets. Ideal for perimeter defense, hunting in dense brush, space cowboy, and real capital protection when polymer saturates.

If you have one of these rifles in your safe, you're holding an inflation-proof refuge. If not, time is running out.

Kumamoto Prefecture Hit By Earthquake

Above, Kumamoto Station in 2007. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Japan's Kumamoto Prefecture was rocked Tuesday by a 7.1 earthquake.

Japan is prone to having major earthquakes as it sits on the "Ring of Fire" of the Pacific. In 2010, a major quake hit the Tohoku Region of Japan that caused a huge tsunami.

I visited Kumamoto in April 2007. One of the places I visited was nearby Mount Aso.

According to Japan Today:

TOKYO - A major earthquake rocked Japan's southern Kumamoto prefecture on Tuesday, knocking out power to thousands of homes, rupturing roads and injuring at least 50 people.

Speaking to reporters at ‌her office in Tokyo, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said the full extent of casualties and damage from the 7.1 magnitude quake was still being assessed.

"We have already been informed that people have been injured," Takaichi said. "Power outages and ‌fires have occurred in some areas, and there has also been damage to ⁠roads and bridges and the collapse of buildings."

One hospital had reported more ⁠than 50 injuries, public ⁠broadcaster NHK said. Several people on a high-speed train at the time of the quake were also ‌injured, Nikkei newspaper said.

Multiple buildings were damaged, including an Aeon shopping mall that NHK said had suffered ⁠an explosion, while footage from the broadcaster also ⁠showed other buildings on fire or partially collapsed. A spokesperson for Aeon did not immediately have a comment on the situation.

 To read more, go here.

4 Best Hawaiian Luaus In Honolulu

Over the years, I have been to several luaus.

Most of them were political campaign events in the South Bay area of Los Angeles. I have been to one in Hawaii, the Big Kahuna Luau in Honolulu. They are defunct, the last I've heard.

Destinationless Travel has posted an article of their best luaus in Honolulu.

They begin it with:

Planning a trip to Honolulu and wondering which Hawaiian luau is actually worth booking? You’re in the right place!

I’ve attended quite a few luaus in Hawaii over the years, and I can tell you that choosing the right one makes a huge difference. The best experiences combine incredible Polynesian performances, delicious Hawaiian food, and cultural activities that help you learn more about the islands and their traditions.

Honolulu has several fantastic options, whether you want something convenient in Waikiki or a more traditional experience a little farther away. In this guide, I’m breaking down my four favorite luaus near Honolulu so you can easily decide which one is the best fit for your trip.

To read more, go here. 

10 SHOCKING Truths About .22 Ammo Most Gun Owners Never Know!

10 SHOCKING Truths About .22 Ammo Most Gun Owners Never Know! video by Firearm Files.

Summary:

Rhett Callahan breaks down the technical nuances of .22 ammunition, ranging from proper storage techniques to selecting the right load for specific firearms. By analyzing caliber designations, rimfire priming processes, and bullet performance, the guide helps gun owners distinguish between reliable ammunition and potentially dangerous, mislabeled, or degraded supplies.

Two Humphreys and John Wayne

Did you know that John Wayne so disliked Sen. Hubert H. Humphrey that he had the governor character, Cuthbert H. Humphrey, named as a parody of the senator in McLintock! (1963)? Wayne's production company, Batjac Productions, produced the movie.

The character is described as an insipid "cull" and ineffective governor that was played by Robert Lowery. 

Above, Hubert H. Humphrey, senator and vice president.

According to Four Star Films:

But there’s also a pointed jab at Hubert Humphries in the form of the spineless, insensitive governor Cuthbert H. Humphrey, proving that even Wayne’s politics are channeled into the picture.

 

Above, Robert Lowery as Gov. Cuthbert H. Humphrey.

By the way, Lowery was the second actor to play a live-action Batman. He also appeared in the Adventures of Superman.

The .30-30 Winchester Is Still One of the Best Deer Hunting Rifles

Above, my pre-64 Winchester 94 .30-30 rifle. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

At one of the Winchester 94 Facebook pages (yes, there's several of them), a link to an Outdoor Life article from 2022 was posted.

It starts with:

Over its more than 125-year lifetime, the lever-action .30-30 rifle has arguably killed more whitetail deer than any other single cartridge. And with the cartridge’s popularity still quite high, it’s doubtful it will be unseated in that category any time soon.

Released in 1895, just a year after the popular Model 1894 Winchester lever gun was introduced, the .30-30 Winchester was the first sporting cartridge loaded exclusively with smokeless powder. The original .30-30 Winchester load had a 160-grain round-nosed bullet leaving the muzzle at 1,970 feet per second, a substantial step up from other popular cartridges of the time like the .32-40 Win. (165-grain bullet at 1,450 fps) and .38-55 Win. (255-grain bullet at 1,320 fps).

The cartridge’s speed and power, combined with the lever-action’s capacity and quickness, made it an instant hit as a deer cartridge. Before long, it became a go-to choice for deer hunters.

To read the full article, go here. 

L.A. Welcomes Apollo 11 Astronauts

Here's an "oldie but goodie" photo. It is from the L.A. Public Library.

It was posted at Facebook with this caption:

 

[1969] "Yorty greets Astros at the bottom of the stairs of the Pres. jet upon their arrival at L.A." Mayor Sam Yorty is pictured greeting Michael Collins, Neil Armstrong, and Buzz Aldrin as they descend the stairs of Airforce One. The three astronauts traveled to Los Angeles in order to attend a state dinner at the Century Plaza in their honor, following the successful Apollo 11 mission to the Moon. (Joe Messinger - Herald Examiner Collection)

President Nixon flew the three Apollo 11 astronauts aboard Air Force One to Los Angeles for a state dinner at the Century Plaza Hotel. From the photo, we see the three astronauts, L.A. Mayor Sam Yorty, Governor Jerry Brown and on the steps is former President Lyndon Johnson. I think the lady at right is Mrs. Yorty.  

Lt. Col. Jeff Cooper Firearms Safety

Gun safety tips are always worth repeating. 

Lt. Col. Jeff Cooper was a pioneer of modern pistol techniques and founder of Gunsite Academy in Arizona. I have several of his firearms training videos. 

Above, Lt. Col. Jeff Cooper.

From the Gunsite website:

Gunsite was founded in 1976 by Lt. Col. Jeff Cooper, author, columnist, professor, WW II and Korean War combat veteran.

Col. Cooper intended Gunsite to be the vehicle for spreading the Modern Technique of the Pistol, which he created during his years in Big Bear Lake, CA. Cooper built the facility which was known then as the American Pistol Institute (API),  just west of Paulden and north of Prescott AZ. Cooper began teaching pistol, shotgun and rifle classes to both law enforcement and military personnel, as well as civilians, and did on-site training for individuals and groups from around the world. He was known for his advocacy of large caliber handguns, especially the Colt 1911 and the .45 ACP cartridge. Jeff passed away September 25, 2006 at the age of 86. His wife, Janelle passed away July 28th, 2019.

Cooper was the first one to define and stress the Four Basic Rules of Firearms Safety

1. All guns are always loaded. Even if they are not, treat them as if they are.

2. Never let the muzzle cover anything you are not willing to destroy. (For those who insist that this particular gun is unloaded, see Rule 1.)

3. Keep your finger off the trigger till your sights are on the target. This is the Golden Rule.

4. Identify your target, and what is behind it. Never shoot at anything that you have not positively identified.

To read more, go here.

8 Year Old Shoots Her First Ruger 10/22 Long Range Rifle

8 Year old shoots her first Ruger 10/22 Long Range Rifle video by Allie Arms. [Good to take young daughters out to shoot.]

Summary:

After four years of participating in events at our local Fish and Game Club, and with the permission of our neighbors, Allie finally got the chance to shoot her very first Ruger 10/22 long-range rifle. Her excitement, enthusiasm, and joy are truly inspiring to watch!

 

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 this week and wrapping up July, we have The Human Beinz with their hit "Nobody But Me" from 1968. They started in 1964 and are still active.

From Wikipedia:

The Human Beinz (/ˈbiːɪnz/ BEE-inz) is an American rock band from Youngstown, Ohio. Originally known as the Premiers, the band initially featured John Richard "Dick" Belley (vocals, guitar), Joe "Ting" Markulin (vocals, guitar), Mel Pachuta (vocals, bass), and Gary Coates (drums), later replaced by Mike Tatman.

Their only hit record in the US, "Nobody But Me", peaked in 1968 at number 8 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Here's we have them performing in a vintage video and another of Pan's People dancing to the song.

  

 

When Someone Asks Deb Haaland A Difficult Question.

 When someone asks Deb Haaland a difficult question. 

Thanks to Jennifer Andrie for the above!

The Real Reason Women Don't Own Guns

The Real Reason Women Don't Own Guns video by 2aTacticalDad.

Summary:

Women own guns at about half the rate men do — but the reason isn't what most people assume. When you control for one variable, whether someone shot growing up, the gender gap nearly closes. This one's for the dads, husbands, and range guys who want to actually do something about it: a practical guide to introducing new shooters to firearms without being condescending about it, and why taking your daughters shooting is the highest-leverage thing any of us can do.

We get into who's actually reachable, the most common ways experienced owners ruin a first range trip, a step-by-step playbook for a good first outing, and the case for early exposure with your kids.

The Gun Women REALLY Want Isn't What You Think!

The Gun Women REALLY Want Isn't What You Think! video by GFG. 

Summary:

Women are redefining what confidence and personal responsibility look like. In this video, we follow women as they explore different firearm options and talk through what matters most to them—from comfort and fit to lifestyle needs, safety awareness, and personal preferences.

This isn’t about hype or one-size-fits-all choices. It’s about informed decision-making, asking the right questions, and understanding that every woman’s priorities are different. Whether you’re curious about gear, interested in learning how women approach these decisions, or want to hear real conversations around safety, training, and responsibility, this video brings an honest and empowering perspective.

Education. Confidence. Choice.

Because the best decision is an informed one.

Deer In Yard

A few minutes ago, Sierra caught my attention as she was looking out of one of my bedroom windows. 

I took a look and a female deer was munching on some plants. 

I managed these to shots: