Report: Rangers Face Abuse and Threats

Above, a park ranger at work in Yellowstone National Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Park rangers provide a valuable service to visitors to our national parks and national forests. In all my interactions with rangers, they have been positive experiences. They are great people, but they are increasingly being subjected to abusive behavior.

Outdoor Life has an article on what park rangers face these days. It's a sad state of affairs and it must stop.

They begin with:

Abuse and threats go hand-in-hand with being a forest or park ranger in 2019, according to a new report recently released by the Government Accounting Office. 

Rangers for the Forest Service, National Park Service and other land management agencies catch the brunt of everything from hostile language to threats with weapons to domestic terrorism, says the report, breathlessly titled Federal Land Management Agencies, Additional Actions Needed to Address Facility Security Assessment Requirements. 

The investigation was requested by Congress and reviewed threats against public land managers from 2013-17.

To read more, go here. 

Warmer Days

Above, today at the cattle pen near the Six Mile Canyon entrance gate.

It is funny that this morning's temperature got down to 5° at the time I woke up and it is now 50° outside. But yesterday, the temperature got down to 14° in the morning and only rose to 34° during the day.

I decided to take a Jeep drive around the area (it was 48° at the time). Even though the driver's side window was open, I was still comfortable while driving.

The drive included the Birch Road loop, both sides (east and west) of Blue Cedar Loop and the Flying J.

After this, I went over to the cattle pen near the entrance to Six Mile Canyon. One couldn't ask for a clearer day. And, there was very little wind.

The temperature in Jamestown, New Mexico will be more seasonal (i.e., warmer) through the weekend. I'll take it!

From the National Weather Service:

This Afternoon

Sunny, with a high near 51. Northwest wind around 5 mph.

Tonight

Clear, with a low around 21. North wind around 5 mph becoming south after midnight.

Friday

Sunny, with a high near 57. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph becoming northwest in the afternoon.

Friday Night

Clear, with a low around 19. North wind 5 to 10 mph becoming southeast after midnight.

Saturday

Sunny, with a high near 59. Southeast wind around 5 mph becoming northwest in the afternoon.

Saturday Night

Clear, with a low around 24.

Sunday

Sunny, with a high near 62.

Mesa Verde License Plate Available In Colorado

Above, Spruce Tree House in Mesa Verde National Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Colorado residents can now get a new specialty license plate: Mesa Verde National Park.

According to the Durango Herald:

Colorado’s new specialty license plate will support Mesa Verde National Park.
Drivers who purchase the plate will help the Mesa Verde Foundation raise money to directly benefit the park. Financial assistance is needed to maintain and improve the park for present and future generations, the foundation said in a news release. 

Colorado residents may order plates now at www.mesaverdefoundation.org. 

Drivers who get a plate make a one-time, tax-deductible $30 donation. Once the donation is processed, drivers will be issued a PIN number to be used when registering a vehicle at a county motor vehicle office. To issue the plate, the state of Colorado will charge additional one-time fees of $50.

To read more, go here. 

UFO Sightings in the 1800s

A fascinating new book has been published on UFOs. Only it is about UFOs seen in the skies before the invention of the airplane.

WZVN-TV reported:

Oct. 30, 2019 / PRZen / ROSWELL, N.M. -- Yes, America's early pioneers, ranchers, and cowboys really did see UFOs in the skies over North America, according to Noe Torres and John Lemay, authors of the book The Real Cowboys & Aliens: Early American UFOs, available on Amazon at https://amzn.to/2PqFHwV or at RoswellBooks.com. 

"UFOs were actually quite common in the 1800s," said Torres, a veteran UFO researcher who has appeared on shows for History Channel and Travel Channel. "We have found hundreds of newspaper and magazine accounts about people seeing strange objects and lights in the sky and on the ground. We also found articles that mention face-to-face encounters with creatures that seemed human but were clearly not." 

Long before the first airplane took flight, when nothing but birds should have been in the skies, the early residents of the United States witnessed bizarre unidentified flying objects of all sizes, shapes, and descriptions, according to the authors. 19th century denizens encountered strange beings that clearly were not human, including "Men in Black" and possibly time travelers. They saw huge mother ships, underwater UFOs, and other unexplained wonders.

To read more, go here. 

New Mexico's Evil Three

We have a troika in congress from New Mexico who voted for impeachment this morning.

NM Politics With John Block posted:

On Thursday morning, Democrats voted to continue the impeachment inquiry into President Trump, with most members voting for the partisan measure. All New Mexico Members of Congress, Reps. Ben Ray Luján(D-NM-3), Debra Haaland (D-NM-1), and Xochitl Torres Small (D-NM-2), voting for the partisan measure. 

Earlier in the morning, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi made a floor speech, saying “what it’s about is the truth” as she stood by the flag to introduce the impeachment vote. Pelosi dropped the names of Benjamin Franklin and other founding fathers to try and bolster her case for impeachment against President Trump

Minority Whip Steve Scalise (R-LA) took to the House floor, with a staffer attending to a printed sign emblazoned with the words “37 Days of Soviet-Style Impeachment Proceedings” as he roasted Pelosi’s sham impeachment inquiry, saying the Democrats’ resolution gives “no rights for the minority unless the Chair so designates,” and that the inquiry is being run by “Soviet-style rules.” 

Yes, Lujan, Haaland and Torres-Small support this resolution loaded with Soviet-style rules. Each of them need to be trounced in next year's election. They are the Evil Three of New Mexico.

To read more, go here. 

Theme Park To Open "Shin Godzilla" Attraction Next Year

Above, a model of what the Godzilla attraction will look like. Photo by Toho Co., Ltd.

Fans of the King of the Monsters will have another Godzilla attraction to visit while in Japan starting next year.

Kyodo News reported:

TOKYO - A huge replica of Godzilla will open next summer at an anime theme park in western Japan, the operator said Thursday. 

The "Godzilla Interception Operation Awaji" attraction in the Nijigen no mori theme park, on Awaji island, Hyogo Prefecture, is based on the 2016 film "Shin Godzilla," in which humans try to stop the creature after it crawls out of Tokyo Bay. 

It will be the world's first attraction to have a permanent full-scale version of the monster, according to Keiji Ota, Chief Godzilla Officer of Toho Co., which owns the copyright to Godzilla. 

"(The attraction) will have huge presence and tremendous impact," Ota said of the newcomer, which will be about 20 meters high, 25 meters wide and 55 meters long. 

Visitors playing the role of researchers will be able to use pulleys to enter Godzilla's partly-buried body via the mouth and tackle various missions, including trying to destroy its cells in shooting games.

To read more, go here. 

It's Halloween and...5° Here

Above, stuntman Eddie Parker and Lon Chaney Jr. in Frankenstein Meets The Wolf Man. Universal Pictures.

Happy Halloween! Stay warm!

California and Electricity

Now for some music:




Thanks to the Democrat Party for allowing California's utilities infrastructure to deteriorate.

High Today Near 31°

Above, the mesas two days ago. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Well, looks like I'll be staying indoors for much of today.

It is currently 16° outside. Balmy!

According to the McKinley County Office of Emergency Management:

Good evening, 

The winds will gradually decrease this evening, but may remain slightly breezy for most of the night. Temperatures are forecast to drop to the low teens which will lead to single digit windchills for the early morning hours. 

Wednesday will struggle to get above the mid 30’s for the high temperature. Overnight temps will drop into the single digits, but the good news is that there shouldn’t be much wind. 

Temperatures will begin to MCU back closer to seasonal averages as the weekend approaches. 

These are life threatening temperatures for people and pets that may be exposed to the cold for a prolonged period of time. Please check on elders, friends, and neighbors to ensure they are staying warm. 

(Posted 10.29.19 at 1717)

Looks like I'm leaving the barrel heater on for P.K. and the kittens today. No relief until tomorrow.

The National Weather Service forecast:

 Today

Sunny, with a high near 31. Wind chill values as low as -1. Northwest wind 10 to 15 mph.

Tonight

Clear, with a low around 8. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph becoming light and variable in the evening.

Thursday

Sunny, with a high near 49. Calm wind becoming northwest around 5 mph in the afternoon.

Thursday Night

Clear, with a low around 14. Northwest wind around 5 mph becoming south in the evening.

Friday

Sunny, with a high near 57. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph becoming northwest in the afternoon.

Friday Night

Clear, with a low around 19.

Saturday

Sunny, with a high near 58.

Yosemite Guide Recommended Gear

Above, Yosemite's symbol, Half Dome. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

For those who plan to visit Yosemite National Park and, while there, hike, there are a few things (five of them) that Outside Online says one needs to bring along.

They begin with:

Yosemite National Park hosts an annual average of 4 million visitors, who flock year-round to experience the hulking granite, tumbling waterfalls, and iconic trails of the High Sierra. As a guide in the Valley, I often see people who are ill-prepared for their trip. There are a few items we recommend beyond staples like a backpack, headlamp, sun protection, and a pair of broken-in boots that will greatly enhance your experience in the granite gem of the West, no matter the season.

To see what they are, go here. 

Tokyo and Kagoshima

Above, a view of Odaiba and the Rainbow Bridge from a Tokyo Bay tour boat. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Tokyo is naturally the big stop for most visitors to Japan since it is the primary "gateway" into the country with its two airports: Narita Airport and Haneda Airport.

There is much to see and do in Tokyo. But visitors should also look into other places in Japan.

That is the subject of an article in The Japan Times, which features both Tokyo and Kagoshima (which is two hours away in Kyushu by plane).

They begin with Tokyo:

One of the most vibrant cities in the world, Tokyo is typically the first stop for most travelers in Japan. However, with so much to see and do, it can be hard to know where to start. 

A great way to get a glimpse of the main landmarks, especially if pushed for time, is to take the two-story open-deck Sky Bus Tokyo. The Odaiba night course, leaving from the Marunouchi South Gate of Tokyo Station, is particularly popular. It travels past Tokyo Tower and several iconic buildings before arriving in the ultramodern entertainment district of Odaiba. 

Going beyond the bright lights and skyscrapers, Tokyo also has a variety of small yet intriguing neighborhoods with colorful shotengai (traditional shopping arcades). A great example is Jizo shopping street in Sugamo, an area known as “Grandma’s Harajuku.” While there, a visit to Soba Ohashiya, a restaurant known for its nutritious buckwheat noodles, is recommended. Another highlight is Koganji Temple which has the Togenuki Jizo statue, said to heal ailments when washed.

And, on Kagoshima, they begin with:

Following a hectic schedule taking in the sights of the capital, it’s then nice to escape from the hustle-and-bustle of city life to somewhere with a more serene atmosphere. That’s something Kagoshima provides. A two-hour flight from Tokyo, the prefecture is famed for Sakurajima, a composite active volcano located near an inhabited town.

To read more, go here. 

Things to Do At The New Shibuya Scramble Square

Above, Shibuya Scramble (or Shibuya Crossing) in Tokyo. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Shibuya Scramble (or Shibuya Crossing) is a familiar place in Tokyo to many due to such movies as Lost In Translation and Gamera 3.

It is currently undergoing a "major transformation" with construction. One new edifice has gone up and will be opening this coming Friday. It is called Shibuya Scramble Square.

Time Out Tokyo has an article giving readers a peek at five things to do at Shibuya Scramble Square.

They begin with:

Shibuya Scramble, the busiest and most iconic pedestrian crossing in the world, attracts hordes of tourists keen to not only witness but also join in the action. Many visitors, however, are often puzzled by the surrounding prime real estate, where a number of buildings look to be perpetually under construction. The scaffolding is a sign that Shibuya is going through a monumental transformation that will see the city reinvent itself completely by 2027. 

Come Friday November 1, Shibuya will unveil a new addition to the city with the opening of Shibuya Scramble Square’s highly anticipated east building. The 47-storey shopping-and-office complex positions itself as a new Shibuya landmark offering these new attractions.

To read more, go here. 

How To Do Communism

Thanks to Rep. Dan Crenshaw for this.

Toys For The Kitties and a Jeep Drive

Above, on the road behind the Flying J that leads to the refinery (behind me). Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Although it is very windy here in Jamestown, New Mexico, at least the temperature was in the 50s today.

I decided to take a ride around the area in the Jeep.

Above, a view of the mesas from the road behind the Flying J. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Before doing so, I fired up the Big Boy Magnum zero-turn mower. It has been about a month or so since I last used it. So, to keep the battery charged, I started it and ran it for a while. It won't be until next year when I use it again. The grass has pretty much stopped growing.

Afterwards, I jumped into the Jeep and drove around, including to the Flying J.

Above, near the I-40 on and off ramps. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Oddly, although the Jeep has a soft-top, I was quite comfortable inside even with one window wide open (if needed, it does have a heater).

During the drive, I noticed that the green hills and fields in the area are no longer green. I guess the plant life is getting ready for winter. Some of my trees have already lost their leaves (the high winds hastened that).

All in all, it was an enjoyable ride.

Above, one of the kittens with a mouse toy. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Earlier today, I had an appointment with a podiatrist in Gallup. While in Gallup, I picked up some toys for the kittens and Sierra. As soon as they (all of them) discovered the catnip mouse toys, they went nuts.

Bone-Chilling Nights

Above, yesterday's light dusting of snow at Barking Spider Acre. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

For the next few days, it's going to be sunny and breezy out.

But the nights, on the other hand, will be very cold. According to the National Weather Service (see below), the night temperatures will range between 7° to 14°. That's a little on the bone-chilling side.

As I am typing this, it is 27° outside. The heater is on for P.K. and her kittens. It'll be on for them the next few nights as well.

Today

Sunny, with a high near 54. Breezy, with a southwest wind 10 to 15 mph increasing to 20 to 25 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 35 mph.

Tonight

Mostly clear, with a low around 14. Breezy, with a west wind 20 to 25 mph decreasing to 10 to 15 mph in the evening. Winds could gust as high as 35 mph.

Wednesday

Sunny, with a high near 33. Northwest wind 10 to 15 mph.

Wednesday Night

Clear, with a low around 7. Wind chill values as low as zero. Northwest wind 10 to 15 mph becoming light in the evening.

Thursday

Sunny, with a high near 48. North wind around 5 mph.

Thursday Night

Clear, with a low around 14.

Tips for Boondocking At Walmart, Cracker Barrel or Cabela's

Above, The Beast at a shopping center in the San Fernando Valley. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Dry camping (or boondocking) in a business parking lot is sometimes necessary if there's no RV park or campground in the vicinity you're in.

Some places allow it (it also depends on city ordinances) and some don't.

Before parking your RV in a parking lot, there's some essential rules that should be followed for a hassle-free night's stay.

Do It Yourself RV has posted an article with those rules.

They begin with:

One of the greatest things about RVing is the fact that you have everything you need with you wherever you go. This is especially nice when you’re traveling and need to stop somewhere to sleep for the night. Finding a hotel is no longer necessary, and in reality, you don’t even need to look for a campground. 

For quick overnight stays, consider saving your money and hitting up a Walmart, Cracker Barrel, or Cabela’s.  As long as there are no city ordinances preventing them from doing so, these places will often allow RVers to park overnight in their parking lots. 

Though you won’t have any electric or water hookups, these locations are just fine for a quick night of rest. And because they can often be found right off the highway, you won’t have to go too far out of your way to find one. 

All that said, there are some things you should know before attempting to stay overnight in a parking lot. After all, the point is to get some good rest, and if you go in unprepared, it’s likely you won’t get the sleep and relaxation you need.

To read more, go here. 

Kyoto Imposes Ban and Fine On Geisha Photography On Private Streets

Above, a geisha photo taken at Asakusa's Senso-ji temple grounds. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Foreign tourists to Japan have been causing problems in some areas.

One of which is in Kyoto's Gion geisha district. Overeager and rude tourists have been harassing geishas for photographs on private streets.

Four years ago, we traveled to Kyoto and my traveling companion wanted to take a photo of a geisha. Instead of just snapping a picture, she asked for permission first. The geisha consented and the photo was taken.

Unfortunately, other foreign tourists aren't being as courteous.

As the problem of rude tourists has escalated, a fine has now been imposed, roughly $100.

Time Out Tokyo reported:

The Gion district is one of Kyoto’s most popular tourist attractions, famous for its well-preserved heritage roads flanked by wooden machiya (teahouses), which conserve the neighbourhood's Edo-period charm. The picturesque streets are one of the best areas to spot geisha or maiko (apprentice geisha) on their way to work. However, in recent years, tourists have been racing around like paparazzi to take photos of geisha or maiko, sometimes even trespassing on private property to get the best shot.  

Kyoto has had enough with the unruly tourist behaviours. Japan Today reports that an ‘association made up of local residents and shop owners has forbidden photography on private roads'. Beginning October 25, there will be a ¥10,000 fine for photos taken on private streets. Right now, the rule is announced on flyers and signs, and enforced through video surveillance. It’s okay to take pictures on the main roads, such as the well-known Hanami-koji, the historic Shirakawa-dori and the atmospheric Sannenzaka Slope which leads to Yasaka Pagoda (pictured top) – but not on the more tranquil alleys branching off from the main roads. Yes, those streets may look more alluring and are less tourist-filled, but the residents' privacy is much more important than a photographic souvenir. 

To read more, go here. 

NM Sheriffs Prepare For "Red Flag" Fight

The gun-grabber Democrats are gearing up for another round of anti-Second Amendment legislation when the next session begins in a few weeks. New Mexico sheriffs are preparing for a fight.

Bearing Arms reported:

Sheriffs in New Mexico are rejecting a “red flag” firearms confiscation law proposed by a Democrat in the state legislature, and the issue could soon take center stage when the state’s lawmakers kick off the 2020 legislative session in Santa Fe in just a few weeks. 

State Rep. Daymon Ely has held meetings with sheriffs, but says he can’t accept the changes to the bill that they’ve requested. Today, Cibola County Sheriff Tony Mace tells Bearing Arms’ Cam & Co. that if the bill becomes law, you’re likely to see it go unenforced by sheriffs offices around the state. 

Law enforcement officers like Sheriff Mace have several issues with Rep. Ely’s red flag proposal, including the low evidentiary standard needed to confiscate someone’s firearms, the fact that a person subjected to a red flag order has to wait fifteen business days for a hearing though their guns can be taken immediately after a judge signs the order, and the fact that individuals could lose a civil right without ever being adjudicated mentally defective or even charged with a crime, much less convicted of a disqualifying offense. Sheriff Mace also says that existing civil commitment laws can and should be used in cases where someone poses a legitimate threat to themselves or others, but anti-gun politicians are determined to put this flawed and easily abused “red flag” statute in place. 

Dozens of communities across New Mexico have declared themselves to be a “Second Amendment Sanctuary” and I asked Sheriff Mace if a “red flag” law would be one of those unconstitutional measures that would not be enforced in these cities and counties. While the sheriff can’t predict the future with 100% accuracy, he told me that he believes they will be unenforced, just as the state’s new “universal background check” law hasn’t resulted in any arrests or prosecutions that he’s aware of. 

New Mexico gun owners aren’t just going to have to contend with this “red flag” bill in the upcoming session, as Sheriff Mace warned me. A new bill banning semi-automatic rifles is going to be introduced, and with Democrats in control of both chambers of the legislature, we can expect several more bills to drop before the filing deadline in early January.

To read more, go here. 

Flying J Still Closed...But They Have Power

Above, the main entrance to the Flying J this afternoon. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

As the old saying goes, "There's good news and there is bad news!"

The Flying J now has power (I saw the lights on in Denny's restaurant). That's the good news.

The bad news is: the Flying J (including Denny's) is still closed.

The reason: no water pressure. At least that's according to the signs on all of the doors.

Since the post office is inside, we have no access to our mail.

Lovely.

Washington Post Getting Lots of Heat!

The Washington Post is really feeling the heat today.

I had to add mine for some fun:

Not Working Out Too Well

Above, back home again. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

"This remodel isn't working out too well. First, it was the pipe break and now this!" - Me to the girls of Denny's.

We all went down to Denny's at the Flying J for our usual coffee/breakfast gathering this morning. But when we got there, we saw yellow tape around the gas pumps, a sign at the main entrance to the Flying J and Denny's was all dark.

The problem? No power.

The girls at Denny's said the power to the travel center went out around 7:00. So, they've been sitting around and waiting for the power to come back on.

We couldn't even get our mail. For safety reasons, no one is allowed in the store and post office. Most likely, the mail probably hasn't been sorted and put into the mail boxes.

Fortunately, we have power in our community. The Flying J must be on a different power grid. I did see blue sky to the west, so it looks like the front is about to move out of the area.

I guess we'll have to go back later. 

First Snow Pix

A little while ago, I stepped outside to take some pictures of the first snow.

As I figured, it isn't cold enough for it to stay for very long. Most of the snow had already melted.

But, here's the pictures I took:

Above, the GOCO Beast Barn and Barking Spider Acre. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the deck. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, Barking Spider Acre from the driveway. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the mesas across the valley. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the gelding next door. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, GOCO Beast Barn and Barking spider Acre. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, Barking Spider Acre and the gelding next door. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the GOCO Beast Barn. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

First Snow

Well, it's official. We are having our first snow of the season.

It is doubtful that it will stay for long, unless the temperature drops to 32° or below. Right now, it is 34° outside.

A couple of pictures:

Above, the back porch from the backdoor window. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the deck and front yard. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Hotels That Capture The Spirit of Japan

Above, a view looking towards Shinjuku from Tokyo Tower. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

In Japan, as in everywhere else, there are hotels and then there are HOTELS.

For me, I usually stay at budget hotels. I just need a room to sleep in, not spend my vacation time inside.

But for those who prefer to splurge, The Telegraph (U.K.) has ten hotels spotlighted that "best capture the spirit of Japan". Included is the Park Hyatt Hotel in Shinjuku that was made famous in the Bill Murray comedy, Lost In Translation.

They begin with:

Between them, these stylish retreats encapsulate all that makes Japan so special, whether it's the simplicity of a country ryokan, the inspirational creativity of an art house, or the utter bliss of an onsen spring.

To see them, go here. 

Snow? Maybe, Maybe Not

Above, Martin Link (center) directing guests to the food in the kitchen. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Well, it's raining now, but we're expected to get some snow.

I was checking the temperature forecast and it appears that if there is snow, it won't last long as the temperatures won't be at or below freezing.

Last night, we had our monthly dinner gathering (the food "theme" was German) at the home of historian Martin Link. There were nine of us there.

According to the National Weather Service:

Overnight

A 50 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a steady temperature around 43. West wind around 20 mph. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.

Monday

A 40 percent chance of snow before noon. Mostly cloudy through mid morning, then gradual clearing, with a high near 41. West wind 15 to 20 mph. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.

Monday Night

Clear, with a low around 23. West wind 5 to 10 mph becoming southwest after midnight.

Satellite Image of Frontal System

The above NOAA satellite image shows the frontal system cutting across Utah, Colorado, Arizona and heading to New Mexico.

We are probably going to get rain during the early morning hours and snow later in the morning.

The National Weather Service forecast:

Tonight

A 50 percent chance of showers, mainly after 3am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 35. Southwest wind 15 to 20 mph. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.

Monday

A 50 percent chance of snow, mainly before 9am. Mostly sunny, with a high near 41. West wind 15 to 20 mph. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.

Gusty Winds Ahead of Storm

Above, the oak and elm trees are now bare of leaves. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Ahead of the cold front that's coming in tonight, we're experiencing gusty winds today.

There's a wind advisory along with a red flag warning from now to 6:00 this evening. The winds have already blown the leaves off of my elm and oak trees and about half of them off the crab apple tree.

Above, the crab apple tree has about half its leaves since yesterday. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I can see clouds on the southwestern horizon.

Hopefully, the clouds won't unload before we get back home from our monthly dinner at historian Martin Link's this evening in Gallup.

Cuba Attractions Promoted In China and Japan

Above, vintage cars in Havana. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

While travel to Cuba may now be difficult for Americans, such is not the case in China and Japan as promotional material has appeared in both countries.

According to Prensa Latina:

Beijing, Oct 27 (Prensa Latina) People in China and Japan are learning about Cuba's attractions through images of emblematic sites and promotional events that are part of a tribute to the 500th anniversary of the founding of Havana. 

As part of the 'Authentic Cuba' promotional campaign, several bus stops in Beijing are showing photos of Havana and Cuban beaches. 

Buses are running through the cities of Shanghai and Guangzhou bearing images of the Bay of Havana, with its iconic lighthouse in the Morro Castle, Havana's Malecon (seawall) and old vehicles in Old Havana, along with diving practices and the world-famous Cuban tobacco crops. 

All of them travel through busy streets, important tourist areas and business districts in Chinese cities. 

Meanwhile, in the Japanese city of Osaka, similar images decorate the Cuban stand at the Japan 2019 International Tourism EXPO.

To read more, go here. 

Tonight's The Night

Above, snow and moon back in February. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It will be interesting to see how much, if any, snow we get tonight and tomorrow.

This will be the first snow as we are further into autumn and winter is only two months away. How some residents up here fare in it will also be interesting. Some have bought new tires. Some have stockpiled pellets for their pellet stoves/heaters.

This'll be my third winter experience since I moved to New Mexico. I think I've adapted just fine.

From the National Weather Service:

Today

Sunny, with a high near 64. Windy, with a southwest wind 15 to 20 mph increasing to 25 to 30 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 40 mph.

Tonight

A chance of rain between midnight and 3am, then a chance of snow after 3am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 31. Breezy, with a southwest wind 20 to 25 mph decreasing to 15 to 20 mph after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 35 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. Little or no snow accumulation expected.

Monday

A 40 percent chance of snow before noon. Mostly sunny, with a high near 42. West wind 10 to 15 mph. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.

Monday Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 23. West wind 5 to 10 mph becoming south in the evening

Cold Front Is Comin'

The McKinley County (my home county) has issued a warning about a possible snowstorm coming Sunday night:

Good afternoon, 

We hope everyone is enjoying the lovely weather this afternoon. There are some changes around the corner so don’t get too used to today’s shorts and t shirt weather. 

A cold front will be moving through our area Sunday/Monday which means it will be on the breezy to windy side tomorrow (Sunday 10.27.19). There is a 20-30% chance of light snow late Sunday night through noon on Monday. As of now forecasts are estimating a light dusting to 1” of snow on the high end. Temps on Monday will struggle to get above the mid to upper 40s. While this does not look like it will be a major storm by any means, now is a good time to make sure your home and vehicle are prepared for winter. Monitor your favorite source for weather for up to date information. We will post updates as needed based on forecast revisions over the next 24 to 36 hours. 

Have a great evening! 

(Posted 10.26.19 at 1546)

Denny's New Look

Above, the view looking towards the entrances and the Flying J beyond. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

After a week of being closed for remodeling, Denny's down at the Flyng J reopened today.

It looks nice, albeit a bit dark as the ceiling tiles were painted a chocolate color. I found the display of state license plates to be interesting.

Bo and I were first to arrive and we ordered some breakfast. The remaining four arrived ten minutes later and the manager told them that a pipe broke and they had no water, so they couldn't take any more orders. One of them eventually was able to get some pancakes.

Above, from the wall in the background, we know where we are. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Denny's has a history of pipe breaks. It doesn't seem to affect the Flying J. They must be on a separate water system.

Above, the map marking that "you are here" in Jamestown. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

After Denny's I headed into Gallup to pick up a few things. Stops included the Tee Pee Smoke Shop (to pick up a purchase item that was accidentally left a few days ago) and Boot Barn.

I learned something new today. Jamestown used to be known as Ciniza.

*****
UPDATE:

I went back Denny's for dinner this evening (the pipe was fixed) and took this photo: