Father's Day and Summer

Above, got my Trump hat!

Tomorrow is Father's Day. Monday is the Summer Solstice.

Amber and I are planning to visit the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Air Force One tomorrow in Simi Valley for Father's Day. They currently have a temporary exhibit, "Treasures of the Vatican", which, although I am not a Catholic, I think will be interesting to see. This will be our first visit there since former First Lady Nancy Reagan passed away. She is entombed at the library with her husband.

Monday marks the Summer Solstice, which (for the unsophisticated) is the first day of the summer season. It is already hot in the San Fernando Valley. According to my Weather Channel app on my phone, it is 95 degrees Fahrenheit outside in Tarzana.

The summer will bring to television views the political conventions and the general election campaign will begin. It will probably be a rough campaign. I have my campaign paraphernalia for Donald Trump (including the famous "Let's Make America Great Again" baseball cap). Trump may not be a polished or anywhere near the "perfect" candidate, but he alternative of electing Hillary Clinton to the White House is unthinkable, especially after the disasterous eight years of Obama.

Amber and I are planning on heading up the California coast in The Beast to the Monterey-Carmel area for this year's vacation. We have yet to decide when to go. We'll have to decide soon so that reservations can be made for campgrounds and RV parks.

Mt. Fuji-Shizuoka Area Tourist Pass Mini

Above, a ferry on Lake Ashii. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Some of the most scenic areas of Japan is the Mount Fuji-Shizuoka area of Japan.

G-TOUR 2004 paid a visit there, which included going to one of the Fifth Stations on Mount Fuji, a fireworks festival at Lake Kawaguchi, an overnight stay in Hakone and a boat ride on Lake Ashii.

Above, the fireworks festival at Lake Kawaguchi in 2004. Photo from video by Armand Vaquer.

The Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) as a new tourist pass for the Mount Fuji-Shizuoka area.

They announced:

Central Japan Railway Company successfully launched the Takayama-Hokuriku Area Tourist Pass and Alpine-Takayama-Matsumoto Area Tourist Pass in efforts to attract more overseas tourists to the Shoryudo region of Japan. 

The newly-launched Mt-Fuji-Shizuoka Area Tourist Pass Mini allows overseas visitors to tour the Shizuoka area focusing on Mt Fuji. 

Enjoy a trip to Shizuoka, full of great tourist attractions and feast your eyes on the magnificent Mt Fuji while taking rail, bus and ferry.

Above, a view of Mount Fuji from the shinkansen. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I am planning a return visit to the Mount Fuji-Hakone area during my next Japan trip, so this will come in quite handy!

For more information on the tourist pass, go here.

With Bikers

Above, the bikes, all Harleys. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Last night was spent hanging out with Dawn, her sister and friends, who just happen to be bikers. It was an enjoyable time and the guys livened things up.

You may wonder how would I get along with bikers? Well, it was not too difficult. They were pretty much in my age group and are actually nice guys. They were not Hell's Angels types by any means. One reminded me of my cousin's husband.

In high school, as I didn't have a car at the time, I had friends who were surfers and low-riders. Therefore, I wasn't stuck at home. It worked out great. So hanging with bikers was almost a natural for me. I generally get along with anyone.

It wasn't the first time I hung with bikers. 26 years ago, we went on a camping vacation to the Black Hills of South Dakota to see Mount Rushmore. During that time, the annual biker rally in Sturgis, South Dakota was being held. If I remember correctly, it was the 50th anniversary of the Sturgis rally. We were at the Mount Rushmore KOA and the place was virtually taken over by bikers. I mingled and had a few beers with some and had an enjoyable time.

Baggage Forwarding Service Frees Up Japan Tourists

Above, our train to Osaka arrives at Atami Station. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Last year, when we visited Japan, our original plan was to go from Atami to Osaka with a quick stopover in Nagoya to see Nagoya Castle (featured in Mothra vs. Godzilla in 1964).

What stopped that idea was that I was unsure (despite much checking around) that Nagoya Station had lockers or facilities to store our luggage while we were wandering around. I also considered a luggage forwarding service. I inquired with the innkeeper at the ryokan we stayed at in Atami if such a service were available. Well, I didn't get much of a response, so we dropped the idea of stopping in Nagoya. Who wants to drag around big suitcases while exploring?

But, as you can see from the following snippet by News On Japan, baggage forwarding services are growing in Japan.

They wrote:

A growing number of service centers support "hands-free tourism," accepting baggage such as suitcases and souvenirs and delivering them to accommodation facilities and airports on the same day. 

Although the service is geared toward foreign tourists visiting Japan, it is also available for use by Japanese people.Why not give it a try if you're planning to travel domestically? 

In the spring of 2014, Sagawa Express Co. opened its Tokyo Service Center in Tokyo Station. From early in the morning, tourists hauling large suitcases visit the center one after another. In addition to storing baggage at a daily rate of ¥800, they also deliver baggage to Haneda Airport or any ryokan or hotel within Tokyo's 23 wards on the same day if it is brought in by 11 a.m.

To read more, go here.

Rent A Recreational Vehicle This Summer?

Above, rental units at El Monte RV in Van Nuys. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Summer vacation season has started and families are hitting the road to visit beaches, state parks and national parks. The national parks will be busy this summer as 2016 marks the centennial of the National Park Service and they will be celebrating accordingly.

If you do not own your own RV, but want to try out the "RV lifestyle", then renting one is an option to consider.

As this is the peak summer travel season, many rental companies will have their units already booked. But, you may get lucky if someone cancels at the last minute.

But, this is just to give you an idea on renting an RV. Personally, my family only rented a 16' travel trailer back in 1975 and went to Mesa Verde National Park with it.

The two bigger RV rental companies are CruiseAmerica and El Monte RV. Amber and I saw a lot of rental motorhomes from both companies last year in Yellowstone. I paid a visit to El Monte RV today in Van Nuys, California as I was in the area. Earlier today, I was putting the tire and windshield covers on The Beast and my neighbor came over and inquired about RV renting. I told him what I knew about it and said I would stop by El Monte RV to get him some information. (I gave him the information just minutes ago.)

El Monte RV in Van Nuys rents out Class C motorhomes (those are the ones built on van chassis with a cabover bed). They also have two Class A RVs (those are the big bus ones). Their rates begin at $250/day for the Class Cs and up to $600/day for the Class As. The Class C motorhomes range from 25' to 28'. They also have small travel trailers for rent.

Before renting a motorhome, check with your auto insurance carrier first to see if they would cover it. If not, El Monte RV will provide limited insurance coverage at $30/day. They also charge for miles in "blocks". For example, a "block" of 100 miles will cost $29. They also have a $.32/mile rate.

If you want them to dump the holding tanks after you return the unit, they will charge a dumping fee of $25. Dumping holding tanks is not difficult, provided you have a dump station available to use. You may want to do it yourself and save the $25.

Before renting a motorhome, consider the dates you want to rent one. They said that things slow down considerably in September. Generally, the smaller units are booked up first to September.

Additionally, El Monte RV also sells former rental units. I saw a Class C for $29,000 on their lot.

For more information from El Monte RV, their toll-free number is (800) 337-1630. Their website is www.elmonterv.com.

A Nice Thank-You Note

As a thank-you for being my "Jiminy Cricket" during times of turmoil and whom I've dubbed my "honorary sister", I sent Diane an autographed copy of Clint Hill's and Lisa McCubbin's Five Presidents. 

Along with that, I also sent her a copy of The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan.

Although she was pleased with the Five Presidents book, she seems more impressed with the travel guide. As she emailed me this last night:

And so hath mine!  Thank you SO much!!!!  And I really appreciate the copy of your book too :-)))))  I just had a chance to glance through it and was fascinated by some of the detail that you thought to add in.  Typhoon season, the maps and the currency are fabulous ideas!  But I just saw the last page and love the Clamper thinking of letting people know there are intentional mistakes in there - too cool :-))))))

It's kind of exciting to see pictures of the places you've sent before and the explanations of what they are about.  I almost feel like, "Oh!  I know that place!"    I'd be terrified going over that Saikai Bridge though.  Whoops, flipped to Shima Pearl - that's worse.

Very, very cool though!  I had no idea of what you could possibly put into a book on monsters, especially G, that would interest so many people, but frankly, even as a monster-ignoramus, I find the information very interesting.  Egads.  Just flipped to Yokahama Bay Bridge.  I'd have a nervous breakdown there!  Well, I always knew you had talent, so not surprising :-))))

Thank you so much again!  A little thank you will be heading your way.  Expect something by way of slight thank you coming for Miss Sierra Vaquer.  Of course, you are free to open it too - after all, we are human can openers for them ;-)

Foreign Tourism To Japan Growing At Fastest Pace

Above, the Shibuya 109 department store. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The tourist numbers to Japan for 2016 rose at the fastest pace ever, according to government sources.

Japan Today reported:

TOKYO —The number of foreign visitors to Japan has been increasing at the fastest pace this year, with more than 10 million already visiting the country as of June 5, the head of the Japan Tourism Agency says. 

It is the fourth consecutive year that the figure has topped 10 million, with the milestone reached this year at the earliest point on record, agency commissioner Akihiko Tamura said at a press conference Wednesday. 

If the number continues to increase at the current pace, the annual figure is expected to top 20 million this year, beating the record 19.74 million foreign visitors Japan saw in 2015. 

The government-run Japan National Tourism Organization estimates 1,893,600 foreigners visited Japan last month, up 15.3% from a year earlier and a record for May.

To read more, go here. 

My Book Arrived

My personalized autographed book, Five Presidents by former Secret Service Agent Clint Hill and Lisa McCubbin arrived in today's mail.

I had pre-ordered it, not knowing if I would be able to attend their appearance at Book Passage in Corte Madera or if the line would be too long for me to wait. It turned out the latter was true.

Above, Sierra had to take a closer look. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

As you can see from the second photo, my cat Sierra is interested in the book and had to take an up-close look for herself.

Above, Clint Hill and Lisa McCubbin at Book Passage. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Yellowstone Making News...Again

Above, a mother black bear and cub at Yellowstone. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It seems that Yellowstone National Park is making a lot of news over the past few weeks. Amber and I visited the park last summer.

First, a baby bison had to be euthanized because some tourists took it and put it in their car to take it to park officials as it was separated from its mother.

Next, a 23-year-old man slipped and fell into a hot spring at Norris Geyser Basin after leaving the safety walkway. The hot spring was over 400 degrees Fahrenheit and acidic. His body was literally dissolved.

Now, a video has been uploaded of a bear opening a tourist's car door, terrifying the occupants inside.

To see the video, go here.

10 Million Foreign Tourists Visit Japan In First 6 Months

Above, a yakatabune party boat moored on the Sumida River in Tokyo. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Japan's tourism boom continues, despite the recent downturn in the exchange rate between the U.S. dollar (and other currencies) and the Japanese yen.

This week, the U.S. dollar hit the ¥105/dollar range,

But, the good news is that the numbers of foreign tourists has hit 10 million during the first six months of 2016.

The Japan Times reported:

The number of overseas visitors to Japan has been increasing at a faster pace than record-breaking last year, with more than 10 million coming to the country in the first six months of this year, sources said Tuesday. 

It took about seven months to reach the 10 million threshold in 2015 when a record 19.74 million foreigners visited Japan. If the number increases at the current pace, it is likely the annual figure will top 20 million this year, the sources said.

That's if the exchange rates between the yen and foreign currencies improves. We shall see.

To read more, go here. 

The Beast Repaired and Clean

Above, while The Beast was being worked on. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The Beast is all repaired.

I took it in to Niel's RV in North Hills this morning and got the new passenger rear side marker light replaced. I had crunched it with a pole I couldn't see.

Above, the flag is half-staff at Niel's RV in honor of
 the Orlando shooting victims. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The part came in yesterday and set an appointment with Niel's for this morning.

Following the completion of the repair work, I headed off to the coin-operated car wash and gave The Beast a bath. A lot of tiny bugs were squished on the side view mirrors.

Above, the new light. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

So now The Beast is as good and clean as new.

Above, all repaired and cleaned. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

At least until the next camping trek.

Japan Shopping Basics

Above, shopping in Shibuya. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

No matter where anyone goes on vacation, shopping is one of those must-do activities tourists indulge in.

This is especially true for visitors to Japan. Besides seeing things and consuming quantities of Japanese cuisine, shopping is a favorite activity.

Tokyo Cheapo has some tips for beginners before they go out on shopping sprees:

After getting off the plane some of the first things you are going to want to do are hit the bathroom, find your train, and maybe hit up a convenience store to find supplies or food. When friends or family who are new to Tokyo visit me, I remember again how important learning the small nuances of daily shopping can be. For anyone new to Japan (or who is having family visit), here are a few ways to prepare yourself for the potential culture shock you might experience, along with a few tips to follow, while shopping in Japan.

To see what tips they have to offer, go here.

Yokohama In Tokyo's Shadow

Above, the Yokohama waterfront. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Visitors to Japan are missing out a lot if they bypass a visit to Yokohama. 

For monster fans, Yokohama was used as a battlefield in two Godzilla movies over the past two decades.

First, it was featured in Godzilla vs. Mothra (1991) during a battle between the Big G, Mothra and Battra.

Second, it was used in Godzilla, Mothra and King Ghidorah: Giant Monsters All-Out Attack (2001).

The port area of Yokohama is still easily recognizable to monster fans.

According to Inside Japan Tours:

The bustling city of Yokohama, the second-largest in Japan, is quite often overlooked in favor of its big brother, Tokyo. Given that one pretty much runs into the other, this isn’t too surprising. What is surprising, though, is how many visitors end up giving Yokohama a complete miss. Such a shame, as it has history and attractions to spare and is a great alternative to a day in Tokyo! Let’s shed some light on Yokohama, the city in Tokyo’s shadow. 

As one of the three ports opened to foreigners after Japan’s centuries of isolation, Yokohama has an interesting and unique relationship with the West. Opened in 1859, Yokohama quickly transformed from a sleepy fishing village into an international base of foreign trade. Indeed, Japan was quick to reap the benefits of Western technology, with Yokohama being the first place in the country to have a daily newspaper, gas powered streetlamps, and a railway line. 

Even today, Yokohama enjoys the reputation of being one of Japan’s most international and cutting-edge cities. That doesn’t mean, however, that it hasn’t preserved its rich history. Let’s take a look at a few spots around the city to truly make your visit a memorable one.

To read more, go here. 

Kyushu Tourism Still Struggling

Above, Kumamoto Station. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

As it happened in the aftermath of the Great East Japan Earthquake, the recent quakes in Kyushu has put a damper on foreign tourism.

News On Japan reported:

Tourism continues to struggle in southwestern Japan two months after major earthquakes, with hotel guests in Kumamoto and Oita prefectures at only 60% of normal levels in late May. 

The sector is a key industry in the Kyushu region, which includes the two prefectures. Expectations are growing that the central government will come to the aid of affected businesses.

The Tohoku region of northeast Japan still hasn't seen a full recovery in foreign tourism.

To read more, go here.

Winnebago Part Arrives From Lichtsinn RV!

Above, the replacement light fixture. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

As I posted last Friday, I couldn't see a small pole in the campsite I was backing The Beast into at Marin RV Park. I crunched the side marker light to pieces.

After I finished setting up camp, I called Lichtsinn RV in Forest City, Iowa for a replacement light fixture. I ordered it right then and there.

Surprisingly, the complete fixture and bulb was under $5.00 (actually $2.35).

Above, the crunched fixture. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Well, the part arrived today. Talk about fast service! I am very impressed with Lichtsinn RV. They are the closest Winnebago dealer to the Winnebago factory (just up the road). I've heard that they are a good dealership. Now I'm convinced of it!

I have a morning appointment at a local RV service center to have the new fixture installed.

What?! A Year Already?

Above, the storefront of the Dearly Departed Tour. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

A "memory" notification was posted on my Facebook page of an event that took place a year ago today. It asked if I wanted to share it. I did.

I was a little stunned by this as it doesn't seem like a year had passed. It was when my daughter Amber got us on the "Dearly Departed Hollywood, A Tragical History Tour" around Hollywood and Los Angeles as a Father's Day gift.

Above, the tour at the apartment where Bela Lugosi died in 1956. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The tour took us to places where Hollywood celebrities met their deaths and where others also met their untimely ends. We also visited the graves of several celebrities.

Above,some items for sale at the Dearly Departed store. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I knew it had been a few months since we took the tour, but it seems so fresh that I find it incredible that it was a year ago. It is amazing how fast a year had flown by!

Above, the doorway where actress Rebecca Schaeffer was gunned down. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

We did another death-related activity in January. We visited the Museum of Death in Hollywood (and Amoeba Music across the street). I may have the two confused or "blended together" in my memory banks. Yes, my daughter takes after me in liking weird or offbeat things to do.

Here is the first of several write-ups on the tour.

My Book Buys At Book Passage

Above, two books I bought for myself. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

While at Book Passage in Corte Madera in Marin County over the weekend to attend the talk by former Secret Service Agent Clint Hill and journalist Lisa McCubbin, I made a few purchases of books.

I picked up three autographed copies of Hill's and McCubbin's Five Presidents. One for daughter Amber, one for "honorary sister" Diane and one for myself. I pre-ordered a personalized/autographed copy of the book, figuring that I may not have been able to attend or if I did attend, the crowd would be too large to get a signature. It turned out I was right. There was a very long line and I had to make my way back to the Los Banos KOA Kampground, 125 miles away. I bought myself an extra copy.

Above, the autographs by Hill and McCubbin. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

For Amber, I also got her a copy of Wild by Cheryl Strayed (about her experience in hiking the Pacific Crest Trail).

For myself, I also bought a copy of Five Days In November by Hill and McCubbin. I began reading it two nights ago and now almost finished.

I'll be heading to the Tarzana Post Office to mail Diane her copy of Five Presidents.

12 Things You Should Know About Japan Before Going There

Above, the Godzilla statue at Toho Studios in the Setagaya section of Tokyo. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

If you are planning a first visit to Japan or just need a refresher, Australia's Herald Sun has 12 things tourists should know before going there.

They begin with:

AFTER stepping foot in Japan you’ll quickly notice that there are rules, both written and unwritten, that everyone seems to know and follow. 

Don’t be caught out by surprise. Here are some top tips that will come in handy for anyone visiting for the first time.

To see what they are, go here.

Trump Statement On Orlando Terrorist Attack

DONALD J. TRUMP STATEMENT REGARDING TRAGIC TERRORIST ATTACK IN ORLANDO, FLORIDA

Last night, our nation was attacked by a radical Islamic terrorist. It was the worst terrorist attack on our soil since 9/11, and the second of its kind in 6 months. My deepest sympathy and support goes out to the victims, the wounded, and their families.

In his remarks today, President Obama disgracefully refused to even say the words 'Radical Islam'. For that reason alone, he should step down. If Hillary Clinton, after this attack, still cannot say the two words 'Radical Islam' she should get out of this race for the Presidency.

If we do not get tough and smart real fast, we are not going to have a country anymore. Because our leaders are weak, I said this was going to happen – and it is only going to get worse. I am trying to save lives and prevent the next terrorist attack. We can't afford to be politically correct anymore.

The terrorist, Omar Mir Saddique Mateen, is the son of an immigrant from Afghanistan who openly published his support for the Afghanistani Taliban and even tried to run for President of Afghanistan. According to Pew, 99% of people in Afghanistan support oppressive Sharia Law.

We admit more than 100,000 lifetime migrants from the Middle East each year. Since 9/11, hundreds of migrants and their children have been implicated in terrorism in the United States.

Hillary Clinton wants to dramatically increase admissions from the Middle East, bringing in many hundreds of thousands during a first term – and we will have no way to screen them, pay for them, or prevent the second generation from radicalizing.

We need to protect all Americans, of all backgrounds and all beliefs, from Radical Islamic Terrorism - which has no place in an open and tolerant society. Radical Islam advocates hate for women, gays, Jews, Christians and all Americans. I am going to be a President for all Americans, and I am going to protect and defend all Americans. We are going to make America safe again and great again for everyone.

- Donald J. Trump

Tour Tokyo and Kyoto In Six Minutes

Above, Kinkaku-ji in Kyoto. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

How would you like to take a tour of both Tokyo and Kyoto and it would only take you six minutes to do so? We took a tour of Kyoto last October, but that took about four hours to complete.

Travel + Leisure has just the thing for you:

The sad truth is you can't visit 24 locations around Kyoto and Tokyo in six minutes. Physically and mentally, that wouldn't be ideal anyway—no time for snapshots or people watching! But if you're sitting at your desk looking for a way to break the day up a little bit, videographer Mark Ledford has an option for you. On his last 13-day trip around Japan, he pulled footage from his time in Kyoto and Tokyo. Above, check out six minutes of daydream worthy scenes.

To take the tour, go here.

Two Reviews Posted At RV Park Reviews

Above, The Beast at Marin RV Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

My reviews of the Los Banos West I-5 KOA and the Marin RV Park have been posted at RV Park Reviews.

For the Marin RV Park, go here.

For the Los Banos KOA, go here.

Blowin' In The Wind

Above, the main building of the Los Banos KOA. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Due to the gusty winds here in Los Banos, I've been up for the past two hours.

The winds are strong enough to shake The Beast. That, along with the noise from the blowing trees, woke me up.

I am trying to decide whether to pack up (won't have much to pack up) and head on the road to L.A. or wait a few hours for the winds to die down (if they even do). Driving an RV through cross-winds is not fun and it can be dangerous. I've seen many big rigs toppled over through the years from strong wind gusts. It is easier to drive through windy conditions at slower speeds, but it takes longer to get out of windy areas.

I was also considering dumping out the holding tanks, but the extra weight from them would be helpful in fighting the winds. So I won't.

I'll wait for more sunlight to determine to wait it out a little bit or not.

Former Secret Service Agent Clint Hill At Book Passage

Above, former Secret Service Agent Clint Hill today at Book Passage. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It has been an interesting day.

I am now back at the Los Banos KOA after having left the Bay Area immediately following the presentations by former Secret Service Agent Clint Hill and his co-author, Lisa McCubbin on their new book, Five Presidents.

I managed to get a reserved seat in the front row in the event room of Book Passage in Corte Madera. I picked up autographed copies of their book for my daughter Amber and for my "honorary sister" Diane.

It was a good thing I pre-ordered my personalized autographed copy as the line for their signatures was a long one. Hill drew a large crowd. I had to leave as I was expecting a three and a half hour drive back to Los Banos. Strangely, I am in the same campsite I was in two nights ago.

Hill and McCubbin grave a great presentation on Hill's experiences with five U.S. presidents, beginning with Dwight D. Eisenhower through Gerald R. Ford.

Photo slides and video accompanied their presentation. Now in his 80s, Hill is sharp as a tack and McCubbin said that he's the most intelligent man she knows.

Hill was the secret service agent who reached the Kennedy limousine in Dallas during the assassination. He described in vivid detail what happened. I shot a video of this part of his presentation and it is uploaded at YouTube. You can see it below:




Along with the JFK assassination, Hill talked about working for Lyndon Johnson, Viet Nam, Nixon (particularly the visit by Elvis Presley to the White House), Watergate and the Nixon resignation. He also talked about attending the Robert Kennedy funeral and burial with President Johnson (after the RFK assassination, presidential candidates began being given secret service protection under a law signed by Johnson) .

The presentation by Hill and McCubbin was an enjoyable event and I have to thank the fine folks at Book Passage for their work in putting it all together. It was well worth the nearly 400-mile drive from L.A.

Below, are more photos of today's event:

Above, outside view of Book Passage. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, one of the displays of Clint Hill's books. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, other books by Hill and McCubbin. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, Clint Hill and Lisa McCubbin. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, Hill talks about working for President Eisenhower. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, Hill recounts the JFK assassination. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, Hill tells how writing his books was cathartic for him. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the Robert Kennedy assassination portion of the discussion. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, Elvis visits Nixon is recounted. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, a large crowd in line for autographs by Hill and McCubbin. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

All's Ready

Above, the cover.

Everything's all ready for tomorrow's book event at Book Passage in Corte Madera

I just finished charging the battery to the big Canon camera, so it is good to go.

At 1:00 tomorrow, former Secret Service Agent Clint Hill and Lisa McCubbin will be speaking on their new book, Five Presidents. They will be signing copies while there. I already ordered a signed copy, but just in case I couldn't go, or not be able to get one for signature, I pre-ordered it.

I knew that Book Passage was close to the RV park I am staying at, but I found out today that it is virtually within walking distance. As I have a 12:00 check-out time at the RV park, I will drive The Beast over there.

Following the event, I will be heading back home with a stop overnight in Los Banos. I will be home Sunday.

Hill was the only secret service agent who sprung into action during the assassination of President Kennedy in Dallas, Texas. He was assigned to First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy and he got her back into the limousine after she climbed out to the trunk.

Another Casualty

Above, Toy World in Greenbrae. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

This afternoon, after relaxing a while at the Marin RV Park, I decided to take a walk down to the local Trader Joe's store to pick up a few things. The store is about a block and a half away.

While heading to Trader Joe's, I spotted a Toy World store. I thought I'd take a look inside. Who knows? Maybe they might have some rare kaiju toys.

It turns out they didn't, but I browsed around the store. One item caught my eye. It reminded me of large scale (about 18 to 24") metal Tonka trucks I had when I was a kid. Only this was a yellow metal tractor. It was about the same size as the trucks I had. It was priced at $29. Reasonable!

Although the packaging said it was most suitable for children 4+, I thought Denise Santos's 2 1/2 year-old son would love it. He loves playing with toy cars.

Then I caught myself.

This made me think a lot while I was shopping in Trader Joe's.

Although we are still friends (to a certain extent), we had broken up following the Hawaii trip last month. The wounds are still fresh. I've read that it takes about three months for every year a couple had been together to get over a breakup. It hasn't been a month yet. We've been together for a little over a year. If that theory holds true, then I have about a couple of months more to weather it all. Since I don't lack any female company, the duration may be less. It is hard to tell at this point. But it certainly does help, I'll admit.

I could have bought the tractor toy for him anyway, but since things are still fresh, it doesn't feel right enough for me to do so. Denise may even disapprove, maybe not. Perhaps later, depending upon how things go.

This reminds me of the succeeding months following my mother's death in 2010. A few months after she passed away, I was working in Malibu and met actress Shirley MacLaine (I've recounted this meeting on this blog). After we met, my first gut reaction was to call my mom and tell her, "Guess who I just met?"

Then I caught myself.

I really hadn't given any thought about how our breakup would affect her son (or anyone else) until now. He made out pretty well by me during his last birthday and Christmas, along with bringing him along on our trips to Lake Havasu, Japan, Hawaii and other places. I don't know if anyone involved would (or could) admit it, but he, too, is a casualty of the breakup. That's something that every man should take into consideration before dating a single mother. Along with the mother, one can also get attached to their child as well. And, the child can also get attached to the man. This depends upon the age, personalities, situation, etc. If one accepts a woman who has children, they are accepting the whole package. What may be the after-effects of a breakup on the children? They may ask, "Where's so-and-so? Why don't we see him anymore?" Older kids may even think they were the cause. And so on.

It is funny how things manifest themselves when least expected. All one can do is just roll with it.

UPDATE (6/29/16): Since this was written, Denise decided that she would no longer bring Aiden along whenever we were to "hang out" together. Although she wanted to go out "as friends", I found this to be another excuse as she would have to find a sitter for her son, which is difficult. Her excuse was that her son is now talking and she didn't want him to blab to her family or to "baby daddy" John Cernas that she was seeing me. This I found to be ridiculous as I told her she has the right to see who she wants and it is nobody's business but ours. I earlier decided that being put into "friends-zone" would not work for me anyway and decided to cut off contact with her on June 21. So, it is just as well I didn't buy the tractor toy. 

At The Marin RV Park

Above, The Beast at the Marin RV Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Well, I made it to Greenbrae/Corte Madera in the Bay Area.

The trip has been going smoothly except for one minor incident. While backing into my site at the Marin RV Park, I managed to not see a small pole in the side view passenger mirror (or the rear camera monitor) and broke the passenger side rear marker light. All that has to be done is replace it. Lichtsinn RV is sending me a replacement. The price was a shock, under $5.00. Lichtsinn is very near the Winnebago factory in Iowa.

I did overshoot my turnoff and had to go back. But, I didn't turn off before the John F. McCarthy Bridge and had to go back over it again. It was fun anyway. I'll have to go on it again tomorrow when I leave here after the Clint Hill book event.

I did shoot some videos of two of my trips across the bridge:







I am very pleased about the Marin RV Park. It is virtually within walking distance to the Clint Hill event, but I have to check out before it begins, so I'll just park at the shopping center where the Book Passage bookstore is located.

Above, the view towards the front of Marin RV Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The management people are very nice and quite helpful. I would recommend a stay here should anyone visit the San Francisco area in their RV.

Crunch!

Sooner or later, it was bound to happen.

After almost a year and a half since buying The Beast, I've had a little mishap.

While backing into my campsite at the Marin RV Park in Greenbrae, I broke the rear passenger side marker light on a small pole I couldn't see in the side view mirror or in the rear camera. Thankfully nothing else was damaged.

The base, bulb and red lens got mashed.

But, on the good side, I contacted a prominent RV dealership near the Winnebago factory in Iowa and ordered a replacement. The full assembly (that includes everything) will cost me under $5.00. All I have to do is to have the old one taken out and the new one put in. There's a RV dealer in North Hills that can do it once the parts come in. It is probably a job that will take under an hour.

The Beast's odometer went over 10,000 miles on this trip.

Also, more good news. The Marin RV Park in Greenbrae is virtually within walking distance of Book Passage, the venue where Clint Hill will be speaking tomorrow.