Daylight Savings Time

It's that time of year again!

Daylight Saving Time starts on Sunday, March 8, at 2 a.m. local time. 

So spring forward one hour!

100° Outside!

After enduring months of cold weather (even into spring), we finally have summer-like temperaturres!

 I may barbecue a Porterhouse steak I bought this morning.

April Snow #2

Easter Sunday may be tomorrow, but looking outside the weather says Christmas.

We had a fairly good snow last evening and through the night. The accompanying photos were taken last evening, but it looks pretty much the same this morning. It is about a couple of inches deep.

I have the motorhome outside as I am to use it this coming week when I go into Albuquerque for a cardiac stress test. 

5 Scenic Routes For RVers In Spring

Above, Indian Market on Route 66 in Continental Divide, New Mexico. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Now that spring is here, it is time to get the RV out of mothballs and hit the road.

RV Life has posted an article on 5 scenic routes for RVers in springtime. I've driven on two of the five, one of which is just down the hill from home.

They begin with:

Along with spring comes RVing season, and seemingly never soon enough. The spring season has plenty to enjoy, from the rising temperatures to the blooming wildflowers. New life is beginning everywhere. Scenic routes are a fantastic way to enjoy springtime, and there are countless options to try.

You might be hesitant to go camping in the early months of the year, but that’s what makes scenic road trips so appealing. This method allows you to enjoy new sights from the comfort of your RV. So even if the temperature outside remains a bit chilly and damp, you can still have a wonderful experience and return to a warm (and dry) bed at the end of the day.

With all that in mind, we’ve compiled a list of five fantastic scenic routes for RVers in the spring. Some are coastal getaways while others showcase the beauty of the changing seasons. Each route has something unique to offer, so read on and get ready for another year of RVing fun! 

To read more, go here. 

Spring Snow

Above, the deck and deck furniture shortly after the snow started. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

We got a bit of a snow-dusting yesterday afternoon/evening in Jamestown, New Mexico. It looks like we received about an inch of the white stuff from what I saw this morning. 

It was pretty much expected. But it was also needed as the winter has been mostly dry. 

We may be getting more tonight through Saturday according to the National Weather Service. At least I am not located in the southern part of New Mexico. They've been having dust storms like crazy.

Here's the forecast for the next several days:

Today

Scattered snow showers, mainly after 3pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 45. Southwest wind 5 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. Total daytime snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.

Tonight

Scattered snow showers before midnight, then isolated flurries after midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 21. Southwest wind 10 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.

Thursday

Scattered snow showers before 3pm, then scattered rain and snow showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 44. Southwest wind 10 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. Little or no snow accumulation expected.

Thursday Night

Mostly cloudy, with a low around 25. West wind 5 to 10 mph becoming light and variable in the evening.

Friday

Snow showers likely, mainly after noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 45. Calm wind becoming northwest around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 70%.

Friday Night

A 50 percent chance of snow showers. Some thunder is also possible. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 25.

Saturday

Snow showers likely, mainly after noon. Some thunder is also possible. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 44. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Saturday Night

A 30 percent chance of snow showers before midnight. Some thunder is also possible. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 20.

Winter May Not Be Done With Us

It appears that winter isn't quite done with us in New Mexico.

According to the National Weather Service, we may be getting some snow showers mixed with rain this week. The fun begins on Tuesday night, uh, maybe. 

Here's the week's forecast:

 Today

Partly sunny, with a high near 56. West wind 5 to 10 mph increasing to 15 to 20 mph in the afternoon.

Tonight

Mostly clear, with a low around 30. West wind 15 to 20 mph decreasing to 10 to 15 mph after midnight.

Monday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 64. Breezy, with a southwest wind 5 to 15 mph increasing to 15 to 25 mph in the afternoon.

Monday Night

Mostly cloudy, with a low around 39. Breezy, with a southwest wind 20 to 25 mph, with gusts as high as 35 mph.

Tuesday

A 30 percent chance of showers after noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 52. Windy, with a southwest wind 20 to 25 mph increasing to 25 to 30 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 45 mph.

Tuesday Night

A chance of rain and snow showers before 9pm, then a chance of snow showers between 9pm and midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 21. Windy. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Wednesday

A 20 percent chance of snow showers after noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 45.

Wednesday Night

A 20 percent chance of snow showers before midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 20.

Thursday

Partly sunny, with a high near 48.

Thursday Night

Mostly cloudy, with a low around 26.

Friday

A chance of rain and snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 50. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Friday Night

A chance of rain and snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 26. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Saturday

A chance of rain and snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 47. Chance of precipitation is 50%.

Plan the Perfect RV Spring Break Road Trip

Above, a springtime camping trip to Yosemite National Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Spring is about a month away. For those who are tired of being stuck within the four walls, it is a good time to plan a springtime RV trip. My own next camping trip will be in April.

That is the topic of an article in RV Life.   

It begins with: 

The end of winter is the perfect time of year to get a jump on planning spring RV road trips. The key to the success of any road trip lies in having a good basic plan. With that being said, being flexible with destinations and routes is a good idea, too. After all, a lot can happen between now and spring. However, if we map out a basic plan at this stage, we can always make adjustments as the time gets closer and even when we’re on the road. Even though there’s still snow on the ground in many places, the most popular campgrounds will be opening up campsite reservations in the coming weeks. In this article we’ll walk you through everything you’ll need to do to plan a perfect road trip.

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. 

Snow This Weekend?

Above, a spring snow two years ago. Photo by armand Vaquer.

Many of us in the Jamestown-Gallup, New Mexico area thought we turned the corner from having snow storms as the weather has been sunny and warmer.

It appears that Mother Nature is not quite finished with us when it comes to snow.

Here's the forecast by the National Weather Service through the weekend:

Today

Sunny, with a high near 73. Southwest wind 5 to 15 mph.

Tonight

Partly cloudy, with a low around 38. Southwest wind 10 to 15 mph.

Thursday

Isolated showers after noon. Mostly sunny, with a high near 60. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph increasing to 15 to 20 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Thursday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 36. West wind 15 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.

Friday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 61. Breezy, with a west wind 15 to 25 mph.

Friday Night

A chance of rain showers before 3am, then a chance of rain and snow showers. Some thunder is also possible. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 36. Breezy. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Saturday

Rain and snow showers likely, becoming all rain after noon. Some thunder is also possible. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 51. Breezy. Chance of precipitation is 60%. 

Japan In Spring

Above, Matsushima's Godaido Temple. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Around about now, it is cherry blossom season in Japan. I was able to see them back in 2006 during my bullet train trip to Sendai and Matsushima from Tokyo.

There are other things to see and do during springtime in Japan and Good Housekeeping has posted a guide to them.

They begin with:

With ski season in Hokkaido (the northernmost island) in full flow in winter, picturesque floral phenomena in spring, dazzling firework festivals in summer and fiery-red leaf displays in autumn, Japan is truly a year-round long-haul destination.

Japan's ever-popular cherry blossom season, when the sakura flowers come into bloom and decorate the country with delicate pink petals, does make springtime an obvious choice for visiting, however, and it wouldn't disappoint for those wanting to partake in hanami (the custom of admiring the beauty of the flowers).

But there's plenty more to spring in Japan than just cherry blossom, as you'll find out in this essential guide. From catching the plum blossom (there's not only cherry!) to colourful street parades, discover why spring is one of the best times to visit Japan. Be wary of busy Golden Week, though, about which we'll explain. Here's everything you need to know about Japan in spring... 

To read more, go here. 

Spring Weather Finally Arriving

Above, McGaffey Lake in April 2020. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It appears that spring weather is finally arriving in the Gallup-Jamestown, New Mexico area this week.

Up to now, it has been cold, windy with occasional rain and snow. Friday will see 73° temperature.

According to the National Weather Service:

Today

Mostly sunny, with a high near 56. East wind 5 to 15 mph becoming north in the afternoon.

Tonight

Mostly clear, with a low around 28. West wind 5 to 15 mph.

Wednesday

Sunny, with a high near 61. North wind 5 to 15 mph.

Wednesday Night

Clear, with a low around 29. North wind 5 to 10 mph becoming light and variable after midnight.

Thursday

Sunny, with a high near 68. Light and variable wind becoming west 5 to 10 mph in the morning.

Thursday Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 34.

Friday

Sunny, with a high near 73.

Friday Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 36.

Saturday

Sunny, with a high near 67.

Saturday Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 33.

Sunday

Sunny, with a high near 68.

Sunday Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 33.

Monday

Sunny, with a high near 61. Breezy. 

More Spring Snow

Above, this morning's snow. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

This morning, I woke up to about 2" of snow on the ground and deck. This was a bit of a surprise.

Our group is supposed to go to Grandpa's Grill in Gallup and, from there, go to the Gallup Gun Show.

Hopefully, the snow will melt by the time we're supposed to go. If not, maybe we'll have to wait and go to the gun show tomorrow.

I thought we're in springtime.

Spring Snow Has Arrived

The spring snowstorm has arrived in New Mexico.

Minutes ago, when I headed to the kitchen to prepare breakfast, I looked out a window and saw that snow was falling outside. It is 32° outside, so it may stick on the ground for awhile.

So, it looks like I'll be spending the day indoors.

A couple of pictures:

Spring Storm Moving In

Above, enjoying a brew on Friday.

It seems like every time we start getting more warmer weather, a storm makes its way into New Mexico. It was in the 60s on Friday and Saturday.

This pattern is happening this weekend as a spring storm is moving into the state. I was sprinkling outside what I woke up this morning.

According to KRQE:

Friday afternoon was one of the warmest days so far this year across New Mexico. High temperatures almost hit 70° in Albuquerque with the upper 70s and low 80s in southern New Mexico. Changes are on the way starting Saturday with an increase in cloud cover all across New Mexico. South and southwesterly winds will also pick up across the state. Temperatures will still be warm though despite the cloud cover.

An early spring storm system will move into New Mexico on Sunday. A strong cold front will sweep across the state from west to east Sunday morning. Rain and mountain snow will develop along and behind this cold front, but could skip out on the Rio Grande Valley Sunday morning. Scattered rain and snow showers will continue through the day Sunday with cooler temperatures. The biggest impacts from the snow will be above 8,000′ in the northern mountains. High winds develop Sunday afternoon with potentially damaging wind gusts across southern and eastern New Mexico where 60 to 70 mph wind gusts will be possible. ‘ High winds develop Sunday afternoon with potentially damaging wind gusts across southern and eastern New Mexico where 60 to 70 mph wind gusts will be possible.

To read more, go here. 

RV Spring Cleaning

Right now, it is too cold, rainy (with some snow showers) to start spring cleaning of the motorhome, but that will come soon enough.

RV spring cleaning is virtually a ritual (an important one) to get it ready for the travel season. I last used my motorhome in December. It has been sitting in its garage since then.

RV spring cleaning is the topic of an article in RV Life.

They begin it with:

Spring is a great time for most RVers because it marks the beginning of RV trip planning and vacation travel. The initial focus after dewinterizing the plumbing system is getting the RV ready with a good spring cleaning.

Spring cleaning an RV is much like prepping a country cabin that’s been locked up since the previous fall. It requires a thorough walk-around inspection, a top-to-bottom cleaning, and doing the necessary maintenance and repairs to make the RV ready for use. 

The article describes the things that need to be attended to, inside and out.

To read more, go here. 

Yellowstone Approaching Spring Season

Above, Lower Yellowstone Falls. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Yellowstone National Park is a playground for winter sports activities such as snowmobiles, snowcoaches and skiing.

But the winter season is nearing its end and the park will be gearing up for the spring season.

According to National Parks Traveler:

Yellowstone National Park’s winter season wraps up early March as roads begin to close to snowmobile and snowcoach travel. By March 16, most visitor services and park roads will be closed including the South, West and East entrances. The park annually closes most roads at this time of year to prepare them for a spring opening for the public. 

To read more, go here. 

Jeepin'

Above, after getting the Jeep out of the garage this morning. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Since it is sunny out and the temperature is in the mid-50s, I decided to get the Jeep out and do some driving around our subdivision. The Jeep (and me) could use a little exercise.

It was two weeks ago that I last drove the Jeep since it has been cold out. But the temperature (and mild winds) made today a good day for driving.

Maybe it is starting to feel like spring is not far away (well, it arrives March 19). 

Six Mile Canyon of Cibola National Forest will be open to vehicles at the end of March, so that is something to look forward to. 

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. 

Spring Weather This Week

Above, in Six Mile Canyon yesterday. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It looks like we'll be having some nice springtime weather this week. Well, maybe except for the wind.

According to the National Weather Service:

This Afternoon

Sunny, with a high near 69. West wind 15 to 20 mph.

Tonight

Mostly clear, with a low around 39. Southwest wind 15 to 20 mph decreasing to 5 to 10 mph after midnight.

Monday

Sunny, with a high near 73. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph increasing to 10 to 15 mph in the afternoon.

Monday Night

Clear, with a low around 40. Southwest wind 15 to 20 mph decreasing to 5 to 10 mph after midnight.

Tuesday

Sunny, with a high near 75. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph increasing to 10 to 15 mph in the afternoon.

Tuesday Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 42.

Wednesday

Sunny, with a high near 69. Windy.

Wednesday Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 36. Windy.

Thursday

Sunny, with a high near 68.

Thursday Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 39.

Friday

Sunny, with a high near 73.

Friday Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 43.

Saturday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 78. 

Rainy, Snowy First Day of Spring

Above, it doesn't look like spring to me. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Today is the first day of spring, but Mother Nature hadn't received the memo.

According to KOB 4 News:

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Spring kicks off Monday and New Mexico will see rainy, snowy conditions to kick off the season.

While temperatures are warmer right away than Sunday, conditions are also starting more rainy. The rain will mostly be confined to places north of I-40 and west of I-25 but drift toward the east as the day goes on.

Some places will see some snow, such as near the Continental Divide.

Since I am about 8 miles from the Continental Divide, we've already seen some snow this morning. 

To read more and see a video, go here.