Hawaii Flights: FAA News May Concern You

Above, a Boeing 757. Wikipedia photo.

When it comes to aviation, if there isn't one thing to be concerned about, it's another.

The latest comes from Beat of Hawaii over some problems found on some Boeing 757 jets.

They wrote:

We are flying from Hawaii and back in a few weeks on United Airlines. However, this week’s news, reported first by FlightGlobal, has definitely caught our attention. The reason is, we are scheduled to fly twice on these airplanes. Given how fortunate Beat of Hawaii is to have so many aviation industry folk reading, we ask whether we should be concerned or not?

FAA requires inspection for frame cracks on older 757 plane wings used on Hawaii flights.

A highly regarded plane with a great history in Hawaii flights has come under scrutiny. The Federal Aviation Administration said it will now require that Boeing 757 aircraft be inspected after airlines found cracks on 757 airplane wings.

To read more, go here. 

The New Twitter

It looks like Twitter has made the change:

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.

To start off the week, we spotlight the British rock band Ace and their 1974 hit, "How Long". According to Wikipedia, "Although widely interpreted as being about adultery, the song was in fact composed by lead singer Paul Carrack upon discovering that bassist Terry ("Tex") Comer had been secretly working with the Sutherland Brothers and Quiver."

From Wikipedia:

Ace were a British rock band who enjoyed moderate success in the 1970s. Their membership included Paul Carrack, who later became famous as a vocalist for Mike + The Mechanics and as a solo artist. Ace are perhaps best known for their hit single "How Long", which was a top 20 single in the United Kingdom in 1974, and reached no. 3 in the United States and Canada in 1975.

May As Well Stay Home

Above, Durango's Alpen Rose RV Park fishing pond. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

For the past several days, I had been thinking about taking a trip to Durango, Colorado to escape the heat. I just checked the weather forecast for Durango and it is no better than Jamestown, New  Mexico.

Durango is just as hot and has chances of thundershowers.

According to the National Weather Service, here's the Durango forecast this week:

Tonight

A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms before 10pm, then a slight chance of showers between 10pm and 11pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 55. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph becoming north in the evening. Winds could gust as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 10%.

Monday

A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Sunny, with a high near 94. Light and variable wind becoming west 10 to 15 mph in the afternoon.

Monday Night

A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 56. North wind 5 to 15 mph.

Tuesday

A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Sunny, with a high near 94. Light and variable wind becoming west 10 to 15 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 25 mph.

Tuesday Night

A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 56. West wind 10 to 15 mph becoming north 5 to 10 mph after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 25 mph.

Wednesday

A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 93. Breezy.

Wednesday Night

A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 7pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 56. Breezy.

Thursday

A chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 93.

I may as well stay home and save some money. Oh, well. So much for that idea.

Swamp Cooler Servicing

Above, the swamp cooler after everything was done.

A little project that was started yesterday was completed today.

The swamp cooler (evaporative cooler) needed new pads to be installed. The last time they were changed was about three or four years ago. I got the wood fiber ones instead of the synthetic (blue) ones this time. Friend Roger says the wood fiber ones seem to work better.

Above, wood fiber evaporative cooler pad detail.

Yesterday, one of my friends in the subdivision, Clint, found several problems with the cooler. First, the float was stuck. He got it unstuck and the water began to flow in. Next, he found that the pump wasn't working. After some tapping on it, it began to work, but only intermittently. We guessed that this was due to its age (we don't know how long it has been there). When it did pump, the house cooled considerably. I decided to replace it. The intermittent pumping may be a sign that it was going to completely fail soon.

Above, the old pump.

This morning, I headed into Gallup to Home Depot to get a replacement pump. They only had three types in stock. Two at 230 volts and one at 115 volts. I needed a 115 volt pump. The one I have had a pumping capacity (if you want to call it that) rating at 11000. Home depot had one rated at 5000. The 230 volt pumps have a different electrical plug than the 115 volt pumps. The big difference between the 11000 pumps and the 5000 pumps was the output amount, I was told by a Home Depot worker. I decided to give it a try. It was only $28.

Above, the new pump.

After getting home, we put the new pump in and it immediately started once the swamp cooler was switched on. Clint said that the amount of water pumped was not as hard as the old one, but it works.

I will use this one until I can get one comparable to the old one. It is doing the job as the house interior temperature is a consistent 62°.

RVs and Guns

Ever since I can remember, guns have always been part of camping in my family. On camping trips, my dad packed a gun as did both of my grandfathers. I also carry one. You never know when you just may need it.

The topic of guns and RV camping has been posted at RV Travel in today's newsletter. The title is, "You Carry A Gun In Your RV. Would You Use It?"

They begin it with:

Traveling in your RV, you carry a gun. But would you use it? The question is in the minds of many RVers. Many issues include personal safety, the natural imperative to defend family members and legal questions.

Carrying a gun in your RV

Guns can provide a sense of security and protection against unexpected threats, especially when parked in remote areas or boondocking. Other RVers carry guns for recreational activities like hunting, reflecting this community’s diverse motivations behind gun ownership.

But would you use it? Defensive gun use can be as common as offensive gun use by criminals, and in life-threatening situations, using a firearm for self-defense could save lives. However, it’s worth noting that the use of guns in self-defense varies and requires further investigation, underlining the importance of responsible gun ownership.

Using a gun is not just about pulling the trigger; it’s also about the complex interplay of law, ethics, and personal beliefs. State and federal laws play a significant role, and their differences can pose challenges. Federal law allows interstate transportation of firearms under the Gun Control Act of 1968, but state and local laws on carrying and storing firearms can vary significantly. It’s essential to familiarize yourself with these regulations, particularly regarding legal compliance in defensive gun use. Here’s a good guide on the subject, the Traveler’s Guide to the Gun Laws of the Fifty States.

To read more, go here. 

Staffer Groped By Gov. Lujan Grisham Reported Dead

The Piñon Post and other news sources are reporting that former political staffer of New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, James Hallinan is dead.

Hallinan accused the governor of groping him while he was on her staff. 

According to Piñon Post:

According to multiple sources, Phoenix-based consultant James Hallinan, a conservative Democrat, has been said to have passed away.

Hallinan made headlines in New Mexico after he claimed that in 2018 then-U.S. Rep. Michelle Lujan Grisham, who is now governor, poured water over his crotch area and groped him in front of multiple witnesses.

Lujan Grisham’s campaign subsequently paid Hallinan $150,000 after the allegations surfaced ahead of her 2022 reelection campaign.

Political blogger Joe Monahan posted on Twitter Friday, “NM political consultant James Hallinan is dead at 40.” A quote from his sister Marisa read, “With much sadness we share that our beloved and brilliant brother and son James Hallinan died on Thursday. At this time of deep sadness we thank you for your conveyed sentiments and support” 

Monahan noted, “No cause given” regarding his cause of death.

Details on Hallinan's death will be provided when more information is made available. He had said he received death threats prior to his passing. Shades of the Clintons!

To read more, go here. 

UPDATE (8/7/23):

Phoenix Police stated that they found "no signs of foul play" in the death of James Hallinan.

Artsy-Fartsy

For the past several days, I have been collaborating with Asya on an art project (layout, suggestions, etc.).

She is currently in her hometown of St. Petersburg, Russia and is working on it there. We are in regular contact via WhatApp.

So far, things are progressing nicely.

Above, Asya recently in St. Petersburg.

Silver Ends Three-Week Winning Streak

Above, silver Franklin half dollars. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Silver dipped below $25.00/toz to end the week. It wasn't that much of a dip. It can make it back over $25.00 next week. 

According to Coin News:

Also falling for a second session, silver for September lost 10.7 cents, or 0.4%, and closed at $24.855 an ounce. Silver prices declined by 1.4% this week following three consecutive weekly gains of 8.2%, 1.2% and 3%. On Wednesday, silver at $25.387 an ounce registered its highest settlement since May 10. Year to date, the precious metal has increased by 3.4%.

It will be interesting to see where silver goes next week.

To read more, go here. 

CMT Facing Jason Aldean Backlash

Country Music Television apparently has gone "woke" in pulling Jason Aldean's music video of "Try That In A Small Town". 

Leftists and liberals were enraged by the song, calling it "racist".

Fox News reported:

Fans lashed out at Country Music Television, after it pulled singer Jason Aldean's "Try That in a Small Town" music video this week following accusations it was racist.

Aldean had enraged liberal activists with the new music video, which has anti-crime, pro-law enforcement themes and tells criminals that their behavior won't be tolerated in rural America. The music video plays footage from left-wing riots and smash-and-grab robberies. Activists accused the song of being racist and promoting violence.

"Yeah, ya think you're tough? Well, try that in a small town, see how far ya make it down the road. Around here, we take care of our own, you cross that line, it won't take long for you to find out, I recommend you don't," Aldean sings in the video.

CMT confirmed it pulled the music video off the air Monday, angering Aldean fans and free speech advocates.

The only "offense" the song committed was just telling the truth. The video is at top for your viewing and listening pleasure.

To read more, go here.

Kennedy's Opening Statement At Yesterday's Hearing

 The following email was received today from the Kennedy campaign:

Dear Armand, Yesterday, I testified at a Congressional committee about censorship and the weaponization of federal agencies. Here is my video comment on the hearing.  Many of the committee members treated me fairly and with dignity. Others – members of my own party – descended into baseless smears and insults. These tactics are precisely how censorship works. An individual is associated with something loathsome — anti-Semitism, racism, extremism, etc. Having been deemed untouchable, they are targeted for deplatforming.  Ranking Democratic committee member Debbie Wasserman Schultz attempted this right off the bat, motioning to move my testimony to a closed-door, secret “executive session” so the American public would not have a chance to hear me. Her argument, basically, was that my views are so hateful and disgusting that to entertain them in public is tantamount to inciting violence.  Of course, this was all grandstanding. I doubt any committee member actually believes I am as diabolical as they tried to paint me. This kind of tactic, though, is tearing our nation apart. The question is, “Will these tactics work?” And the answer is, “That is up to the public.” And especially, it is up to you.  The tactics work when people shy away from the smear target. They backfire when people are so fed up with the divisiveness and incivility that they redouble their support.

RFK Jr. Defends Self Against Democrat Attacks At Hearing

Above, Robert Kennedy Jr. during yesterday's testimony.

It was astonishing seeing Democrats on the House subcommittee on weaponization of federal agencies hearing on censorship rake Robert F. Kennedy Jr. over the coals yesterday.

Kennedy was accused of making anti-Semitic and racist statements (in relation to COVID virus). Kennedy, a Democrat himself, was treated as if he were Donald Trump or some other Republican. 

Kennedy, at least, fought back against the attacks. 

It was ironic that a hearing on censorship began with Democrats trying to censor him by moving to disinvite him from testifying before the hearing started.

From the Washington Times:

House Democrats attacked Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the chief party rival to President Biden in the 2024 race, Thursday by accusing him of trading in antisemitic tropes and spurring doubts about vaccines within the Black community even though he vaccinated his own children.

Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Florida Democrat, moved to shut down Mr. Kennedy’s testimony at a House Judiciary Committee hearing in which GOP lawmakers invited the presidential candidate and others to testify on censorship by Big Tech and government officials.

“Mr. Kennedy has repeatedly made antisemitic and anti-Asian comments as recently as last week,” Mr. Schultz said, referring to when Mr. Kennedy suggested the coronavirus might have been targeted at White and Black people while sparing Ashkenazi Jews and Chinese people.

"Mr. Schultz"? LOL!

Still, it was a mind-blowing spectacle. Who'd have thought a Kennedy would be subjected to vicious attacks by fellow Democrats? I made myself a bowl of popcorn and watched the whole hearing.  

To read more, go here.

Travel Photography Tips

Above, the West Mitten at Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Since the age of 8, I have been a "shutterbug". My first camera was an Imperial Lark. I still have it and it is on display in my great-grandfather's bookcase.

Travel photography has been an enjoyable pastime for me. Digital photography makes things a lot easier as one doesn't have to buy rolls of film anymore. My current "go-to" camera is a Canon Rebel t5 digital SLR. I've had it since 2015 and am still learning the different settings. The camera in my cell phone is sufficient if I don't have the SLR with me.

Do It Yourself RV has posted an article on travel photo tips.

They begin it with:

If you want to take pictures and capture the memories of your RV trips, you will need to become somewhat of an amateur photographer. If you already have some natural skills, you have a leg up. But that doesn’t mean you can’t learn a few skills that will help you take better photos of your RV travels.

First, you don’t need to travel with all kinds of photography equipment (unless you are thinking of photography on a more professional level). Extra equipment takes up extra space, and that can be a problem with available RV storage. You can take excellent photos with most cell phones these days.

To read more, go here. 

Foreign Arrivals To Japan Top 10 Million

Above, Senso-ji temple in the Asakua section of Tokyo. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Foreign arrivals to Japan is surging for the first time since before the pandemic in 2019.

Kyodo News reported:

TOKYO - Foreign arrivals to Japan from January to June topped 10 million for the first time since the same period in 2019 before the coronavirus pandemic, as the country sees a continued recovery in inbound travelers, government data showed Wednesday.

Japan saw 10.71 million arrivals in the six months, equivalent to 64.4 percent of the level seen from January to June in 2019 and exponentially higher than the 507,630 logged in the same period in 2022, the Japan National Tourism Organization said.

By country or region, the most arrivals came from South Korea at 3.13 million, followed by 1.77 million from Taiwan, 972,200 from the United States and 909,700 from Hong Kong, it said.

To read more, go here. 

High Altitude RVing

Above, camping in Durango, Colorado, which is at 6,522 feet above sea level. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Since I live at 7,000 feet above sea level, higher altitudes have not been a problem for me. I've gotten used to it. That includes camping at those same altitudes.

But here are some people who may encounter high altitude sickness and other issues.

RV Life reviews camping at high altitudes and potential risks involved.

They begin with:

Camping In The Mountains? Here’s What You Should Know About RVing At High Elevations

RVing offers a unique and exciting opportunity to explore diverse landscapes. Your journey will likely take you through various terrains, including breathtaking mountainous regions. While these high altitudes provide access to mesmerizing views and plenty of campgrounds, it’s important to remember that RVing at such heights presents its own set of challenges and is not always an easy ride.

It takes time for our bodies to adjust to elevation changes. Rushing into steep inclines can cause serious medical issues, especially if you already suffer from health problems. In addition, many devices aren’t designed for high altitudes. They may malfunction or behave in strange ways.

Fortunately, you won’t have to worry about extreme altitude effects in most parts of the United States. But it’s still good to be aware of the risks and learn some ways to treat/prevent the side effects. Below, we’ll explore everything you need to know about RVing at a high altitude.

To read more, go here. 

Guide To Investing In Morgan Silver Dollars

Above, an 1883-O Morgan silver dollar. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Ever since I had some Carson City uncirculated Morgan Silver Dollars, they have become my favorite silver coin to collect.

I have bought many of them over the ensuing years.

United States Gold Bureau has posted an article on everything one needs to know about investing in Morgan Silver dollars.

They begin it with:

Think dusty, pistol-toting cowboys that drink glasses of honey-colored whiskey in sweltering saloons. Think high-stakes poker games with folded cards in backrooms. Think handkerchief-wearing bandits conducting elaborate stagecoach robberies, hoping to strike it rich with the very coins we will cover in this guide — the Morgan Silver Dollar.

Whether you are a seasoned investor looking to diversify your portfolio or a newcomer intrigued by the allure of precious metal investments, this guide will provide you with valuable information and practical tips to maximize the potential of your Morgan Silver Dollar investments. 

 To read more, go here.

Kennedy To Testify On Censorship and Weaponization

Yesterday, I received an interesting email from the Robert F. Kennedy Jr. presidential campaign. He is to testify before a House subcommittee this morning on censorship and weaponization of the federal government.

His testimony should prove to be interesting.

Here's the email:

Dear Armand,

We’re excited to announce that tomorrow morning, July 20th at 9 a.m. Eastern Time, Mr. Kennedy will testify at a House Select Subcommittee on the Weaponization of the Federal Government about the federal government’s disturbing role in censoring American citizens.

Mr. Kennedy’s testimony will contribute to the pushback against the rampant collusion between government agencies and tech platforms to censor speech that does not align with the interests of the Washington establishment. 

Statement from Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. on tomorrow’s hearing:

“Recent revelations in the Twitter Files and Missouri v. Biden show how deeply institutionalized government censorship has become. “It is dressed up in euphemisms like, ‘working with our partners in tech,’ but make no mistake, this is a systematic program to control what Americans can say and think. As such, it is antithetical to democracy. In a democracy, the people tell the government what to think, not the other way around.”

Yesterday, 102 Democrats signed a letter asking that Mr. Kennedy be disinvited from the hearing. Quite ironic to censor someone testifying at a hearing on censorship. The hearing might make interesting viewing! You can watch the livestream here.

Freedom of speech is the foundation of democracy. If you believe in the First Amendment, please chip in to make sure that this vital Constitutional right is passed down to future generations.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is one of the most censored American voices of our time. Take a moment to watch his important testimony tomorrow morning and share this email with anyone you know who cares about the issues of censorship, free speech, and democracy.

Sincerely,

Team Kennedy
https://www.kennedy24.com/

News From Zac Fort of the New Mexico Shooting Sports Association

Yesterday in Ruidoso, the Courts, Corrections and Justice Interim Committee held a meeting to discuss several gun control proposals that failed in the 2023 New Mexico Legislative Session. No public comment was allowed, and as it is an interim committee, no votes were taken. No new bill language was introduced, they just discussed past versions of the failed proposals. The proposals discussed were raising the age to purchase a firearm in New Mexico to 21, banning the sale of semi-automatic rifles, waiting periods on gun sales, and trying to make it easier to sue firearm retailers and manufacturers in New Mexico. All of these proposals failed in 2023, but based on the discussion yesterday, there is a strong likelihood that all of them will be heard in the 2024 New Mexico Legislative Session. The 2024 Legislative Session is a 30-day budget session, but the governor has made it clear that she will add gun control bills to "the call" so they can be heard in the shorter session. We will continue to watch interim legislative activity as we prepare for 2024.

 

RFK Jr.: Back The Dollar With "Hard Currency"

It is no wonder that Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is polling at around 20% and rising. He is definitely not in lockstep with the hard left of the Democrat Party.

Previously, he spoke against Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDC) and now promises to strengthen the U.S. dollar with "hard currency".

Cointelegraph reported:

Democratic presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has promised to progressively back the United States dollar with Bitcoin if he is elected president. 

Speaking at a July 19 Heal-the-Divide PAC event, Kennedy claimed that backing the U.S. dollar with what he called “hard currency,” including gold, silver, platinum or Bitcoin, could help to re-stabilize the American economy.

“Backing dollars and U.S. debt obligations with hard assets could help restore strength back to the dollar, rein in inflation and usher in a new era of American financial stability, peace and prosperity.”

Kennedy explained the process would be gradual and that, depending on the plan’s success, he’d adjust the amount of backing for the dollar.

To read more, go here. 

UPDATE (7/22/23):

Investing.com posted an article on Kennedy's sound money plank. To read it, go here.

Precious Metals Log Multi-Week Settlement Highs

Precious metals are rising to highs not seen since May. Silver seems to be settling into the $25.00/toz range. Could it rise to over $26.00/toz?

According to Coin News:

Precious metals climbed in tandem on Tuesday, reaching settlement highs that ranged from earlier May for silver to the third week of June for palladium.

Gaining for the fifth time in six sessions, gold for August delivery tacked on $24.40, or 1.3%, to settle at $1,980.80 an ounce on the Comex division of the New York Mercantile Exchange. The settlement marks gold’s highest since June 6.

"The charts have recently turned more bullish for both precious metals [gold and silver], which is inviting the technically based speculators to the long side of those markets. A weaker-than-expected U.S. retail sales report this morning is also supporting ideas the Federal Reserve can take its foot of the gas sooner, regarding its interest-rate-increase cycle," Jim Wyckoff, a senior analyst at Kitco Inc, said in a daily research note.

On the day, gold futures traded between $1,958.10 and $1,988.30, after falling by 0.4% on Monday.

Advancing for fourth time in five sessions, silver for September rose by 23.8 cents, or 1%, to finish at $25.256 an ounce — the best settlement since May 10. Silver futures ranged from $24.97 and $25.41, after shedding 0.7% on Monday. 

To read more, go here. 

Ultimate James Bond Soundtrack Mix

If you happen to be a fan of the James Bond movies and need something to listen to while reading, cooking, drawing or even housework, Mark Horner has put together 120 minutes of Bond soundtracks from the past sixty years on YouTube.

He did an excellent job with this compilation. I'm listening to it now. I'm just over a half hour into it.

Jane Birkin, R.I.P.

 

NM Gun-Grabbers Are At It Again

The Democrat gun-grabbers will be holding a legislative committee preview Tuesday of proposed bills infringing on our Second Amendment rights for the 2024 New Mexico legislative session.

Piñon Post reported:

On Tuesday, the Legislative Courts, Corrections, and Justice Committee, chaired by Sen. Joseph Cervantes (D-Las Cruces), will preview anti-gun bills that will be reintroduced in the 2024 Legislative Session, along with new proposals that could be brought forth.

Starting at 8:35 a.m., the committee, which is meeting in Mescalero at the Inn of the Mountain Gods, will have a two-hour discussion on the 2022 New York State Rifle & Pistol Assn., Inc. v. Bruen U.S. Supreme Court case, which struck down anti-gun laws in the Empire State.

Then, the Committee will discuss proposed anti-gun laws, including banning what they deem “assault weapons,” mandating new higher age restrictions for firearm purchases, imposing waiting periods, increasing background check requirements, attacking gun manufacturers for gun-related incidents, and more.

Most of these bills failed to pass during this year's legislative session. But the Democrats aren't giving up.

To read more, go here. 

Fodor's Travel: Best Things To Do In Hilo

Above, an aerial view of double waterfalls north of Hilo. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

During our Hawaii trip seven years ago, we were on the Kona side of the Big Island. While there, we rented a car and drove across the island to the Hilo side where we had a scheduled helicopter tour to Hawaiian Volcanoes National Park and waterfalls along the coast.

It was an interesting drive, especially seeing volcanic cinder cones along the way. The helicopter tour was with Blue Hawaiian Helicopters based at the Hilo Airport. 

According to Fodor's Travel, there are other things to do in the Hilo area.

They begin with:

The Hilo side of Hawaii’s Big Island is extremely underrated for its wide variety of wonderful experiences it offers visitors—from verdant rainforests to hiking in the shadows of ancient active volcanos. Hilo is an underrated part of the Big Island, where you’ll discover that hotels, restaurants, rental cars, and tours are often less expensive than other more popular places throughout the islands.

Although Hilo is noticeably less polished than some of Hawaii’s more resort-heavy areas, there are dozens of unique accommodations and many activities to enjoy. If you’re headed to Hawaii, here’s why you should head to Hilo.

To read more, go here. 

Avoid RV Park 10-Year Rule

Since I have been RVing, I have heard of the "ten-year" rule that some RV parks impose. 

This is the rule that RVs older than ten years are not allowed. Mainly, from what I've heard, this is so that eyesore RVs (of the Cousin Eddie of National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation variety) don't blight RV parks. But, according to an article in NewsBreak, there are safety reasons as well.

They begin with:

RV owners risk having their summer vacation ruined this year due to a rule that prevents RVs over 10 years old from parking in certain US parks.

Travelers who have had their vehicles for a while might want to do their research before they head out on a family adventure, as they may be denied a reservation.

Oftentimes safety issues are cited as the reason for the rule. Older vehicles can have a higher potential to develop problems such as leaks and electrical issues.

Some park managers are also trying to avoid their sites looking run down due to a build-up of older RVs, meaning the issue of aesthetics also comes into play.

One owner of a 21-year-old Pace Arrow RV fell victim to the new measures after he tried to book a long-term space at the Vancouver Mall RV Park but was refused, the Columbian reported.

The site said his RV was too old and only those 10 years or newer, were allowed to stay more than 30 days. It’s the same story across the US with many parks having the same restrictions.

The good news is rules vary from state to state and there are many parks that will bend the rule. There are ways drivers can make changes to their older RV so they can gain entry. In any case, here is how to avoid it.

 To read more, go here. 

Yellowstone Bison Gores Woman

Above, a herd of bison in a Yellowstone riverside meadow. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

People tend to forget or ignore warnings that bison are wild animals and are unpredictable. They will charge people, causing injuries or death.

A woman was gored today near Lake Lodge in Yellowstone National Park. She was seriously injured and airlifted to a hospital.

The Jackson Hole News & Guide reported:

A bison gored a 47-year-old woman Monday morning in Yellowstone National Park — the first time this year that a visitor has encountered the large ungulates' horns in America's first national park. 

The woman sustained "significant injuries to her chest and abdomen" and was transported by helicopter to Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center in Idaho Falls, according to Yellowstone officials in a Monday afternoon press release.

Gorings are an unfortunate but almost annual affair in the park. 

The incident is under investigation. It is currently rutting season and bison are easily agitated during this period.

To read more, go here.

Hot Day Today

Above, today's temperature. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

A prescription was ready for me to pick up in Gallup.

Rather than head there during the latter part of the day with higher temperatures, I elected to head there in the morning. It is a good thing that I did. According to my WeatherBug phone app, it is 95° outside. The above photo confirms it.

After getting my prescription, I headed over to The Silver Screen Café at the El Rancho Hotel for a plate of Monument Valley Enchiladas.

Above, today's plate of Monument Valley Enchiladas. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I have mentioned the Monument Valley Enchiladas before, but some may be wondering what they are.

According to the hotel's website, here's what the Monument Valley Enchiladas are:

Corn Tortillas, Scrambled Eggs, Crispy Potatoes, Chorizo, Green Chile, Cheddar & Asadero, Avocado, House Salsa and Warm Tortilla

Above, my server, Karina. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The enchiladas were good, as usual. I had some coffee with them and, for some reason, the coffee tasted extra great.

While at the restaurant, I was perusing my phone and saw that the temperatures in Arizona appeared to be uniformly over 100°. I showed the map of Arizona with the temperatures to my server, Karina and we both agreed that we're better off being in New Mexico. Lake Havasu City, for example, has a forecast high of 121° today. 

Following breakfast and coffee, I went over to Albertson's market to pick up a few things, but the store was closed due to a power outage. I then headed over to Walgreen's and got a couple of things I needed. The power outage wasn't affecting them, even they are in the same shopping center.

After getting home, I spent the rest of the day inside with the swamp cooler on full. 

Mowing Done

Above, Alien time after I was done mowing.

Before it got hot yesterday, I mowed Barking Spider Acre in the morning. 

The brush was mainly on the roadway in front of the GOCO Beast Barn (RV garage). It took about an hour and a half before I finished it. That was partly due to the zero-turn mower getting stuck and slid into a drainage ditch in front of the house. Normally, when the mower gets stuck, I use the Jeep to pull it out. But since I am having fuel pump problems with the Jeep that's keeping it from starting, I had to use the Mustang instead. 

Thankfully, it wasn't too far into the ditch and I got it out quickly. 

Before:

After: