Flash flooding In Gallup

Yesterday, I spent the whole day indoors at home. It started raining in the morning and continued throughout the day. 

It was not too heavy, but it was continuous here in Jamestown.

In Gallup, in the meantime, got flooded by the storm. The water flowed like a river on Historic Route 66. A friend said the storm drain system is antiquated and is badly in need of being modernized with water from the surrounding hills flowing down into the downtown area. 

Hopefully, it will either cease or taper off within the next few days as I have to go into town to pick up some meds.

Overnight, I was awakened by a heavy downpour around 2:30. Good thing I went to bed at 8:00.

Here's a video from KOAT News:

Evening Drive

Last evening, I decided to take a little Jeep drive on Six Mile Canyon Road after going to the Flying J. I went as far as the corral at the entrance to Six Mile Canyon.

Naturally, I took a few pictures.

Barbecue Day

As usual, I am sticking close to home on this Labor Day.

I am planning on barbecuing a steak this afternoon. The National Weather Service forecasts isolated showers and thunderstorms this afternoon after 3:00. That being the possible case, I will fire up the barbecue at around 2:00. 

The forecast:

 Labor Day

Isolated showers and thunderstorms after 3pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 82. Light and variable wind becoming west 5 to 10 mph in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Tonight

Isolated showers and thunderstorms before 9pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 59. West wind 5 to 10 mph becoming light and variable after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Rainy Day Yesterday

Well, we had our longest sustained rain of this monsoon season yesterday. It rained pretty much all day yesterday (which is what we need) and I stayed indoors for much of the day except for a quick trip to the Flying J. I did watch the 1996 flick, Independence Day for entertainment.

Then, around 2:00 this morning, I was awakened by the sound of a downpour. Once I am woken up, I generally can't get back to sleep.  

As of now, my weather phone apps say we're to have a dry day today with a small chance of rain in the afternoon. 

For your entertainment, I've posted Jimi Hendrix's "Rainy Day, Dream Away/Still Raining" medley from his Electic Ladyland album.

Baby Bear In The Hood

Above, a bear cub at Yellowstone Bear World in 2015. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Yesterday morning, we had a little bit of excitement in the neighborhood.

I had just gotten onto Interstate 40 to go to Gallup when my next-door neighbor called and said a baby bear was in a tree at a neighbor's down the street (about three doors away) from my home. He was concerned that the mother bear might be nearby.

Bears have been coming down from the mountains lately, probably looking for water. One was killed a month ago on I-40 and another was seen in the town of Milan (around 40 miles to the east) a couple of days ago. 

The Department of Fish and Game was called in on the baby bear and they darted her and took her away and is going to a rehabilitation center in Espinola, New Mexico. Apparently, the cub came out of Albuquerque with mom but she abandoned this one and another cub. She was already tagged.

Fish and Game was still at the neighbor's when I got back from Gallup. 

RV Travel: The Fence That Won The West

Above, barbed wire fence next to Six Mile Canyon Road in Jamestown, New Mexico. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Barbed wire. Where I live in New Mexico there's plenty of it around.

There's cattle pastures near our community, especially along Six Mile Canyon Road that takes people to Six Mile Canyon of the Cibola National Forest. 

The reason I am mentioning barbed wire is that RV Travel posted an article on the "devil's rope." They also call it "the fence that won the West." 

The article begins with:

Mention the words “barbed wire,” and I immediately envision growing up on our Iowa farm. Those barbs snagged my chore clothes countless times!

I didn’t fully appreciate barbed wire as a child. Nor did I know then what I now know: There are two (yes, two!) museums dedicated to barbed wire—one in Kansas and one in Texas—and both have become popular roadside attractions for RVers who enjoy discovering America’s history.

You may not have a high interest in or memories of barbed wire, like me. However, the museums dedicated to this invention are worth a stop along your way.

To read more, go here. 

At The Flying J

Yesterday afternoon, I drove down to the Flying J to pick up some stogies.

While there, I got the idea to take a photo of the Jeep with a sign saying "Hello Jamestown." For those who are unfamiliar, the Flying J Travel Center is just down the hill from our community. 

I noticed that the price for unleaded regular at the Flying J was at $4.09/gallon. That is more than the average price in Gallup (18 miles west) of around $3.89/gallon. I will likely gas up in Gallup on Friday when I go there for dinner.

 

Some Lever-Actions In Jamestown

Above, Nandoh Munoz shooting his Henry .22 lever-action. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Out here in the Four Corners region of the Southwestern United States, Second Amendment gun enthusiasts dominate the population. 

In our community of Jamestown, New Mexico, most here have firearms. With that in mind, it is not a good idea to plunder residences in the community at will. It could lead to a one-way trip to the pearly gates or the nether regions.

Our group of friends occasionally break out our firearms and head over to the shooting area. It is a small area set aside for shooting in the Cibola National Forest, which abuts our community. It is accessible by a couple of dirt roads. 

Above, Larry Lucier shooting his Henry .22 lever-action. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Readers of this blog know that I am a Winchester 94 rifle fan. I bought it seven years ago. It was made in 1962 and is in .30-30 caliber, making it a pre-1964 rifle collectors seek.

I am not the only one in our group who favors a lever-action rifle. Two of my friends have Henry .22 LR rifles that are of more contemporary vintage. 

Friend Nando Munoz bought his a few years ago in Gallup. Friend Larry Lucier had his longer (at least as long as I've known him). 

Above, yours truly with the Winchester 94. Photo by Larry Lucier.

One thing I've noticed about the Henry lever-action rifles when trying them out, they are heavier that my Winchester 94. When Nandoh tried out my Winchester, he noticed how much lighter it is. This light weight is one of many reasons deer hunters prefer it over other rifles, especially when trudging through the woods. 

Other friends like to hunt bigger game in New Mexico and favor bolt-action rifles. 

Navajo Nation Man Killed By Bear

Above, a black bear at Yellowstone Bear World. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

A bear attack in the Navajo Nation resulted in a fatality.

One may ask, "There are bears in the Navajo Nation?" Incredible as it may seem (not to those of us who live in New Mexico), not all of the Navajo Nation is in the desert. There are some mountainous areas with forests within the Navajo Nation.

We have bears in the Cibola National Forest near our community of Jamestown. One bear was hit recently by a vehicle when it tried to cross Interstate 40 near our community. Personally, I have not seen any bears while driving in Six Mile Canyon of the national forest.

The bear attack took place near the community of Crystal, which is in the Chuska Mountains.  

The Santa Fe New Mexican reported:

Black bears attacked two people in New Mexico this week, killing one, as drought conditions continue to drive the animals out of their habitat, increasing human-bear encounters.

The fatality occurred Thursday in Crystal on the Navajo Nation in northwestern New Mexico, The Guardian reported Friday. The victim has not been identified.

It was only the second fatal bear attack reported in a century. The last was 25 years ago.

Navajo Nation police officers killed the bear, according to the report. Tribal officials did not respond to The New Mexican’s inquiry Friday about the incident.

To read more, go here. 

Bedtime Downpour

From the looks of the deck in the above photo, it doesn't look like we got any rain last night. But we did. 

Shortly after I went to bed, we received a downpour of rain. It was loud. It lasted about 20 minutes or so (or maybe I just fell asleep before it ended). 

In any case, we can use the precipitation to the drought conditions in the Four Corners region. The monsoon rains we've received this season have been a lot, with Gallup getting flooded twice. 

We are expecting about a 30% chance of rain this afternoon.

Downpour Yesterday

Above, the Jeep during a previous storm. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Yesterday afternoon, I was watching the news when I noticed that it was raining outside.

It wasn't some light rain, it was a downpour. I then remembered that the Jeep was still outside and the seats would be drenched. 

I then threw on a hat and ran out. It was a huge downpour. I looked over at the other acre and it was looking like a swamp. I made a split-second decision to move the Jeep over to the garage and get out and open the garage door. This I did. 

The rain did not let up, the downpour continued. My clothes were getting drenched. I opened the garage door and then got back inside the Jeep and drove it in.

By now, the passenger seat was drenched, but at least the driver seat was still somewhat dry. I closed up the garage door and headed inside the house. My shirt was completely drenched and my jeans were almost so. I threw the jeans into the dryer and hung up the shirt (the shirt was cotton and would have shrunk if I threw it into the dryer). 

That was definitely a drenching downpour. No wonder Gallup was flooded twice during recent monsoon rains. Luckily, I don't have to worry about flooding as the property is on a hill. Still, it is good that the ground got a good soaking.

Possible Rain Today

Above, rain may arrive while I am having dinner today at Jerry's Cafe. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It looks like we may be getting some more rain in the Gallup/Jamestown area.

So far this week, we got some decent amounts of monsoon-generated rain in the area. They also seem to have put out the Four Mile Fire in the nearby Cibola National Forest. 

Today's rain (about 50% chance) will hit at about the same time I will be at Jerry's Cafe for dinner. 

Here's the forecast for today from the National Weather Service:

Friday

Isolated showers, then scattered showers and thunderstorms after noon. Partly sunny, with a high near 77. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming northwest in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Friday Night

Isolated showers and thunderstorms before 9pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 56. West wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Four Mile Fire Near Jamestown

Above, a zoomed view of the fire from Mesa Ridge Ranch. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

A few minutes ago, I got back home from viewing (and photographing) the (now named) Four Mile Fire in the Cibola National Forest southeast of our community of Whispering Cedars.

Obviously, the fire wasn't extinguished yesterday and is looking worse than it did yesterday. 

One of our residents posted the following in our community Facebook page: 

 

At least it is moving away from Whispering Cedars. But we're going to keep an eye on it anyway.

Some photos:

Above, a zoomed view of the fire from the top of Mesa Ridge Ranch. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, a view of the fire from the top of Mesa Ridge Ranch. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, a view of the fire from Birch loop in Whispering Cedars. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the Jeep at Mesa Ridge Ranch. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, an emergency vehicle parked at the top of Mesa Ridge Ranch. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

A map of the fire's location:

UPDATE: 

We had some afternoon rain today, they appeared to have put out the fire. Hope so!

Fire Reported Near Jamestown

Yesterday afternoon, we had a fire "scare" (well, not exactly a scare, but something to be concerned about) in the Cibola National Forest that surrounds our Whispering Cedars subdivision in Jamestown, New Mexico.

It was a lightning-generated fire that was located to the southeast of the community. Upon hearing the news, I went outside but saw no smoke. 

Apparently, the fire has been extinguished as no further reports have been made.  Thanks to the McKinley County Fire Rescue and the U.S. Forest Service for the timely response.

Rain Later In The Week (Maybe)

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

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

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

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

Here's the forecast for Gallup/Jamestown:

Today

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

Tonight

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

Monday

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

Monday Night

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

Tuesday

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

Tuesday Night

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

Wednesday

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

Wednesday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 61.

Thursday

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

Thursday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 60.

Friday

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

Friday Night

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

Saturday

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

Deer In Yard

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

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

I managed these to shots:

 

Break In The Monsoon Rains

Above, the yard yesterday. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It looks like we're getting a break today with the monsoon-generated thunderstorms.

According to the National Weather Service, today will be sunny in Jamestown, New Mexico. I am sure Gallup will definitely be grateful for the break since the town got flooded twice this week.

My yard looked a bit swampy during yesterday's rain (photo above).

The forecast:

 Today

Mostly sunny, with a high near 84. Light and variable wind becoming west 5 to 10 mph in the afternoon.

Tonight

Partly cloudy, with a low around 63. West wind 5 to 10 mph becoming light and variable in the evening.

Friday

A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after noon. Sunny, with a high near 88. Light and variable wind becoming northwest 5 to 10 mph in the afternoon.

Friday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 63. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph becoming light and variable in the evening.

Saturday

Showers and thunderstorms likely after noon. Increasing clouds, with a high near 88. Calm wind becoming northeast around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Saturday Night

A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 63.

Sunday

Showers and thunderstorms likely after noon. Partly sunny, with a high near 86. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Sunday Night

A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 62.

Monday

A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after noon. Partly sunny, with a high near 86.

Monday Night

A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before midnight. Partly cloudy, with a low around 62.

Tuesday

A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 86.

Tuesday Night

A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 63.

Wednesday

A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 87.

Second Round of Rain This Week

The second round of monsoon rain this week hit the Jamestown/Gallup area yesterday late afternoon and evening.

It was actually more precipitation than on Tuesday. 

I didn't know it was raining until I got out to put the Jeep into the garage. Before doing so, I took the below photo. Luckily, the Jeep was facing south and the rain came in from the west, so my seat was still dry.

We're expecting more rain this week. Which is what we need.

 

Finally, Some Monsoon Rain

Above, monsoon rain clouds over Jamestown yesterday evening. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Finally, at long last, we got some rain yesterday and last night.

This was the first monsoon rain we received in weeks. We need a lot more, but we'll take it.

According to the National Weather Service, the week looks like this for Jamestown: 

Today

Showers and thunderstorms likely after noon. Sunny through mid morning, then becoming mostly cloudy, with a high near 85. Light southeast wind becoming south 5 to 10 mph in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Tonight

Showers and thunderstorms likely before midnight, then a chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 57. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph becoming light after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Thursday

Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm between noon and 3pm, then showers and thunderstorms likely after 3pm. Sunny through mid morning, then becoming mostly cloudy, with a high near 81. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Thursday Night

Showers and thunderstorms likely before 3am, then a chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 57. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Friday

A slight chance of showers, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after noon. High near 80. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 80%.

Friday Night

A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 57. Chance of precipitation is 50%.

Saturday

A slight chance of showers, then showers and thunderstorms likely after noon. Partly sunny, with a high near 80. Chance of precipitation is 70%.

Saturday Night

A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 58.

Sunday

A slight chance of showers, then showers and thunderstorms likely after noon. Partly sunny, with a high near 82. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Sunday Night

A chance of showers and thunderstorms before midnight, then a slight chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 58. Chance of precipitation is 50%.

Bye, Bye Denny's

About a month or so ago, a kitchen fire erupted at Denny's in the Flying J Travel Center down the hill from our community.

For a while, we wondered when the repairs would begin, but they never did.

Friend Nandoh told me a few weeks ago that Denny's lease was expiring in July but the Flying J released them early. The space that Denny's now occupies will be made into a McDonalds. 

I noticed yesterday that the Denny's signs were removed. Looks like they are removing their property from the location. 

Actually, I am not at all surprised. This Denny's didn't seem to get much business, this was especially so since they changed their menu (no Senior menu) and hiked their prices. We have been going to Lil's Cafe in Thoreau since Denny's closed.

A couple of photos: