Brrr!

I've been up for about an hour and it feels chilly inside.

I have a space heater going next to me but that isn't helping much. Now I know why.

It is 31° outside.

Brrr!

RV Snowbird Season Is Here

Above, camping at Lake Havasu in autumn. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Now that fall is here (one could've fooled me, as we had snow this morning), many people are headed south from their northern homes to escape cold wintry temperatures and snow. These folks are called snowbirds.

RV Life has posted an article on "RV Snowbirds: Who Are They and Where Do They Go?"  

The article begins with:

Fall is here. This is a big time of year for RV snowbirds, as they are all getting ready to make a major move. 

Not sure what exactly I mean by that? Well you’re in the right place, because I’m an RV snowbird of sorts myself, and I’m here to explain exactly what it is that makes us snowbirds and why we do what we do. I’ll even include some tips on how to join our flock in case the idea sounds appealing to you!

What is a Snowbird?

First, let’s discuss what exactly an RV snowbird is. These are people who typically spend the summers in the northern part of the country to avoid the worst of the heat, and then use an RV to migrate south for the winter season just like birds do. They chase good weather and avoid ice and snow. 

Some snowbirds have a house up north and only spend winters in their RV down south. Others are in their RV all year long. Some leave their RVs in storage in the south for summer; others take them home with them. 

Many RV snowbirds head south beginning in October and November. Others wait until after they’ve spent the holidays with family. Some meander south slowly, stopping to see things along the way, while others rush south, their only goal being to get away from the cold. 

There aren’t really many rules surrounding how to be an RV snowbird. The only real requirements to fit into this category are that you live in an RV in the south during the cold months. 

They seem to head to Arizona, California and Texas for the winter. Oddly, southern New Mexico doesn't seem to be a destination for snowbirds. At least, that's according to the article.  

To read more, go here.

Autumn: Used RVs Seeing Price Cuts

Above, Monument Valley KOA Journey. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

With RVs built during the pandemic (roughly 2020 to 2022) having a myriad of problems with shoddy workmanship, the used RV market for years prior to 2020 looks a lot more attractive.

Now that fall is here, the used RV market is seeing price cuts. This may be a good time to buy.

That is the topic of an article in today's Newsletter at RV Travel.

They begin it with:

With autumn making its presence known by colorful leaves and cooler night air, the used RV market is likewise cooling off. Wholesale auction houses are moving used rigs across the block and reporting fall RV price cuts. If you’re in the market for a used RV, it could bode well. And if you want a new RV? Read on, there’s something here about market reflection.

To read more, go here. 

Experts: The Best Time To Visit Japan

Above, Senso-ji temple and pagoda in Asakusa. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Just about any time is the best time to visit Japan. Well, "just about" means any time with the exception of the summer season when it gets brutally hot an humid there. Summer is also typhoon season there as well

For those wondering when is the best time to visit the Land of the Rising Sun, Forbes has posted an article on just this topic with expert advice.

They begin it with:

In Japan, fall foliage stretches late into the year, as gingko and maple trees pop with color well into December. Powderhounds flock to ski resorts like Honshu and Hokkaido in the winter months for bucket list ski trips, complete with deep powder and snow that’s light and dry and referred to as “Japow.” Then, spring brings the famous cherry blossom displays to the country.

With all the natural beauty and attractions, it’s no surprise that it can be hard for first-time visitors and repeat travelers to narrow down the best time to visit Japan.

Ahead, experts who specialize in Japanese travel share their advice on the best time of the year to visit Japan and also reveal the times of year you should avoid visiting Japan. 

To read more, go here. 

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. 

Getting The RV Road Trip Ready

Above, October camping at Goulding's Lodge Campground near Monument Valley. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The fall season is almost here and this means that some of us with RVs can hit the roads and avoid summer crowds.

There are a few things to do to get one's rig ready to roll.

RV Life has posted an article with that in mind.

They begin with:

The summer adventure season is coming to a close. But, fear not: Fall awaits! There’s no better time to unleash your inner nomad and take off on what could well be the greatest RV road trip ever. However, having RV issues can really suck when you’re in the middle of a great adventure. That’s why it’s always essential to make sure your RV is well maintained and ready for action before you hit the road.

A little preparation will go a long way toward reducing RV problems when you’re on the road. Whether you have a travel trailer, a fifth-wheel, or a motorhome, this comprehensive guide is designed to help ensure your travels are carefree and fun.

To read more, go here. 

Bahamas, Dominican Republic Top Affordable Fall Vacation Destinations

Above, a cruise ship docked at Freeport, Bahamas. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

What are the most affordable Caribbean vacation spots for the fall season?

It turns out that the Bahamas, followed by the Dominican Republic, are the the most affordable for vacationers.

According to the Caribbean Journal:

While the demand for travel has only increased since the early reopenings of the pandemic, so, too have travel costs. 

A recent study suggested the average cost for fall vacations would be 30 percent higher than last fall, according to insurance portal Squaremouth. 

So what is the top affordable choices for Caribbean vacations this fall?

It’s The Bahamas, with an average trip cost of $3012, according to Squaremouth data.

That is followed by the Dominican Republic at $3,315 and Mexico at $3,331.

To read more, go here. 

Tips For RVing In The Off-Season

Above, a visit to the Grand Canyon was enjoyable as there
were no crowds in November 2016. Photo by Armand Vaquer

My preference for camping is during the spring months before the summer crowds start flooding into national parks and campgrounds.

Yellowstone National Park, to give one example, is a virtual zoo with traffic and scarce parking during the summer. 

RV Travel has posted an article on the joys of traveling without crowds with some valuable tips.

They begin with:

Oh, the joy of traveling without crowds! RVing in the off-season season in late October and November is outstanding. While it was chilly at times, there were no crowds anywhere! Both Grand Canyon National Park and Carlsbad Caverns were virtually empty. Lines at the Grand Canyon shuttles? Nonexistent! Vying for entrance tickets at Carlsbad? We had our choice of more than 300!

To read more, go here. 

Daylight Saving Time Ends This Coming Sunday

Daylight Saving Time ends Sunday morning November 5 at 2:00.

That means clocks are to be turned back an hour.

Rain/Snow Possible Sunday Night

Above, the snow-covered mesas in February 2019. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The National Weather Service has forecast the first possibility of snow in the Jamestown, New Mexico area. It is only a 20% chance (along with rain), but it is significant enough to mention.

They posted:

Sunday

A 40 percent chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 54. South wind 5 to 15 mph becoming northwest in the afternoon.

Sunday Night

A slight chance of rain before 9pm, then a slight chance of rain and snow between 9pm and midnight, then patchy snow and freezing drizzle after midnight. Partly cloudy, with a low around 24. North wind 10 to 15 mph becoming light and variable. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

It will be interesting to see if we do get our first snow of autumn. It has been dry for the past several weeks, so we could use the moisture. It's a good thing I changed my propane heater's filters today, I just may need it.

Winter Prepping

Above, the ol' girl comes in handy for snow driving. Photo by Armadn Vaquer.

With tonight's freezing temperatures coming, it tells me to start stocking the pantry with canned and packaged foods in preparation for when the snows arrive, making the roads undrivable.

Usually, the snow season doesn't wait for winter to arrive in Jamestown, New Mexico. We get some snow in October and November occasionally.  

I have some canned and packaged goods along with plenty of meats in the freezer. 

When I do absolutely have to drive down to the Flying J to get my mail, at least the Jeep is in good running condition to drive there in four-wheel drive (4WD) if necessary.

Two Articles On RV Winterizing

Above, a snowstorm's aftermath. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

We're creeping into winter. Although it is now autumn, some areas will now start getting freezing temperatures (particularly at night). At my home in New Mexico, I've already noticed some nighttime temperatures going down to freezing (32°).

Even though I store my motorhome in a garage, winterizing is still necessary.

RV owners in colder climates need to winterize their rigs.

Do It Yourself RV has posted two articles on winterizing. The first one is on the risks of not winterizing. The second one is on winterizing in different climates.

The first one begins with:

Most RV owners have been told just how important winterizing an RV is at one time or another. That said, not everyone fully understands why this task is so important. What happens if you don’t winterize your rig, and how will it affect you? 

In this article, we will answer that question so you can get a better understanding of why winterizing your RV is so important. We’ll also give you some options for avoiding these problems in your RV. 

To read the full article, go here. 

The second article on preparing your RV in any climate begins with:

Preparing your RV for winter is more than a seasonal task; it’s an investment in the life and performance of your motorhome, 5th wheel, camper van, or travel trailer. Regardless of climate, there are a few things every RVer should do each year when the leaves begin to fall. The following guide breaks down essential steps for both colder and warmer climates to help you prepare your RV for winter.

To read the full article, go here. 

RVers Beware: Autumn Wildlife Hazards

Above, a bull elk near the Grand Canyon's Trailer Village. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Last weekend, while heading out of Ridgway, Colorado in the morning, I saw a deer in a grassy park in Ouray.

Later, while driving towards Silverton, three female deer crossed the road about 50 yards ahead of me.

This is the time of the year that the following article from Do It Yourself RV says wildlife are the most active. For some, it's mating (rutting) season and, for others, it is time for hibernation preparation.

They begin with:

Autumn is a mesmerizing time of year. The vibrant tapestry of leaves offers a visual treat for anyone, especially RVers, who often have a front-row seat to nature’s grand display. However, as the landscape changes, so does the behavior of wildlife. For RVers traveling during the fall season, it’s vital to be cautious of the potential hazards posed by wildlife and take precautions accordingly.

To read the full article, go here.

Fall Is Better — For Travel

Above, camping at Fort Massac in Metropolis, Illinois. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Is fall a better time to travel?

That question arises every so often. I actually prefer autumn to summer. There are a number of benefits to traveling in the fall. The primary one for me is less crowds.

Albuquerque station KOAT has posted an article with the position that fall is better.

They begin it with:

Sure, an escape to the beach or cooler mountain air or the arctic air-conditioning of a museum comes not a moment too soon when summer really starts to heat up.

But if you can wait until the season winds down, the rewards can be significant – both in terms of savings and experience. And after the summer the world has had – with record heat, uncomfortably warm ocean water, devastating wildfires, epic crowds and high prices – the relative calm of traveling in September and October will be right on time for many travelers.

Is fall a better time to travel than summer?

To read more, go here. 

15 Reasons To Visit Utah This Fall

Above, sunrise in Monument Valley was one of the reasons given. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Autumn may be fast approaching, but that doesn't mean one can't continue to travel and explore this great country.

USA Today 10Best has posted an article on 15 reasons to visit Utah during the fall.

They begin it with:

Summer brings hordes of campers to Utah's national parks and mountain bike lovers to Moab's slickrock trails. In the winter, Snowbird and Park City are paradise to skiers and snowboarders. However, those in the know head to Utah in the fall, when visitors can avoid the heat and explore the best places to visit with less crowds, to include the state's "big 5" national parks and noteworthy state parks. You can even enjoy some fall foliage, thanks to the quaking aspens and bigtooth maples. Here are 15 best reasons to visit Utah this fall.

To see what are the reasons given, go here. 

Indoor Day

Above, mowing season is over. This is the time of year when
nothing grows. I'll fire up the mower at least once a month.

It appears that I will likely be staying inside today, except for heading down to the post office at the Flying J.

We're supposed to get rain today and the possiblity of snow showers tonight and tomorrow. The snow we got a week ago is completely gone. 

From the National Weather Service:

 Overnight

Scattered showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 36. Southwest wind around 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Thursday

Showers and possibly a thunderstorm before 3pm, then showers likely. High near 44. Breezy, with a southwest wind 15 to 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Thursday Night

A 50 percent chance of snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 24. Southwest wind 10 to 20 mph. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.

Friday

A 20 percent chance of snow showers before noon. Cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly sunny, with a high near 38. West wind 10 to 20 mph.

It Is Definitely Fall Here

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

It's a good thing that today's temperature will be around 61°. Right now, it is about 37° outside.

I woke up early as Sierra was hogging the bed. I couldn't move around and woke up. It was cold inside the house, even though I had the thermostat set at 65°. Put it up to 70° and turned on one of my space heaters. 

That will be the general pattern in the coming week. Tomorrow will be a little warmer. It is definitely fall here.

According to the National Weather Service:

Today

Sunny, with a high near 61. Southeast wind around 5 mph becoming northeast in the afternoon.

Tonight

Mostly clear, with a low around 35. Northeast wind around 5 mph becoming southeast after midnight.

Wednesday

Sunny, with a high near 66. Calm wind becoming northeast around 5 mph in the afternoon.

Wednesday Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 34. North wind 5 to 10 mph becoming south after midnight.

Winter Weather Advisory, Watch and Warning Differences

Above, following a snowstorm in early 2019. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It hasn't even been a month yet since autumn began. Already, winter weather has hit some parts of the country.

We're starting to get temperatures into the 30s at night. It has been raining all day today, it is too warm for snow so far. That'll change in no time.

Then, we'll be getting winter weather advisories, watches and warnings. What does each mean?

An article at KRQE explains it all.

They begin with:

(WKBN) – Several U.S. states are facing their first chance of snow showers of the season this week.

Before we know it, local National Weather Service offices will begin issuing Winter Weather Advisories, Winter Storm Watches and Winter Storm Warnings. What do these alerts mean, how are they different, and how should you prepare if one is issued?

To find out, go here. 

Why Fall Is The Best Time To Vacation In Your RV

Above, more moderate temperatures in hot places like Lake Havasu come in fall. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It almost seems like summer just began and already it's over.

That doesn't mean that camping season is over as fall is a great time to get the RV on the road for some traveling.

This is precisely the point in an article in RV Travel. They give the reasons why fall is the best time to vacation in the RV.

They begin with:

Summertime! The word itself evokes visions of vacations. After all, the summer months are the time when most folks venture out for travel and exploration. Just because the summer is traditionally vacation time doesn’t mean it’s necessarily the best for everyone. If you can travel in the fall, you may find more enjoyment than you ever imagined. Here are a few reasons why fall just may be the best time to vacation in your RV.

To see what the reasons are, go here. 

Autumn Just Around The Corner

Above, first snow in 2018 came on October 15. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Here in Jamestown, New Mexico, we can tell when autumn is just around the corner when the nighttime temperatures start creeping into the low 50s or high 40s. That is exactly what is beginning to happen.

The temperatures this week at night are within those ranges although the daytime temperatures are still in the upper 70s to the low 80s.

Officially, the autumn equinox arrives on September 22, just 10 days away. It seemed that summer whisked by pretty fast. 

This all means that it will not be long when the nighttime temperatures begin creeping into the 30s, sometimes into freezing temperatures (32° and below). That is when I have to winterize the RV so that the plumbing and holding tanks don't freeze up.

It is also not unusual for snowfalls arriving in October.

Well, summer was fun while it lasted.