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| Above, The Beast at a prior Clampout in Quartzsite. Photo by Armand Vaquer. |
The Spring Clampout of the Lost Dutchman Chapter of E Clampus Vitus is happening this weekend in beautiful tropical Quartzsite, Arizona.
The temperatures will be around 100° during the doins.
For the duration of the clampout, this blog will be relatively inactive. I have a cat sitter already lined up.
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| Above, Norwegian Sky docked at Nassau, Bahamas last summer. Photo by Armand Vaquer. |
Last summer, Mitch Geriminsky and I took a cruise to the Bahamas aboard Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Sky.
It was a nice, comfortable ship and we enjoyed its facilities.
It has just been announced that the Norwegian Sky is leaving NCL's fleet and cruises have been cancelled. It has been a part of the fleet since 1999.
According to TheStreet:
Norwegian Sky will soon leave the cruise line's fleet, according to a letter sent to passengers.
"Dear Valued Guests and Travel Partners: We're writing to you today with the news that one of our renowned ships from the acclaimed Sun-class series, Norwegian Sky, will leave Norwegian Cruise Line's award-winning fleet to embark toward new horizons," the cruise line said.
This, of course, does impact passengers.
"Unfortunately, this means that your upcoming cruise on Norwegian Sky has been canceled. Cordelia Cruises, India's leading premium cruise line, has agreed to a long-term charter of Norwegian Sky beginning September 30, 2026, in Dubai, UAE. While we are excited for her new chapter, it does mean, sadly, that to accommodate her timely arrival in Dubai, UAE, on September 30, 2026, all Norwegian Sky sailings embarking on or after August 20, 2026, will be canceled," it added.
This is the third cruise ship that I have been on whose futures changed not long after I cruised on them. The Celebrity Mercury was sold after taking a cruise to Alaska in 2001. Happily, it is still sailing under a different name and owner. The Majesty of the Seas of Royal Caribbean was sold and is in limbo in Greece after taking a cruise to Havana, Cuba in 2019. There is speculation that it will be scrapped.
To read more, go here.
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| Above, a proposed design for the Superman coin. |
Other nations have featured pop culture characters in coins over the years.
A couple of years ago, I picked up Godzilla and King Kong silver coins issued from the island nation of Niue.
This year, several DC Comics super-heroes will be featured on coins to be issued by the U.S. Mint.
According to EIN Presswire:
COLORADO SPRINGS, CO, UNITED STATES, April 7, 2025 /EINPresswire.com/ -- What do Homer Simpson, the Olympic games, Elvis Presley, and Superman have in common? They've all been featured or will soon be featured on coins. This year’s annual National Coin Week, April 20-26, 2025, explores the fascinating ways pop culture influences money.
The nonprofit American Numismatic Association (www.money.org), based in Colorado Springs, Colo., has sponsored National Coin Week since 1924. This year’s theme is “Iconic Change: Pop Culture & Coins Unite!”
“Coins are not just money,” explained Thomas J. Uram of Pennsylvania, president of the American Numismatic Association. “They're pop culture time capsules. From superheroes to sci-fi, sports legends to blockbuster movies, coins have captured the icons we love. National Coin Week 2025 celebrates the surprising ways money and pop culture come together.”
This year, the United States Mint will begin producing collectible coins and medals featuring three iconic DC superheroes “who reflect American values and culture,” according to the Mint. Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman will be the first characters featured.
To read more, go here.
The funeral service for Clint Hill on April 8th, 2025, is by invitation only but will be live-streamed. Please join us online using this link.
The stuff that now passes as "music", particularly rock 'n roll, leaves me cold. So, to start off the week, here's a video of a classic rock artist.
To start off the week, we have Loggins and Messina performing their 1973 hit, "My Music". The first video is the studio version and the second video is the duo performing it on The Midnight Special (remember that show?).
From Wikipedia:
Loggins and Messina was an American pop rock duo consisting of Kenny Loggins and Jim Messina, who achieved major chart success during the early-mid 1970s. Among their well-known songs are "Danny's Song", "House at Pooh Corner", and "Your Mama Don't Dance". After selling more than 16 million records and becoming one of the leading musical duos of the 1970s, Loggins and Messina separated in 1976. Although Messina would find only limited popularity following the breakup, Loggins went on to achieve major chart success in the 1980s. In 2005 and again in 2009, Loggins and Messina reformed for tours in the United States.
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| Above, the Mittens and Merrick Butte at sunrise. Photo by Armand Vaquer. |
Regular readers of this blog can safely guess that I have a fondness for the Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park that straddles Utah and Arizona.
I have been there several times, most recently last September. It is my good fortune that I live within less than a half day's drive from it.
Le Journal Catalan has posted an article on Monument Valley.
They begin it with:
The red sandstone monoliths that punctuate the horizon at Monument Valley aren’t just rock formations – they’re ancient storytellers rising dramatically from the desert floor. This extraordinary landscape, straddling the Arizona-Utah border, represents one of America’s most iconic and instantly recognizable natural wonders, yet many visitors fail to fully appreciate its profound cultural significance.
A sacred homeland, not just a movie backdrop
While Hollywood westerns put Monument Valley on the tourist map, this 91,000-acre expanse represents much more to the Navajo (Diné) people who have called this region home for centuries. The tribal park sits within the Navajo Nation, where these dramatic formations – some towering over 1,000 feet tall – are considered sacred.
To read more, go here.
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| Above, the Calico bottle house. Photo by Armand Vaquer. |
The route between Los Angeles to Las Vegas will take travelers through the Mojave Desert along Interstate 15.
Along the way, just past Barstow, is Calico Ghost Town.
Calico is a former silver mining town that still mines, only in tourist dollars these days. If one is a fan of old mining towns or of the old west, Calico is a fun place to visit. I visited and camped there in the late 1980s during a Boy Scout camporee.
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| Above, the Calico & Odessa Railroad. Photo by Armand Vaquer. |
RV Travel posted an article, "Camp with the ghosts at this famous California ghost town."
It begins with:
If you happen to RV through Southern California, have a penchant for history, and love ghost towns, Calico Ghost Town should be on your travel plans.
Nestled in the Mojave Desert, this once-bustling mining town offers a unique blend of Old West charm and modern amenities. It’s a perfect stop for RVers.
A brief history
Back in 1881, Calico sprang to life during the silver rush, quickly growing into a lively community. At its peak, the town boasted a population of around 3,500 residents. This included folks from China, England, Ireland, Greece, France, the Netherlands, and various parts of the U.S.
Over a span of 12 years, Calico’s mines yielded more than $20 million worth of silver ore. However, as silver prices plummeted in the late 1890s, the town’s fortune dwindled, and by 1907, it was largely abandoned.
There is a handy campground at Calico with all the necessary hookups.
To read the full article, go here.
Back in the late 1950s and 1960s Bell Brand potato chips was advertised extensively on kiddie shows on KTLA Channel 5 and elsewhere.
In the Southern California market, Bell Brand was a big competitor against Lay's brands of snack foods and Granny Goose potato chips.
I did some checking and this is what Wikipedia had to say:
Bell Brand Foods, Inc. was founded by Cyril C. Nigg in 1925, the company was a Southern California-based manufacturer of a regionally popular line of snack products including potato chips, tortilla chips, corn chips, cheese curls and pretzels. The company's headquarters were located in Santa Fe Springs, California. General Foods Corporation put Bell Brand up for sale in 1995 due to the company's financial issues. However, Bell Brand went out of business on July 7, 1995 after General Foods could not find a buyer for the company.
Bell Brand potato chips were advertised on television by Southern California station affiliates, with the tag line at the end of every commercial: "If it's Bell, it's swell!".
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| Above, Indian Market on Route 66 in Continental Divide, New Mexico. Photo by Armand Vaquer. |
Now that spring is here, it is time to get the RV out of mothballs and hit the road.
RV Life has posted an article on 5 scenic routes for RVers in springtime. I've driven on two of the five, one of which is just down the hill from home.
They begin with:
Along with spring comes RVing season, and seemingly never soon enough. The spring season has plenty to enjoy, from the rising temperatures to the blooming wildflowers. New life is beginning everywhere. Scenic routes are a fantastic way to enjoy springtime, and there are countless options to try.
You might be hesitant to go camping in the early months of the year, but that’s what makes scenic road trips so appealing. This method allows you to enjoy new sights from the comfort of your RV. So even if the temperature outside remains a bit chilly and damp, you can still have a wonderful experience and return to a warm (and dry) bed at the end of the day.
With all that in mind, we’ve compiled a list of five fantastic scenic routes for RVers in the spring. Some are coastal getaways while others showcase the beauty of the changing seasons. Each route has something unique to offer, so read on and get ready for another year of RVing fun!
To read more, go here.
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| Above, Grand Canyon's Trailer Village. Photo by Armand Vaquer. |
Like everything else these days, the cost to camp in a national park is going up.
The latest is Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona. For the first time in 20 years, camping fees are going up.
AZCentral reported:
Grand Canyon National Park is raising fees at its campgrounds for the first time in 20 years.
Fees will increase for standard campsites at the Desert View and Mather campgrounds at the South Rim and at the North Rim Campground.
Prices will be going up for tent and RV sites. It's the first time Grand Canyon has increased these fees since 2005.
How much does it cost to camp at the Grand Canyon?
Starting May 1, 2025, standard campground fees at Grand Canyon will be $30 per night.
Certain national park passholders — seniors with the Senior pass and disabled visitors with the Access pass — receive a 50% discount on camping fees. Under the new rate, they'll pay $15 per night.
To read more, go here.
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| Above, the house a couple of years ago. Photo by Armand Vaquer. |
As soon as I saw the following National Weather Service forecast for Jamestown, New Mexico, I took a look outside and it was dry out.
It appears we're to get some more snow today. Maybe I'll just remain indoors today.
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| Above, the book that arrived Thursday. Photo by Armand Vaquer. |
The last two days have been lousy ones for me.
My allergies started kicking up on Wednesday with persistent coughing, nose and throat congestion. Yesterday, I spent all day indoors and slept for most of the day, off and on. That helped a bit. I didn't even bother to go to the Flying J to get my mail.
When I was awake, I perused the book, Winchester's 30-30 Model 94, by Sam Fadala. It arrived Thursday. It is an interesting book on the history of the Model 94. The book has everything one would want to know about the rifle, from Hollywood to routine maintenance.
I slept for about five hours last night. That, plus the sleep I got yesterday, has me feeling a little bit better. I was hoping the little snow we got this week would've helped, but the snows were accompanied by winds, which didn't help.
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| Above, Forrest Gump Hill in Monument Valley. Photo by Armand Vaquer. |
For those looking for places to go during the summer vacation season, the Travel Mole has posted a list of places to see and things to do in Utah beyond "The Mighty 5".
They start it with:
The state of Utah is deservedly famed for its iconic red rocks and The Mighty 5® National Parks, drawing millions of visitors each year travelers in droves to its majestic landscapes.
But for those seeking a quieter, more intimate experience with nature, Utah offers a wealth of lesser-known opportunities. From tranquil spots.
These include scenic fishing spots, rock-climbing adventures and fascinating dinosaur history away from the crowds.
To read more, go here.
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| Above, a shopping area in Freeport, Bahamas. Photo by Armand Vaquer. |
When a friend and I went to the Bahamas on a cruise last summer, the country was under a Level 2 State Department Advisory at the time.
While there, we saw no problems or potential dangers.
The State Department has revised its advisory for the Bahamas.
According to AOL:
The U.S. government wants you to be extra careful if you're visiting the Bahamas. So much so that it updated its travel advisory for the popular destination on March 31, alerting travelers to the dangers of violent crime, beach safety, and ammunition laws across the Bahama Islands.
The Bahamas has been at a level 2 advisory warning since January 2024, and the new update does not change the level.
"What do the advisories issued by the U.S. Department of State mean?
Level 1 (Exercise Normal Precautions)
Level 2 (Exercise Increased Caution)
Level 3 (Reconsider Travel)
Level 4 (Do Not Travel)"
“Violent crime—like armed robberies, burglaries, and sexual assaults—can occur anywhere in The Bahamas. Most crime occurs in Nassau and Freeport on New Providence and Grand Bahama islands,” the travel alert states. “Stay alert in the 'Over the Hill' area in Nassau, south of Shirley Street, where gangs have killed residents.”
We visited both Freeport and Nassau during the cruise.
To read more, go here.
On the 115th anniversary of the Boy Scouts of America that arrived on February 8, 2025, that fabled organization ceased to exist due to the woke mob of leftist radicals that included attorneys filing lawsuits for alleged child abuse.
The "leadership" of the Boy Scouts caved in and changed the Boy Scouts of America to something called Scouting BSA. This new organization includes everyone: girls, transgenders, LGTBQ and other wacko groups. Boy Scouts founder Robert Baden-Powell must be spinning in his grave.
You'll find this 2017 post interesting.
Explaining the transformation and what led up to it is in the following video from PragerU with Heather Mac Donald of the Manhattan Institute:
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| Above, JFK 1964 silver half dollars and Morgan silver dollars. Photo by Armand Vaquer. |
SILVER set to boom. Hottest investment today is silver. Much more demand than supply.
— Robert Kiyosaki (@theRealKiyosaki) April 1, 2025
Gold just passed its all time high of $3115 an ounce.
Silver still 60% below its all high…today only $34 an ounce.
I predict silver will 2X this year to at least $70 an ounce.
I already…
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) April 3, 2025
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| Above, Route 66 RV Resort with one of its cell towers behind my RV. Photo by Armand Vaquer. |
Whenever I go RV camping, I usually bring along one of my laptops. I connect to the Internet with my AT&T mobile hotspot.
I've had it for seven years. I got it when I moved to New Mexico from California and it, generally, has been reliable. When on the road, all I need is a nearby cell tower for the device to connect to it.
RV camping and the Internet is the topic of a new article in RV Life.
It starts out with:
Starlink has received a ton of press the last few years, and for good reason. I had a great experience with Starlink when testing, though that is not always the universal opinion. Like almost any RV internet solution, your mileage may vary. Pricing and plans for Starlink seem to fluctuate frequently as the system continues to grow and change.
The curiosity around Starlink is justified. However, it often diverts attention from existing, affordable solutions that already exist on the modern 5G cellular network. If you frequently camp outside the vast data network dominated primarily by AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile, you should consider Starlink. The number of RVers that actually do that however, is smaller than you think.
To read more, go here.
A little while ago, I noticed something on Facebook. It is a video clip from the 1965 movie, In Harm's Way starring John Wayne and Kirk Douglas.
It shows a Jeep approaching Wayne and George Kennedy. It is supposed to be a South Pacific base during World War II. The Jeep shown did not exist at the time. It is a Willys Jeep M38A1 that was first produced in 1952. I should know, I have one.
It was spotted by the front fenders. I have the movie on DVD, but I never noticed this until today.
Here's a screenshot of the Jeep from the movie:
Here's my 1952 M38A1:
The Jeeps during World War II all (different models) had flat fenders. It is anachronistic for the era.
I don't know how accurate the following map is, but it is interesting to view.
This map shows gun ownership rates of people by state.
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| Above, cruise ship departure from Miami cruise terminal. Photo by Armand Vaquer. |
Last summer, a friend and I booked a flight out of Albuquerque to Miami to take a cruise to the Bahamas.
We booked a flight that arrived in Miami in the wee hours of the morning of our cruise departure date. We had no problems getting to Miami, but the flight was a long one as we had to catch a transfer flight from Salt Lake City, Utah to Miami.
Getting to the cruise terminal from the Miami airport was a different matter. We pre-paid for a shuttle service, but that never arrived. We called them several times and got no response. Ultimately, we took Uber to the terminal.
TheStreet posted an article on the pitfalls of airline flights to reach a cruise departure port.
They start with:
Sometimes, even when you think you’re playing it safe with your travel plans, what can go wrong does go wrong.
Even if you’re an experienced cruiser with plenty of smooth sailings under your belt, your streak of good luck can easily be broken by circumstances outside of your control.
If you’re flying to your cruise departure port, your chances of a flight delay impacting your arrival at the port are pretty significant. On average, more than 20% of flights experience some kind of delay, according to U.S. Bureau of Transportation statistics.
Booking a flight that arrives on the same day as your cruise is risky and generally not recommended due to the unpredictability of air travel. Most expert cruisers recommend always flying in the day before your cruise departure. But sometimes, even that isn’t enough.
Frankly, flying is no longer enjoyable for me. Too many flight problems have cropped up over recent years. I am now avoiding airlines and just going to travel with my motorhome. At least I have more control traveling that way.
To read more, go here.
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| Above, the deck and deck furniture shortly after the snow started. Photo by Armand Vaquer. |
It was pretty much expected. But it was also needed as the winter has been mostly dry.
We may be getting more tonight through Saturday according to the National Weather Service. At least I am not located in the southern part of New Mexico. They've been having dust storms like crazy.
Here's the forecast for the next several days:
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| Above, Osaka Castle. Photo by Armand Vaquer. |
For those who have never been to Japan, there are several websites that will greatly aid in one's vacation planning.
One such site has posted an article on "The Golden" route that is aimed to first-time visitors. It was posted by Japan Today.
It begins with:
TOKYO - The Golden Route is the quintessential travel itinerary for first-time visitors to Japan. It traditionally includes Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and (sometimes) Hiroshima, offering a well-rounded introduction to Japan’s modern and historical sites. This route is ideal for first-time visitors as it provides a mix of modern cityscapes, historical sites, natural beauty and cultural experiences. The entire journey typically takes 7 to 14 days, depending on how long you stay in each location.
The Golden Route is well-connected by the Shinkansen, Japan’s high-speed bullet train, making travel between major stops fast and convenient. Local train lines, buses and subway networks will also make accessibility a breeze in each city. Many travelers opt for the Japan Rail (JR) Pass, which offers unlimited travel on most JR trains, including Shinkansen services, making it a cost-effective option.
This guide provides a summary of each destination in the order you would travel, including practical travel information.
To read more, go here.
We're now in a new month (no, this is not an April Fool's joke) and it is time to see how the U.S. dollar is faring against the Japanese yen in Tokyo trading.
According to Jiji Press:
As of 5:00 p.m. on the 1st, the yen was trading at 149.62 to 149.63 yen per dollar on the Tokyo foreign exchange market, down 48 sen from the previous day (149.14 to 14 sen).
This is still great for American travelers to Japan as their dollars will get them more yen.
To read more, go here.
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| Above, yours truly in line to get into the theater. |
Since it was windy outside and that drives my sinuses crazy, I stayed indoors for most of the day.
I decided to revisit Gamera The Brave (2006), a reboot of Daiei/Kadokawa Pictures Gamera character. I attended the premiere of the movie on April 29, 2006 at the Picadilly Theaters in the Yurikucho Mullion Building in Chiyoda, Tokyo.
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| Above, yours truly at the souvenir table in the theater lobby. |
Later, when I bought the Japanese DVD of the movie, there was an extra showing the premiere and I was seen waiting to enter and at a souvenir stand in the theater's lobby. I was at the "ripe old age" of 52 at the time. Hard to believe, now that I am 71. Where did the time go?
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| Above, the JR Central Towers at JR Nagoya Station were featured in Gamera The Brave. Photo by Armand Vaquer. |
In 2014, I planned to visit Nagoya, where much of the action of Gamers The Brave takes place, but a snowstorm caused me to modify my Japan visit. In 2007, while taking a train down to Kyushu, the train stopped at JR Nagoya Station and I got a photo fo the JR Central Towers featured in the movie.
Later, during dinner, I decided to watch Gamera: The Guardian of the Universe (1995). It had been a long time since I watched it as well. A few months before my dad's passing in 1999, I loaned my parents the DVD of it and they both enjoyed it.
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| Above, the Fukuoka Dome in 2007 was featured in Gamera: The Guardian of the Universe. Photo by Armand Vaquer. |
In 2007, I did pay a visit to the Fukuoka Dome that was featured in Gamera: The Guardian of the Universe during the attempted capture of three Gyaos birds.
The locations mentioned were covered in The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan.