Last evening, I watched a video by the Nomadic Fanatic (Eric Jacobs) that was posted about 10 days ago.
As the video related, Jacobs had the same problem with his RV door lock as I did last week. Mine was caused by high winds in Lake Havasu slamming the door several times (I forgot to secure it with bungie cords). I had to have the door lock part replaced by a mobile RV repairer. It was expensive, but I was stuck. His door lock was the same as mine.
His RV had other problems that manifested the same time, causing much frustration.
Above, the Route 66 Casino Hotel near Albuquerque. Photo by Armand Vaquer.
Eric Jacobs, the Nomadic Fanatic, is a little bit upset with New Mexico.
He was at the Route 66 Casino Hotel and RV Park yesterday (I am assuming he's still there) outside of Albuquerque.
He posted:
I am assuming he was in the RV park where each campsite has its own picnic table and employees on golf carts. That seems unusual for them. I've had my issues with the casino security, but not with the RV park employees.
The Route 66 Casino Hotel and RV Park is owned and operated by the Laguna Pueblo tribe, so the rules originate from the tribal leaders.
Forcing people to wear a mask even if alone at one's campsite outdoors is a bit excessive.
New Mexico's governor isn't that much better either.
The following video reminds me of when I worked for United Pacific/Reliance Insurance Companies back 40 years ago.
Some of the company's insureds were cemeteries, mortuaries and crematoriums. There was a spell in which liability claims were coming of missing cremains, co-mingled cremains and other claims involving cremains. If screw-ups like this can be done with human cremains, it can also happen with pets.
The topic of the video by Eric Jacobs, the Nomadic Fanatic, concerns the cremains of Jacobs's late cat Jax.
When he received the package from Pet Angels, a pet cremation company, Jacobs noticed something amiss. The card with Jax's paw print seemed to be from another cat. In the video, at one point Jacobs held up the paw print image to the camera, I noticed immediately that the print couldn't have been Jax's.
The paw print Jacobs received had four toes. Jax was a rarity, he had seven toes on both front paws as a polydactyl cat.
Now, it could be the technician who made the paw print may have missed the extra toes. There's no way of knowing. Also, this leaves doubt in Jacobs's mind whether the cremains in the urn are actually Jax's (Jacobs paid for a private, single cremation) and the lock(s) of fur that were sent with the urn were Jax's.
Understandably, Jacobs is quite upset with Pet Angels.
On the fur, a DNA test can be done on the fur sent with fur on Jax's brush or veterinary blood samples. Pet Angels should be willing to pick up the cost of a DNA test to prove they were on the up & up.
Still, this boils down to the big question: Is everything actually Jax's or not? Pet Angels definitely has a major public relations problem over this.
Followers of Nomadic Fanatic (Eric Jacobs) gave him a huge outpouring of condolences and support (4,500 comments and counting) over the passing of Eric's cat Jax. The video he posted yesterday on Jax's passing had to be the saddest video I've ever seen. It is on a blog post of October 19, but updated to include the video. It brought back memories of my cat Siren's passing six years ago.
I have never met Eric or Jax in person. The closest was when they passed me on Interstate 40 near Iyanbito going in the opposite direction about a year ago.
Anyone who has followed the Nomadic Fanatic on YouTube over the years enjoyed the antics of Jax. I never knew a cat would play fetch like a dog until I saw a video of Jax years ago doing so. I've followed Eric's and Jax's RV travel adventures for about seven years.
Jax had to be euthanized as he was suffering from hyperthyroid, which is not unusual to older cats. Eric did the most humane thing he could. It was tough, but a necessary act of love. It was heartbreaking.
Jax was born in 2010. As he was about 11 years old, I thought that was a bit young. But I checked and indoor cats generally have a life expectancy (on average) of 10 to 15 years. Some live into their 20s.
The two cats I had before Sierra were indoor cats. Buttons lived to 16 years and Siren lived to 18 years. Sierra is now 6.
Since I did some checking on hyperthyroid, I now know what it is and will make sure Sierra gets annual check-ups.
Thankfully, we still have videos of Jax to enjoy. He will be missed.
Above, Sierra in the motorhome at Yosemite National Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.
Pets are part of the family. There are no two ways about it.
A vacation is not a vacation to many people (60%) without the family pet. When I go on an extended camping trip in the motorhome, I bring my cat Sierra with me. She probably has been in more states than my daughter has.
WJHG has posted research results of a study on pet owners and vacations.
They posted:
CLEVELAND, Oct. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Pets truly are members of the family. In fact, 60 percent of owners even bring their fur babies on vacation with them.* To make it safer and healthier for pet parents to hit the road with their canine companions in tow, Embrace Pet Insurance, a top-ranked insurance provider for dogs and cats in the United States, has partnered with Kampgrounds of America, Inc. (KOA), an organization committed to creating family-friendly camping experiences throughout North America. Together, Embrace and KOA will make the experience of camping even better for dog owners with resources to support pet health and wellness while traveling. The two organizations will team up to provide pet parents with educational content, like a guide to camping with pets as well as events at two KOA campgrounds with food, games and even live training sessions.
"As campers, we're in the business of dealing with the unexpected – detours, traffic jams, blown tires, stuck slides, shattered vent covers, holding tank anxiety, etc. You name it. We've all been there. Whether driving a motorhome, pulling a travel trailer, or setting up a tent – and I've done them all – camping is about preparing for what could happen and troubleshooting when it does," said Brian Macias, president, Embrace Pet Insurance. "Our pets add another aspect to that. That's why KOA and Embrace are teaming up to make sure that you're prepared when it comes to traveling with your four-legged companions. Our 24/7 pet telehealth and use-anywhere accident and illness coverage is exactly what every camping pet parent needs for peace of mind."
The partnership is sure to be an impactful one, with camping and outdoor recreation popular among pets and their owners. In fact, Embrace research* shows that:
Nearly 30 percent of traveling pets go camping
Over 20 percent of traveling pets go to the mountains, a lake or to visit family
50 percent of pet parents take their pups hiking
50 percent of dogs like to swim
Of the 60 percent of pet owners who take their pets on vacation, 12 percent will stay in an RV or camper, and an additional six percent will sleep in a tent
While we're on the subject of pets, camping and motorhomes, there is a prominent video blogger on YouTube, Eric Jacobs the Nomadic Fanatic, who posts videos of his RV travels with his cat Jax. It has been reported that Jax passed away recently from complications of a thyroid tumor. My condolences to Eric for his loss. Jax was as much a celebrity on the Nomadic Fanatic as Eric, perhaps more so. Those of us who follow Nomadic Fanatic will miss Jax.
A couple of weeks ago, I was driving westbound to Gallup, New Mexico for my cardiologist appointment on Interstate 40 when I spotted the Nomadic Fanatic driving eastbound near the Iyanbito bridge.
He posted a new video this morning and it features the El Rancho Hotel plaque the Lost Dutchman Chapter of E Clampus Vitus dedicated in August.
When I spotted him on the highway, I had a feeling that he would be staying at the Route 66 RV Resort (where I stay when I am in Albuquerque) since he stayed there before. Sure enough, he's staying there again and there's plenty of footage of the RV park.
Also, featured are the gas station/travel center where he consumes a Laguna Burger (I've been there many times, but never tried a burger) and the Rio Puerco Bridge. Even though my cardiologist would rather me not eating red meat, I will probably try out a Laguna Burger next trip.
Above, the plaque is now mounted under a portrait of the former owner of the hotel, Armand Ortega. Photo by Armand Vaquer.
Today didn't start off as planned.
I got up and ready for my 9:00 cardiologist appointment in Gallup. When I got there, the receptionist told me that they had "no record" of my appointment.
However, all was not lost as they had an opening at 12:30. So I grabbed it.
While I was in Gallup, I then headed over to Home Deport to pick up some bolts and nuts to fix one of the patio chairs on the deck. A bolt broke one of the chairs. I bought some extra nuts and bolts. If one is going to fail, sooner or later another one will. Might as well be prepared.
I then headed to the Flying J for our usual coffee gathering. After this, I went home and fixed the patio chair.
Before heading back into Gallup, I relaxed for a bit on the deck.
At about 11:40, I headed down the hill to get on Interstate 40 to go to Gallup. A few minutes later, when I was at the Iyanbito overcrossing, I spotted the Nomadic Fanatic heading eastbound towards Grants and, eventually, Albuquerque.
Above, a close-up of the plaque. Photo by Armand Vaquer.
I got to the cardiologist's office on time and had my examination. All my vitals (blood pressure, pulse, oxygen, heartbeat) were fine. My cardiologist was pleased that I have been active and doing things like off-roading, riding the mini bike and whitewater rafting. I don't have to go back for a year. The receptionist made sure that they will notify me about the next appointment by noting my file.
I then headed back home.
But, since I was nearby, I stopped at the El Rancho Hotel to take some photos of the Lost Dutchman plaque that was dedicated in August.
For the past few years, I have been watching a few YouTube channels that are RV/travel oriented such as Pippi Peterson, Nomadic Fanatic and Campervan Kevin.
I don't watch as often as I used to (at least since I moved to New Mexico) but I still take a look if the topics or places are interesting to me.
RV Life has posted their "top ten" list of RV YouTubers for 2019.
They begin with:
Many seasoned RVers share their adventures, RV lifestyle tips, and maintenance videos on their Youtube channels. We searched the ever-growing list of vlogging RVers and narrowed down the top ten traveling Youtubers that you’ll want to subscribe to.
Above, Mount Rushmore in South Dakota. Photo by Armand Vaquer.
Many RVers are full-timers. Meaning, they are always on the road and don't have a permanent residence in a house or apartment.
However, the problem is that for mail, taxes, insurance and other essentials, a physical address is necessary.
But there's a way to get around that.
Eric Jacobs, the Nomadic Fanatic became a South Dakota resident in 24 hours. I found this to be quite interesting, although I am not interested in this for myself, but thought I would share it.
How was this done? Check out the video below for the answers.
Above, The Beast at a shopping center in Chatsworth, California. Photo by Armand Vaquer.
Have you ever noticed a motorhome in a parking lot taking up four parking spaces? While doing so, did you go ballistic over the "inconsiderate" RV driver who parked that way?
There's a reason for this that the average Joe Doaks doesn't understand. The reason is tail swing.
The Nomadic Fanatic has posted a YouTube video discussing tail swing and RV parking in parking lots. It will explain why we motorhome owners park the way we do. Personally, I try to find end parking spaces, with or without an island, to park in.
A jackass driving a big Class A motorhome nearly caused a major, and potentially fatal, accident on a highway in Arizona leading to Yuma.
The Class A was towing another vehicle with Alberta, Canada plates and was passing a RV convoy on a single lane highway and ran oncoming vehicles off the road.
Fortunately, nobody was hurt but it there were close calls, including the caravan of RVs that included the Nomadic Fanatic and other RV YouTube vloggers.
The Nomadic Fanatic has a number of security cameras mounted on his RV, including a dash camera. Another RV in the caravan, Destination Open Road, also has video of the incident.
Here are their videos:
Fortunately, I have never faced such an incident like this. But it is something to be mindful of.
The culprit's plates were recorded and it and videos were provided to the local sheriff's office.
Above, a screen capture from the Nomadic Fanatic's video.
Life is sometimes funny. No sooner than I mentioned the other day about possibly going to this year's UFO Festival in Roswell, New Mexico in July, the Nomadic Fanatic posts a video today of his visit to Roswell.
I unplugged my cell phone from the charger and was going to watch the latest video by the Nomadic Fanatic and the phone froze up and was unresponsive.
After opening the back cover, I pulled out the battery and waited a few minutes and put it back in and restarted it.
Then it would not open correctly and not display all the apps. So I pulled the battery and tried re-booting it several times (sometimes it would re-boot itself) and still couldn't get it to work right.
Since there's a T-Mobile store nearby that opens at 10:00, I decided to jump into the shower and get over there. Well, after showering and getting dressed, I noticed that the phone is now working correctly. It corrected itself while I was in the shower.
Maybe the gremlins in it decided they've had enough fun with me and moved on?
I bought this phone almost two years ago and maybe it is time to get a new one. I'll wait and see how it runs for the next few days before deciding.
I did manage to view the Nomadic Fanatic's latest video. It is about his continuing RV brake problems and a fuel pump problem of his Onan generator.
Above, The Beast at Circus Circus RV Park in Las Vegas. Photo by Armand Vaquer.
Those who follow the Nomadic Fanatic and other RV/camping channels on YouTube have probably noticed that on occasion they will camp or park overnight in a casino's parking lot or RV park.
This is a growing trend as more casinos (Indian and otherwise) are popping up across the country.
Casino.org has posted an article on this growing trend. They call this trend "boondocking with benefits." They specifically mentioned the Circus Circus RV Park.
They begin with:
It’s a trend that RV owners are loving: regional casinos across the United States often have ample parking space to accommodate overnight motor homes and travel trailers, and retirees and vacationers are taking full advantage of that fact.
With gambling venues now spread from the Atlantic to the Pacific, RVers traversing the country have plenty of casino destinations to take park at. With nearly every casino featuring some level of around-the-clock security (albeit not as stringent in a lot as on the tables where the money is), people staying in RVs say they feel safer in such parking lots, compared with big box store chains like Wal-Mart and Home Depot.
According to a recent report in The Green Sheet Farm Forum’s Motor Matters section, the popularity of recreational vehicles is skyrocketing, as is the use of regional casinos for overnight parking. Many casinos are gladly welcoming the vehicles, as they believe guests will at some point come into the property to eat, shop, and gamble.
The article goes on to mention that casinos in Las Vegas are charging RVers to park their rigs. One charge that is not mentioned in the article is the amenity or resort fees on top of the nightly "camping" fees. I posted a blog about this last month concerning the aforementioned Circus Circus RV Park.
Above, The Beast at the Albuquerque KOA. Photo by Armand Vaquer.
Last October-November, while heading east on Interstate 40 to Metropolis, Illinois, I saw several casino resorts along the way. Most, if not all of them, were on Indian reservations. I didn't think to stop at any, except for food. But I still didn't.
The second night of the trip had me in Albuquerque, New Mexico. I spent the night at the Albuquerque KOA. It was a nice campground with plenty of shade. However, had I known about the Route 66 Casino, I would have stayed there. This is not a knock on the KOA. I could have gotten a comped campsite there at the casino's new RV park as the Nomadic Fanatic did.
I learned about the RV park from today's video from the Nomadic Fanatic:
On the next long distance trip I take, I'll make sure to check out any casinos I may find along the way.
Above, The Beast's Norcold refrigerator/freezer. Photo by Armand Vaquer.
Some day in the future, I will have to get a new refrigerator/freezer for The Beast.
Since The Beast is almost 2 years old, as is the refrigerator/freezer, it should give me many more years of service.
But, that said, I found this new video by the Nomadic Fanatic interesting (and useful). The cooling unit of his old refrigerator/freezer crapped out and he had to buy a new refrigerator/freezer.
One has the choice of having a shop do the installation or, as in the Nomadic Fanatic's case, do-it-yourself.
This video shows the process of removing the old unit and installing the new unit:
