The Beast's Flagpole

Above, the flagpole with the Gadsden flag. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

With outside temperatures into the 90s, I must have sweated off a lot of calories while mounting the Flag Pole Buddy hardware onto the roof ladder of The Beast this morning. It arrived yesterday from Camping World.

Still, I got the job done (good thing I had some bottled water inside the RV).

The directions made it easy to mount and I got it done in under a half hour. It was a little harder to mount the upper hardware onto the ladder as I had to climb up and hold on while getting the screws (Allen wrench type) in place and tightened. The lower hardware was far easier since I was standing on the ground.

After getting the hardware installed and taking a water break to cool off a little. I then got the flagpole out and began putting it together and getting the Gadsden flag hooked onto it.

It looked great and the flagpole wasn't even fully extended. I took a few pictures to illustrate it (shown below).

After a while, I took the flagpole down and put away into its carry bag. All nice and tidy.

The results are shown below:

Above, the bottom mounting hardware. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the top mounting hardware. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, from the driver's side. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, from the passenger side. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Film Shows 1935 Hiroshima

Above, the Hiroshima Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall before the bomb. 

A film shot in 1935, showing the city of Hiroshima before it was destroyed in August 1945 by the atomic bomb, has been digitalized and posted online.

The Japan Times reported:

HIROSHIMA – The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum released online Wednesday digitally processed 16 mm film footage that shows the central area of Hiroshima about 10 years before the city was devastated by the U.S. atomic bombing. 

The original film is the only footage owned by the museum depicting the area before World War II. 

The footage is “valuable data that clearly shows how Hiroshima looked before being atom-bombed,” said a staff member at the museum. In the closing days of the war, the United States dropped an atomic bomb on Hiroshima, on Aug. 6, 1945, and another on the city of Nagasaki three days later.

The film briefly shows the Hiroshima Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall before it became the ruin known today as the Atomic Bomb Dome.

Above, the Atomic Bomb Dome today from a similar vantage point. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

To see the film, go here.

Flag Pole Buddy Has Arrived

The other day, I took a little drive up to Camping World in Valencia to pick up a Flag Pole Buddy flagpole kit for The Beast. As might have be expected, since it was Fourth of July, they were sold out. They offered to put it on rain check, but I elected to order from them online. I did so as soon as I got home. After all, it was on sale.

Well, it arrived today via United Parcel Service (only two days since ordering). After going through the package to make sure all the parts were in it, I took it out to the RV where I will put the mounting hardware onto the roof ladder, provided it isn't too blazing hot outside.

When fully deployed, the flagpole will extend 22' in length. I'll use it for the Gadsden flag I got from The Heritage Foundation. The kit came with a U.S. flag.

Here is the package after I put everything back inside:

Retrofitted The Old MagLite

Above, my old MagLite flashlight and a retrofit kit. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It had been several years since I last used my old 2-D Cell MagLite flashlight. I had no spare bulbs left and I could not find them at any store around (when I happened to remember to look for any). I wanted to use the flashlight for camping.

I bought a cheap flashlight for The Beast, but it is limited in the amount of lumens it puts out. I also have a camp lantern. But I liked my old MagLite flashlight. (It is also useful as a mini baton.)

I checked R.E.I., Target, Walmart and other stores who carry MagLites, but none had replacement bulbs.

Then, I thought of looking online and, presto(!), I found replacement bulbs. I checked MagLite's website and found that they no longer carry the old bulbs but now have "retrofit" kits for the older model flashlights (the kind that I have). The retrofit kit contains parts that, once installed, will allow the old flashlight to accept new Xenon LED bulbs. I bought two of them (always good to have a spare!).

As you can see from the top photo, the retrofit works!

If you happen to have an older MagLite flashlight, don't toss it away. Instead, get a MagLite retrofit kit.

To view MagLite's website, go here.

Yellowstone Raises Fire Danger Level

Above, Upper Yellowstone Falls. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Officials at Yellowstone National Park have raised the fire danger alert level.

According to K2 Radio:

Yellowstone National Park officials increased the park's fire danger level from "low" to "moderate" today due to recent warm and dry weather, according to a news release. 

The park has not placed new fire-related restrictions or closures for now, but it says these guidelines and recommendations remain in place: 

• Campfires only are allowed in designated fire rings in 11 developed campgrounds and most back country campsites.
• Extinguish campfires and make sure they are cold to the touch after use.
• Fireworks are not allowed in the park and on other federal lands.

For more information, go here. 

Visiting Yosemite: Expert How-To Tips

Above, a sunrise view of Yosemite Valley from Tunnel View. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

To get more enjoyment out of a visit to Yosemite National Park with how-to tips, The Seattle Times enlisted the sage advice from a former park ranger and a videographer.

The article offers advice on such topics as hiking, sight-seeing, camping, dining, lodging and tours.

Above, Degnan's in Yosemite Village offers pizza and sandwiches, among other treats. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The sub-heading of the article:

Here are useful ideas from a former Mount Rainier climbing ranger, now in top brass at Yosemite, along with tips from an avid videographer working in the highly popular California park.

The article itself begins with:

 “ … the mighty Sierra, miles in height … so gloriously colored and so radiant, it seemed not clothed with light but wholly composed of it, like the wall of some celestial city.”
— John Muir, “The Yosemite” (1912) 

YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK, California — Any visit to Yosemite, even for just a day, can deliver a jolt to the senses or a tonic for the soul. So imagine what it would be like to actually live within Yosemite’s boundaries, as Muir did from 1868 to 1874. 

“It’s one of the pinnacle places to live if you’re a mountain person,” says Mike Gauthier, who in 19 years at Washington’s Mount Rainier (1990-2009) rose to chief climbing ranger and search-and-rescue coordinator before beginning a seven-year stint as chief of staff at Yosemite. 

“It’s one of the most incredible valleys on the planet,” Gauthier says. “It’s very special to live here. I know it’s a gift. I know it’s memorable. I know it’s significant. I’m struck by that every single day.” 

Steven Bumgardner, meanwhile, a videographer who since 2005 has been documenting the Yosemite experience in a distinctive interpretive film series, “Yosemite Nature Notes,” is routinely reminded of how deeply both he, a local, and visitors resonate with Yosemite’s near-mystical vibe.

Above, deer in Yosemite Village. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

To read more, go here. 

8 Points of Interest of Los Angeles

Above, the Challenger memorial next to Weller Court in Little Tokyo. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

So you're not going to Japan or a national park in the U.S., but are going instead to visit the City of the Angels, Los Angeles.

You're in luck as Travel + Leisure has an article containing 8 points of interest in the city.

They begin with:

Los Angeles has been in the spotlight this year more than ever, thanks to a certain throwback, Jazz-era inspired musical film. The story, brought to life by Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling, helped evoke a more romantic, whimsical side of this city, which is too often dismissed as just another big, congested city. In the grown-up LA of today, design lovers, beer connoisseurs, and even Japanophiles will all find something to hold their interest. Considering a trip to the West Coast’s flashiest city? Here are eight spots worth adding to the list.

One of the eight points of interest is Little Tokyo, which is near downtown Los Angeles and the Civic Center.

To find out what the other seven points of interest are, go here. 

Today In E Clampus Vitus History

Above, actor Michael Landon and former Governor Ronald Reagan at the
Ambassador Hotel on Primary Election Night in June 1980. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

On this date, California Governor Ronald Reagan proclaimed July 6, 1968 to be "E Clampus Vitus Day" in the State of California. Reagan was a Clamper.

Here is the procamation:

Amelia Earhart Mystery Solved?

It appears that the 80-year-old mystery of what happened to famed aviator Amelia Earhart may have been solved.

A photograph has been discovered in the National Archives that purportedly is of Earhart and navigator Fred Noonan in the Marshall Islands in 1937.

Here's the photograph:

Above, Fred Noonan may be the man at the far left and Amelia Earhart may be the person sitting with back to the camera.

According to The Telegraph:

A newly discovered photograph proves that Amelia Earhart did not die in a plane crash but was captured by the Japanese, experts have claimed 80 years after her disappearance. 

The photograph was found in a former “top secret” file at the US National Archives and is believed to have been taken in 1937 - the same year Earhart disappeared during her round-the-world flight attempt. 

It had been generally accepted that Earhart, and her navigator Fred Noonan, died on July 2, 1937, when their plane crashed close to Howland Island in the central Pacific Ocean, amid poor visibility and low fuel levels.

To read more, go here.

Can You Survive In Japan Without Speaking Japanese?

Above, the food court level below the Tokyo Skytree. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Many people who contemplate a visit to Japan worry that since they don't know Japanese language, they won't be able to eat, travel or even just survive. I've visited Japan eight time to date and I have always managed to get by.

Those fears are put aside (hopefully) in an article from City-Cost.com.

They begin their article with:

“Can you travel, live, spend time in Japan without understanding or speaking Japanese?”, or wording to this effect is an oft asked question on Japan travel forums and a legitimate concern for those who have never been to Japan, or maybe anyone who is contemplating a first trip overseas to a country the language of which is unfamiliar. Unfortunately, voicing this kind of concern runs the risk of being met by sneering condescension from some quarters so any concerns about the ability to survive in Japan without speaking Japanese are ones that we hope to meet ourselves with hearts in the correct place while maintaining our usual sense of irreverence.

It would be interesting to know how many of us who now live in Japan came to the country with any degree of Japanese language proficiency packed into the suitcase. This expat did, but it only really amounted to the next step up from zero. This lack of linguistic preparation might be put down to the fact that for the first few weeks I was to be in the company of Japanese friends.

My first job in Japan saw me under the guidance of an expat colleague who seemed to bask in their inability to speak the lingo (together with their lack of motivation to address this). I used to get a kick from the way they would delightfully order from menus in their broadest native accent, getting by with pointing only. They had already been ‘in country’ for some years prior to my arrival. Although we might be tempted to disparage such expats, the point is, this person still loved Japan, lead a very happy life in Japan, and was (they’ve since returned home) living proof that one can do more than just survive in Japan without having even the loosest of grips on the Japanese language.

Like with all plunges into the unknown, it’s pre plunge that is the most worrying bit. Once we’ve let go however, things become clear, and more often than not, our fears or concerns do not materialize, at least not to the extent that we had feared. This is true when it comes to being in Japan without understanding Japanese - one way or another you just figure out how to get by. As true as this is however, such generalisations rarely serve to ease concerns on the part of those who are, well, very concerned. So let’s get a little more specific, and detail some common scenarios that one will likely face during those early days in Japan, with barely two Japanese words to rub together for comfort. Before we carry on though, if you’re not up for the reading let’s just remind ourselves’ of this - in 2016 Japan recorded a record 24 million tourists for the year. Now, how many of those do think could speak Japanese? Just sayin’!

To read more, go here.

Why Is This?

Why have we gone from this:

Above, Sean Connery in Dr. No.

To This?

Dollar Rebounds Following North Korean Missile Launch

The North Korea problem has affected the exchange rate between the dollar and Japanese yen in Tokyo trading.

According to The Japan Times:

The dollar advanced to levels around ¥113.50 in Tokyo trading Wednesday, after weakening to around ¥112.80 amid heightened tensions in the wake of North Korea’s missile firing the previous day. 

At 5 p.m., the dollar stood at ¥113.49-49, up from ¥113.10-10 at the same time Tuesday. The euro was at $1.1363-1363, up from $1.1361-1361, and at ¥128.96-97, up from ¥128.50-51.

To read more, go here. 

9 Stunning National Park Images

Above, Old Faithful Geyser erupts. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

As today is Independence Day, what better way to celebrate our nation's birthday than to take a look at nine stunning images from some of our 59 national parks with our British cousins?

The images were posted today by The Independent from the United Kingdom.

They begin with:

Google is taking time to celebrate the stunning and sublime beauty of America's national parks, on the country's birthday. 

It was on this day 241 years ago that the US famously adopted the Declaration of Independence, and the United States of America was born. But less famously it's also the birthday of Stephen Mather, the conservationist who was the first director of the National Parks Service. 

Google said that it was celebrating the two events together because the National Parks Service is hailed as "America's Best Idea", and that they were such a perfect place to celebrate the country's birthday.

To read more and to see the images, go here. 

Bear Encounters Up This Year In Yosemite

Above, a black bear at Idaho's Yellowstone Bear World. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Bear encounters have doubled so far this year in Yosemite National Park, according to park officials.

ABC News reported:

Yosemite National Park has had a dramatic increase this year in visitors, but it's not humans who've converged en masse: Bear encounters at the national park rose 100 percent in early June compared to the same period in 2016. 

Officials for the 1,1169-square-mile-park, recorded 16 incidents involving bears so far this year -- with half of them occurring in just two weeks, from May 27 to June 9 -- compared to a 38 total for all of last year. 2016 was a record low year for bear encounters though, according to park rangers.

To read more, go here. 

A Little Trek To Camping World

Above, Camping World today. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Since today is the Fourth of July and most people are off somewhere or still at home, the traffic was relatively light (for Los Angeles) today. So I decided to head up to Valencia to Camping World (23 miles each way) to see if they had a Flagpole Buddy Kit in stock and for something to do. It is a nice drive up Interstate 5 and the freeway goes through some hills. So it is a little like being out in the country.

Above, Camping World's giant flag can be seen from both directions on I-5. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The Flagpole Buddy Kit is usually around $160, but it is on sale at about $60 off. It mounts onto a RVs roof ladder and it telescopes up to 22' in length.

Unfortunately, Camping World was out of them, but they offered to give me a "rain check" on one. I decided instead to order it online, which I did.

Above, Camping World's RV sales lot. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Although the kit I comes with a 3' x 5' US flag, I plan to fly the Gadsden flag I got from The Heritage Foundation instead. Or, I can fly both as the Flagpole Buddy Kit has attachments for two flags.

Above, the Gadsden Flag.

I'll install it when it arrives (in about 5 days).

Narcissistic Sociopath

Above, Jerry Moore and Armand at the home of Donald F. Glut. 

The following was posted by Jerry Moore, a.k.a. Karlos Borloff (should we call him Dr. Karlos Borloff?) on things people need to be on the lookout for when dating. These actually apply to either sex. I noticed/experienced all of these red flags, particularly the last six.

This is one of the best "quickie" lists I've seen.

You dating a female SOCIOPATH?? hello. 

Narcissistic Sociopath is not gender related, these people just have different names and faces. 

-no real values
-secret lives: hiding money, friends, affairs
-slow to forgive: holds onto resentment
-high blaming behaviour: projects faults onto other’s {even her children}
-constantly seeking admiration
-she breaks her man’s spirits to keep them dependent: she has a vicious way of cutting you down
-undermines your ability to make choices
-she has to be right~she has to win: whatever the situation may be. You will find yourself just ‘giving in’ to keep the peace
-lacks ability to see how she comes across to others: be it verbally, or her actions
-she announces, not discusses ~she tells, not asks
-she does not listen because she does not really care: your opinions and/or complaints are an annoyance.
-she exudes very little empathy and/or sympathy
-You feel miserable with this person as she is draining the life out of you.

Happy Independence Day!

Above, the statue of Gen. George S. Patton and Willie at the Gen.
Patton Memorial Museum at Chiriaco Summit. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Noel Neill: One Year Anniversary

Above, Noel Neill and George Reeves.

It seems that time accelerates after a friend, acquaintance or family member passes away.

That is certainly the case with the passing of the "original Lois Lane", actress Noel Neill. It was one year ago today that she left this world. It is hard to believe it is now a year.

I attended her celebration of life services last November in Metropolis, Illinois. It was a nice service and the audience was able to see and hear her (including her singing) once again through videos.

Above, Jack Larson and Noel Neill in 2005. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, Noel Neill and Armand at the TV Land Convention in Burbank.

Above, Supervisor Mike Antonovich and Noel Neill at the Superman Week Ceremony
in Los Angeles in 2001. Photo courtesy of the office of Michael D. Antonovich,

Above, the Noel Neill "Lois Lane" statue in Metropolis, Illinois. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, Noel Neill's convention outfit at her memorial service in Metropolis, Illinois. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Tokyo Ranks As "Most Livable City" In Annual Survey

Above, Sensoji in Asakusa, Tokyo. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Tokyo, Japan scored the top spot in an annual survey as being the "most livable city" in the world.

Three other Japanese cities also scored high.

According to RocketNews24:

For the past 11 years, British-based lifestyle magazine Monocle has published a ranking of the most livable cities in the world. The evaluations in the annual Quality of Life Survey draw from factors such as transportation infrastructure, cultural activities, cuisine, housing costs, abundance of public spaces, and business startup climate. 

Germany has the most entries on this year’s list, with four of its cities making the cut. However, Japan was close behind with three cities in the top 25, including the top spot overall.

To see what Japanese cities also scored as "most livable", go here. 

Despite Predictions, Gas Prices Are Lower This Year

Above, a Missouri gas station price sign last year. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Being in California, where gasoline prices are the highest or closest to the highest in the country, I was shocked (but pleasantly so) when I saw gasoline prices under $2.00 per gallon when I went across the country to Metropolis, Illinois last year.

It appears that gasoline prices will be even lower this year, despite the predictions otherwise. One of the predictions of higher gas prices came from RV Life, but they have owned up to their error (happily, I might add).

It generally takes over $120 to fill up my RV gas tank (55 gallons) in California. It averaged around $70-80 on my Metropolis trip to fill up.

RV Life wrote:

In spring, RV Life reported that the gas pump party was over based on the latest U.S. Energy Information Administration gas price forecasts. The experts predicted that U.S. regular gasoline retail prices would climb to about $2.46/gallon (gal) this summer. But today you wouldn’t know that petroleum experts made this prediction. Unless you haven’t filled up your tank lately, you know their guesses were totally wrong. 

Current gas prices are the lowest in twelve years according to CNN Money. Every day since June 2, gas prices have dropped a few cents a day, according to the experts at the American Automobile Association (AAA). CNN reported that for the first time this century, prices at the pump could be cheaper over the July 4 holiday weekend than during the previous Christmas and New Year.

Lower gasoline prices mean that more people will take road trips at less cost.

To read more, go here. 

RV Sales Booming

Above, RVs at Graceland RV Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Independence Day is tomorrow and so far this year the RV industry is having a record year in sales.

According to KARE 11 (Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota):

CLEARWATER, Minn. - The gleaming new campers and motorhomes rolling into the St. Cloud/Clearwater RV Park are as common as mosquitos at a Minnesota cookout. 

“These five are all brand new,” says Scott Shoen as he sits in the midst of the campground, turned new RV showroom. 

Schoen and his friends are among those fueling record sales for the RV industry.
“I think seven of our friends bought new ones this year,” Schoen says as he points to a new fifth-wheel camper. “That one just got picked up at PleasureLand yesterday.” 

It’s part of the trend that’s bringing nothing but happiness to PleasureLand’s sales manager Vinnie Binfeld. 

“It's been insane,” Binfeld says.  

From a 2009 recession low of 165,700 units, national RV sales are expected to top 472,000 this year – a record high.

To read more, go here. 

Avoiding The Crowds At The Grand Canyon

Above, a view of the Grand Canyon with the Desert View Watchtower in the distance. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Last November, I pulled into Grand Canyon National Park mid-morning from the east after having breakfast in Cameron. I made several stops at lookouts along the way, including Desert View.

There were hardly any people around at that time. At Desert View, there were about 20 of us there.

Later, I drove into Grand Canyon Village area and that's when the crowds began to show up. There was still ample parking, but the crowds were beginning to gather around such places as Mather Point and the visitor center. I decided that it was time for me to hit the road.

Condé Nast Traveler has an article that provides great tips on avoiding the crowds at the Grand Canyon.

They begin with:

The UNESCO World Heritage site is one of the most-trafficked national parks—but there is a method to avoiding the masses. 

The Grand Canyon is nearly 300 miles in circumference, but most visitors gather in a few spots. Go off the beaten path, though, and you’ll beat the crowds without sacrificing the experience. Here, the best time to visit the Grand Canyon—and how to avoid the crowds when you do.

To read more, go here.

Eating Etiquette In Japan

Above, a sushi meal in Asakusa, Tokyo. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

If you happen to be contemplating a trip to Japan and wonder about the rules of Japanese eating etiquette, Femina Travel has an article that will help.

They begin with:

When you’re in Japan, you’ve got to dig into the local cuisine. But, it’s important to ensure that you are not offending anyone unintentionally while you’re eating out. Whether it’s using your chopsticks correctly or pouring yourself a glass of water, it’s the little things that go a long way. Fortunately, we’ve got your back – follow these simple rules of Japanese restaurant etiquette and you’ll make a good impression if nothing else.

To read more, go here. 

Grand Canyon "Parkitecture" of Mary Colter

Above, the Desert View Watchtower at the Grand Canyon's South Rim. It
 is considered to be a Mary Colter "masterpiece". Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Architect Mary Colter is finally getting some recognition for her "Parkitecture" of many famous buildings of Grand Canyon National Park.

Thanks to CBS News, we get to learn something about Colter and her designs at the Grand Canyon.

They begin with:

Most of the 5.5 million visitors who pass through Grand Canyon National Park each year come for the views.  And when they inevitably need a break from the majestic scenery, they head inside -- to shop for souvenirs, admire Native American art, and check into the lodge. 

For Ranger Kristen Luetkemeier, the buildings of the Grand Canyon are just as grand as the vistas -- a stunning example of "Parkitecture." 

Knighton asked, "If someone were to come to the Grand Canyon and just look OUT and maybe not turn around and look BACK, do you feel like they'd be missing out on some of the park experience?" 

"I do," Ranger Luetkemeier replied. "I would feel sad for them. The opportunity to be in Grand Canyon Village, among the best collection of Mary Colter buildings in the world, was a real draw for me and something that I was really excited about." 

Mary Colter was the visionary architect behind the Canyon's most recognizable buildings. Born in 1869, Colter was the child of Irish immigrants, and left home at 16 to study interior design in California. 

Above, another view of Desert View Watchtower. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

To read more, go here.

Yosemite's Snowy and Wet Wilderness

Above, the drive through Tuolumne Meadows last year. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Tioga Pass road finally opened last week, but the areas along the road are not like they were at this time of year during the past few years due to one big difference: snow, and lots of it.

 According to the Sierra Sun Times:

July 2, 2017 - The Tioga Road has finally opened, leading many hikers to some of the most tempting trailheads in the country. After a snowy winter, however, even experienced summer wilderness explorers might hit a few bumps (more likely raging rivers) along the trail. 

Big Snowy Winter 

This winter Yosemite received 177% of average snowfall (from the April 1st snow survey). To give some insight, 2016 April snow surveys measured 89%. That means Yosemite, overall, got twice the amount of snow than the year before! To go even further, 2015 April snow surveys only measured 7% of average (25 times less than this winter)! Why are we throwing all these numbers at you? Because...

To see why, go here. 

Weekend In Wildomar

This weekend was spent at my cousin Maria's home in Wildomar where she held her annual Fourth of July party.

I headed down in The Beast Saturday morning. As usual, I stayed overnight in the RV and drove home the next day.

There was lots of food, drink and conversation with family and friends. A good time was had by all.

On the way, I stopped in Norco for breakfast and to wash The Beast's roof. While stitting at the off-ramp, I saw a pro-Trump banner. It appears that the business that put it up is a bar.

Above, in case you can't read the lower portion, it says"Get over it
 Hollywood & Liberals. Flights are still leaving America. Take one."

Above, The Beast in front of Maria and Fred's home. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, Maria leading the way. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, yours truly and Maria.

Above, kids were in the pool all day. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, Fred's Tiki Bar at night. Photo by Armand Vaquer.