Shiprock

On the way home from Moab, Utah yesterday, I took a slightly different route home from the route I took Friday to Moab for the John Wayne Cancer Foundation "Grit Series" marathons.

The route I took was one I took before from Monument Valley a year ago. It had me pass by Shiprock and into the town of Shiprock, New Mexico.

I needed to get gasoline there as I spent very little in Utah. Their gas prices were around $3.40/gallon, whereas New Mexico were around $2.84/gallon.

Despite rain squalls, the town of Shiprock (in the Navajo Nation) was busy with several flea markets and a carnival. I did manage to take the below photos of Shiprock before reaching town.

Drinks Canyon Campground (BLM)

Above, the RV at Drinks Canyon Campground. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

On Friday, I headed to Moab, Utah to help with the John Wayne Cancer Foundation "Grit Series" marathons.

It was a six hour drive from home. 

Above, red cliffs and Colorado River near the campground. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I decided that I would try to stay at a BLM campground along the Colorado River in a canyon next to Arches National Park. There are several BLM campgrounds and they are first-come, first-serve. It is outside of Moab, Utah on Highway 128. 

Above, a view from the campsite. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I reached the canyon at about noon and the first campgrounds were already full, but when I reached Drinks Canyon Campground, they had several campsites available. Campsite 13 (lucky number, eh?) was the largest of the ones available that would accommodate the motorhome. After filling out the payment envelope, I set up camp. The campground was only nine miles from Red Cliffs Lodge, the headquarters for the marathons. That worked out great as volunteers have to arrive at 5:00 am.

Above, another view from the campsite. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The fee for overnight stays is $20/night. There's no water available or trash cans. It is dry camping and one must "pack it in, pack it out". There is a restroom at the campground.

It is in a beautiful area with tall red cliffs along the Colorado River. 

For more information, go here.

Grit Series Marathons In Moab

Above, runners were already on the course before sunrise. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

This year's Grit Series marathons benefitting the John Wayne Cancer Foundation was held yesterday outside of Moab, Utah. 

I volunteered for the event and was assigned to the main parking area directing arrivals. I was told that 100 participants took part last year and 200 this year. I believe it. The lot at Red Cliffs Lodge was full and the shuttle buses were transporting participants to the starting/finishing area. I was kept busy for about two hours or more and on my feet. I was a little exhausted afterwards.

After finishing those "parking attendant" duties, I was given a ride to the marathon starting/finishing line. 

Above, Ethan Wayne holding my donation check in memory of Richard Pusateri.

There, met up with Ethan Wayne, John Wayne's youngest son, and gave him a donation to the John Wayne Cancer Foundation in memory of Richard Pusatari, who passed away in February (on my birthday). We took a picture with Ethan holding the check for posting at Richard's Facebook page (which I did last evening). 

I was going to stay Saturday night, but I heard that storms were coming in (at this writing, we're having a thunderstorm that woke me), so I decided to head out. It was a nice drive, with little rain while in Utah. But when I reached the Shiprock, New Mexico area, it was storming and got even worse when I reached Tohatchi, New Mexico. It continued on when I entered Gallup. 

I stopped for lunch at an A & W Root Beer restaurant in Blanding, Utah. It was a little disappointing: no frosted mug. I was just handed a plastic cup to fill it myself McDonalds style. They were selling glass mugs for $4.95, but I already have two vintage ones. That's enough.

Still, I had a good time and did my bit for the Foundation. 

Some photos:

Above, the Red Cliffs Lodge parking area with the Colorado River. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the Red Cliffs Lodge. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the starting/finishing line arch. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the canopies with Foundation swag. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, spectators relaxing at the maraton area. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, horseback riders chatting with spectators. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Rain In Moab Area This Weekend?

Last year, rain hit the Ridgway, Colorado area about the time the John Wayne Cancer Foundation's Grit Series marathons ended.

Everyone had to hurry and pack up equipment as the rains started.

This weekend, the marathons will be held outside of Moab, Utah. I am heading there as a volunteer. 

It looks like there is a chance of rain in the vicinity according to the National Weather Service:

 Today

Sunny, with a high near 84. Calm wind becoming northwest around 5 mph.

Tonight

Increasing clouds, with a low around 62. Northwest wind around 5 mph becoming southeast in the evening.

Friday

A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms between 9am and noon. Mostly sunny, with a high near 84. South wind around 5 mph becoming west in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 10%.

Friday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 60. West wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.

Saturday

A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after noon. Mostly sunny, with a high near 83. Calm wind becoming south southwest around 5 mph in the afternoon.

Saturday Night

A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 61.

Sunday

Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before noon, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 76. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Hopefully, the marathons will not get drenched.

Grit Series Marathons In Moab September 27

Since the John Wayne Cancer Foundation's Grit Series marathons won't be in Ridgway, Colorado this year, I just signed up to volunteer at the next closest event in Moab, Utah. 

It's a good thing I am an early riser as we have to meet up at 5:00 AM to catch the shuttle bus to our stations.

I am looking forward to the trip as it has been years since I last had been in the Moab area. While there, I will be making a donation to the Cancer Foundation in the name of Richard Pusateri, who passed away from cancer in February.

For more information, go here. 

Preventing Sunburn When RV Camping This Summer

Above, wearing my outback hat in Cool Springs, Arizona while camping.

One item in the motorhome's bathroom cabinet is sunblock cream. Since I tend to camp in higher elevations where the atmosphere is thinner and in the desert, I always have it handy when needed.

Also, I have small bottles of sunblock cream, courtesy of the John Wayne Cancer Foundation's "Block the Blaze" campaign. 

Since I live at 7,000 feet above sea level, I also wear hats most of the time, especially cowboy style or outback hats. Baseball caps don't shade the back of one's neck from the sun.

RV Life has posted some handy tips on preventing sunburn while RV camping this summer.

They begin with:

Summer is the season for camping, road-tripping, beach vacations, and all kinds of sunny-day activities. But at the end of the day, you might find yourself turning red from a nasty sunburn. We usually don’t feel these burns in the moment, so we may not realize how bad it is until it’s too late. That’s why every RVer needs to know how to prevent sunburn.

Sunburns are not only painful, they can also be quite dangerous. Many types of skin cancer can be linked to sunburns and UV radiation. So preventing these burns is good for your short-term comfort … and long-term health. Don’t be fooled into thinking a little burn can’t hurt you.

Fortunately, there are several strategies you can use to protect your skin. With just a bit of forethought, you can avoid almost every issue. Follow along with the tips below if you want to know how to prevent sunburn this summer.

To read more, go here. 

John Wayne Day In Fort Worth, Texas

Above, yours truly with Patrick Wayne outside of Ridgway, Colorado in 2022.

John Wayne Day is this coming Monday (which is also Memorial Day) and there will be several events at the Fort Worth Stockyards. The events mark the 118th anniversary of John Wayne's birth.

According to FWToday:

Next Monday, May 26 marks John Wayne’s 118th birthday, and the party is just getting started. Kick up your boots and get ready to celebrate Hollywood’s favorite on-screen cowboy with a series of events in the Stockyards.

One of the events is a special screening of The Big Trail (1930) at the Modern Art Museum. Son Patrick Wayne will make a special guest appearance. I am pleased to see that Patrick is out and about, considering he is now 85. I met him at the John Wayne Cancer Foundation's Grit Series marathons outside of Ridgway, Colorado in 2022.

For more information on the events, go here.

Donating To The John Wayne Cancer Foundation

Since I found out yesterday that the John Wayne Cancer Foundation will not be holding Grit Series marathons in Ridgway, Colorado this year, I will be going to Moab, Utah instead to help with the marathons there on September 27.

While there, I will also be making a donation to the Foundation in memory of Richard Pusateri, who passed away from cancer February 4. Since he was also a movie fan, this is quite appropriate.

Above, Richard Pusateri in Tokyo in 2001. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The Foundation's website has a provision of making donations anonymously or in memory or honor of a loved one. I made previous donations to the Foundation in my dad's and two friends' names.

To make a donation, go here.

Grit Series In Moab, Utah

A little while ago, I found out that the John Wayne Cancer Foundation won't be holding their Grit Series marathon in Ridgway, Colorado this year. 

However, they are holding one in Moab, Utah on September 27.  Moab works for me as it is only six miles further than Ridgway (on a different route). 

Molly at the John Wayne Cancer Foundation said that I won't be disappointed in Moab. It has been decades since I was last in Moab.

She sent me a map of where the marathon will be held. It looks like it is near the Colorado River off Highway 128.

25 Years Ago

Above, my dad and I in 1993.

The other day, it occurred to me that I will be at the same age as my dad next year when he passed away 25 year ago today.

He passed away from lymphoma, a type of blood cancer that develops in the lymphatic system. He had it for about two years. 

That is why I decided to help the John Wayne Cancer Foundation with their Grit Series half marathons in Ridgway, Colorado. The first time I was there, I was talking with Patrick Wayne and mentioned that we both had the commonality of losing dads due to cancer.

In memory of my dad, I have also made donations to the Foundation. I have also done so in honor of Wellington "Bill" Wilson and Mike Hobbie, who also were casualties of cancer.

The John Wayne Cancer Foundation targets their efforts in cancer research and the training of oncologists. The JWCF funds novel and innovative programs that improve cancer patients' outcomes and save lives through research, education, awareness and support. 

Above, following my dad's funeral at Riverside National Cemetery.

It is hard to believe 25 years have passed. 

RVing Addresses Top 3 Senior Concerns

Above, horseback riding in Monument Valley in September.

From tent camping with my family or Boy Scouts to my current Class C Winnebago, camping has been in my life. 

Now that I have reached the septuagenarian age group, I can easily see why keeping active betters one's overall health. 

Back in September, I took a RV trip to Ridgway, Colorado to help with the John Wayne Cancer Foundation's Grit Series marathons. From there, I headed over into Monument Valley in Utah for some more camping. This included horseback riding from the KOA Kampground I stayed at. This was the first time in fifty years I've done so. I joked afterwards, "Ask me in ten years if I can still ride a horse."

RV Travel has posted an article on how RVing addresses the top three concerns for seniors. If one is still in their fifties or sixties, it may be a worth a read.

It begins with:

As people age, anxiety can become a common, often overwhelming, experience. Anxiety in older adults can stem from a combination of health, social, and financial concerns. I’d like to make the case that RVing positively addresses these concerns—especially for seniors, but really for everyone. Read on to find out why.

To read the article, go here.

John Wayne's Birthplace

Above, the birthplace of John Wayne. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

As Jessica was busy doing other things, I went solo to the John Wayne Birthplace & Museum in Winterset, Iowa yesterday.

I rented a car and headed there. It was about 45 miles away from Jessica's. 

The house where Wayne was born was acquired by Winterset around 1983 and restored. The furnishings inside were from the period, early 20th Century. 

Wayne's daughter Aissa and her husband head to Winterset every May to celebrate her dad's birthday and meet with her dad's fans.The museum has many movie artifacts from Wayne's films. It is not as extensive as the John Wayne: An  American Experience in Fort Worth, Texas, but it has plenty to not be disappointing.

Wayne and his family lived in Winterset for two years following his birth. It is a pretty small town, especially with the trees in their autumn colors. 

I was talking to the docents and they were not aware that the John Wayne Cancer Foundation holds marathons in different locations (like Ridgway, Colorado). I showed them photos of  Patrick and Ethan Wayne and me. They were quite fascinated. I told them I would try to have the Foundation contact them about promoting the marathons.

Of course, I took some photos while there:

2024 JWCF Ridgway Photos

Above, the first aid station area before set-up. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The John Wayne Cancer Foundation's Ridgway, Colorado Grit Series marathons for this year are now history.

The official website has posted photos of the run along in several categories. The categories are: Highlights, Start-Finish Area, On Course - Start & Final Stretch and Miscellaneous.

I volunteered again this year and worked the first aid station at the True Grit Ross Family ranch movie location. We had around 200 runners participate.

To see the photos, go here. 

Today's Grit Series Marathon

Above, the marathon aid station I was assigned. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

This year's Grit Series marathons are now in the history books.

I got up early this morning, thanks to my cat Sierra walking on me. But I had to get up anyway as volunteers are supposed to be at the marathon site by 7:00. When I got there, it was about 39° outside. That was cold enough. But once the sun rose over the mountains, it warmed up fast. 

Above, some of the 5K marathon runners. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

For the most part, it was sunny and clear out with about 200 runners. But that changed around 12:30 when rain clouds clouded the area and dumped rain. This forced the marathon organizers to pack very fast. As I am writing this, it is still raining.

Above, some of the signs on the 5K route. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

After leaving the marathon site, I headed into Ridgway and had dinner at the True Grit Cafe. I had a big bowl of chili along with a glass of wine. 

Above, inside the True Grit Cafe. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I didn't see Patrick Wayne at the marathon, he could have been there but I didn't see him. Ethan Wayne gave me a nicc pat on the shoulder. He looked busy getting things set up. 

At the marathon, I met the new owner of the ranch in which the locations were used in True Grit (1969). He seemed to be a nice fellow and is enthusiastic about the marathons. 

Above, yours truly trying to get warm at the marathon site. 

I may go to bed earlier as I have to drive to Monument Valley in Utah tomorrow. Hopefully, the weather there will be much warmer and dry.

Rains Coming After The Marathon (Hopefully!)

Above, the Last Dollar Ranch. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It appears that the rains forecast to arrive in the Ridgway/Telluride region of Colorado will come after the John Wayne Cancer Foundation Grit Series half marathon and 5K today.

According to the National Weather Service:

Today

A chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 3pm. High near 74. South wind 5 to 10 mph becoming north northwest in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 90%.

Tonight

Showers and possibly a thunderstorm before 1am, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly between 1am and 4am. Low around 39. North northeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening. Chance of precipitation is 90%.

Sunday

A 10 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after noon. Partly sunny, with a high near 64. South southeast wind around 5 mph becoming north northwest in the morning.

Fingers are crossed! 

Ridgway Grit Series Event Today

Above, the start and finish arch. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Today's the day that I will be heading about 11 miles west of Ridgway, Colorado to help with the John Wayne Cancer Foundation's Grit Series half marathon and 5k. 

It goes from 7:00 AM to 1:00 PM today. 

I will be working one of the aid stations for the runners. I did this last year and had a great time. I was plagued with allergy issues last year, but I am prepared this year will allergy meds. 

The route include some locations used in True Grit (1969) for the Ross Family ranch scenes. Ridgway itself was also used in the movie and many locations there are still recognizable today. 

I have to head out early this morning to the marathon site near the Last Dollar Ranch.

Made It Into Colorado

 

Above, the fall colors are evident along Hwy. 550 outside of Silverton. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Well, I made it into Ouray, Colorado. I am at the Ouray KOA Holiday. It was a 250-mile drive.

The site I was given has to be the nicest one of the three times I've stayed there. It is a nice back-in site right next to a creek. It is relaxing hearing the gurgling water as it flows behind my motorhome. 

Above, the campsite at the Ouray KOA. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I reached the KOA at about noon. 

I did stop in Silverton for some coffee and a blueberry muffin at the coffee shop of the Grand Imperial Hotel. It was a nice little pit stop.

Above, the creek behind my campsite. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

After that, I headed off for the 25 mile drive to Ouray. The John Wayne Cancer Foundation Grit Series marathon will be held tomorrow 11 miles west of Ridgway. Ridgway is nine miles from Ouray.

Above, the main drag of Silverton. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I am just going to spend today just relaxing at camp. 

On the way, I saw the 9:00 Durango train north of Durango. It is on its way to Silverton.

Above, inside Silverton's Grand Imperial Hotel during my coffee stop. 

The fall colors are very evident in Colorado. Many people stopped in turnouts to take pictures of the trees. I took some as I was heading out of Silverton. 

Above, the 9:00 Silverton train along Hwy. 550. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Following the marathon, I will be heading to Monument Valley Tribal Park in Utah.