Lost Dutchman ECV Spring Clamp-Out

Above, the Golden Reef 10-Stamp Mill. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The Lost Dutchman Chapter's Spring Clamp-out is now history and what good history it was.

The highlight of the trek was the plaque dedication at the Cave Creek (Arizona) Museum for The Golden Reef Mine 10-Stamp Mill, which is the only fully-operational 10-stamp mill in Arizona. The museum's officials fired it up (those of you who are my Facebook friends can see my video of it in operation).

Above, some early arrivals at the Hall of Comparative Ovations. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The chapter also initiated some new members during Saturday's Hall of Comparative Ovations.

The clamp-out was attended by over 200 clampers.

Above, The Beast at the clamp-out. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

We had to have the clamp-site at the residence of Mr. Dooley (he has about 4-5 acres) after the owner of the original clamp-site pulled the rug from under the chapter at the last minute. Nice guy! A big thank-you to the Dooley family for allowing the chapter to camp on his property.

Above, the chapter's store. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Friday night, the chapter served spaghetti for dinner. On Saturday, bacon, eggs and biscuits & gravy were served for breakfast, hamburgers and hot dogs were served for lunch and steaks were served for dinner.

Above, the book I bought at the chapter's store. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, a button of the first clamper elected President of the United States. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I left early Sunday morning before breakfast, so I don't know what they served. I stopped for breakfast at the Twin Arrows Casino Resort that is east of Flagstaff.

Above, a blacksmithing demonstration at the Cave Creek Museum. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The drive wasn't bad until I got into New Mexico and found gusty wind conditions. At least the temperatures are sufficient for the new paint on my outside deck to dry.

Above, proving I was there, yours truly at the blacksmith shack.

All in all, it was a very enjoyable clamp-out. The next Lost Dutchman clamp-out will be in Kingman, Arizona.

More photos:

Above, a saguaro cactus at the Cave Creek Museum. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, a horned lizard bench at the Cave Creek Museum. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the plaque dedication. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the plaque. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the other side of the 10-stamp mill. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Home Again

Above, what greeted me when I returned home. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The Cave Creek, Arizona clamp-out with the Lost Dutchman Chapter of E Clampus Vitus is now history.

It was a very good clamp-out (more on it in another blog post) and well worth the 300+ mile drive each way.

I just got home about 20 minutes ago and the deck looks great after getting re-painted. Right now, it is 65 degrees with 30 m.p.h. winds.

The paint feels very dry to the touch, but if they painted it yesterday, then it would not be prudent to walk on it or anything until tomorrow at the earliest.

Looks a heck of a lot better than before!

Possible Storm Flooding Causes Yosemite Valley To Close

Above, a walkway crosses a Yosemite Valley Meadow. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Yesterday, I blogged about the possibility that some powerful storms may flood Yosemite Valley this weekend.

It was initially reported today that camping reservations at North Pines Campground and some at South Pines Campground in Yosemite Valley were to be canceled this weekend.

Well, officials at Yosemite National Park aren't taking any chances and are closing the entire Yosemite Valley.

According to the Fresno Bee:

Another atmospheric river — unusual for this time of year — is bearing down on California and the Valley, bringing an expectation for significant rain on the Valley floor and the prospect of flooding in the Sierra Nevada. 

Yosemite Valley will be closed to all visitors by 5 p.m. Friday, and all visitors in Yosemite Valley will be asked to leave by that time. Jamie Richards, a spokeswoman for Yosemite National Park, said the road closures will be reassessed Saturday.

To read more, go here. 

Getting Ready For The Weekend

Above, The Beast in front. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The Beast is in a nice level spot to operate the refrigerator in preparation for this weekend's clamp-out in Arizona with the Lost Dutchman Chapter.

Since all meals are being furnished by the chapter, all I am bringing are some "adult beverages" and snacks. I'll be loading up the refrigerator this evening, after the refrigerator is sufficiently cold.

While I am at the clamp-out, the painters will be prepping and painting the deck. They don't need me to forget and stomp all over the wet paint, so this is good timing. They will be starting tomorrow and finishing up Sunday with the deck.

On or about Tuesday or Wednesday of next week, they will be painting the exterior walls.

Make Chief Great Again!

This morning, I took a little jaunt to the Tee Pee Smoke Shop in Lupton, Arizona (at the Arizona-New Mexico border) to pick up some stogies for this weekend's clampout.

I've been there several times before, but not with my Canon camera. This time I brought it and took some photos.

The first stop was just down the road from the Tee Pee Smoke Shop where there are several Navajo gift shops operated by Chief Yellowhorse.

Above, Indian stores at the Arizona-New Mexico border on historic Route 66. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, above the Indian stores, we're being watched from above on the rocks. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the Tee Pee Trading Post that contains the Tee Pee Smoke Shop. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

According to Roadside America, Chief Yellowhorse died September 27, 1999 of a heart attack. But the Chief Yellowhorse Trading Post near the Tee Pee Trading Post (down old Route 66) is still in operation. It is currently operated by the Yellowhorse family.

Above, this section of the Chief Yellowhorse Trading Post operations
 appears to be closed for the season. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the old Chief Yellowhorse fort. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, there are cave dwellings at the Chief Yellowhorse Trading Post. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, tee pees above the cave. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, looking west in Lupton, Arizona on Route 66. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Why is this blog post titled the way it is?

Here's why:

Above, signs to catch the eyes of tourists. Note the third sign from the left. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

After visiting the Chief Yellowhorse landmarks, I headed back into New Mexico on historic Route 66 as far as this stretch of it lasts, before merging into Interstate 40.

Above, the sign on Route 66 welcoming drivers to New Mexico. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Back in Gallup, I stopped at the Navajo Travel Plaza (on Route 66 at Exit 16 of Interstate 40) to pick up something to drink. Inside, a vintage Buick was on display. I asked the clerk if I may take a photo of it. He said okay. (Indians are somewhat touchy about photography in their businesses, so it is best to ask first.)

Above, a 1950 Buick on display at the Navajo Travel Plaza in West Gallup. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Following my stop at the Navajo Travel Plaza, I made a quick stop at the Flying J to check my mail and headed home to pack up for the clampout.

Make Chief Great Again!

I couldn't resist:

Above, "Don't call me Chief!"

Graceland's Archival Vault To Be Opened In HBO Documentary

Above, Graceland in Memphis, Tennessee. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Archival footage and other gems will be revealed to the public for the first time when "Elvis: The Searcher" is premiered on HBO Saturday, April 14.

According to an article in U.S. News & World Report:

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — A new television documentary about Elvis Presley takes advantage of the vast collection of footage, pictures, documents and music from his estate to give a behind-the-scenes look at the king of rock 'n' roll. 

"Elvis Presley: The Searcher," a two-part, three-hour documentary, will premiere April 14 on HBO. Director Thom Zimny, who worked on several Bruce Springsteen documentaries, had full access to Graceland's vault and made ample use of it to unearth little-seen footage. 

"That was one of the exciting parts because every day I was discovering new gems of Elvis Presley's archives," Zimny said. 

"He came up with pieces of footage that Priscilla and I had never seen before, and we grew up with Elvis," said Jerry Schilling, one of Elvis' longtime friends and an executive producer on the documentary along with Priscilla Presley, his ex-wife. 

Along with his family and friends, Zimny interviewed studio musicians, producers, engineers and directors, as well as artists like Springsteen, Tom Petty and Emmylou Harris. Zimny uses only voiceovers for the narration instead of seeing the interviewees' faces to keep the focus on the music and footage of Elvis over his career.

Since I don't have HBO, I'll be staying at a hotel in Gallup to watch the documentary.

To read more, go here. 

Deck Work To Begin Shortly

Above, the deck will be repainted within the next week or two. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Bids were obtained for repainting the deck (it really needs it) and front porch and I have chosen one of them. They will be starting within a week or two. They may even start this weekend while I am at the clampout. That will be firmed up today.

Along with the deck and porch, I am also having two exterior walls to the house and two exterior walls of the garage repainted. The walls all face the sun and are cracking and curling. 

He guesses that the last time the deck was painted was around fifteen years ago. 

The whole project is a lot cheaper than I originally thought (which is a big relief). The deck and porch work also includes shoring up some loose boards and other minor repairs. The painter I chose included this work in his bid, which I consider to be "above and beyond the call of duty."

This will be this year's project. Next year, I will have interior work done. Since the exterior is exposed to the elements, it is best to get that taken care of first.

UPDATE:

The work will begin tomorrow on the deck. It should be completed by Monday. The house exterior painting should begin this coming Tuesday or Wednesday. Good thing I'm going on a clamp-out tomorrow for the weekend. That way, I won't have to worry about forgetting about it and accidentally stomp in wet paint.

Aramark Subsidiary Wins Crater Lake Concession Contract

Above, Crater Lake's Rim Village Cafe and Gift Shop. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The bidding is over and a new concession contract has been won by a subsidiary of Aramark for Crater Lake National Park in Oregon.

Television station KTVZ reported:

CRATER LAKE NATIONAL PARK, Ore. - The National Park Service announced Tuesday the selection of Crater Lake Hospitality, LLC, a subsidiary of Aramark, to operate visitor services at Crater Lake National Park and Oregon Caves National Monument and Preserve. The concessioner will operate lodging, a campground, boat tours, food service, and retail at Crater Lake and operate a lodge, food service, and retail at Oregon Caves.

The concession contract, awarded through a competitive selection process, combines two currently separate operations under one contract. This commercial operation will provide a significant portion of the services visitors seek at these parks, and is critical to providing a positive visitor experience. The visitor services include the management of two lodges in the grand National Park Lodge tradition, the Crater Lake Lodge and the Oregon Caves Chateau.  

Thank God it wasn't awarded to Delaware North!

To read more, go here. 

Powerful Storms May Flood Yosemite This Weekend

Above, Tenaya Creek in Yosemite Valley in 2016. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It looks like Yosemite National Park is bracing itself for the possibility that this weekend's rainstorms may flood Yosemite Valley.

The Fresno Bee reported:

Yosemite Valley could be flooded by storms expected to hit the central San Joaquin Valley and Sierra Nevada on Friday and Saturday. 

Meteorologists with the National Weather Service in Hanford are anticipating the Merced River to rise above the Pohono Bridge in Yosemite Valley. 

If that happens, park spokesman Scott Gediman said Yosemite Valley roads and campgrounds could be closed. Officials are still monitoring the weather and won't likely have a decision about potential closures until Thursday or Friday.

To read more, go here. 

Send Birthday Greetings To David Hedison

Diane Kachmar, biographer of actor David Hedison, posted the following on Facebook:

Now that we are all stuffed on our Easter candy and have had our (various) celebrations, I would like to announce that I'm opening the window to receive paper birthday cards for David for his 91st birthday on May 20. David's instructions to me for forwarding his mail are: NO gifts, no free autograph requests, no inappropriate letters and Diane has to open and read everything before she can send it. 

I would like you to send David upbeat, clean cards, he's is going to be 91. So if you would like to mail David a paper birthday card (he's not on-line, so posting on Facebook doesn't get to him) send it to: 

David Hedison
c/o Diane Kachmar
779 Carissa Drive
Royal Palm Beach, FL 33411-3412 USA. 

All the cards I receive will be mailed out May 12, so they get there in time. 

Diane

Above, Armand with David Hedison at the 2010 Monsterpalooza.

Why L.A.'s Potholes Aren't Getting Repaired

Street Artists in Los Angeles put up street signs this week across the city calling out the City Council on their sanctuary city policies.

The signs warned against potholes and read “REPAIR FUNDS Diverted To Subsidize Welfare For Illegal Aliens Thanks To Your City Council Members” and listed City Council members Gil Cedillo, Paul Koretz, Herb Wesson, Mike Bonin and Jose Huizar.

More Than 1,000 Yellowstone Bison Culled

Above, grazing bison in Yellowstone National Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Officials at Yellowstone National Park said that they have met and exceeded their goals of culling bison from the park.

According to the Bozeman Daily Chronicle:

More than 1,100 Yellowstone bison have been removed from the population, a total that surpassed bison managers’ reduction goals for the winter. 

Yellowstone National Park spokeswoman Morgan Warthin said Monday that a total of 1,155 bison had been removed, a number that goes beyond the range of between 600 and 900 that officials agreed to this winter. Bison capture is now over. 

In a statement, park officials said they expect there will be roughly 4,300 bison in the park after this spring’s calving season. The statement said that will meet an agency goal of a population of less than 4,500 bison for the first time since 2012. 

Wildlife managers try to reduce the number of bison each year because of a multi-agency agreement that calls for a population of about 3,000. Park officials estimated the total at about 4,800 last fall. 

Bison are culled through hunting and ship-to-slaughter. Meat from slaughtered bison is distributed to Native American tribes.

To read more, go here.

Getting Deck Painting Estimates

Above, the deck as it is now. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The first painting company will be coming over this afternoon to do an estimate to re-paint the outside deck.

I have contacted several and this one was available today to do an estimate. 

If he is reasonable enough, I might have him also do an estimate on the interior walls (I'm saving that project for next year) and several of the exterior walls were there's some peeling. If he's reasonable on the deck and the cost on the exterior walls, I may just do them and the deck at the same time. 

The deck has to be done when it is warmer out, maybe early to mid-May.

Smoking Banned At Hiroshima's Peace Memorial Park

Above, Peace Memorial Park in Hiroshima. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Locals and tourists who want to light one up at Peace Memorial Park in Hiroshima are now out of luck.

News On Japan reported:

Hiroshima has completely banned smoking in the city's Peace Memorial Park, which is visited by tourists from all over the world. 

A revised ordinance that completely bans smoking in the park came into force on Sunday. 

Ashtrays in 4 former smoking areas were covered, and cones were set up around them to make it clear that they are now off-limits.

To read more, go here.

UFO Over Arizona?

My "honorary sister" sent me these video links of radio transmissions of planes encountering a UFO over Arizona:

TIME
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yp2IjCUcfRw

FOX News
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jwEXCMdx298

Washington POST
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yc2mAMjb7w4

other source
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k1Tkn60ynYI
Trident missile launch? 

Maybe we'll see the UFO at the clamp-out in Arizona this weekend.

Interior Department Backs Away From National Park Fee Hike

Above, Lower Yellowstone Fall. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Last October, an idea was floated to increase entrance fees to some of the most popular national parks to deal with the $11 billion national park maintenance backlog that has accumulated over years.

Well, it looks like that idea won't be coming to pass.

The Washington Post reported:

Interior Department officials are backing away from a plan to dramatically increase entrance fees at the most popular national parks after receiving more than 100,000 public comments from Americans nearly unanimously opposed to the idea. 

In October, Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke proposed to increase peak-season entrance fees at 17 parks from $25 to $70 — the largest hike since World War II. Joshua Tree National Park in California, where the peak season starts in January, would have been the first to charge the higher rate, followed by a dozen other parks where visitation peaks in May and June. The cost of riding a motorcycle into the parks would have risen to $50, and walking or biking in would have cost $30.  

But as temperatures climb and parks prepare for another season of potentially record-breaking visitation, Interior and National Park Service officials are rethinking the plan based on public comments that inundated the NPS website over an abbreviated 30-day period.

To read more, go here. 

New Plate

Above, the new plate. I think the chile plates are cool. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It is funny that once someone moves out of the People's Republic of Commiefornia, they find that other states have much more reasonable pricing on goods and services.

Such was the case today when I went to the Motor Vehicles office in Gallup this morning to title and register the Mustang.

To renew the Mustang's registration in California, it cost me $129.

To title and register the Mustang for the first time in New Mexico, it cost me a "whopping total" of just $40!

Additionally, the clerk asked me what plate did I want. There are three styles to choose from: yellow, turquoise or chile. Since I love chile, I opted for the chile license plate. I think they look cool! Only yellow plates are available for RVs.

As a retiree, I am finding that the cost of living in New Mexico to be much for favorable than California.

I have installed the new plate on the Mustang and the "alien" plate on the front. I guess these makes me official!

Clampin' This Weekend

This coming weekend will be my first clampout with the Arizona/New Mexico Lost Dutchman Chapter of E Clampus Vitus.

It is being held in Cave Creek, Arizona, which is a five-hour drive from J-town (that's Jamestown for those of you from Rio Linda). I will likely leave early in the morning (about 0600) so I can get to the clampsite by around noon.

I just checked the weather for Cave Creek and the temperatures will be in the 80s. Perfect clampin' weather!

Sierra will be minding the house while I am gone clampin'.

Now I Can Register The Mustang

Above, my "alien" plate. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Finally, after weeks of hassle with California's Department of Motor Vehicles, I am now able to register the Mustang in New Mexico.

I still am having hassles with the California DMV, but luckily for me, I found the title (pink slip) for the Mustang as I was looking for something else the other day.

So today I will be heading into Gallup to get the registration done. Once done, I can put on my new New Mexico license plate and, since they don't require a plate for the front bumper, my "alien" plate. I could leave the front bumper "empty", but I would rather have something there than to leave a blank space.

RV Buyers Guide

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RVs: New or Used?

Above, this is definitely used and for sale. Obviously, you wouldn't want to buy it. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

When I was on the market for a RV three years ago, I didn't even consider buying used. I figured that I didn't want to "inherit" someone else's problems and I wanted a RV that was new and fully warrantied.

Plus, I had the money to afford it. I looked around and settled on the Winnebago Minnie Winnie 22R.

Now, three years later, I don't regret my decision and purchase. It has been problem-free. The only "problem" was that the bathroom roof vent cover glued itself shut and the cranking mechanism gave way when I tried opening it. It was fixed under warranty.

There are those of "my generation" who are retired or about to retire and are considering buying a RV.

Should they buy new or used?

Do It Yourself RV argues for buying used. I don't necessarily agree with them, although they do have made good points.

The begin with:

So you have made the decision to buy an RV and now the search is on for the perfect rig, but are you going to go for a new or used RV? 

There are many things to consider like your personal preference, style, brand, reviews, ratings, floor plan, color, amount of people in your family, length, slides or no slides, Class C Class A, fifth wheel, or trailer… it’s enough to make your head spin. And then there is the biggest factor of all: MONEY. 

For most people money usually rules the roost when buying an RV, so the decision of how much to spend will likely be a big part in the deciding factor on which rig you’ll be driving and traveling in. 

The amount that some of these Class A and fifth wheels are going for can be enough to have you running off the dealer’s lot, but lucky for you there is another option that is much less expensive and in our opinion results in a much better overall RVing experience… buying a used RV. 

We have been living full-time in an RV for four years now and have never owned a brand new RV, or a brand new anything for that matter. When it came time to buy our first RV there was never a thought about where or how we were going to buy it. 

It was going to be a used RV and bought directly from the owner. The amount of used RVs out in the market for sale is probably the same or even more as the amount of new RVs for sale, so finding the right rig wasn’t a problem for us and shouldn’t be a problem for you. 

We understand that there are some people who just love to buy new things that are modern and shiny and come with a warranty, and if that’s your thing then good for you! Go for it! But if you are looking for the best deal on a dependable rig (or are just curious because you can’t imagine why anyone would WANT to buy a used RV over a new RV) then read on and we’ll share with you our used RV wisdom.

To read more, go here. 

The Faces On Your Yen

Above, Japanese yen bills. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Have you been to Japan and took a good look at the Japanese currency (i.e., paper bills) and wondered who the faces on the bills are?

Well, you're now in luck as Gaijinpot.com has an article explaining who each person is whose face appears on the yen bills.

They begin with:

Back in 2004, facing a sharp spike in counterfeit activity due to advances in computer technology, Japan decided to give its three major bills, well… a face lift. Newly peppered with “holograms, watermarks, and special inks” to prevent copying, the new notes were also created to flush out all the “mattress money” citizens had in savings. To do this, new faces were necessary. 

We start with a bacteriologist whose statue can be seen near the National Science Museum within Ueno Park in Tokyo…

To read more, go here. 

Easter Sunday

Above, one of my four-legged neighbors, a llama. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Easter morning breakfast was spent down at Denny's at the Flying J.

Above, the Flying J. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

My "Easter egg" was in the form of an omelette.

Speaking of the Flying J, besides Denny's and Subway, the travel center now includes a Cinnabon!

Above, the gas pumps were busy this morning. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

After breakfast, I decided to cruise around the neighborhood. I stopped in front of one residence where, in their yard, were some animals (including a llama).

Above, the llama's companions. After all, this is horse country. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Happy Easter!

"Child" David Hogg Can Dish It Out But Can't Take It

Above, this cartoon sums things up perfectly.

Leftist stooge David Hogg has been all over the liberal news media and the Internet spewing his bile and spleen, but when he gets blowback, he gets upset.

A good example:

Commentator Laura Ingraham apparently said something to offend "Boss Hogg", after which she apologized.

However, Hogg is having none of it. He condemns "mudslinging" and hides behind the fact that he and his friends are "children". He has engaged in mudslinging against President Trump (calling him a "draft dodger"), Senator Marco Rubio, the NRA and, can you believe it (?), Senator John McCain! He also has given obscenity-laden interviews on television.

He even decided to go after Ingraham's advertisers, which is a typical Leftist tactic (wonder who is coaching him?):

As former talk show host David Gold said about Ingraham's apology:

You don't apologize to puppets of Soros and Media Matters. Blood in the water. 

I will stand with Laura Ingraham everyday before I stand with the anti gun communist in the making David Hogg. This kid has injected himself everywhere, lecturing us on firearms, spewing his anti gun rhetoric, but once he gets made fun of, he pushes for boycotts.

What a punk 

....We all embraced them after the Parkland shooting. Whatever good will they may have engendered is gone with me. This kid, David Hogg cusses up a storm. Thinks it gains them street cred. I call it obnoxi...

"Child" or not, if Hogg is willing to put himself out into the media and dish out his venom, then he is asking for in-kind responses. (Where are his parents?) He has made himself fair game! 

He sure can dish it out, but can't take it!

NRA Buys YouTube

Above, Wayne LaPierre is all smiles following the signing of the purchase agreement.

The National Rifle association apparently switched tactics over its dispute with YouTube in censoring (i.e., removing) their gun safety videos.

The NRA bought YouTube.

According to the CMS News Service:

A deal was finalized last evening between the National Rifle Association and Alphabet, Inc. in which the gun rights organization bought the video-sharing website. 

The purchase price has not been disclosed. 

Google and YouTube are both units of the Mountain View, California-based Alphabet Inc.

Wayne LaPierre, Executive Vice President of the NRA said that this deal will remove the unfair practices of YouTube by the current regime.

If you can't beat 'em, buy 'em!

To read more, go here.