Campfire Chat At The RV Park

Forty-two years ago, after Glenn Thornhill and I were initiated into the Ancient and Honorable Order of E Clampus Vitus, we started attending clamp-outs. 

During these clamp-outs, we noticed that the older members talked about their ailments and health issues while sitting around campfires. As Glenn and I were in our 30s, we were amused by this.

Now that we are in our 70s, we find ourselves doing the same thing. Funny how things come full circle. As was said in the comic strip Pogo, "We have met the enemy, and they is us!"

The following cartoon posted at RV Travel reminded me of this.

Lost Dutchman Spring Clamp-out

Above, the chapter's store. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The Spring Clamp-out of Lost Dutchman Chapter No. 5917 + 4 is now history. It was held at Watson Lake Park in Prescott, Arizona. 

Going to and from the clampout wasn't too bad, roughly 305 miles from home. Along the way, I did take a couple of photos at Jack Rabbit Trading Post. I also stopped at Twin Arrows Casino Hotel's gasoline station to pick up come coffee and snacks. 

Above, yours truly with Larry Bach. 

Friend Larry Bach and his wife stopped by on Thursday (before the official start of the clamp-out) and we had a nice visit. He graduated in my high school class (Hawthorne High School Class of 1972). They moved to Prescott, Arizona a few years ago and like it there. 

We did get a rainstorm early Saturday morning that woke me up around 3:00.

Some photos from the weekend:

Above, the Jack Rabbit Trading Post sign. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, my campsite. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the chapter's store. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the Saturday breakfast chow line. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, another chow line. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, my campsite. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

New Lost Dutchman ECV Cook Shack

The Lost Dutchman Chapter of E Clampus Vitus will have the inaugural clampout this week with the new cook shack.

According to XNGH Tom Garland, it is  24 feet by 8.5 wide.

It is also the right color!

How To Make Cowboy/Campfire Coffee

Clamp-out season is almost upon the chapters and members of the Ancient and Honorable Order of E Clampus Vitus.

This means The Bretheren will be out dry camping. An important ingredient for camping, is having coffee. Some of us have RVs with stoves and percolators. But there are others who will be "roughing it" while camping in tents and cooking over campfires or Coleman stoves.

The video below tells how to make Cowboy/Campfire coffee by Horse Pen Ranch.

Summary: 

We will show you how to make cowboy or campfire coffee from start to finish. We will even share some helpful tips along the way!

1. Fill coffee pot with water to just below the spout

2. Heat water, add coffee (about a 1/4 cup of coffee to every quart of water)

3. Once it boils let it boil for about 4 min

4. Remove from heat and add about a cup of cold water to the pot and enjoy!

Confessions of A Coffee Addict

Above, a morning "cup of Joe" at a clampout. 

Coffee. 

Whether I am at home or on the road somewhere, I have to have my morning "Cup of Joe" to get my day started. This includes traveling by RV.

I have two means of making coffee in the RV. When the motorhome is plugged into electricity at an RV park, I use my 5-cup coffee-maker. If I am dry camping, I use my percolator on the stove.

RV Travel has posted an article by Chuck Woodbury with his confession as being a coffee addict.

It begins with:

I have one significant addiction. It’s coffee. So far, in all the scientific articles I have ever read, nobody has said, flat out, that drinking a lot of coffee is bad. Or nobody has convinced me of it. So why stop, is what I say.

I am so ridiculously addicted to it that I can now drink two or three cups and still fall quickly asleep. Go figure.

But the point of this article: I like my coffee with milk. I like cream, but my cardiologist doesn’t agree. I do not like my coffee black. Tried it: Nope, no can do.

To read more, go here. 

Gary Julian's "Greatest Naps" (At Clampouts)

 

Challenge Coins

Last month, I picked up a challenge coin from the clampout in Quartzsite, Arizona.

The Lost Dutchman Chapter of E Clampus Vitus had issued previous challenge coins over the years. The latest is a new one. 

In yesterday's mail, I received a challenge coin from the Wounded Warrior Project, a charitable group who has programs and services for wounded warriors, families, and caregivers. I am an annual donor.

Both challenge coins are in the photo below with the Lost Dutchman coin at left.

Lost Dutchman ECV Challenge Coin

This morning, I finally emptied my travel bag and got out the challenge coin from the last clampout of the Lost Dutchman Chapter No. 5917 + 4 of E Clampus Vitus.

If I find a challenge coin interesting, I'll buy one. Otherwise, I just stick to buying silver coins.

Here's both side of the coin:

Lost Dutchman's Spring Clampout

Above, yours truly at the clampsite with a favorite beverage.

The Spring Clampout of Lost Dutchman Chapter No. 5917 + 4 is now in the history books.

The clampout was held in Quartzsite, Arizona and the plaque dedication was for the Hagley Store, which is now in ruins (but somewhat protected). 

Above, the Hagley Store ruins. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The temperature was over 100° for the most part. We did get some relief on Saturday when a thick cloud cover moved into the area.

I left Jamestown on Wednesday and stayed Wednesday night at the Flagstaff KOA. This was the first time I stayed there since around 1987. I arrived at the clampsite about noon on Thursday. 

Above, the RV at the Flagstaff KOA. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

For Friday night's dinner, we had jambalaya. It didn't look appetizing to some, but it actually was good and spicy hot. 

Above, the jambalaya dinner of Friday. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Saturday dinner was bar-b-que beef steak and all the trimmings. 

On the way home Sunday, I met up with Mitch Geriminsky in Parker, Arizona's Blue Water Casino Hotel. While waiting for him, I managed to win a whopping fifty cents on an electronic version of roulette. 

Above, the Hagley Store plaque. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I stayed Sunday night at the Holbrook KOA as I got a late start on the road and I was tired. I also took advantage of the stay by emptying the motorhome's holding tanks. 

Above, clampers who were instrumental in erecting the plaque. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The plaque dedication for the Hagley Store was well attended by clampers, local Quartzsite officials and townspeople. 

Above, the official clampout t-shirt. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Saturday night, the Hall of Comparative Ovations was held to initiate the new members into the Order. I took part in the reading of the ritual (as Royal Platrix). At one point during my reading, my throat got congested briefly (relieved by a swig of water) from chronic allergies. After that, it was smooth sailing.

All in all, it was a successful and fun clampout. 

Clampout Weekend

Above, The Beast at a prior Clampout in Quartzsite. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The Spring Clampout of the Lost Dutchman Chapter of E Clampus Vitus is happening this weekend in beautiful tropical Quartzsite, Arizona.

The temperatures will be around 100° during the doins. 

For the duration of the clampout, this blog will be relatively inactive. I have a cat sitter already lined up.

2024: Not Bad

Above, during the horseback ride in Monument Valley.

Well, 2024 is just about wrapped up.

The year hasn't been bad for me. For one thing, nobody in the family has passed away, which is always a good thing.

Above, during a boat tour in Nassau, Bahamas. Photo by Mitch Geriminsky.

Thus far, it has been a mild winter. Not much snow has fallen as of late. But there's always January and February. 

I managed to do some traveling. Two clampouts were attended. A cruise to the Bahamas was taken. Helped with the John Wayne Cancer Foundation Half Marathon in Ridgway, Colorado. That was immediately followed by a trip to Monument Valley. A visit with ex-roomie Jessica in Des Moines, Iowa. That included a visit to the John Wayne Birthplace and Museum in nearby Winterset. Christmas was spent with the Geriminskys in Lake Havasu. I also visited Fort Sumner, New Mexico and toured the Billy the Kid Museum and gravesite. I attended this year's G-FEST in Rosemont, Illinois (near Chicago). It was good to see everyone there.

Above, during a Jeep drive to McGaffey Lake in May.

Happily, the 2024 Election turned out the way I wanted. We even gained some ground in the New Mexico legislature during the election. That is certainly a plus!

Above. with the gang at Grandpa's Grill in Gallup.

What 2025 holds is anyone's guess, but I am optimistic.

I plan on staying home tonight. It is safer that way. 

Happy New Year!

At The Clampsite

It was scorching hot during the clampout in Bouse, Arizona. It had to have been over 100° each day. It did cool off during the night. I managed to sleep pretty well with the RV's windows open.

The clampout was the fall doins of the Lost Dutchman Chapter No.  5917 + 4 of E Clampus Vitus. 

Despite the heat, we managed to have a good time. Saturday night's dinner was barbecued steak with beans and salad. It was good.

Some photos of the clampsite:

Above, Bobby, Tim and Tom. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, enjoying tequila sunrises. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, having a tequila sunrise.

Above, outside of my RV. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, The Beast at the clampout. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, Saturday night's dinner. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, yours truly doing a Gary Julian impersonation. Photo by Tom Garland.

 

Summer 2024 Travel

Above, at Billy the Kid's grave in Fort Sumner in June.

Now that summer 2024 is over and done with, I can now look forward to the next few weeks of autumn and then winter. We tend to get early snows in autumn.

At least I made some good travel use out of the summer months.

In June, I headed to Fort Sumner to see the Billy the Kid Museum and gravesite. This was a camping trip in the motorhome. It was educational as well as fun.

Above, Jessica Tseang and I at G-FEST in July near Chicago.

In July, I headed to the Chicago area (by plane) for G-FEST, the annual Godzilla/kaiju convention by Daikaiju Enterprises. It was enjoyable and I got to see some friends for the first time since 2019.

In August, the cruise to the Bahamas was made with Norwegian Cruise Lines. I went with a friend I've known since junior high. We made several stops including Freeport, Nassau and Great Stirrup Cay. We jet skied at Great Stirrup Cay. I even managed to win $60 in roulette in the cruise ship's casino.  

Above, Mitch Geriminsky and I in Nassau, Bahamas in August.

A camping trip to Ridgway, Colorado for the John Wayne Cancer Foundation Grit Series marathons and Monument Valley, Utah closed out the summer. The Autumn Equinox arrived during the trip. I did some horseback riding in Monument Valley. That was the first horseback ride I took since 1974. That was fun. 

Above, horseback riding in Monument Valley in September.

Autumn travel, so far, will be for a clampout in Arizona with the Lost Dutchman Chapter of E Clampus Vitus. Beyond that, I have no plans for autumn travel. But one never knows what may come up on the spur-of-the-moment.

Heading To Bouse, AZ In October

Got one thing accomplished (besides paying my bills) and that is getting my "rub" in for the fall clampout in October with the Lost Dutchman Chapter No. 5917 + 4 of E Clampus Vitus.

I was expecting that the chapter was going to join other chapters in California for the fall clampout (at least that's what I was told). Apparently not.

The clampout will be in Bouse, Arizona, somewhat near Phoenix. At least I won't be driving to California. It is a six and a half hour drive from home.

Is It Camping When Staying At An RV Resort?

Above, at the Tucson/Lazydays KOA Resort. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

When staying in a luxury RV in a full-hookup RV resort, are you camping? 

That is the question in a recent article in RV Travel. This has been asked many times before and will likely be asked in other venues.

The closest thing to an RV resort I've ever stayed at was probably the Tucson/Lazydays KOA Resort in Tucson, Arizona last year during the clampout trip to Tombstone.

According to their website, their amenities are:

Tucson/Lazydays KOA Resort offers all the amenities KOA campers have come to love such as a fully stocked camp store complete with firewood and propane, Kamp K9, two outdoor pools, and WiFi. Whether you are joining with us for an extended stay or visiting us overnight on your way through Tucson, you'll find something fun to do. Tucson/Lazydays KOA Resort also features unique amenities including BBQ Rush Restaurant, a 9 Hole Putting Course, Mini Golf, Solar Power Parasols, Pet Sites, and a Workout Room. Our NEW Activity Room is ideal for your kiddos in tow, complete with a climbing wall, movies for the whole family, magnet wall, and more.  See the front desk for the Recreation Station schedule of planned activities.

The article begins with:

Today’s question in Campground Crowding prompted us to wonder, what do you consider “camping”? If you’re parked at a luxury RV resort with pools and tennis courts and spacious lots between you and your neighbor, is that camping? Or is camping only when you’re at state park campgrounds, among tenters, and just staying for a night so you can fish in the nearby lake? Is that even camping?

Has the definition of “camping” changed so much with our fancy RVs and parks that we’ve forgotten how to define it? Well, you tell us!

The responses from readers are interesting to read.

To read all, go here. 

Gen. Patton Memorial Museum

Above, Gen. George S. Patton and Willie. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Following the clampout, I headed across the desert to reach Interstate 10 to go to the General Patton Memorial Museum at Chiriaco Summit to see my uncle Ralph Ledoux's memorial brick I bought about a couple of years ago.

As the museum opens at 9:30 and I got to Chiriaco Summit 45 minutes early, I had a chili and cheese omelete at the Chiriaco Summit Cafe. It was excellent!

When I got there, I went to the clerk's desk to have them look up its location. But, it wasn't in their computer system.

I asked them to lead me to the newer section of bricks. We went over to a wall next to (and west) of the statue of General Patton and his dog Willie. Almost immediately, talk about luck, I found my uncle's brick. Considering that there are thousands of bricks, it was amazing finding it right away.

After taking some pictures of it, I went to my dad's and grandfather's brick and took some pictures of them.  

Here's the bricks:

Tonight's Dinner

Above, the KOA's main building. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The evening has been nice and relaxing.

The weather has been also pleasant. I noticed some clouds, but my weather apps indicate no rain is in the forecast.

Above, fired up the Weber barbecue. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

One of the neighboring campers has her cat with her, so I am not the only one who travels with a cat. 

I barbequed a porterhouse steak for dinner. I had Bush's Baked Beans and some Del Monte Green Beans to go along with it. I had bought the steak for Thursday night's dinner at the clampsite, but one of our group will be making dinner for everyone.

Above, enjoying an after-dinner coffee. The saying on the mug means, "he was
ugly, strong and had dignity." It is from the John Wayne Stock & Supply Co.

The clampsite is three hours away, at least that's what Google Maps says. We'll see.