Six Mile Canyon Reopened Today

Above, the first campsite after entering Six Mile Canyon. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Now that Cibola National Forest/Six Mile Canyon is open again, I decided to take a Jeep drive into the canyon. This was the first time I've taken the Jeep into the canyon this year.

There were several vehicles in the canyon, including my next door neighbor's, and the canyon looked nice and green from the monsoon rains we've been getting.

I drove to the windmill and water tanks before turning around. It looked like the clouds were building up. Maybe we'll get some rain this evening or tonight.

Naturally, I took a few pictures during the drive. 

SCOTUS Overturns Roe vs. Wade

Well, it has just been announced that the U.S. Supreme Court has overturned Roe vs. Wade.

As commentator Larry Elder would say, "The fit's gonna hit the shan!"

To me, the decision is more of a modification rather than a outright overturn.

From Fox News:

The Supreme Court on Friday overturned Roe v. Wade, effectively ending recognition of a constitutional right to abortion and giving individual states the power to allow, limit, or ban the practice altogether.

The ruling came in the court's opinion in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, which centered on a Mississippi law that banned abortion after 15 weeks of pregnancy. The Republican-led state of Mississippi asked the Supreme Court to strike down a lower court ruling that stopped the 15-week abortion ban from taking place.

It will be interesting to see the protests over this ruling.

To read more, go here.

The New York SCOTUS Gun Decision In A Nutshell

 “The exercise of other constitutional rights does not require individuals to demonstrate to government officers some special need. The Second Amendment right to carry arms in public for self-defense is no different.” - Justice Clarence Thomas.

Cibola National Forest Closure To Be Lifted Today

Above, the Jeep in Six Mile Canyon three years ago. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Some fire closures and restrictions are to be lifted this morning in the Cibola and other national forests in New Mexico thanks to monsoon rains.

Some in our community, which is up against the Cibola National Forest of the Mount Taylor Ranger District aren't too thrilled over this. 

According to the New Mexico Fire Information website:

Albuquerque, NM – June 23, 2022 – Monsoonal activity has increased bringing widespread precipitation across most of the Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands (NF & NGs). The fire danger level has decreased substantially within New Mexico. The Cibola NF & NGs will lift closures and fire restrictions on Friday, June 24th at 8:00 a.m. as noted below.

Forest managers consider several factors before lifting fire restrictions, including current fire danger and fire activity, current and predicted weather, fuel moisture levels, availability of firefighting resources, and local, regional and national fire preparedness levels.

Magdalena Ranger District: Lifts Stage 2 Fire Restrictions on Friday June 24th.  Previously announced Bear Trap Fire Area, Road and Trail Closure Order (03-0728) still in effect.

Mountainair Ranger District: Forest reopens on Friday June 24th.

Mt. Taylor Ranger District: Forest reopens on Friday June 24th.

Sandia Ranger District: Forest reopens on Friday June 24th.

Kiowa/Rita-Blanca Ranger District: Lifts Stage 2 Fire Restrictions on Friday June 24th.

Black Kettle Ranger District: Lifts Stage 2 Fire Restrictions on Friday June 24th

 It looks like I'll be able to drive the Jeep into Cibola National Forest's Six Mile Canyon.

To read more, go here.

2022 Grants Wild West Days Rodeo

Above, a barrel racer at last year's Wild West Days Rodeo. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The dates for the Grants Wild West Days Rodeo have been announced.

From the Rodeos USA website:

NSPRA Grants Rodeo

Date

• Jul 2nd – 4th, 2022

Directions

Grants Rodeo Grounds

City/State

Grants, New Mexico

Hours

• Saturday: 7:00pm
• Sunday: 9:00am
• Monday: 2:00pm

Events

• Barrels
• Bull Riding
• Calf Roping
• Cowgirl's Breakaway Roping
• Ribbon Roping
• Saddle Bronc Riding
• Steer Wrestling
• Team Roping

Sanction

• NSPRA

Best of the Best Rodeo: Thursday Morning Draw

Above, this morning's calf roping event. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Rodeo season continues in the Gallup, New Mexico area.

This morning, I headed over to Red Rock Park Rodeo Arena for the Morning Draw timed events of the  Best of the Best Rodeo. The contestants are junior high and high schoolers.

I got there about 20 minutes after the barrel racing event started.

Following that was the tie down roping, parent ribbon roping, goat tying and steer wrestling. I didn't stay for the last two events as it was getting pretty hot out.

The rodeo continues through Saturday. I will likely go back before its over.

Some photos:

Ronchetti Needs The Support of the "Also Rans"

Above, Mark Ronchetti.

If one believes the Cook Political Report on the New Mexico gubernatorial race being a "toss up", it appears that Republican nominee for governor Mark Ronchettie is within an eyelash of beating Michelle Lujan Grisham in November.

As I see it, the primary campaign was a rough one by Republican standards with Ronchetti and Dow campaigns mud-slinging. One can argue that Ronald Reagan's 11th Commandment, "Thou shall not speak ill of a fellow Republican" was violated.

That aside, it will be interesting to see if the other Republicans who ran for governor during the primary will come out to publicly endorse Ronchetti. He will need to mend fences to bring the party together to win in November. Endorsements from the "also rans" will be necessary to accomplish that.

So far, I haven't seen any candidate endorse Ronchetti. We'll have to wait and see.

New Mexico Gubernatorial Race A "Toss Up"

Above, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham.

New Mexico Gov. "Malevolent Michelle" Lujan Grisham's "chickens are coming home to roost" if latest poll results are accurate.

According to an article in the Piñon Post:

On Wednesday, it was revealed that New Mexico’s gubernatorial race has been shifted from a “Lean Democrat” to a “Toss Up” on the Cook Political Report, which rates race competitiveness. 

three gubernatorial ratings changes today:

MA-Gov: Likely Democratic to Safe Democratic

MI-Gov: Toss Up to Leans Democratic

NM-Gov: Leans Democratic to Toss Up 

— Max (@maxtmcc) June 22, 2022

This is a big deal for New Mexico, as Republicans have a good shot of reclaiming the governor’s mansion in November amid dissatisfaction with Democrat Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, who has been involved in a myriad of scandals throughout her short but destructive tenure.  

Actually, the poll numbers should favor the Republicans even more since Lujan Grisham's dismal performance during the pandemic caused over 40% of the state's small businesses to permanently close, not to mention the myriad of scandals.

If she thought dancing in the streets like a buffoon recently was going to help her campaign, she has a big surprise coming.

To read the full article, go here.

How Red Flag Laws Harm Peaceable People

 From actor James Woods on Twitter:

As James Wood said with the above image:

Thank you, RINO traitors…

More Rain

Above, a double rainbow from 2019. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Monsoon season is definitely here.

I was in Gallup for most of the afternoon and we received several rain downpours every so often. At times, it came down pretty hard. I took Larry Lucier to his physical therapy session and I stayed in downtown Gallup at the Gallup Coffee Co. shop until he was done. 

At least we now know his bus/van doesn't leak. 

We have a 64% chance of more rain today. At least that's according to The Weather Channel app on my phone. 

According to the National Weather Service:

Monsoonal showers and storms will persist through the week and may produce flash flooding across the Four Corners region, especially near recent burn scars.

The National Weather Service differs with The Weather Channel on the percentage of the rain chance:

 Today

A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after noon. Some of the storms could produce heavy rain. Mostly sunny, with a high near 81. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph becoming west in the afternoon.

Tonight

A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 58. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.

Rapidograph Technical Art Pens

A little bit ago, I was telling Asya the joys of using Koh-I-Noor Rapidogaph technical pens.

She said she's never had any experience with these, so I gave her the rundown on them.

Basically, they are pens with nibs (points) of varying thicknesses that are filled with India ink of their formulation. I think the ink is thinner than standard India inks in order for it flow through the nib onto the paper. They are great for drawing, especially in drawing lines. They can do this with rulers that brushes cannot.

The set I have I bought back when I was attending art classes at El Camino College in the early 1970s. They work just as well today as they did back then. They are fun to use.

Here's a set of rapidograph pens:

To view vendors for rapidograph pens, go here and here.

Behind The Drawing Board

Above, at the drawing board today.

Since we are having inclement weather out (we're having sporadic downpours), it is a good time to get behind the drawing board and do some sketching. A text exchange discussion with Asya today on her current art project got me motivated to get busy.

I have the drawing board set up in the living room with bay windows behind me providing some great lighting.

What I am working on now is based on an idea J. D. Lees of G-FAN gave me a few months ago in an email. 

There's a few things I have to re-learn since it has been a few years since I did anything more than just doodle. I am admittedly rusty.

Insidious Operational Dynamics of Gun Confiscation Laws

Those who have followed this blog are aware of my personal experience of a "red flag law" in California brought on by a vindictive ex.

I'm not going to go into that again, but such laws have been used as revenge against political opponents and vindictive exes.

John Stossel has penned an article at Townhall.com on the insidious operational dynamics of "red flag laws". The U.S. Senate is now debating a gun control package that gives states incentives of moolah if they enact red flag laws.

He begins with:

Part of the “gun control” package of new laws now being debated in the U.S. Senate includes possible grant monies for states to develop their own versions of a “red flag” law—by which a petition to a state court can result in an order for the temporary removal of firearms from a person who a judge believes may present a danger to others or themselves.  About two-fifths of the states and the District of Columbia now have some form of a red flag law, while one state (Oklahoma) passed an “anti-red flag law” in 2020.

Supporters of the 2nd Amendment have backlashed particularly against the “red flag” component of the Senate’s proposed gun control package because, first, that Amendment states that “the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed”; and, second, because they fear that red flag laws will quickly lead to a denial of due process in the confiscation of legally possessed firearms.  Given the Democrat Party’s ultimate end game of disarming American citizens, the outcry is quite understandable. 

To read the full article, go here. 

Another Storm Today

 

Above, yesterday at home. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

From the National Weather Service:

Monsoonal showers and thunderstorms may continue to produce flash flooding across parts of the Southwest and southern Rockies.

We're getting another thunderstorm today. We had a small squall yesterday, but it didn't last long, only a few minutes. But we did get some thunder out of it.

The forecast for today and tonight:

Today

Showers and thunderstorms, mainly after noon. Some of the storms could produce heavy rain. High near 71. Southeast wind 10 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Tonight

Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly before midnight. Some of the storms could produce heavy rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 55. South wind 5 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Union Pacific Rail to Cut Fuel Shipments By Pilot/Flying J

Above, the Jamestown, New Mexico Flying J prices on June 5. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The other day while in Gallup, New Mexico, I noticed that the unleaded regular gasoline price there went down to $4.549 from around $4.659/gallon.

In the meantime, the local Pilot/Flying J Travel Center in Jamestown, New Mexico has been charging $4.799/gallon of unleaded regular for the past week (or a little longer).

Maybe the following is a reason why.

Coercion Code reported:

Shameek Konar, the CEO of Pilot Flying J truck stops and gas stations, explained during a hearing that on April 13, Pilot Flying J was informed by Union Pacific Railways (UP) that the company was “required to reduce shipments by 26 percent.” Then, in subsequent conversations, UP asked them to reduce rail shipments even further by 50 percent or face embargoes. Konar said that the reductions will significantly impact the availability of fuel and fuel prices. Pilot Flying J supplies roughly 30% of diesel exhaust fuel (DEF) in the country. The trucking sector of our economy depends on DEF as all trucks manufactured after 2010 cannot operate without it, and the cut in deliveries will heavily impact the trucking industry.

According to Konar, no other companies are being instructed by UP or any other railroad to reduce their shipments to the extent that UP demands Pilot Flying J. Union Pacific’s largest shareholders are Vanguard and BlackRock. UP also recently reduced shipments of fertilizer to farmers. Internet critic Jim Stone suggested that Pilot Flying J knowingly caused the problem by changing their paperwork to jam up the system, resulting in a steep loss in service. He wrote that both Pilot Flying J and UP are elite owned and proposed that both companies are acting as a tag team, putting on a show to intentionally cause serious problems.

Is Washington (i.e., the Biden Administration) pressuring Union Pacific to force shipping cuts on Pilot/Flying J? It seems that it could be a possibility (it really wouldn't surprise me in the least). They would like nothing better to force people into electric cars.

We'll have to keep an eye on this one! I smell a big rat!

To read more, go here.

Japan: Americans Now Need A $28 Visa To Enter

Above, the Rainbow Bridge that spans across Tokyo Bay to Odaiba. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Before the pandemic, American travelers to Japan did not have to obtain a visa to enter the country.

All that has changed since the pandemic and Japan is taking baby steps (I refer to them as "Timid Japan" over this) in reopening the country to foreign tourists. 

What else is now required to enter Japan?

From Travel Noire:

Japan is the latest country to ease its borders for at least 98 countries. If you’re heading to Japan from America, you will now need a visa to enter.

Before the pandemic, Americans didn’t pay as they were exempted from leisure travel. But all that has changed and it will cost you $28 for a single visa entry.

And it’s more than obtaining a visa to gain access to the country.

Foreign travelers will also have to obtain private medical insurance that covers medical expenses related to COVID-19. Masks are required, and travelers must be supervised by an organized tour group.

To read more, go here. 

Biden Explains Why Gas Prices Are So High

 Vladimir Putin was never mentioned. High gas prices were intentional.

Salvaging Your Yellowstone Trip

Above, the Gibbon River in Yellowstone National Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The closure of Yellowstone National Park due to the massive flooding last week obviously is causing a number of problems.

One of which is causing people who have plans and reservations to visit the park. The questions arise, "What if you can't get into Yellowstone? What do you do?"

WGCU (PBS and NPR affiliate in Florida) has some suggestions.

They begin with:

Many potential vacationers to Yellowstone National Park are wondering what to do with the possibility that they will be turned away at the gates, even as the park speeds up plans to reopen after unprecedented flooding.

Flash floods devastated the northern part of the park last week, with swelling rivers washing away roads and sweeping entire structures downstream.

On Monday, park officials announced that Yellowstone's north loop, which had been expected to be closed for months, will now reopen within two weeks after a surge of funding was acquired for repairs. Over the weekend the National Park Service said the south loop, which avoided the worst of the flooding damage, will reopen on Wednesday.

To deal with crowding, the Park Service announced over the weekend a new interim entry system based on vehicle license plate numbers. That could change to a reservation or timed entry system, if warranted, in the next three to four weeks.

About 1 million visitors come to Yellowstone each month during the summer. While the park works to fully reopen quicker than expected, it's clear that many vacationers will still be forced to change their itineraries.  

But if you've already made your reservations or are already nearby, there are still plenty of options — especially for the outdoor enthusiasts — in the surrounding areas. Many of the towns and recreational areas outside of the park are still open for visitors looking to salvage their summer plans.

To read more, go here. 

Best Jackson Hole Restaurants To Try On A Budget

Above, yours truly under an antler arch in Jackson. Photo by Mitch Germinsky.

The last time I visited Jackson, Wyoming was three years ago. 

During that trip, a friend and I camped at a KOA south of the town along the Snake River. While there we visited Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks and I did some river rafting on the Snake River. We also did some shopping and grabbed a meal in Jackson. The price wasn't bad, but I can't recall the name of it. It could be one listed in the following article.

TravelAwaits posted their 7 favorite restaurants to try while on a budget (Jackson can get pricey).

They begin with:

Jackson, Wyoming is a beautiful mountain town located on the doorstep of the majestic Grand Tetons Mountain range and Grand Teton National Park. This area is full of scenic vistas and offers plenty of ways to enjoy the outdoors. So whether you want to tour the area by car or get out and hit the trails or lakes, you’re in for a treat. 

Jackson is also conveniently located near another national park, Yellowstone. In fact, Jackson is less than 60 miles from the southern entrance of the park. Known for its Old West flair and bustling downtown, its Western, rustic vibe will bring out the country in you. This is a town for all seasons, so pick your favorite time to visit and get busy making plans. 

In all seasons, there are plenty of outdoor activities. From hiking, biking, and fishing in summer to skiing at one of the world-renowned ski resorts during ski season, Jackson offers fun any time of year. But all this fun and beauty doesn’t come cheap. Jackson is an expensive place to live — and to visit, for that matter. Known as one of the most expensive places in the United States to live, money is a factor. Rumor has it that the billionaires are chasing the millionaires out of town!

We wanted to find good food that didn’t cost a fortune on our recent trip. While none of these spots are gourmet restaurants, in a town so pricey, I was pleasantly surprised at the variety of good food we found at relatively inexpensive prices. Here are our top picks, in no particular order.

To see what they are, go here. 

This Year's Batch of Kittens

A little while ago, DK (Dee Kay) was in front of the house with her five kittens. This was after I filled their food feeder.

I managed to get a few pictures of them:

 

Wet Week Ahead

Above, yours truly yesterday while looking over Barking Spider Acre.

From the National Weather Service:

Finally, monsoonal showers and thunderstorms may result in flash flooding across the Four Corners region, especially near recent burn scars.

The rains have stopped (at least for now). But more is likely to come as we're now in monsoon season in Jamestown, New Mexico. A friend with a rain gauge said we got around 1/2" of rainfall.

Just before heading to a friend's for a Father's Day dinner yesterday, we got pelted by a downpour of rain and hail. But it only lasted a few minutes.

The week ahead looks to be a wet one, at least that's according to the National Weather Service. Even though we got some good rains during the past two days, we need a lot more to break the drought in the Four Corners. We're still not out of the woods as far as fire hazards are concerned. Cibola National Forest is still closed (which also includes the shooting area) at least until July 18.

Thanks to the rains, this area is going to get pretty green. 

After a long drive spanning over several days, and a burst power steering hose, my cousin Maria and her husband Fred made it to their destination in Tennessee yesterday. 

The week's forecast according to the National Weather Service:

Today

Sunny, with a high near 79. South wind 5 to 15 mph becoming west in the afternoon.

Tonight

Mostly cloudy, with a low around 56. West wind 10 to 15 mph becoming southeast in the evening.

Tuesday

Showers and thunderstorms likely after noon. Some of the storms could produce heavy rain. Partly sunny, with a high near 74. Southeast wind 5 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Tuesday Night

A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Some of the storms could produce heavy rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 55. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph.

Wednesday

Showers and thunderstorms, mainly after noon. High near 75. South wind 5 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.

Wednesday Night

Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly before midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 55. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Thursday

A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Some of the storms could produce heavy rain. Mostly sunny, with a high near 80.

Thursday Night

A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 55.

Friday

A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 81.

Friday Night

A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 55.

Saturday

A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 80.

Saturday Night

A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 55.

Sunday

A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 81.

Economic Woes and Fuel Prices Not Scaring Away RVers

Above, the Elk City KOA in Oklahoma. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Is the current economy and high fuel prices are scaring off RVers from taking a RV trip or even buying an RV?

Well, apparently not. At least that's according to a research survey posted in RV Travel from Kampgrounds of America’s Monthly Research Report for June.

They begin with:

Rising fuel prices and the roller coaster economy don’t seem to be holding back campers or RV buyers this summer.

Kampgrounds of America’s Monthly Research Report for June found that 21.5 million camping households are planning a Fourth of July camping trip this year. That’s an 8.6% increase in campers over the July 4th holiday results in 2021. It should be noted that the KOA research covers all campers, and not just those camping at KOA campgrounds.

In fact, KOA’s research found many campers intend to extend their trips this Fourth of July holiday. More than one in four (26%) Fourth of July campers plan to camp the entire week before or after the holiday, while 27% indicate they will extend the weekend by one or two days.

To read more, go here. 

Classic Rock Music Monday

The stuff that now passes as "music", particularly rock 'n roll, leaves me cold. So, to start off the week, here's a video of a classic rock artist.

We'll start off this week with one from the 1967 Monterey Pop Festival of Janis Joplin and Big Brother and the Holding Company with "Ball and Chain". A number of rock bands, including them, got their big breaks at this festival that was held at the Monterey Fairgrounds.

Why People Are Buying RVs

Above, at Sleepy Bear RV Park in Swan Valley, Idaho. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

With high gas and diesel prices during this time, one would think that buying an RV would be the last thing on people's minds. But the opposite is apparently true.

At least that's what a new article in TheTravel is saying.

They begin with:

The inflation rate is making headlines, gas has reached record prices, and personal loan interest rates are steadily rising. It's more expensive than ever to own, drive, and maintain an RV, so who would anyone want one? Amazingly, despite these factors, RV sales are way up--they rose by 19% in 2021 and have continued the trend in 2022, according to Fortune. Why do people love their RVs so much, and how can so many afford to buy an asset that loses value so quickly? Read on to learn more about the current draw of RV life and learn more about financing.

To read more, go here. 

Yellowstone National Park To Partially Re-Open

Above, the southern gate (from Grand Teton National Park) of Yellowstone National Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

There is some good news in regard to the reopening of Yellowstone National Park.

The Durango Herald reported:

BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) - Yellowstone National Park will partially reopen at 8 a.m. Wednesday, after catastrophic flooding last week destroyed bridges and roads and drove out thousands of tourists.

The Park Service announced Saturday that visitors will once again be allowed on the park's southern loop under a temporary license plate system designed to manage the crowds: Those with even-numbered plates and motorcycle groups will be allowed on even-numbered days, and those with odd-numbered or vanity plates on odd-numbered days.

Commercial tours and visitors with proof of overnight reservations at hotels, campgrounds or in the backcountry will be allowed in whatever their plate number.

To read more, go here. 

Japan Police Preparing for Possible Mount Fuji Eruption

Above, a Shinkansen view of Mount Fuji. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The last eruption of Japan's Mount Fuji was during the 18th Century. Since then, the mountain has remained dormant.

That could change at any time and Japan is preparing for such a possible eventuality.

According to the Jiji Press: 

Tokyo, June 19 (Jiji Press)--Japan's National Police Agency has started making full-fledged preparations for a possible eruption of Mount Fuji, the tallest peak in the country.

The NPA will purchase dust masks for distribution to local police departments, assuming that volcanic ash may fall in not only areas near Mount Fuji but also the metropolitan region in the event of an eruption, informed sources said.

"We need to make preparations for a potential complex disaster, such as an eruption occurring after a massive earthquake," an expert said.

 To read more, go here.