Shotgun Internals

The problem of the 1919 Winchester Model 12 (12 gauge) shotgun was presented to a pre-1964 Winchester Rifle and Shotgun collectors Facebook page. As of this writing, the post has around 42 replies. 

The issue is that the 2 3/4 shells weren't feeding into the firing chamber. The gizmo (one called it a "duck bill") doesn't do anything when I pump the gun. According to a video (see bottom), it is called a shell carrier. I suspect gunk (not visible to me) may be the culprit or perhaps a spring. 

Above, this thing is called a "shell carrier". Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Anyway, it is way beyond my expertise (which is pretty close to nil), so I will likely take it to the gunsmith. 

Japan Hotel Prices Near 30-Year High

Above, the Dormy Inn in Niigata. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The United States isn't the only country with inflation problems.

In Japan, the weak yen is fueling the highest hotel prices in 30 years along with record numbers of foreign visitors. This amounts to a two-edged sword.

According to The Japan Times:

Hotel prices in Japan soared to a near three-decade high in March, as the cheap yen and the cherry blossom season attracted a record number of tourists to the country.

The average daily room rate for March was about ¥20,986 ($136), the highest level since August 1997 and a nearly 20% increase from the same period last year, according to CoStar Group. The average hotel occupancy rate also increased to 78%.

A record 3.1 million people visited Japan in March. The yen is hovering at a 34-year low against the dollar, making the country an attractive destination for inbound tourists. The tourism boom has been led by arrivals from South Korea, Taiwan and China in the midst of the cherry blossom season, which traditionally draws in visitors.

 To read more, go here.

Transitioning From A Travel Trailer To A Class C Motorhome

Above, overnighting in Las Vegas during my 2017 Great
American Eclipse trip to Idaho. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The first RV I had was a Starcraft folding camping trailer (or tent trailer). I got good use out of it.

I traded it up for a Gulf Stream micro-mini Class C motorhome on a Toyota chassis. It was big enough for our family of four.

Currently, I have a 2015 Winnebago Minnie Winnie Class C. I figure it will be my final RV since I am now 70. It has been the most reliable vehicle I've ever owned.

Do It Yourself RV has posted an article on the experiences of a couple who transitioned from a travel trailer to a Class C motorhome.

It begins with:

Switching from a travel trailer to a Class C RV was a big step for my husband, Todd, and me. It marked the start of a new chapter in our lives as full-time RVers, one filled with more freedom and less financial burden. Our journey into RV living began back in 2018 when we realized that owning a home wasn’t necessary to fulfill our dreams of seeing the country and enjoying our retirement years to the fullest.

To read the full article, go here. 

Affordable RV Campgrounds Near Top National Parks

Above, at Diamond Lake RV Park near Crater Lake National Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

With so many people traveling to our national parks in their RVs, it is next to impossible to get a campsite in one. Even if one does find an empty campsite, it may not be big enough to accommodate the RV.

I did stay at campgrounds in Lassen Volcanic National Park, Grand Canyon National Park, Joshua Tree National Park and Yosemite National Park. Either I was just plain lucky or made reservations months in advance.

The alternative is finding a reasonably-priced campground near to the national park. I did this a couple of times. I stayed at a KOA Kampground near Yellowstone National Park in West Yellowstone, Montana and Diamond Lake RV Park near Crater Lake National Park in Oregon.

This is the topic of an article in RV Life.

They begin it with:

Looking for an affordable getaway into nature? RVing trips to national parks are among my personal favorite choices for sure! Unfortunately, the campgrounds in national parks aren’t always ideal. Some can’t accommodate big rigs, others can’t accommodate RVs at all, and most don’t have hookups of any kind.

The solution our family tends to turn to? Affordable campgrounds outside of popular national parks!

In honor of National Park Week from April 20–28, here are my top picks for great places to stay that won’t break the bank.

To read more, go here. 

Problem Shooters

People who use the shooting area in the Cibola National Forest next to our community are generally responsible people. The shooting area is cleaner than it used to be. Many left their junk in the area such as old television sets and the like.

There are some in our Whispering Cedars community who want the shooting area shut down. The reason is that stray bullets have entered the community. 

The photo above, Nandoh Munoz is shooting his Henry lever-action rifle. In the photo is a telephone pole at right. There is evidence of people using it as a target or mounting their targets on it.

The community is directly in the line-of-fire behind the pole and some stray bullets have hit some homes or narrowly missed people who were outside. Thankfully, this has been a rare occurrence. It boggles the mind how some people have a definite lack of common sense or are just plain stupid. There is a hill beyond the shooting area that allows for safe shooting. 

Above, the hill beyond the targets allows for safe shooting. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It would behoove our community members to occasionally patrol the shooting area, whenever there are shooters there, to make sure they aren't shooting at the telephone pole or targets on them. If they are found to be doing so, either give them a warning or call the McKinley County Sheriff.

The problem is mainly caused by outsiders who don't live in the community.

Hoppe's Day

Above, yours truly shooting the Winchester 94 yesterday. Photo by Larry Lucier.

Today will have me doing some gun cleaning with Hoppe No. 9 solvent and doing some Jeeping.

The weather is supposed to reach 73° today. 

I also will be tinkering with the shell feeder of the Winchester Model 12 shotgun to see what the issue is that is not feeding the shells into the firing chamber. If I am unable to resolve it, I'll have to have the gunsmith in Grants check it out. 

Although the shotgun is 105 years old, the model was manufactured by Winchester up to 1964. So the gunsmith should be familiar with it. Friend Victor said he had a similar problem with his Model 12 when he first got it. 

It was interesting during yesterday's shoot that Nandoh's Henry lever-action rifle (I think he said it is a .30 caliber) was heavier than my Winchester 94 lever-action. We tried each other's rifles to see the difference in them. The lever and hammer of my rifle worked fine after having the deep cleaning done last November. 

Crater Lake New Concessionaire Gets Transfer Approval

Above, Wizard Island through a smoky haze in 2017. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The National Park Service has approved the transfer to a new concessionaire at Crater Lake National Park in Oregon.

They issued the following press release:

Date: April 18, 2024

Contact: PWR_Public_Affairs@nps.gov  

CRATER LAKE, Ore. – The National Park Service (NPS) has approved the transfer of the Crater Lake National Park concessions contract formerly held by Crater Lake Hospitality.   

Hospitality company ExplorUS will take over providing visitor services under the contract immediately, including:  

• Lodging at Crater Lake Lodge, The Cabins at Mazama Village, and Mazama Campground    
• Food and Beverage at Crater Lake Lodge Dining Room, Annie Creek Restaurant, and Rim Village Café    
• Retail at Rim Village Gift Shop, Annie Creek Gift Shop and Mazama Village Store (including gas pumps)   
• Lake and Wizard Island Boat Tours 

“We look forward to working with ExplorUS as they invest in facilities, staff training, visitor services, and other improvements to make visitors’ and employees’ experiences at Crater Lake even better,” Crater Lake National Park Superintendent Craig Ackerman said.  

NPS and ExplorUS are striving for a seamless transition of services but ask for flexibility and patience from park visitors. The majority of visitor services in Crater Lake National Park begin to open for the season in mid-May. Information about services currently available are available on the park website at https://www.nps.gov/crla.   

Today's Shooting

Above, Larry and Nandoh. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Today, we did some target shooting out at the shooting area near our community in Cibola National Forest was a fun time had by all.

Four of us went to the shooting area this morning: Larry Lucier, Victor Gomez, Nadoh Munoz and me. Three of us had lever-action rifles. Larry and Nandoh had Henrys and I had my Winchester 94. 

I tried out the Mossberg .410 shotgun and it worked fine as did the Winchester 94. I also shot with my Winchester 62A .22 pump rifle. It was the first time I shot with it since the 1980s. It worked well too.

The new (to me) Winchester Model 12 shotgun didn't seem to like the 12 gauge shells. They were 2.75 sized. They wouldn't go into the firing chamber. Either they were too short or, there's a malfunction with the pump action. I'll have to check it out. I'll see how it does with 3" shells. If necessary, at least I have a good gunsmith to take it to.

After shooting, we headed over to Denny's at the Flying J for coffee. There, I received some sad news from my cousin Maria. Our cousin Debra passed away today. She had been in ill health for some time. But she is now at peace and with her mom & dad and her brother Ralph. 

Some photos from today's shoot:

Plinkin' Day

Above, all ready to go. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

This morning, the gang will be heading out to the shooting area for some plinking. 

I got the guns and ammo all ready to pack into the car. I am going to shoot the three Winchesters (the 94 lever-action .30-30 carbine, the 62A .22 pump rifle and the Model 1912 shotgun) along with the Mossberg 500E .410 Pump Shotgun. The Mossberg shotgun was inherited from my dad. I didn't know I had it until last year when I found it in one of his gun cases. 

The targets have been readied and in the garage.

Thankfully, one of my friends also has a Winchester Model 1912 shotgun, so he can coach me on using it. I viewed some videos on it, which helps. 

Japan Tourism Skyrockets

Above, Sensoji (Asakusa Kannon Temple) in Tokyo. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

If one is wondering how Japan's tourism is doing after reopening the country following the pandemic, one need only to see the following.

In March, a record was broken.

According to Travel And Tour World:

Japan‘s tourism reaches new heights with a record-breaking 3 million visitors in March, marking a surge in global interest.

March witnessed an unprecedented surge in Japan’s tourism as more than three million international visitors flocked to the country, setting a new record for a single month. This surge, highlighted by government data on Wednesday, signifies a remarkable upturn for Japan’s tourism industry. The total count of 3.08 million tourists marks a substantial 69.5 percent leap from March 2023 and an 11.6-percent increase compared to March 2019, pre-pandemic era, according to the Japan National Tourism Organization.

To read more, go here. 

Grisham Calls For Special Session For Gun Control

New Mexico Gov. "Malevolent" Michelle Lujan Grisham is calling for a special session of the legislature to take up "public safety protections", which is her euphemism for gun control. 

However, if this special session is for dealing with the southern border that the Mexican cartels control, then I would be for it. But she previously said that she wants her gun control proposals passed and may call a special session to do it.

According to the Santa Fe New Mexican:

Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham announced Wednesday she will call the Legislature into a special session July 18 "to take up additional public safety protections that New Mexicans demand."

“While we made some progress toward a safer New Mexico during the 30-day day session, we agree that we must do more,” Lujan Grisham said in a statement.

“The special session in July will enable us to deliver additional statutory changes that reduce the danger and risk New Mexico communities face every day," she said. "The best proposals for making our state safer will be under consideration, and I welcome input from my colleagues in the legislature."

She couldn't get all that she wanted during the legislature's regular session in infringing upon New Mexican's Second Amendment rights, so she is trying to ram them through in a special session. Despicable!

To read more, go here. 

Three Winchesters

Above, the three Winchesters. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Yesterday, I picked up my Winchester Model 1912 (or Model 12) 12 gauge shotgun with a 30 inch barrel. According to its serial number, it was made in 1919. It is definitely a pre-1964 firearm. Although the bluing is pretty much gone, there is no rust and is in good shape for a 105-year-old shotgun. The inside of the barrel looks good. One Winchester enthusiast said, "Never re-blue honest wear on a Winchester."

Now that I have it, I now have three Winchesters. It is a modest collection compared to collectors who have rooms full of them. 

My first Winchester is a Model 62A .22 pump rifle. I inherited it from my grandfather. It was made in 1947. I used it back in the 1980s and it is a fun shooter.

I bought a Winchester 1894 (or Winchester 94) .30-30 lever-action carbine five years ago. I have been wanting to buy one and came across it in an Albuquerque gun store while browsing around. It was made in 1962. I put it on layaway as I was to fly to Florida the next day for a cruise to Cuba. I picked it up when I got back.

Unless I stumble across something I can't refuse, I think this is it for buying more Winchesters for me. I have been thinking about getting another revolver. We'll see.

Cruise: I Don't Think So

Above, the Majesty of the Seas docked in Havana Port. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Friend Mitch Geriminsky and I were discussing last night taking a cruise vacation later this year. We went on a cruise five years ago to Key West, Florida and Havana, Cuba.

We were almost ready to pull the trigger to take this one:

ROUNDTRIP FROM:Tampa, Florida

VISITING:Tampa, FloridaNassau, BahamasGrand Bahama Island, BahamasPerfect Day at CocoCay, BahamasKey West, FloridaTampa, Florida

I've been wanting to go to the Bahamas, so this seemed like a good choice and the price was reasonable. The dates were August 31 to September 7.

Earlier in the evening, I asked him to check on when hurricane season takes place, but he hadn't done it. We were about to book the cruise when I took a look about when hurricane season takes place.

Lo and behold, hurricane season is from August to October. I immediately told him, "Hold it!" and told him when is hurricane season and sent him the below video. It was a cruise caught in extreme weather en route to the Bahamas.

I suggested aiming for April or May of next year instead. The Cuba cruise was in April and the weather was great. 

Before looking up hurricane season, I joked that the advantage of inside cabins (with no windows) is if the ship sinks, water can't get into the cabin.

Brought Home The Winchester 1912 Shotgun

Above, yours truly with the new acquisition at Loeffler's Guns.

This morning, I went to Grants, New Mexico to pick up my new (to me) Winchester Model 1912 12 gauge shotgun with a 30" barrel. 

While at the gun shop to transfer ownership, I looked online for the year of manufacture. By its serial number, the shotgun was made in 1919, 105 years ago.

Above, the Winchester Model 1912 shotgun with a 30" barrel. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The bluing is mostly worn off, but it is otherwise in good condition. What would one expect for a shotgun over 100 years old? I will try it out either this coming Thursday or Friday.

By the way, for New Mexico residents, the 7-day waiting period for gun purchases goes into effect on May 15. If one wants to buy a gun and avoid the waiting period, now is the time to do so.

I picked up the below card at the gun store:

Afterwards, I went to Rosie's Mexican food in Grants for a chile relleno plate lunch:

"Godzilla 2000" Trailer

Earlier, I was cleaning out my refrigerator and came upon the film canister containing the 35 mm film print of the U.S. trailer to Godzilla 2000. 

I bought it around 2003. Since I bought it, it was screened only once and that was at G-FEST around 2004 at the Pickwick Theater in Park Ridge, Illinois. It was in great shape, as I was pleased to see.

It is hard to believe that the movie is 25 years old (released in Japan in 1999) and the U.S. release was in 2000. My mom and I went to see it at the Mann Tarzana Theaters.

Here's the trailer:

Air Safety Concerns As Travel Picks Up

Above, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner at LAX. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Now that spring has sprung and summer is about two months away, travel is picking up steam. 

However, some are leery about flying on Boeing aircraft since several incidents took place, thankfully with no fatalites. 

According to an article in West Hawaii Today:

A series of troubling airline incidents and upheaval at aircraft manufacturer Boeing have raised questions about air safety, as more travelers take to the skies this spring and look toward summer trips.

Aviation industry experts say flying remains one of the safest forms of transportation. The U.S. passenger airline industry also hasn’t had a major fatal crash since 2009.

But in the wake of recent headline-grabbing incidents, including a door plug ejecting out of an Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 Max and incidents at United and Southwest, industry leaders acknowledge the need for work to maintain the safety record U.S. airlines have established over the years. 

 To read more, go here.

Good News and Help Needed

Above, Winchester Model 12 shotgun.

It looks like UPS may be delivering my Winchester Model 12 shotgun tomorrow instead of Wednesday.

I checked the progress and the estimated delivery date was changed to April 16. It that is the case, I can try it out later this week. The guys and I are planning to go to the shooting area for some plinking near our community either Thursday or Friday. 

Once it is in my hands, it will be the third Winchester I'll have.

*******

Helping A Friend

Above, Dusty.

A good friend of mine, Deanna Carola (who I met several years ago in L.A.), has a pet chinchilla named Dusty who had a terrible mishap that fractured one of his legs in two places. He had to have it amputated today. He appears to be doing okay, but as one can imagine, the veterinary bill will be a bit costly.

Deanna has started a Go Fund Me page to raise money for the veterinarian's bill. I have already contributed, but she can use some additional help. 

Those of us with pets know how much they mean to us whether they're big or small. Deanna has been a good and devoted pet owner (and she makes a great chicken parmesan, as I can attest) and would be very grateful for any contributions.

I would also appreciate it as well.

To access the Go Fund Me page, go here. 

UPDATE 4/20/24:

Some good news from Deanna. She posted this last night:

Finally after 5 days in the ER, Dusty was able to come home last night. For the next 14 days the focus will be on properly medicating and easing any of his symptoms from surgery. His stump is still swollen but should go down with the anti inflammatory.

He is finally eating more, primarily hay. He took mostly water from a dropper last night. Hopefully by Monday he will be able to make it to his water bottle. He is eating enough to product 80+ pellets in 24 hours. Small but a higher quantity than the surgeon was seeing meaning GI STASIS is no longer a concern.

Dusty’s medication schedule is pretty strict at 6am, 8am, 6pm, and 8pm. Most medication requires it to be taken with food which he doesn’t always want but praying it will get better.

He has an appointment for a follow up to check the incisions in 14 days from now. I will be posting daily updates of his recovery.

Help is still needed to cover Dusty's medical bills. 

Underwater UFOs Pose Risks To Maritime Security

Above, a still from the Jeremy Corbell video.

UFOs have been around for decades, at least reports of them have been.

The latest is an article on UFOs being able to submerge in Earth's oceans, without making a splash and pose risks to maritime security.

Fox News reported:

UFOs that have shown the ability to seamlessly transition from air to sea without a splash or crash debris are an "urgent" national security concern with "world-changing" scientific ramifications, an ex-Navy officer said.

In July 2019, the USS Omaha recorded a UFO – or UAP (unidentified anomalous phenomena) – that buzzed a Navy fleet off San Diego and disappeared into the ocean without a trace.

The video, first released by Jeremy Corbell and verified by the Pentagon, displays capability that "jeopardizes U.S. maritime security, which is already weakened by our relative ignorance about the global ocean," oceanographer and retired Rear Adm. Tim Gallaudet said.

To read more, and see a video, go here. 

Gallup Area Rodeo Season Just Months Away

Above, from the 2019 Gallup Lions Club Rodeo. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The most enjoyable time living in New Mexico I have found is rodeo season. 

Since we're only a few months away from rodeo season in the Gallup, New Mexico area, I did some checking on the dates of them.

Above, from the 2019 Best of the Best Rodeo. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Some have not been scheduled as yet. The websites on rodeos in New Mexico have them listed as "TBA" (to be announced).

Some of the prominent ones are the Wild West Days Rodeo in Grants, which usually is held during Independence Day week; Wild Thing Championship Bull Riding; Lions Club Rodeo; Best of the Best Rodeo; and the high school and junior high school rodeos. 

Above, from the 2022 Wild Thing Championship Bull Riding. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The Gallup Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial includes a rodeo and this year's will be held August 10-11 at the Red Rock Park Rodeo Arena. 

The Gallup Lions Club Rodeo is scheduled on June 14, 2024 - June 15, 2024 at Red Rock Park Rodeo Arena.

As more rodeos are scheduled, I will post them on this blog.

Semiautomatic Firearm Ban Passes Colorado's House

This is what one can expect when a western state is infested by Democrats and they take over the reins of that state's government.

Colorado used to be pretty much a reddish (or Republican) swing state until Democrats from California and other liberal areas moved there, bringing along their leftist politics. We see this currently happening in the state of Arizona. We've seen how they've made a mess out of California with the state's one-party government.

The Midland Daily News reported:

DENVER (AP) — Colorado's Democratic-controlled House on Sunday passed a bill that would ban the sale and transfer of semiautomatic firearms, a major step for the legislation after roughly the same bill was swiftly killed by Democrats last year.

The bill, which passed on a 35-27 vote, is now on its way to the Democratic-led state Senate. If it passes there, it could bring Colorado in line with 10 other states — including California, New York and Illinois — that have prohibitions on semiautomatic guns.

But even in a state plagued by some of the nation's worst mass shootings, such legislation faces headwinds.

Colorado's political history is purple, shifting blue only recently. The bill's chances of success in the state Senate are lower than they were in the House, where Democrats have a 46-19 majority and a bigger far-left flank. Gov. Jared Polis, also a Democrat, has indicated his wariness over such a ban.

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. 

To start off the week, we have a rock group from California founded in 1969 called Redbone with the live version of their 1974 hit, "Come and Get Your Love" on the Midnight Special (remember that show?). The group consisted (at their peak) of two Native Americans and two Mexican-Americans. 

From Wikipedia:

Redbone is an American rock band formed in Fresno, California, in 1969 by brothers Pat and Lolly Vegas. All members during their commercial peak and success were of Mexican American and Native American heritage, which was heavily reflected in their songs, stage costumes, and album art.

They reached the Top 5 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1974 with their hit single, "Come and Get Your Love". The single went certified Gold selling over a million copies. It also made Redbone the first Native American band to reach the top five on the US Billboard Hot 100, with the song reaching number 5. Redbone achieved success in the United States with their singles "We Were All Wounded at Wounded Knee", "The Witch Queen of New Orleans", "Wovoka", and "Maggie", although these songs were more successful overseas.

Pat has been the sole member of the band since Lolly's death in 2010.

Today In Gallup

Finally, I got my order of Alien Amber Ale today. It took longer since the liquor department manager, Eric Romero, passed away last month. I ordered it on April 2. Apparently, the person now handling liquor department orders wasn't too familiar with the process (or something). Eric usually had it in within a week.

I wasn't too concerned about it as long as I have it by next month's three-chapter Clampout. Besides, I received my income tax refund the other day, so my wallet was fortified with extra cash.

I went to Gallup this evening for dinner at the El Rancho Hotel's Silver Screen Restaurant. Following that, I went to the market to pick up a few things, including the beer. 

19 Attorneys General Opposing DOJ Gun Confiscation Program

19 attorneys general are opposing the Biden Administration's "red flag" gun confiscation program and are urging the DOJ to scrap it. 

I have personal experience with California's "red flag" law brought on through a restraining order by a vindictive ex-girlfriend. It was dismissed during a court hearing as I had proof that there was no basis for the restraining order.

According to the Highland County Press:

COLUMBUS – Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost and 18 other state attorneys general are opposing a new federal program that promotes aggressive enforcement of “red flag” gun-confiscation laws.

Yost and his counterparts argue in a letter to U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland that the National Extreme Risk Protection Order (ERPO) Resource Center, launched in March by the Department of Justice, undermines the Second Amendment and other fundamental rights in a flawed attempt to reduce gun violence.

“The solution to gun violence is not more bureaucracy, and it is certainly not parting otherwise law-abiding men and women from their right to self-defense,” Yost said.

The state attorneys general raise several concerns with the ERPO Resource Center, most notably how the program advocates for laws that allow government officials to “suspend fundamental rights under the Second Amendment with no genuine due process."

So-called “red flag” laws permit authorities to seek court orders authorizing the confiscation of firearms from people thought to pose a danger. Twenty-one states have enacted such laws; Ohio is not among them.

Another issue is whether the DOJ had authority to create the program in the first place. The Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, cited by the department as the impetus for the ERPO Resource Center, makes no mention of such a program. In fact, the letter says, that funding from the 2022 federal law was supposed to go to states and local governments.

To read more, go here. 

Phishing Scam Victimized Over 100 Japanese Hotels

Above, the front desk of an Atami ryokan. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Over 100 Japanese hotels have fallen victim to a phishing scam involving Booking.com.

Kyodo News reported:

TOKYO - Over 100 hotels in Japan have fallen victim to email scams that try to steal customers' credit card information using accommodation reservation site Booking.com, a Kyodo News tally found Saturday.

Some of the hotels said their customers lost money after the fraudsters stole their card details. The Japan Tourism Agency has instructed Booking.com Japan K.K., the Japanese unit of the major lodging booking site operator, to conduct a full investigation.

Booking.com Japan declined to comment on the financial damage. 

The phishing scams come as similar cases are reported worldwide, and Japan sees a return to booming tourism levels after COVID-19 border restrictions were lifted.

With the help of anonymous cybersecurity specialist Piyokango, the Kyodo News count found that as of March 26, some 118 accommodation businesses in at least 21 prefectures have been affected since June last year.

Fraudsters send emails to Japanese hotels to access their Booking.com management system. The email contains a link, which infects a computer once clicked.

Personally, whenever I have traveled to Japan, I book rooms directly with the hotels. 

To read the full article, go here.

Overnighting In Rest Areas In An RV: Legal?

Above, Avenal-Coalinga rest area. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Since I bought my motorhome in 2015, I stayed overnight in a roadside rest area once. That was in Missouri.

Luckily, overnighting in an RV was legal in the state as it was posted as such.

RV Travel posted an article on the legality of overnighting in rest areas in an RV.

It begins with:

Karen M.S. recently posed this question to RVers on a Facebook group: “Is it legal to stay the night in my RV at rest areas?” There are several opinions on this topic, but what’s really allowed? Let’s take a look.

Rest stop

A rest stop or rest area is a dedicated facility along highways designed to offer weary travelers a place to exit the highway and rest before continuing on their journey. Some state highways have rest stops, as do some county roads, along with all Interstate highways. 

To read further, go here. 

Select Yellowstone Roads To Open

Above, a vehicle passes basaltic lava columns in Yellowstone National Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer

Select roads in Yellowstone National Park will shortly be open for the summer vacation season.

East Idaho News reported (from a National Park Service press release):

MAMMOTH HOT SPRINGS, Wyo. – Beginning at 8 a.m. Friday, April 19, 2024, select roads in Yellowstone National Park will open to the public, weather permitting. Roads begin to open annually this time of year for the summer season.

On Saturday, April 20, entrance fees will be waived in celebration of National Park Week.

Roads opening April 19:

• West Entrance (West Yellowstone, Montana) to Old Faithful (via Madison Junction)
• Mammoth Hot Springs to Old Faithful (via Norris Junction and Madison Junction)
• Norris Junction to Canyon Village

Additional park roads will open throughout May, weather permitting.

To read more, go here. 

"D-Day Plus 20 Years - Eisenhower Returns to Normandy"

Less than two months from now, the 80th anniversary of the June 6, 1944 Allied invasion of Europe, D-Day, will take place.

In 1964, CBS Reports commemorated the 20th anniversary of the invasion with Walter Cronkite and Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower with a special. In it, Cronkite and Eisenhower discussed the invasion on the beaches of Normandy, France.

The video of that broadcast is on YouTube. I remember watching it when it first aired in 1964. 

Here's the video's summary:

The Allied invasion of Nazi-controlled France on June 6, 1944 was the largest military invasion in history, involving nearly 160,000 service members arriving by ship and air at Normandy. Its success turned the tide of World War II. Two decades after D-Day, former Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower, who was Supreme Commander in charge of the operation, returned to Normandy. Eisenhower talked with CBS News' Walter Cronkite about his experiences in June 1944, the tactical decisions behind Operation Overlord, and how British Prime Minister Winston Churchill was talked out of joining the invading forces. Eisenhower and Cronkite visited the Allies' war room on England's southern coast; the coast of France, including Pointe du Hoc and Omaha Beach; and the American military cemetery at St. Laurent-on-the-Sea. This special broadcast of "CBS Reports," featuring newsreel footage of the invasion, originally aired in 19 countries around the world on June 5, 1964. 

Silver Over $29; Will It Hit $30?

Gold and silver spot prices are rising.

Gold is over $2,400/toz and silver is over $29.00/toz. 

Since my focus is on silver, it will be interesting to me if it goes to $30.00/toz.

Here's the latest COMEX silver spot price: