Preserving RV Boondocking

Above, boondocking near Kingman, Arizona. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Thanks to irresponsible campers, areas in which people can boondock are being closed up.

According to RV Travel:

Boondockers prefer camping on public lands without hookups or amenities, moving from place to place. Boondocking is one of the best ways to experience America’s public lands’ natural beauty and diversity, from forests and deserts to mountains and lakes. It also saves money and fosters a sense of adventure and freedom.

However, boondocking is facing a serious challenge. The U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM), which manages more than 245 million acres of public lands in the United States, is systematically closing off boondocking access to many areas due to irresponsible and destructive behavior by some campers, like this popular area in Arizona. These thoughtless campers leave trash, overstay the posted limits, vandalize trails and installations, and damage wildlife habitats and the environment. These actions harm the natural resources, create safety and health hazards, increase maintenance costs, and erode public support for boondocking.

However, all is not lost just yet as a possible solution could save boondocking areas. 

A “New CCC”

I would offer a solution to this problem, one that could benefit boondockers, the BLM, and the public: The creation of a “New CCC,” a modern version of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) that operated from 1933 to 1942 as part of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal. The original CCC was a work relief program that gave millions of young men employment on infrastructure and environmental projects during the Great Depression. The CCC planted more than three billion trees, built trails and shelters, fought forest fires, and improved soil and water conservation on public lands. The CCC helped to shape the modern national and state park systems we enjoy today.

To read more, go here.

Fuel Just Too Expensive For RV Travel

Above, The Beast at the Flying J. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Now that gasoline has reached $4.00/gallon in New Mexico, it appears that I will have to skip on going to the Lost Dutchman clampout next month. I hate to miss out, but the trip is too expensive.

The clampout will be held in Chloride, Arizona (northwest of Kingman) and that is 375 miles from home. The current average gas price for unleaded regular in Kingman is $4.15/gallon.

It'll take two fill-ups in the 55 gallon gas tank of The Beast for the round trip, along with any generator usage. I generally get 10 miles/gallon mileage (one doesn't buy RVs for their mileage).

Now that we're at $4.00/gallon (it'll likely go higher by the time of the clampout), the fuel cost will be (at today's price):

$4.00 x 55 = $220.00 per fill-up 

2 fill-ups will cost (depending on Arizona's price) at least $440.00

Hopefully, gas prices will come down to a much affordable level by the time of the Fall clampout. 

RV Travel: Camping In A "Ghostly" Cemetery

Above, campers (background) next to Hi Jolly Cemetery in Quartzsite, Arizona. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Boondocking or dry camping in the desert can be and often is an interesting experience.  There's plenty of open land, with quite a lot of it managed by the BLM (Bureau of Land Management).

For the past three years, the Lost Dutchman Chapter of E Clampus Vitus has held camping clampouts at cemeteries. One was in Kingman, Arizona and the other was in Quartzsite, Arizona. Why did we camp at cemeteries? We had plaques to dedicate at each.

It just so happens that RV Travel has an article on camping in a "ghostly" cemetery. 

Here's how it begins:

Would you stay the night in a ghostly cemetery, especially around Halloween?

I have and will continue to do so when it meets my needs. Read on…

Those of you that follow our travels know that my wife and I like to explore abandoned ghost towns and mining camps across the West. Since there typically is not a campground or RV park anywhere close to these places, we most often boondock nearby.

You may also recall an article I wrote earlier this year regarding a spontaneous road trip we took detailing the places we camped. One of our campsites was adjacent to the ghostly cemetery in the 1860’s town of Candelaria, Nevada. As the article mentioned, the interred appreciated the visit and I promised a future article. This is the promised article. I waited until October, as it seemed like an appropriate time for a ghost story with Halloween just around the corner.

Many of you are probably asking, why would anyone choose to camp near an old ghostly cemetery in a ghost town?

Note: When I say “ghostly” I am not referring to spiritual ghosts lingering around their earthly remains*. I’m referring to a shadow of what once was in the form of tangible remains of the lives lived and lost, and their stories.

 To read more, go here.

Tips For Staying Cool In A Small Camper

Above, desert camping in Kingman, Arizona. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

If one is traveling in an area that is hot in the summer, staying cool is paramount to staying comfortable.

Do It Yourself RV has a new article with 18 tips for staying cool in a small camper. Most likely, they are talking about trailers, truck campers and small motorhomes under 25 feet in length. My motorhome is 23 feet long. The tips can also apply to larger RVs.

They begin with:

Keeping cool in a small camper can be a challenge during hot summer days, but with planning and a few modifications and accessories, it can be done.

“Whenever you travel, you need a game plan to keep your RV cool during your trip. With the right mixture of positioning, planning and a few other tips, you’ll be able to stay comfortable for your entire vacation.” Blog the folks at Quality RV Resorts

To read the full article, go here. 

A Little Jeep Drive

Above, at the entrance into Cibola National Forest and Six Mile Canyon. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

After two days from driving home from Kingman, Arizona near where the clamp-out was held, I am finally feeling a little more energetic.

The drive, as I mentioned before, was a bit of a white-knuckler as The Beast was buffeted by strong crosswinds. This lasted until about Holbrook, Arizona, where I stopped for a dinner break.

Above, at the Cibola National Forest entrance with Interstate 40 in the background. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Today, I unintentionally took a two-hour nap. After the nap, I decided to tinker with the 1952 Willys Jeep. It had been dying when stopped or changing gears. After some tinkering with the carburetor and taking some friends' suggestions on using the choke, the problem has been rectified.

Above, the Jeep with the old cattle pen in the background. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Since it was running smoothly, I decided to take a little test drive. The Jeep hadn't been driven since last week. I drove from home to the entrance to Cibola National Forest at Six Mile Canyon. I went as far as the entrance, which is near an old cattle pen. I stopped there and took a few pictures since the day was clear. It was an enjoyable ride both ways.

After this, I headed back home. So now I can safely say that the "problem" with the Jeep has been corrected. 

Clamp-out Weekend

Above, The Beast is almost ready to go. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

For a few days, I'll be free of social media (uh, maybe), provided there's no cell service in the community of Cool Springs Station, Arizona where the Lost Dutchman Chaper #5917 +2, E Clampus Vitus holds its fall clamp-out.

I have spent most of today getting The Beast ready and loaded up. The refrigerator has been switched on and I am waiting for the propane to do its thing and make it cold enough inside to fill it with foodstuffs.

It is a bit over a five hour drive to get to Cool Springs. It is near Oatman (8.5 miles) on Historic Route 66 west of Kingman. This will be the last event for the year. I should be arriving in the early afternoon tomorrow.

Holy Moses Wash

Above, approaching the sign. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Before heading to Ely, Nevada, I went to my friend Mitch Geriminsky's in Lake Havasu City, Arizona yesterday.

Along the way, I passed through Kingman, Arizona on Interstate 40. Just before heading out of the city on the west side, there is a sign that always makes me laugh: Holy Moses Wash.

I took a picture of it, but the sign was too far away from the lens to be readable on my computer.

But it is clear on my phone screen without getting pixelated, so I took a photo of it:

Above, Holy Moses Wash sign. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

2 RV Boondocking Basics For Newbies

Above, boondocking in the desert near Kingman, Arizona. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

At least twice a year, I dry camp with the Lost Dutchman Chapter of E Clampus Vitus. Generally, we're out somewhere in the desert. Thankfully, I have a self-contained Winnebago.

When one goes from tent camping to RV camping, there are some differences, but there's also some similarities.

For those who are new to RV camping but haven't yet dry camped (called boondocking these days), RV life has an article with the basics.

They start with:

To some RVers, dry camping is unthinkable. Camp off-grid? Never! It’s hard to give up creature comforts we take for granted, like water, sewer and electric on demand, but many of us find the benefits to be worth the sacrifice. The benefits of RV boondocking include: 

• Camping far away from crowds and noise  

• Getting closer to natural surroundings  

• Enjoying the slower pace of life in comfort, like sleeping under the stars on a real mattress! 

When my husband and I transitioned from tent camping to RVing twelve years ago, we couldn’t wait to try RV boondocking. But our earliest attempts to camp without hookups were epic fails. Our RV felt so home-like that we often forgot the backcountry conservation tips we practiced when we carried our home on our backs. 

For example, the two biggest hassles we repeatedly encountered in our first few years of RV boondocking were running out of water and firing up our Honda Super Quiet generator more often than we wanted. Twelve years later, we have the art of dry camping down to a science. 

Here are the two most basic RV boondocking tips we’ve learned that can reduce your learning curve to make camping easier and more enjoyable.

To read more, go here. 

Summer RV Boondocking Essentials

Above, The Beast boondocking with ECV in Kingman, Arizona. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

At least twice a year, I do some boondocking (or dry camping) with the Ancient and Honorable Order of E Clampus Vitus (ECV). Boondocking, if one isn't familiar with the term, is camping in a RV without any hook-ups (water, electric and sewer).

Self-contained RVs are designed for this kind of camping, but one should be prepared.

Do It Yourself RV has an article on what to bring along for boondocking during the summer months.

They begin with:

Summer is finally here! That means camping season is in full swing and it’s time to take on your camping bucket list items. 

For many, one of those bucket list items is going out into the wilderness and boondocking (camping without hookups or a pre-established campsite). This is an excellent goal, and something every camper should experience at least once (if not every day) over the course of their camping lifetime. 

Unsure how you can prepare for and prevent these emergencies? Lucky for you, we’ve made a handy list of the top summer boondocking essentials. Of course, these items are summer specific and should never take the place of the items on the usual bookdocking checklist, as the items on the latter will be needed no matter the season. Therefore, you’ll want to make good use of both lists and know you’re going in as prepared as possible.

To read more, go here. 

Fall Snowfall In Rockies and High Plains

Above, it won't be long before I start seeing this again. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It was only a weekend ago that I was in Kingman, Arizona that had 90° temperatures. In fact, all along my drives along Interstate 40 in Arizona were in warm weather, including Flagstaff.

That has changed as we move further into the autumn months and some states are getting early snowfalls, including Flagstaff.

The Weather Channel reported:

Snow has already been falling in parts of the northern and western United States over the last few days. 

Denver picked up its first measurable snow of the season early Saturday, with a half-inch measured at the airport east of the city. 

Accumulating snow spread as far south as Flagstaff, Arizona, early Sunday morning, with 0.7 inches reported at Flagstaff Pulliam Airport. Additional snow reports from the past several days can be found at the bottom of this article.

The temperatures here in Jamestown, New Mexico have been dropping during the past several days. It will drop down into the mid to upper 30s tonight.

It appears it won't be long before we get some snow.

To read more, go here. 

More Lost Dutchman Clamp-Out Photos

Here's some of the guys of Lost Dutchman Chapter No. 5917 + 4 at last weekend's clampout at Mountain View Cemetery in Kingman, Arizona.

It appears they are all having a grand time.

Mountain View Cemetery Plaque Dedication

Above, the plaque. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Led by Noble Grand Humbug Gary "Ma Bell" Wilson (who is also the chapter historian), a plaque was dedicated yesterday at the Mountain View Cemetery honoring Chinese migrants who helped conquer the wild west during the 19th Century.

Several of them are buried at Mountain View in unmarked graves.

Prior to the plaque dedication, there was a funeral service in progress about 150 yards away. Thankfully, the brothers were in their good behavior so no obscene yells (like "F*ck the Humbug!") were uttered during the funeral.

The layout and general configuration of the graves were nothing I've seen before.

More photos:

Above, Mountain View Cemetery. Where's Arch Stanton? Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the plaque before the unveiling. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, Clampers beginning to assemble. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, more Clampers arrive. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, say cheese! Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, NGH Gary Wilson. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the unveiling. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

 

Above, after the unveiling. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, Mountain View Cemetery graves. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the unveiled plaque. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Mountain View Cemetery Clamp-Site

Above, I guess this marks the spot. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The Lost Dutchman Chapter No. 5917 + 4 held its fall clampout this weekend at the Mountain View Cemetery in Kingman, Arizona.

The actually clamp-site was in next to the maintenance building for the cemetery. In the yard next to the building were some discarded headstones and molds and freshly-made grave vaults. This is an old cemetery but it is still in use as a funeral was held just before our plaque dedication yesterday.

It was a good clamp-site, with the exception of dust storms blowing through. It was almost as bad as a Billy Holcomb clamp-out a year and a half ago near Barstow. The dust storms were really bad there in Barstow and I had bronchitis at the time.

There was plenty of room at the clamp-site to accommodate tents and RVs of different kinds.

It must be the "in" thing to decorate graves with LED lights of different kinds as we saw almost a third of the graves with lights.

Some photos of the clamp-site:

Above, The Beast. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, a view of the cemetery from the clamp-site. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, part of the clamp-site. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, my ECV flag and the moon Saturday night. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the cook crew Saturday morning. Note the vaults behind them. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, burial vaults and molds. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the kitchen area. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, a cemetery resident? Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, getting breakfast ready Saturday morning. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the main drag. The chapter store at right. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, another view of the clamp-site. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Home Again

Above, Geronimo Indian Store in Holbrook off I-40. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

After an enjoyable clampout with the Lost Dutchman Chapter #5917 + 4 of E Clampus Vitus, I made it home this evening.

Before leaving Kingman, Arizona (where the clampout was held), I met up with Mitch Geriminsky at the Cracker Barrel in Kingman. Strangely, the Cracker Barrel and the Mountain View Cemetery (the clamp-site) were both on Stockton Hill Road.

Above, some tee pees at Geronimo's. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The drive home was 350 miles and I did make one pit stop, and that was at the Geronimo Indian Store in Holbrook, Arizona. I've passed it a number of times since I moved to New Mexico, so I figured it would be an interesting place for a break.

Geronimo Indian Store has all kinds of Indian gifts including blankets, jewelry, toys, rocks and other goods.

I made it home at about 5:20. After a hot shower, I headed down to the Flying J to have dinner at Denny's.

The next time I am on this stretch of Interstate 40 I will stop in at the Jackrabbit Trading Post in Joseph City, Arizona.

This Weekend's Clampout

Today will be mostly spent packing up for this weekend's clampout with the Lost Dutchman Chapter No. 5917 + 4 of E Clampus Vitus.

We'll be in Kingman, Arizona for the event which will include a plaque dedication at the Mountain View Cemetery. (That one's easy to remember as actor George Reeves is at Mountain View Cemetery in Altadena, California.)

The territory for the Lost Dutchman Chapter are the states of Arizona and New Mexico. As the temperatures are beginning to cool down at home, it will be nice to enjoy the 90-plus degree temperatures in Kingman.

The plaque's text:

MOUNTAIN VIEW CEMETERY

THIS MONUMENT ERECTED TO PERPETUATE THE

MEMORY OF THE CHINESE IMMIGRANTS THAT REST IN

THESE UNMARKED GRAVES

CHINESE IMMIGRATION BEGAN IN 1849 DURING THE CALIFORNIA GOLD

RUSH.THOUSANDS OF CHINESE, MOSTLY YOUNG MALE PEASANTS, LEFT

THEIR VILLAGES IN THE RURAL COUNTRIES TO BECOME LABORERS IN THE

AMERICAN WEST.THEY WERE RECRUITED TO EXTRACT METALS AND

MINERALS, CONSTRUCT A VAST RAILROAD NETWORK, RECLAIM

SWAMPLANDS, BUILD IRRIGATION SYSTEMS, WORK AS MIGRANT

AGRICULTURAL LABORERS, DEVELOPE THE FISHING INDUSTRY, AND OPERATE

HIGHLY-COMPETITIVE MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES. THE CHINESE

POPULATION IN THE UNITED STATES WAS ABOUT 110,000 WHEN IT WAS

ENDED WITH THE PASSAGE OF THE CHINESE EXCLUSION ACT OF 1882.

DEDICATED SEPTEMBER 29TH,2018 (CY 6023)

LOST DUTCHMAN CHAPTER 5917+4

ANCIENT & HONORABLE ORDER OF E CLAMPUS VITUS®

Fall Clamp-Out Coming Up

It is amazing at how time flies.

It seemed not that long ago (back in early April) that I attended the Lost Dutchman Chapter's spring clamp-out in Cold Creek, Arizona.

Above, yours truly at the Spring Clamp-out of the Lost Dutchman Chapter.

Now their fall clamp-out is coming up at the Mountain View Cemetery in Kingman, Arizona at the end of this month. I guess I'll have to send in my gold dust for the trek this coming week.