Sheraton Waikiki Unveils $200 Million Renovation

Above, the Sheraton Waikiki in 2016. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

For me, the criteria for liking a place enough is to want to go or stay there again. Such is the case of the Sheraton Waikiki, where I stayed in 2016 while in Oahu. Yeah, I'd stay there again.

The hotel, even then, was a nice place and it has recently completed its $200 million renovation. 

According to Travel Weekly:

The oceanfront Sheraton Waikiki has completed its $200 million renovation of all 1,636 guestrooms and suites. Guests will also notice upgrades in the hallways, elevator landings and event and retail spaces.

The refreshed guestrooms feature platform beds, spa-like bathrooms and daybeds on the balconies.

"We're thrilled with the results of the renovations and are beyond excited for our guests to experience the beauty, comfort and aloha spirit that the Sheraton Waikiki offers," area general manager Tom Calame said in a press release.

To read more, go here. 

RVers Beware: Autumn Wildlife Hazards

Above, a bull elk near the Grand Canyon's Trailer Village. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Last weekend, while heading out of Ridgway, Colorado in the morning, I saw a deer in a grassy park in Ouray.

Later, while driving towards Silverton, three female deer crossed the road about 50 yards ahead of me.

This is the time of the year that the following article from Do It Yourself RV says wildlife are the most active. For some, it's mating (rutting) season and, for others, it is time for hibernation preparation.

They begin with:

Autumn is a mesmerizing time of year. The vibrant tapestry of leaves offers a visual treat for anyone, especially RVers, who often have a front-row seat to nature’s grand display. However, as the landscape changes, so does the behavior of wildlife. For RVers traveling during the fall season, it’s vital to be cautious of the potential hazards posed by wildlife and take precautions accordingly.

To read the full article, go here.

Shutdown: What Will It Mean For Public Lands Access?

Above, one thing is certain, Old Faithful in Yellowstone won't
 be turned off during a shutdown. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The looming government shutdown will lead to the closure of most national parks and other public lands.

As previously posted on this blog, the states of Arizona, Colorado and Utah are looking to keep their national parks open on their dime.

RV Travel has posted an article on what the shutdown means for RVers, at least what is known so far.

They begin with:

At the time of this writing, Friday, September 29, from all appearances, the likelihood of a federal government shutdown happening on Sunday is a safe bet. We’ll leave the politics out of this article, and get to how RVers and others could be affected. What will happen to access to national parks and other public lands? Here’s the latest information.

To read more, go here.

Colorado's National Parks May Stay Open

Above, Mesa Verde National Park may stay open if Colorado foots the bill. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Steps are being taken by the state of Colorado to keep its national parks open in the event of a government shutdown.

That is, if the state is willing to foot the bill.

From CPR News:

It looks like Colorado's four National Parks may stay open through a shutdown, even if it means the state ends up footing the bill.

Entrances to national parks will be blocked and thousands of park rangers will be furloughed if Congress doesn’t reach a budget agreement this weekend, the Department of Interior said Friday, with visitors encountering locked gates starting on Monday.

However, the department also noted the director of the National Park Service can enter into non-reimbursable arrangements with state, tribal or local governments, or third parties for donations to fund park operations and keep gates open.

Gov. Jared Polis is taking steps to do that. 

On Thursday, he issued an executive order for the Colorado Department of Natural Resources to develop a plan to keep the parks and other federal land in the state open, and to look for state money to do it with.

The neighboring states of Arizona and Utah are also looking into keeping their national parks open during a government shutdown.

To read more, go here. 

Government Shutdown Will Close America’s National Parks

Above, Petrified Forest National Park will be closed unless the
 state of Arizona pays to keep it open. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

In the event of a government shutdown, the U.S. Department of the Interior, which oversees the National Park Service, issued a press release on the closure of national parks.

It begins with:

The Department of the Interior is committed to upholding the highest standards of public access to and maintenance of America’s national parks and public lands. Our national parks reflect who we are as a country and unite us in our common purpose to not only enjoy their beauty, but also to preserve them for all Americans to enjoy.

However, in the event of a lapse in annual government appropriations, National Park Service (NPS) sites will be closed. This means that the majority of national parks will be closed completely to public access. Areas that, by their nature, are physically accessible to the public will face significantly reduced visitor services.

At NPS sites across the country, gates will be locked, visitor centers will be closed, and thousands of park rangers will be furloughed. Accordingly, the public will be encouraged not to visit sites during the period of lapse in appropriations out of consideration for protection of natural and cultural resources, as well as visitor safety. 

To read the full press release, go here. 

Mesa Verde Eclipse Viewing Information

Above, Cliff Palace at Mesa Verde National Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Since Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park will be closed due to tribal eclipse rituals, the next best place to view the annular eclipse on October 14 in the Four Corners would be Mesa Verde National Park in Colorado.

The path of the eclipse will take it over the park.

However, there's just one problem: if there's still a government shutdown on October 14, Mesa Verde National Park will be closed. That's unless the state of Colorado pays to keep it open.

In case there's no shutdown on that date, The Denver Post has an article on everything one needs to know about viewing it at Mesa Verde.

They begin it with:

NASA personnel will soon be in Colorado for a celestial event that hasn’t been visible from North America in more than a decade.

On Oct. 14, Mesa Verde National Park in Southwest Colorado will be almost directly in line with the annular solar eclipse. During this type of event, the moon comes between the Earth and the sun and blocks most of the light.

Because the moon will be at one of its furthest points away from the Earth, the moon will appear smaller than the sun and not block its light completely. Instead, the moon will appear as a black dot surrounded by what’s called a “ring of fire.”

It’s a stunning sight – one that can only be viewed safely with the aid of protective eyewear, according to NASA. That’s why Mesa Verde is expecting robust crowds during the otherwise sleepy shoulder season.

“This event might be pretty huge compared to an average October day,” said Eric Sainio, supervisory park ranger at Mesa Verde. “NASA has told us that in former annual eclipses, they’ve seen crowds something like a busy summer day plus 50%. For us, that might mean around 6,000 people.”

The last time an annular solar eclipse was visible from North America was in 2012. Here’s what you need to know if you’re thinking about making the trek to Mesa Verde to witness the event.

Note: These details may be affected by the federal government shutdown. Visit nps.gov for the latest information about park closures.

To read more, go here. 

Precious Metals Gain, Except Gold

Silver's spot price at COMEX has surged back over $23.00/toz while gold has lost ground.

According to Coin News:

Precious metals declined as a group for three consecutive days until Thursday, when silver, platinum, and palladium broke the mold with gains. Meanwhile, gold dropped for the fourth day in a row, ending at another six-and-a-half-month low.

To read more, go here. 

Japan Train Fares To Surge For Foreign Tourists

Above, Sendai Station. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Starting Sunday, October 1, the cost for JR Rail Passes will sharply increase for foreign visitors.

According to Nikkei Asia:

TOKYO -- The Japan Railways Group (JR Group) will sharply increase fares for foreign travelers under the Japan Rail Pass program for unlimited access to all JR trains, effective on Sunday.

Depending on how the pass is purchased, hikes will be 49% to 69% for economy-class train cars and 56% to 77% for first-class cars, called Green Cars.

At present, the over-the-counter price of the seven-day pass is roughly the same as the fare of a Tokyo-Osaka round trip aboard a bullet train, known in the country as shinkansen. The low fare has become possible "as a result of efforts to expand and upgrade services," the JR Group said.

But Japanese travelers have complained that the program unfairly favors foreign visitors.

The generous program started when prices were extremely high in Japan. Recently, however, it has become difficult to maintain the low prices because of a steep increase in the number of users. 

The surge of foreign visitors is causing other problems in Japan, to read further, go here. 

How Would A Government Shutdown Affect National Parks?

Above, Grand Canyon National Park would be kept open by the state of Arizona. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

How will a government shutdown affect the national parks?

That is a question that many are asking. Some states, such as Arizona and Utah, will pay to keep theirs open if necessary.

The question is being discussed in The Hill.

They begin with:

(NEXSTAR) – As the clock ticks closer to the looming weekend deadline, a government shutdown was looking increasingly likely Thursday. A federal shutdown could end up being bad news for hundreds of thousands of federal workers, people who rely on government assistance to pay for food, and those with a trip planned to one of the country’s 425 national park sites.

Since the National Park Service is largely funded through Congressional appropriations, all 63 national parks, plus hundreds of additional monuments and sites, “are at risk of closing Oct. 1” if the government doesn’t reach a deal to keep the government funded, writes the National Parks Conservation Association, a group that advocates for protecting the parks.

As The Hill has previously reported, it’s somewhat unclear what would happen to national parks under an upcoming federal shutdown. The Department of the Interior hasn’t announced its plan, either. 

To read more, go here. 

Christopher Nolan In 007 Talks

Could he revive a "destroyed" franchise?

Source: Sebastian Gorka.

Slight Rebound For Gold and Silver

Above, 2022 American Silver Eagles. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Silver's COMEX spot price fell below $23.00/toz yesterday, but according to Kitco News, it has firmed up a bit this morning even though it is still below $23.00.

Kitco News reported:

(Kitco News) - Gold and silver prices are just a bit firmer in early U.S. trading Thursday, after this week's solid selling pressure that drove December gold futures to a 6.5-month low Wednesday. Some tepid short covering in the futures markets is featured in both metals today. A lower U.S. dollar index today is also a friendly daily outside market element for the metals markets. December gold was last up $2.40 at $1,893.30 and December silver was up $0.081 at $22.805. 

To read more, go here. 

NM Gerrymander Trial Begins

ger·ry·man·der

/ˈjerēˌmandər/

verb

manipulate the boundaries of (an electoral constituency) so as to favor one party or class.

The issue over New Mexico's gerrymandered U.S. House districts has gone to trial.

It will be interesting to see who prevails in the trial that is expected to last three days.

Piñon Post reported:

The trial over accusations of partisan gerrymandering by the far-left Democrat-controlled Legislature commenced on Wednesday, adding fuel to the ongoing national debate on redistricting. The focus is on New Mexico’s Second District, a crucial battleground that has swung between parties in the past three elections and holds significance in the Republicans’ efforts to maintain their majority in the U.S. House of Representatives in 2024.

The Republican Party contends that the new map, orchestrated by Democrats, deviates from established redistricting norms by dividing communities to gain a political advantage. They argue that this deliberate manipulation aims to diminish the conservative voice in southeastern New Mexico, an oil-producing stronghold, by splitting it among three congressional districts favoring Democrats. 

During the redistricting process, New Mexicans from across the state gave input to the Legislature through meetings held by the state’s Citizens Redistricting Committee. All the recommendations from the committee were tossed out for an extremely partisan gerrymandered map that chopped up Republican areas of the state into districts that have been Democrat strongholds in an attempt at swinging the Second District to favor progressive Democrat candidates.

During the trial, Republican attorneys presented evidence, including text messages from a top Democratic legislator, suggesting flagrant gerrymandering tactics. State Rep. James Townsend (R-Artesia), a retired oil pipeline supervisor and former state House minority leader, testified that the intent was to secure Democrat victories in these districts, marginalizing Republican lawmakers from the process.

To read more, go here. 

Dense Fog and RVs

Above, patches of low clouds (fog) in Yosemite National Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Fog is a cloud that touches the ground. It can be thick or thin and people have difficulty seeing and driving in it.

Some of the most notorious areas for fog is in the San Joaquin Valley of California. Many deaths have occurred by motorists trying to drive in it.

RV Life has posted and article with 15 tips that RVers need to know about driving in fog.

It begins with:

When you travel in an RV, you need to be prepared to encounter all kinds of road conditions. Whether you take short weekend trips or long cross-country adventures, you can run into bad weather at any time. Dense fog is one of the most dangerous conditions to drive in, and every RVer needs to know how to stay safe in this situation.

Fog often occurs in patches, so you might encounter a misty stretch of road without warning. Don’t panic if you find yourself surrounded by a gray haze! It can be unnerving to drive an RV in these conditions, but as long as you take the proper precautions, you should be able to reach the other end without an issue.

There are lots of ways for you to stay safe while you navigate dense fog. Sometimes you’ll only need to drive for a few minutes until you’re out of the haze. But in other cases, you might be stuck for a few hours. Regardless of how long or short your drive is, there are plenty of things you can do to improve your visibility and avoid accidents.

To read more, go here. 

Day In Gallup

Above, at the Gallup Coffee Company in downtown Gallup. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Most of yesterday was spent in Gallup.

First, I dropped off Larry Lucier at his physical therapist's for his hour and a half workout.

From there, I headed over to Albertsons' market to pick up a few groceries. After that, I headed over into the historical downtown district of Gallup to the Gallup Coffee Company shop for an espresso. Gallup Coffee Company is like Starbucks, only better. It is a few doors from the historic El Morro Theater.

Above, at the Gallup Coffee Company.

While there I ran into one of our supper group members as I was sitting at a sidewalk table. We caught up on things and cigars.

After hanging out at the Gallup Coffee Company, I went to pick up Larry and we headed over to the Cracker Barrel restaurant to celebrate his brother Greg's birthday.

It was a nice day out (around 80° outside).

All Navajo Tribal Parks To Be Closed During Annular Eclipse Oct. 14

Above, the start of the "diamond ring effect" of the 2017 Great American Eclipse. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

As I had guessed in my September 19 blog post of the closure of Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park during the October 14 annular solar eclipse, all other Navajo tribal parks will be closed during the event.

According to Space.com:

A solar eclipse will be visible across most of the Americas, including eight U.S. states from Oregon to Texas, in October, but you won't be able to see it from a few key places after all. 

While millions of people will be flocking to the path of annularity — the narrow strip from which the 'ring of fire' solar eclipse can be seen — there are some locations along this path that will be closed to the public during the annular solar eclipse on Oct. 14. 

This month, it was announced that all Navajo Tribal Parks would close from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. MDT on October 14, 2023, due to Navajo cultural beliefs surrounding the event. This includes Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, Four Corners Monument Navajo Tribal Park and parts of the Tséyi’ Diné Heritage Area in Canyon de Chelly National Monument. Local businesses may also be closed.  

In Navajo culture, an eclipse is a new beginning. The Navajo word for a solar eclipse jóhonaa'éí daaztsą́ means "the death of the sun" according to Navajo Traditional Teachings. During a solar eclipse, many Navajo people will remain inside, fasting and praying.

To read more, go here.

Precious Metals Declined

Precious metals aren't doing so well this week. But this is temporary, because what goes down, must come up. The current COMEX spot price for silver is shown above. 

According to Coin News:

On Tuesday, for a second consecutive day, precious metals declined together, with losses ranging from 0.5% for palladium to 1.1% for platinum. Gold ended the day at a more than five-week low.

"Gold and silver prices are down and near daily lows in midday U.S. trading Tuesday. U.S. Treasury yields are on the rise and near multi-year highs, while the U.S. dollar index today scored a 6.5-month high. Both are bearish outside market forces constricting the precious metals bulls," Jim Wyckoff, a senior analyst at Kitco Inc, said in a daily research note.

In regards to silver, Coin News reported:

Meanwhile, silver for December delivery settled down 18.9 cents, or 0.8%, to $23.196 an ounce. The close was the weakest since Sept. 14. Silver futures ranged from $23.10 and $23.39. They dropped by 1.9% on Monday.

To read more, go here.

Gov. Newsom Signs Sweeping Radical Gun Control Laws

It is a sure bet that lawsuits will be pouring out as a result of new gun control bills signed by radical leftist Gov. Gavin Newsom in California.

As time goes on, it is more obvious to me that I made the right decision to move out of Commiefornia!

The Daily Caller reported:

Democratic California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed several gun control bills into law on Tuesday that add heavy taxes for gun purchases and severely restrict where citizens can legally carry in the state, a video of the signing showed.

The laws will raise the eligible age to purchase a gun from 18 to 21, add an additional 11% excise tax to all gun sales and place expansive restrictions on where California citizens can carry guns, including within 1,000 feet of a school, at a public gathering, at a park, at or near a church, on a sidewalk next to a park and any parking lots. Newsom framed the move as a response to the “rights reduction” caused by gun laws that function under a “1790s framework,” a recording of the signing showed.

To read more, go here. 

Social Security and A Government Shut-Down

This coming Sunday, if the congress (House and Senate) and the White House don't come to an agreement on a spending bill, the government will shut down.

What does that mean for those of us geezers who are collecting Social Security? Nothing.

According to NBC News (via AOL):

If the federal government shuts down on Sunday, numerous publicly funded agencies will stop work and their employees won't be paid, but Social Security checks will still go out.

Social Security is considered a mandatory program and it isn't funded by the shorter-term appropriations bills passed by Congress and signed by the president. That means its operations and funding don't stop when the government shuts down.

That's important for a large portion of Americans, as about 67 million people are currently receiving monthly Social Security benefits, according to the Social Security Administration. Those benefits primarily go to retirees, but also to people with disabilities as well as dependents of deceased beneficiaries.

Medicare and Veterans Affairs benefits also continue being distributed during a shutdown.

To read more, go here. 

Money Magazine's Review of Progressive RV Insurance

Above, camping at Lake Cachuma. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

For those who are looking to change their insurance carriers on their RVs or who are new (or about to be new) to become an RV owner, the following should be put under consideration.

It is Money magazine's review of Progressive RV insurance, including pros and cons.

I insure my motorhome through Progressive and have done so for the five years since I've owned it. I find the premium to be reasonable. So far, I have had no need to file any claims. (Knock on wood.)

The review begins with:

Progressive is the largest motor insurance carrier in the U.S. and provides some of the best RV insurance because of its different coverage types. The company also offers numerous add-ons that allow you to customize your policy. Read our Progressive RV insurance review below to learn about its coverage, pricing, customer satisfaction and the pros and cons of buying a policy with this company.

To read the review, go here. 

Sen. Menendez Refuses To Resign

New Jersey Democrat Senator Bob Menendez is in hot water over his indictment on bribery charges.

However, he is defiant and refuses to resign.

From ABC News:

Sen. Bob Menendez, D-N.J., signaled Monday that he will remain in office despite pressure to resign after being indicted on corruption charges.

Menendez was defiant as he delivered his first public remarks since the Sept. 22 indictment. He spoke in Union Station, New Jersey, where he started his political career four decades ago. He didn't take any questions from the press.

"Everything I've accomplished I've worked for despite the naysayers and everyone who has underestimated me," he said. "I recognize this will be the biggest fight yet. But as I have stated throughout this whole process, I firmly believe that when all the facts are presented, not only will I be exonerated, but I still will be New Jersey's senior senator."

Menendez and his wife, Nadine, are accused of accepting hundreds of thousands of dollars of bribes in exchange for wielding his power to enrich three businessmen -- Wael Hana, Jose Uribe and Fred Daides -- and benefit the Egyptian government. Those bribes, according to prosecutors, included gold bars, a luxury convertible car, home mortgage payments and more.

To read more, go here. 

Gold, Silver Spot Prices Weaker

Above, a 90% silver 1976 Kennedy gem proof half dollar. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Gold and silver spot prices started the week yesterday on a downward note. It hasn't gotten any better today (as yet).

Personally, I see this as an opportunity to buy more silver (gold is too overpriced for my taste). COMEX silver spot price is around $23.13/toz as this is written.

From Kitco News:

(Kitco News) - Gold and silver prices are weaker in early U.S. trading Tuesday. Technical selling is featured in both precious metals as the charts remain in bearish postures. U.S. Treasury yields have been on the rise and are near multi-year highs, while the U.S. dollar index hovers near a 6.5-month high—both bearish outside market elements for the metals. December gold was last down $5.50 at $1,931.10 and December silver was down $0.105 at $23.28.

To read more, go here. 

FBI Accused of Keeping Gold Coins, Silver of Private Citizens

The reputation of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has been severely tarnished in recent years. The following won't to anything to restore its luster, but quite the opposite, unfortunately.

From CoinWeek:

Civil forfeiture is a controversial tactic of government and law enforcement agencies. Your property can be taken without criminal charges levied against you, and it’s up to the Government to decide when (or if) you get it back.

But two people in the Los Angeles area–people who might be considered typical bullion customers and investors in precious metals–are fighting back against this policy in a court of law, with the help of a lawsuit filed by the non-profit Institute for Justice.

Don Mellein, a 79-year-old retiree, and Jeni Pearsons are accusing the FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation) of losing or stealing their gold and silver coins after the business where they stored the precious metal was raided on March 22, 2021. Neither were accused of any crime.

U.S. Private Vaults, based in Beverly Hills, California, had been under investigation by the FBI for knowingly renting safe deposit boxes to certain customers who then used the boxes to store illegal drugs. The warrant authorizing the raid focused on the company itself and explicitly excluded the seizure of boxes belonging to private customers. The FBI assured the issuing judge that any property taken from uninvolved customers would be held merely for “safekeeping” until such time that the agency could properly return it to the rightful owners. Drugs were indeed found – along with cash, firearms, gold, silver, jewelry, and other valuables. 

All told, around 1,400 customers of U.S Private Vaults had their property seized. These customers (including Mellein and Pearsons) all received the same form letter informing them about the civil forfeiture of their property.

There is much more to this story, including a class-action lawsuit. To read more, go here. 

House Panel Passes Bill To Thwart CBDC

Some good news has come out of the House of Representatives. It is a first step in thwarting the creation of a Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC), but it is an important step nonetheless.

From Banking Dive:

The House Financial Services Committee last week passed a bill that would stop the Federal Reserve from working on a central bank digital currency, giving the full House a chance to consider the legislation.

The bill would amend the Federal Reserve Act to prohibit Federal Reserve-supervised banks from issuing “a central bank digital currency, or any digital asset that is substantially similar under any other name or label, directly to an individual,” according to the text of that proposed bill, H.R. 5403. 

Rep. Tom Emmer, R-MN, who is also the House Majority Whip, proposed the bill, which he refers to as the “CBDC Anti-Surveillance State Act.” It was passed by the committee Wednesday to the House floor. 

To read more, go here. 

Pipe Break Fixed

The pipe break near the fire station has been fixed. The water is back on.

There's air in the lines, but that should be resolved as time goes on. There's some rust in the water, but that's also resolving.

A big "thank-you" to the Whispering Cedars Water Association repair crew for getting on it right away.

Nandoh Munoz posted this photo on Facebook of the repairs in progress. The fire station is in the background.

 

Gas Prices In Redlands, California

Gasoline prices have been rising drastically lately, it is worse in some areas than in others.

My "honorary sister" sent this photo of gasoline prices taken in Redlands, California last night. Redlands is a small city in San Bernardino County just off Interstate 10.

Her only comment was, "FJB".

Welcome to the "People's Utopia of Commiefornia".

AAA National and California Average Gasoline Prices

 Self-explanatory.

I paid $3.709 in New Mexico today.

30 Ridiculously Beautiful Places In Arizona

Above, Tucson district of Saguaro National Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Now is the time to visit Arizona. The temperatures during fall are moderating and by going now, you'll beat the influx of snowbirds (RVers from northern and colder climates) and get a campsite.

Travel Lens has posted an article on 30 "ridiculously" beautiful places to visit in Arizona.

They begin it with:

Arizona, often dubbed the Grand Canyon State, is a mosaic of contrasting landscapes and cultures. From its sprawling deserts to snow-capped peaks, the state offers a unique blend of natural wonders, historical significance, and cultural richness.

To see what they are, go here. 

No More Red Cliffs Rum

Above, Honeyville in Durango, Colorado. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

One of the things I always do whenever I am in Durango, Colorado is to stop at Honeyville at the north end of town to pick up a bottle of Red Cliffs rum. This I did during my trip to Ridgway or, at least, tried to do.

Honeyville discontinued it.

They said that they weren't selling enough to continue it, so they stopped brewing it last year.

Above, getting some Red Cliffs rum last year at Honeyville.

It was a great-tasting rum with some spice to it. It was better, in my opinion, than the rum I bought in Cuba in 2019.

This was definitely disappointing. 

How Much Does It Cost To Winterize An RV?

Above, winterizing is still necessary even though my
 motorhome has its own garage. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

While at the John Wayne Cancer Foundation's Half Marathon and 5K in Ridgway, Colorado last Saturday, summer ended and fall began.

That means cold temperatures are just around the corner, especially at night. In some areas, early snows can arrive in October. This is the time to think about winterizing the RV.

When I lived in Los Angeles, I didn't have to winterize the RV. Since I moved to New Mexico, it is something I have to do each year as it gets below freezing (32° F) often even though I have an RV garage.

One may wonder, how much does it cost to winterize an RV? That is the topic of an article from Do It Yourself RV.

They begin it with:

For many of us, the summer heat is dying down, so we need to start planning for fall and winter. If you don’t use your RV all year long, this may be the period when you store your vehicle for a few months. Before you park your RV in your backyard or drop it off at a storage facility, you’ll need to properly winterize it. But how much does this cost?

Winterization may cost less than $50 if you stick to a budget, but it can also add up if you factor in the extra cost of cleaning, maintenance, specialty parts/products, and a storage facility. Essentially, it can be as cheap or as expensive as you want! In order to get a proper level of winterization, though, you will usually need to spend at least a bit of money.

With that in mind, let’s break down some of the different parts of winterization and how much they will each cost. Your RV may require more or less care than others, so the price will always vary. But after consulting the content below, you should have a good idea of how much you might spend this coming winter.

To read more, go here. 

RV Wind Protection

Above, at camp in Barstow, California in 2017 before the winds kicked up. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Camping or driving in windy conditions is no fun. The worst I experienced was in 2017 in Barstow, California during a clamp-out. The winds got to bad it ripped up awnings, blew tents like tumbleweeds and kicked up dust. I remember it as I was just getting over bronchitis at time.

There are things one can do to minimize the misery of camping and driving in windy conditions. RV Life has posted some "tips and tricks" for smoother travels.

They begin with:

You never know what kind of weather you might run into during your RV travels. Storms are a bit easier to predict, but wind can spring up when you least expect it! But as a general rule, fall and winter tend to have more extreme weather. It can be a real hassle to protect your RV and your campsite from the wind, but there are always some things you can try. Let’s talk about wind protection and how you can stay safe in the campground and on the road!

In most cases, wind is just an annoyance. Nobody likes to deal with gusts of air ruining their hair, blowing smoke in their face, or lifting camp chairs off the ground. But there are some circumstances where windstorms become downright dangerous. It’s rare to see gusts that are strong enough to rock or tip your vehicle, but it’s always a possibility.

Being proactive against wind can make a huge difference during your next trip. You can have an infinitely better experience by tweaking a few habits and being especially careful while you’re driving. Selecting the right campground and site can also make a windy day more bearable. Read on to hear our best tips and tricks for RV wind protection this fall.

To read more, go here. 

Water Leak Near The Fire Station

Above, the water tank that feeds our end of the subdivision. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It looks like the water will be turned off for the better part of the day today.

A water leak has sprung up near the fire station, so the water will have to be shut off while repairs are made. 

This may be the first water leak we've had on our end (green water tank) of the subdivision since I've moved here. The others have been further up the hill that is fed by the white water tank. 

I'll have to jump into the shower before the water is shut off.  

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. 

The passing of Canada's Gordon Lightfoot in May at age 84 saddened fans around the world. Still, he had a great run and was active practically to the end.

I had previously posted his songs "Sundown" and "The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald" (just hit the "Gordon Lightfoot" tag link below to get to them), so to start off the week, here is "Carefree Highway", one of my favorites.

In and Around Ridgway, Colorado

Above, the cow pasture next to Basecamp 550 with its giant American flag. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

While I was in Ridgway, Colorado for the John Wayne Cancer Foundation Half Marathon and 5K, I stayed at Basecamp 550 RV Park just south of town.

Ridgway is ten miles north on Highway 550 of Ouray. 

Above, driving through Ouray on Hwy. 550. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It is next to a cattle pasture that is notable for a giant American flag.

It is an older campground that has a mix of RV spaces and glamping cabins. The management were friendly and helpful.

I got there Friday afternoon. After resting up after my six-hour drive from New Mexico, I headed into town to go to the True Grit Café where the marathon check-in was taking place. I got my gold volunteer shirt while there. I stayed for dinner and tried their Cajun salmon. It was excellent. So far, I tried the salmon and their chili (at different times) and was not disappointed in either.

While walking to the café, I took a photo of the store used in True Grit (1969) as the undertaker business (actor Hank Worden was the undertaker in the movie). I noticed that the old firehouse is being renovated and expanded to include dining and retail space. It looks to be a nice project.

Naturally, I took some photos.

Above, at Basecamp 550. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, "Madame Moo". Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, relaxing after arriving at Basecamp 550.

Above, the undertaker's in True Grit (1969). Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, construction work at the firehouse. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the view from my table at True Grit Café. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, John Wayne movie stills and poster in the True Grit Café. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the glamping cabin tents at Basecamp 550. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Home Again

Above, at the Ross Family ranch set from True Grit (1969).

This morning, I headed out of Colorado for New Mexico.

Before leaving, I was going to empty the motorhome's holding tanks, but the cap to the outlet (or is it inlet?) was stuck tight. So I decided to skip it and find an RV dump station along the way.

I got on the road at about 7:00 this morning. The drive was a pleasant one with a mix of pine trees and aspens, which were in their fall colors.

Above, the house used as the Ross Family home in True Grit. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The price for gasoline in Colorado was over $4.04/gallon, so I decided to get gasoline in Farmington, New Mexico for $3.99. The drive was mostly downhill and I was able to coast the motorhome. I had over a quarter tank of gas starting out of Ridgway. When I reached Farmington, I had just under a quarter tank.

Above, the Welcome To Colorado sign on Highway 140. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I took the longer, but more scenic Highway 140 out of Colorado to Farmington. I tried to go to the Fort Lewis Country Store, but I couldn't locate it and there were no cars around to indicate where it was. So I gave up.

Before leaving Colorado, as I was entering Durango, I saw the 8:30 Durango train heading out of town. 

Above, at Alpen Rose RV Park in Durango. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I decided to use the dump station at Alpen Rose RV Park in Durango. I've stayed there twice. So I paid their fee and emptied the holding tanks. Since the nighttime temperatures are dropping, it is best to keep the tanks empty.

I got home at 1:25. Before reaching home, I stopped at Big Ass Burger in Thoreau to get a cheeseburger and their famous curly fries.

All in all, it was a good trip.

Yesterday At Ridgway's Grit Series Marathon

Above, Ethan Wayne and yours truly.

 

Yesterday was an enjoyable day at the Ridgway, Colorado Grit Series marathons for the John Wayne Cancer Foundation.

I was assigned at the aid station just outside the fence to the Ross Family ranch set used in "True Grit" (1969). 

The first group of runners were of the half marathon. They were later followed by the 5k runners. Our aid station was the turnaround location for the 5k.

When I arrived at the marathon start/finish location, I was greeted by Ethan Wayne. Patrick Wayne did not attend. I heard that he was having some sort of procedure done. I hope he will be well enough to attend next year.

After the races were done and on my way out, I stopped to hand Ethan Wayne a donation check in memory of Bill Wilson and in Mike Hobbie's name (who is currently battling lung cancer.