Above, flying my Gadsden flag at the Lava Hot Springs KOA. Photo by Armand Vaquer.
When I am camping at a campground for more than one night, I usually put my flag up on the rear RV ladder bracket.
There are many ways to displaying a flag while camping. Do It Yourself RV shows the many ways of doing so.
They begin with:
A flag can make an RV campsite easier to spot, more personal, or just a little more fun. But once you move beyond a tiny garden flag, the question gets trickier: where do you safely mount the pole?
RV walls are not house walls, rear ladders vary in strength, and a tall pole with a full-size flag can catch more wind than people expect. That is why RVers have come up with so many different mounting solutions, from ladder brackets and hitch receivers to under-tire bases, pin box mounts, and homemade PVC setups.
British Couple Visit Bass Pro Shop for the FIRST TIME...We Were NOT Ready!🇺🇸 video by James & Siana.
Summary:
We finally visited a Bass Pro Shops for the very first time as a British couple… and honestly, nothing could’ve prepared us for how wild this place is. This store felt more like a theme park than a shop (in the best way possible!!)
After exploring Bass Pro, we jumped back in the RV and drove through Pigeon Forge on our way toward Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains. Pigeon Forge completely surprised us… neon signs, roller coasters and family attractions everywhere you look. It’s one of those places you have to see to believe.
The drive into Gatlinburg and toward the Smokies was stunning, and we can’t wait to show you what we got up to next.
Everything We Thought About The USA Was Wrong… video by James & Siana.
Summary:
For years, I (Siana) had always dreamed of travelling across the USA in an RV.
James, on the other hand, was hesitant. He’d only ever heard negative things about America in the media and wasn’t sure it was somewhere he even wanted to go.
But I convinced him to take the chance… and it completely changed our lives.
Our first trip started in Phoenix, Arizona, where we picked up our very first Cruise America RV and spent two weeks exploring Arizona, Utah, and Nevada. We’ve travelled to many countries before, but nothing came close to what we experienced on that trip.
We fell in love with the USA.
As soon as we got home, we couldn’t stop thinking about it… so we booked another trip. This time exploring California and Oregon — and we even extended it up to Washington State because we just couldn’t get enough.
The landscapes, the people, the diversity… it blew us away all over again.
Then came our third RV road trip — starting in Chicago and travelling through Ohio, Indiana, West Virginia, Virginia, North Carolina, Tennessee, South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida.
And that’s when we realised something…
We don’t feel at home in the UK anymore.
If we could live in the USA right now, we would.
The only thing stopping us is the visa process — but we’re determined to make it happen in the next few years.
This video is our honest opinion of the USA as a British couple… and why we were so wrong.
NOBODY Was Ready for THIS at the U.S. World Cup — America Just Shocked the Entire World! video by Modern Europe Insights and Real Life Global Documentary.
Summary:
What if the biggest surprise of the U.S. World Cup wasn't just the football—but the country itself? This documentary explores why thousands of European fans arrived with certain expectations about America, only to discover experiences that challenged many long-held assumptions. Through observations, public reactions, travel experiences, and economic context, we examine how the 2026 World Cup is reshaping international perceptions of the United States.
Rather than making sweeping claims, this video analyzes how the World Cup USA has influenced American culture, sports tourism, and international travel. We also look at how European travel habits compare with domestic tourism, why American cities prepared differently for the tournament, and what visitors have highlighted after experiencing everyday life across the country.
From transportation and hospitality to food, entertainment, and fan culture, the FIFA World Cup 2026 provides a unique opportunity to compare expectations with reality. By examining U.S. tourism, Europe vs America, and changing patterns in global tourism, we discuss practical lessons for future host nations while exploring how mega sporting events can reshape international reputation.
This educational analysis also explores broader themes surrounding the U.S. economy, travel trends, sports economy, host cities, fan experience, cultural exchange, international visitors, tourism industry, North America travel, and global events. Instead of promoting one perspective, we present multiple viewpoints and possible explanations supported by observable trends and public discussion.
Contrary to what the American Left says, World Cup Fans saw a different America. They love it!
Thousands of World Cup Fans Discover the Real America — And Realize They Were Lied To video by Europeans In America.
Summary:
Thousands of World Cup fans are arriving in America with one image in their minds — but the real America they discover feels very different.
This travel documentary explores World Cup fans, real America, America travel, World Cup 2026, Europeans react, America first time, visiting America, life in America, American culture, American hospitality, Europe vs America, US vs Europe, culture shock, cultural differences, European perspective, football fans, Americans react, America experience, and educational comparison.
From stadiums and fan zones to small conversations, local food, road trips, city streets, suburbs, service culture, and everyday kindness, many visitors are realizing that the real America is more complex than the version they were told to expect.
This is not about saying Europe or America is better. Instead, we look at World Cup fans, Europeans react moments, American hospitality, cultural differences, culture shock, European perspective, and America experience through a balanced and educational lens.
Why do so many football fans arrive with fear, doubt, or negative expectations — then leave talking about friendly people, big energy, surprising convenience, and unforgettable memories?
This video breaks down how World Cup 2026 is changing the way visitors see America, why visiting America can challenge old assumptions, and what life in America looks like when people experience it directly instead of only through headlines.
Topics include World Cup fans, real America, America travel, World Cup 2026, Europeans react, America first time, visiting America, life in America, American culture, American hospitality, Europe vs America, US vs Europe, culture shock, cultural differences, European perspective, football fans, Americans react, travel documentary, America experience, and educational comparison.
The Grim Reality Behind the Legendary Winchester Rifles! video by The Gun Warehouse.
Summary:
Hollywood made Winchester rifles look like unstoppable symbols of the American frontier, but the real history behind them is far more complicated. Some Winchester models truly changed firearms forever, while others were weaker, outdated, or remembered more because of movies than reality. In this video, we rank legendary Winchester rifles and uncover the hidden stories behind their designs, failures, factory struggles, and the myths that made them famous.
From the early Volcanic Rifle and Henry Rifle to the iconic Model 1873, Winchester’s legacy is filled with innovation, business ambition, conquest, and personal tragedy. We explore how these rifles shaped the West, how advertising created the Gun That Won the West legend, and the heartbreaking story of Sarah Winchester and the mansion built from a fortune connected to these famous firearms.
The Ultimate LEVER ACTION RIFLE Every American Should Own! video by Survival Gear.
Summary:
Discover the legacy of lever action rifles and their role in American history. See why this design remains relevant over a century later.
This video examines the historical impact of lever action rifles and how they helped shape the development of the United States. Whether you are a firearms enthusiast or a history buff, you will learn how these tools evolved from frontier essentials into the refined, modern lever action platforms available today.
We explore the engineering endurance that keeps these classic rifles in production long after their introduction. By contrasting early models with current manufacturing standards, we highlight why the fundamental mechanics of the lever action rifle continue to impress shooters and collectors alike. You will gain a clearer understanding of why this specific action has stood the test of time.
Above, The Thumb (or a.k.a. John Wayne's Boot) in Monument Valley. It was prominently shown in the classic western, The Searchers. Photo by Armand Vaquer.
I have always been fascinated by filming locations, whether they were used for movies or television shows in the U.S. or in foreign countries.
Back in 2010, I published The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan that spotlights locations used (or depicted in miniature) in Japanese monster movies. (I still have some copies available. If you want a copy, go here.)
MSN posted a slideshow article on nine famous filming locations across the United States.
They begin it with:
From iconic city landmarks to remote natural wonders, these locations have played memorable roles in television and film. Each site, from bustling restaurants and historic buildings to dramatic landscapes, has become a destination for fans eager to connect with their favorite on-screen moments. Together, they showcase the diverse settings that have shaped American pop culture on screen.
Rifle Prices COLLAPSED in 2026 — 10 Rifles NOW Dirt-Cheap in 2026! video by Gun Addicts.
Summary:
The rifle market has taken a dramatic turn in 2026, and savvy buyers are taking full advantage. After years of soaring prices, supply shortages, and overwhelming demand, many popular rifles have become far more affordable than anyone expected. Whether it's increased production, changing consumer trends, or an oversupplied market, some outstanding rifles are now available at prices that would have seemed impossible just a few years ago.
In this video, we're counting down Rifle Prices COLLAPSED in 2026 — 10 Rifles NOW Dirt-Cheap in 2026! From dependable hunting rifles and tactical favorites to precision bolt-actions and budget-friendly semi-autos, these firearms offer exceptional performance without the premium price tag.
We'll break down what makes each rifle a standout bargain, including accuracy, reliability, build quality, features, aftermarket support, and overall value. Some of these rifles were once considered expensive dream guns, while others have quietly become the best bargains on the market thanks to recent price drops and increased availability.
If you love getting the most value for your money, this is one countdown you won't want to miss. Stay until the end because our number one pick is a rifle that combines premium performance, legendary reliability, and a surprisingly affordable price—making it one of the biggest bargains of 2026.
Well, we are now in a new month. June came and went in a flash it seems.
It is time to take a peek at how the U.S. dollar is faring against the Japanese yen in Tokyo foreign exchange trading for those planning a vacation to the Land of the Rising Sun.
According to Japan Today:
TOKYO - The yen hit a fresh 39-year low past 162 versus the U.S. dollar on Tuesday, despite concerns by market players of possible intervention by Japanese authorities to stem the currency's fall.
The Japanese currency sank to the lower 162 zone in Tokyo, marking its lowest level since December 1986, amid expectations of Federal Reserve interest rate hikes this year. Yen selling was also accelerated at one point by domestic importers who bought the dollar.
"There is a growing view that it will be difficult for the yen to compete with the dollar if the Fed does go ahead with rate hikes," said Takuya Kanda, senior researcher at the Gaitame.com Research.
Although Japanese Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama warned earlier in the day that the government is "always" ready to act when necessary, in response to the yen's fall against the dollar, the currency market showed little reaction.
Above, the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad at High Line. Photo by Armand Vaquer.
One of the joys of travel has to include riding on scenic/tourist railroad.
I've ridden a few, such as the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad in Colorado, the 1880 Train in South Dakota, the Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad in California and others.
Above, at one point, the Durango train is 300 feet above the Animas River. Photo by Armand Vaquer.
RV Travel posted a poll asking readers how interested they are in riding scenic/tourist railroads.
They begin it with:
How interested are you in riding scenic or tourist railroads? Maybe you’ve already crossed a few famous routes off your bucket list, or perhaps you’ve never really given them much thought. Either way, we’d love to know where you stand.
There’s something undeniably nostalgic about traveling by train. Instead of white-knuckle traffic, endless construction zones, and watching your fuel gauge creep toward empty, you can simply sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenery rolling by. Some of the most famous tourist railroads wind through breathtaking mountain passes, hug dramatic coastlines, cross towering bridges, or travel through places that aren’t accessible by road at all.
To read more and participate in the poll, go here.
Now that we're in summer, with students on summer vacation and some seasonal workers idly relaxing, here is a suggestion for a movie to watch.
It is Tim Burton's Ed Wood (1994), a comedy-drama based on the schlock film producer-director and his friendship with the late horror star Bela Lugosi. The movie stars Johnny Depp as Ed Wood.
Ed Wood, at the time of its release, was given two thumb's up by critics Gene Siskel and Roger Ebert (see video below).
Although it didn't make that much theatrically, it is now considered a cult classic by movie fans. It is hard to believe that it was released 32 years ago.
Above, yours truly with Martin Landau at Monsterpalooza in 2013.
Back in 2013, I met actor Martin Landau, who garnered a Best Supporting Actor Academy Award for his role as Bela Lugosi at Monsterpalooza. Rick Baker, who created Landau's Lugosi make-up, also received an Oscar for his Ed Wood work.
I highly recommend getting the DVD (or Blu-ray) of Ed Wood. It is available at Amazon or at other dealers.
20 Secrets Winchester Doesn't Want You to Know About the .30-30 video by At The Range.
Summary:
Everybody calls it the deer gun. The truck rifle. The cheap old 30-30. They've got it wrong, and the rifle in your safe can prove it.
The Winchester 94 is the best-selling centerfire lever rifle in American history, more than 7 million built since 1894. But the cartridge's own famous name started as a competitor's insult. Winchester gutted the gun in 1964 to cut costs and damaged its own reputation doing it. And your rifle sits on one side of that 1964 line or the other, worth a few hundred dollars or a few thousand depending on details most owners were never told to look for.
The 15,000 dollar Browning patent. The serial number and safety tells that date your rifle almost to the year. The U.S. military 94s hiding at estate sales. How to read your own gun in 10 seconds. Every date, price, and part detail verified 2026.
If you own one, tell me your serial and whether it's a pre-64. And for the men who've carried both, Winchester or Marlin, which one earned its spot in your safe and which one's been the safe queen? Some of you are already loaded for that fight.
New breakdowns every day. Subscribe so you don't miss the next one.
Winchester 1894: The Rifle That Turned a Frontier Myth Into an American Empire video by Mercy Ian.
Summary:
Winchester 1894 was never just another lever-action rifle. It arrived at a moment when the American frontier was already becoming memory, yet the market for that memory was only beginning to grow. This video traces how the Model 1894 joined new smokeless-powder cartridges, mass production, hunting culture, and Winchester’s powerful brand identity to become one of the most enduring rifles in American history. Behind the cowboy image was a deeper industrial story: a company that understood timing, distribution, mythology, and the changing needs of civilian shooters. The result was not simply a gun of the Old West, but a machine that helped turn the Old West into a lasting commercial legend.
For those of us ex-Californians in New Mexico needing their fix of an In-In-Out Burger, they will be be able to partake in Albuquerque next year.
One store is slated to open next year and two more are planned for Albuquerque.
Here a video from KOB Channel 4 News:
While it is great that New Mexico will be getting In-N-Out Burger restaurants, I would also like to see Original Tommy's open in New Mexico as well. The nearest Original Tommy's to New Mexico are in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Wyoming Eye Candy - Cody Show Prep 2026 video by The Cinnabar.
Summary:
Join us as we look over some of the projects we're working on in preparation for the upcoming Winchester Arms Collectors Association show here in Cody.
Nelly Kim Furtado (born December 2, 1978) is a Canadian singer and songwriter. She has sold over 45 million records, including 35 million in album sales worldwide, making her one of the most successful Canadian artists. Critics have noted Furtado's musical versatility and experimentation with genres.
Above, my Winchester 94 and Ruger 10/22. Photo by Armand Vaquer.
Until I decided that I wanted to buy a pre-64 Winchester 94 lever-action rifle in .30-30 caliber, I had no "craving" to buy "that certain gun." Well, maybe after seeing a friend's Ruger 10/22 during a shoot caused me want to buy comes close. But there were plenty of them around and I bought one in short order for under a hundred bucks. The Winchester as definitely a sought-after gun. I found exactly what I wanted in an Albuquerque gun store.
There are some guns that people talked themselves out of buying, causing them to regret it. That is the crux of an article in The Avid Outdoorsman.
They begin it with:
Some guns do not look like obvious buys at the time. Maybe the price felt a little high, the caliber seemed odd, the model looked outdated, or the buyer figured there would always be another one later. Then the market changed, the gun disappeared, and that “I’ll think about it” decision started hurting.
The worst part is that many of these guns were not rare when people passed on them. They were sitting in used racks, police trade-in cases, pawn shops, and surplus bins waiting for someone to recognize what they were. Now the same guns cost more, show up less, and make people wish they had just bought the thing when they had the chance.
The Democrat Party is not your granddaddy's party anymore.
They have turned full on communist. Several Democrats who have declared themselves socialists defeated mainstream traditional democrats in primaries.
Sen. John Fetterman is sounding the alarm.
From Fox News:
Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., delivered a blistering rebuke of the Democratic Party's progressive wing, arguing the party is "drifting firmly into communism" after socialist-backed candidates scored major victories in New York.
"It was a huge night for the dirtbag left last night in New York City, without a doubt," Fetterman told "The Will Cain Show."
Fetterman said Wednesday the Democratic Party is increasingly embracing candidates who are "anti-Israel," "anti-American" and opposed to core institutions like immigration enforcement and prisons.
It is surprising at how the used gun market has gotten tighter over the years. Guns that were common, easy to find and relatively inexpensive are now scarce and high-priced.
The turning point seemed to arrive at the same time the pandemic hit. Some people seeing government's overreach in imposing quarantines made them realize that tyranny is just a hairbreath's away and they needed to arm themselves.
Meanwhile, others suddenly got "sentimental" over guns and started buying like crazy.
The Avid Outdoorsman posted a list of guns that used to be easy to find before everyone got "sentimental" about them.
They begin with:
Some guns sat in racks for years because nobody thought they were special. They were old police trade-ins, plain hunting rifles, cheap surplus guns, pawn-shop revolvers, or “just another” rimfire. Then nostalgia kicked in, collectors started paying attention, and suddenly the guns everyone ignored became the ones everyone wanted back.
That is the funny thing about used guns. A model can spend decades being ordinary, then turn into something people regret passing up. These are the guns that used to be easy to find before everyone got sentimental and decided they needed one after all.
Above, camping at Lake Havasu, Arizona. Photo by Armand Vaquer.
A week has gone by since summer solstice arrived on June 21.
For those who are fellow RVers, RV Travel has gathered links to summer tips and articles in one spot. As they said, they've posted over 25,000 articles over the years.
They begin with:
We’ve published about 25,000 articles over the years—and no, that’s not a typo. 25,000 and counting! That means we’ve covered many topics more than once, so we like to gather related articles in one place to make them easier for you to find and enjoy.
So, with that said, here are our (RVtravel.com’s) top articles about summer RVing. We’re sure you’ll find something useful here, and we bet you’ll learn a thing or two, too!
Above, at a skeet range with the Remington 870 Express. Photo by Mitch Geriminsky.
A few years ago (2022, I think), I was in Lake Havasu City, Arizona.
During the time I was there, I tried out skeet shooting and enjoyed it. I used a shotgun borrowed from one of the guys we were shooting with. I did better than I expected. I decided to buy my own shotgun.
Afterwards, we went to a gun store to browse around. I saw some Remington 870 Express shotguns on a rack. I decided to buy one (got a good deal as the store owner was Masonic friend of my friend Mitch).
The Remington 870 Express is a nice little gun and I've done some shooting with it at our shooting area.
Ammoland posted an article on the Remington 870 Express yesterday.
It begins with:
With more than 11 million produced, it’s safe to say Americans have a soft spot for the Remington 870. Long before it became my first shotgun, I knew I wanted one because of its exceptional reliability and hard-earned reputation.
At the time, I was fresh out of college and working at my local Gander Mountain, so money was a little tight. Most of the firearms I owned had been handed down from my father and grandfathers, but I wanted a gun that was truly my own—a versatile, do-everything shotgun that I could buy with my own paycheck.
It didn’t take long to land on a 12-gauge Remington 870 Express. It was everything I was looking for: simple, dependable, and affordable at less than $400. With a single shotgun, I could shoot trap, chase spring gobblers, or head into the deer woods in the fall.
That same 870 still sits in my gun safe today, and after all these years, it’s still running strong.
12 Collectible Lever Action Rifles Worth Knowing in 2026 video by The Armory.
Summary:
Some lever-action rifles are getting harder to find clean, original, and fairly priced.
In this video, we break down 12 collectible lever action rifles that U.S. gun owners, hunters, and collectors are watching closely in 2026.
We’re looking at classic Winchester, Marlin, Savage, Browning, Smith & Wesson, and Henry lever guns, including the pre-64 Winchester Model 94, JM-marked Marlin 336, Savage 99, Winchester 71, Marlin 39A, Marlin 1894 in .357 Magnum, Browning BLR, and more.
This is not hype or sales talk. It’s a practical collector guide focused on history, originality, condition, mechanical design, ownership considerations, and why certain rifles keep gaining attention in the used market. We’ll cover what makes these rifles desirable, where buyers often make mistakes, and why clean, unmodified examples can matter so much to serious collectors.
Whether you’re a deer hunter, lever-gun fan, rimfire shooter, or collector trying to understand the 2026 market, this list gives you a clear starting point.
Subscribe for more firearm market commentary, responsible gun ownership content, and classic rifle buyer guides. Drop a comment with the lever gun you’d never sell.
Well, there's one suggestion: Avoid seeing the new Supergirl movie.
At least that's the verdict of Lou Aguilar at The American Spectator. He posted a review of Supergirl so that you won't have to see it. He dubs it as Suffergirl.
He begins with:
I didn’t intend to see Supergirl. I knew it would be infantile, dark, and woke — three of my biggest kryptonite rocks — and I had a book to finish, already late due to a medical trauma. But a critic buddy called me with an extra screening pass, and I wanted to see him. Now, the reason he had a ticket for me tells you all you need to know about the box-office prospects for Supergirl, and the mentality of Hollywoke, what’s left of it.
My liberal friend has a like-minded 12-year-old daughter who loved the Sam Raimi Spider-Man pictures. She took one look at the Supergirl trailer depicting a depressed, drunk, nihilistic heroine and told her dad she had no interest in it. If the moviemakers can’t lure an impressionable pre-girlboss into the theater, just imagine all the boys and young men the film will attract.
So, I sat there in a soon-to-be-empty seat, hoping to at least enjoy some mindless superhero action worthy of a $170-million production, based on a comic-book universe I’d loved as a kid. And I didn’t even get that. The film is dark, all right, but not just in thematic mood. It’s so underlit, it makes Night of the Living Dead look like The Wizard of Oz by comparison.
Above, filling up the RV at the Jamestown, New Mexico Flying J. Photo by Armand Vaquer.
Independence Day (Fourth of July) is just days away.
Right now, unleaded regular gasoline at the Flying J down the hill from my home is at $3.55/gallon. It has come down since the Iran war agreement was signed.
There's even better news for those who are regular (and irregular) customers of Pilot, Flying J and One9 gasoline stations.
From RV Travel:
Just in time for one of the busiest travel weekends of the year, Pilot is giving drivers a chance to save at the pump. From July 1 through July 5, customers can receive 25 cents off every gallon of gas or auto diesel at participating Pilot, Flying J, and One9 travel centers across the U.S.
The offer comes as AAA projects more than 61 million Americans will travel by car over the Fourth of July holiday, making it one of the busiest Independence Day travel periods on record. For RVers, campers, and other road trippers, the discount could help offset the cost of a long holiday drive.
For RVers, especially ones with big gas tanks, this is welcome news.
About a month or so ago, a kitchen fire erupted at Denny's in the Flying J Travel Center down the hill from our community.
For a while, we wondered when the repairs would begin, but they never did.
Friend Nandoh told me a few weeks ago that Denny's lease was expiring in July but the Flying J released them early. The space that Denny's now occupies will be made into a McDonalds.
I noticed yesterday that the Denny's signs were removed. Looks like they are removing their property from the location.
Actually, I am not at all surprised. This Denny's didn't seem to get much business, this was especially so since they changed their menu (no Senior menu) and hiked their prices. We have been going to Lil's Cafe in Thoreau since Denny's closed.
Above, yours truly with the Remington 870 Express shotgun.
A few years ago, I bought a 12 gauge Remington 870 Express shotgun. I bought it as I didn't have a shotgun for target practice. Yes, I did have a Manton shotgun, but it was made in the 1800s and I wouldn't attempt shooting a gun its age.
I took out the Remington a few times to shoot and it became comfortable enough. I tried skeet shooting with it, but since I wasn't used to it, I couldn't hit the broadside of a barn with it. I got much better with it when I took it out to the shooting area near home.
It is on the list of 15 guns that The Avid Outdoorsman posted that became more respected once owners quit babying them.
They begin with:
Some guns get treated too carefully at first. Owners worry about scratches, holster wear, rain, dirty ammo, rough rests, truck rides, and every little mark that proves the gun has actually been used. That makes sense with true collector pieces, but most working guns earn respect by doing more than sitting clean in a safe.
Once owners stop babying them, certain firearms start making a lot more sense. They get carried, shot, hunted, cleaned, bumped around, and trusted. The finish may not stay perfect, but the confidence grows. These guns became more respected once they were used like tools.
