"True Grit" Sign and Paddy Wagon

Last week, when I posted about the locations in Ridgway, Colorado of True Grit (1969), I wanted to include a shot of the painted "Chambers Grocery" wall sign and the paddy wagon from the movie. I couldn't find one (I am fond of "then & now" photos).

So, I took a screenshot from the movie that includes both with John Wayne in it.

Here it is:

Here's the sign (now inside of the True Grit Cafe, which was built around it to preserve it) and the paddy wagon (in the yard of the museum a block away) today:

Thunder In The Pines

Above, some of the "locals" keeping a watchful eye on me. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

This afternoon, I decided to take a drive up to the McGaffey Recreation Area in the Cibola National Forest. It had been a few months since I was last there in the Jeep. This time, I took the main roads over in the Mustang.

Above, some old ranch buildings. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

McGaffey Lake is more like a pond (about 2-3 feet deep at best) now. It'll be replenished once we get some snow storms.

Above, another cattle ranch in the Zuni Mountains. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I headed out of the recreation area to the east. I went part way there in the Jeep a few months ago. I went in a few miles further. It was a mix of national forest land, cattle ranches and open range. While there, I received a few rain sprinkles and heard one rumble of thunder. It is a beautiful area.

Above, this ranch building looks like it's been around awhile. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The cattle ranch I saw a few months ago that's for sale is still for sale. If I had the money and were a few years younger...

Above, the first guest ranch sign I saw. It was next to the ranch that's for sale. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I took a side road next to that ranch and saw a sign for a guest ranch that was four and a half miles away (at that point) and another one a half mile down the road. It is called the "Z Lazy B" Guest Ranch. I didn't go to it, but I looked online and they do have a website. 

Above, the second guest ranch sign. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

According to their website:

Get away from the busyness of life, and relax in your own personal cabin under the cool pine trees in the mountains of New Mexico. 3 Bed/1 Bath cabins are available for nightly, weekly, and monthly rental! 

We are hidden away in the mountains outside Gallup. If you would like to find us, here's a map and our approximate address. Please also keep in mind there's little to no service up here, so please download your map/directions in advance.  

 Four Corners Geotourism Stewardship Council posted:

Z Lazy B Mountain Retreat and Guest Ranch centered in the heart of the pristine Zuni Mountains offers a visitor experience like no where else in the Four Corners. The Ranch offers spacious cabins with downhome country cooking. You can hunt, fish, ride horse, mountain bike, hike or just enjoy the great out doors. Our facilities can be used for corporate, social, group and social events. Come enjoy delicious food with an incredible back drop.

 

Above, a windmill in an open range area. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

After driving around for about an hour and a half, I headed back home for dinner (just in case the dark clouds decide to really open up). It was an enjoyable drive.

NRA Grades and 2020 Candidate Endorsements For New Mexico

As mentioned in the previous blog post, the latest issue of American Rifleman arrived in the mailbox today.

The most important part of the issue (at least to citizens of New Mexico) are the National Rifle Association's grading and endorsements of candidates for state and federal offices.

Incredibly, Xochitl Torres Small received a "D" grade from the NRA (still not good).

I have scanned the NRA's endorsements and grades and they are posted below. The candidates endorsed by the NRA are in bold red.

If you have no other reason to go to the polls on November 3, then go to the polls to protect your Second Amendment rights. Pass this blog post to your family members and to your friends. Don't sit on your rear end November 3 and go to the polls! Make sure your friends and family members do the same.

Remember, vote RED (Remove Every Democrat)! 

Vote as if your rights depend on it, because it does!

Here are the grades and endorsements:

New Issue of American Rifleman...Already?

It has been said that the older one gets, the quicker time seems to fly by.

I just got back from the Flying J to pick up my mail and waiting in my mailbox was the October issue of American Rifleman.

It seems like not too long ago that I posted about the September issue. I checked and it arrived on August 21. It is my guess that time seems to have flown by is because of the trips to Buhl, Idaho and to Colorado.

Well, at least I have something new to read today. 

Mt. Fuji Gets First Snow Dusting

Above, a bullet train view of Mount Fuji. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

This may be seen as a good omen for skiing enthusiasts in Japan. Yes, there are two ski resorts on Mount Fuji.

One of the biggest symbols of Japan, Mount Fuji, got its first dusting of snow.

According to the Mainichi Shimbun: 

Japan's iconic Mount Fuji got its first dusting of snow of the season, the central Japan city of Fujiyoshida in Yamanashi Prefecture announced on Sept. 21.

According to the city, cooler temperatures prevailing over the four-day long weekend that started on Sept. 19 turned rain that had been falling on the mountain into snow, leaving a light sprinkling of the white stuff near the peak.

 To read more, go here.

RE: Ginsberg's Last Wish

 

5th Anniversary of Jack Larson's Passing

Above, Jack Larson at the Adventures of Superman luncheon in August 2014. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Today marked the fifth anniversary of the passing of Jack "Jimmy Olsen" Larson (February 8, 1928 – September 20, 2015). 

Many fans of the Adventures of Superman gathered in Tarzana and Studio City for a plaque dedication and luncheon the year before. It was the last time fans were able to see Larson.

A memorial celebration was held in December 2015 at the James Bridges Theater at UCLA.

Jeep Drive

Today, I took the Jeep out for a little drive. This is the first real drive besides one a few days ago at Barking Spider Acre. That was only to bring some stuff to the GOCO Beast Barn.

I went down Six Mile Canyon Road and into a flat area just outside of Six Mile Canyon as the braking system's master cylinder is going out. I am replacing it Thursday. I have very little braking right now and if it wasn't for a quick turn, I almost ran into the garage door when I got back.

The new master cylinder arrived before I left for Colorado.

Some photos of today's drive:

Remains Discovered At Mesa Verde National Park

Above, Spruce Tree House at Mesa Verde National Park last week. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Right after Mitch Geriminsky and I visited Mesa Verde National Park in Colorado last week, human remains were found near Spruce Tree House at the park. It is an odd feeling to think that a missing man's skeletal remains were near where we were.

According to CBS 4 Denver:

(CBS4) – Authorities say personal items accompanying human remains found Thursday in Mesa Verde National Park allow them to tentatively identify the bones as those of a man who went missing there in 2013. Park officials, in a Friday press release, said they are tentatively identifying the remains as Mitchell Dale Stehling.

Stehling was visiting the park with his, father and mother on June 9, 2013.

According to the National Park Service’s Cold Case web page, Stehling told his family he wanted to see the Spruce Tree House cliff dwelling at the end of a quarter-mile long trail. He started hiking at 4:30 p.m. and never returned.

Hopefully, Stehling's family gets some closure with this discovery.

To read more, go here. 

Yellowstone In The Fall

Above, Upper Falls of the Yellowstone River. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Funny thing, Yellowstone National Park saw more visitors last month than it did the same time last year, even though we're supposed to be in a pandemic.

If one is not enamoured with crowds, perhaps an autumn visit would be more satisfying.

There are many reasons why a fall visit to Yellowstone would be better for some. Travel Awaits gives seven of them.

They begin with:

Due to changing advisories, please check local travel guidelines before visiting.

Yellowstone National Park, our nation’s first national park, is larger than Rhode Island and Delaware combined. More than half of the world’s active geysers lie within the park’s 2.2 million acres. And the greatest concentration of mammals in the lower 48 states calls Yellowstone home.

Until recently, Yellowstone was less than 3 hours from my house -- a drive I took so many times I lost count. I went with friends, family, out-of-town visitors, and if I had no takers, I went by myself. Living so close, I had my pick of times to visit Yellowstone. The sweet spot is the last week of September or the first week of October.

To read more, go here.

Antique Corral In Cortez, Colorado

Above, some of Antique Corral's yard art. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

One never knows what's "out there" to be discovered while traveling.

Towards the end of our vacation trip in Colorado last week, we discovered the Antique Corral in Cortez, Colorado. It has to be the biggest antique store I've ever seen. We must have browsed around in the store for an hour.

They buy, sell and trade antiques and collectibles. They also have an auction service.

Outside of the store, they have a big selection of yard art of livestock, wagon wheels, dinosaurs(!) and other things. Along with a big selection of antiques inside the store, they also have a 1950s style lunch counter.

They are located at  

6817 HIGHWAY 160 – 491

CORTEZ COLORADO

81321

Store:(970) 565-1265

Their store hours are:

MONDAY - SATURDAY: 9-5

SUNDAY: 10-4

DINER: 11-4

To access their website, go here. 

Don't Expect Nice

This is not the time for conservatives to "play nice" with the Democrats and the other leftist wackos.

That is according to Howard Notelling, The Bluegrass Pundit.

A little while ago, he Tweeted:

He should add a number 7 to his list: 

7. Aiding and abetting the nationwide riots and doing nothing to stop them.

Next Rain Possibility Is Thursday

Above, rain clouds over the mesas last March. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It appears that we have our next chance for rain in the area this coming Thursday (only 20%). But the rest of the week will be in the 80s during the day and the nighttime temperature will be in the 50s.

All that may change as a cold front is coming into the western states this weekend, which also includes the Rockies (which we are a part of).

According to the National Weather Service:

Today

Sunny, with a high near 80. South wind 5 to 10 mph.

Tonight

Mostly clear, with a low around 51. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph.

Sunday

Sunny, with a high near 80. South wind around 5 mph becoming west in the afternoon.

Sunday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 53. Southeast wind around 5 mph becoming south after midnight.

Monday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 80. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph in the afternoon.

Monday Night

Mostly cloudy, with a low around 52.

Tuesday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 78.

Tuesday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 52.

Wednesday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 79.

Wednesday Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 50.

Thursday

A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 80.

"Godzilla vs. Kong" Commercial Parody

 For your viewing pleasure, here's a Godzilla vs. Kong commercial parody.

Today's Group Gathering

Above, inside the hogan this morning. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Today's group coffee gathering in Jamestown took place in the newly build hogan of Greg Lucier's wife.

This is the first time I've seen the interior of the ceremonial hogan since last spring. The inside looked very inviting and would make a great "man cave" or, as in this case, a "she shed". A very nice job! 

As the structure is hexagonal, chairs were arranged around an iron wood stove.

The carpet can be easily pulled up exposing a sand floor for Navajo ceremonies.  

The exterior:

Above, the hogan last year. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Yellowstone: 2nd Busiest August EVER!

Above, visitors at Old Faithful Geyser last summer. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

While many places and tourist attractions are hurting badly since the coronavirus arrived stateside, there is at least one place that is seeing a big increase in the number of visitors.

That is Yellowstone National Park.

East Idaho News reported:

MAMMOTH HOT SPRINGS, Wyoming — Yellowstone National Park hosted 881,543 recreation visits in August 2020. This is a 7.5% increase from August 2019, making it the second busiest August on record. The busiest August on record was in 2017, the year of the solar eclipse.

So far in 2020, the park has hosted 2,546,373 recreation visits, down 18% from the same period last year.

The park was closed due to health and safety reasons related to COVID-19 beginning March 24. Two Wyoming entrances opened on May 18 and three Montana entrances opened on June 1. All five entrances have been open since June 1.

To read more, go here. 

Durango Train Segment of "Love Those Trains"

Above, the Durango and Silverton train at Rockwood Station last week. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

My first ride on the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad took place in the summer of 1983. I have ridden it several times since then (most recently, last week).

In 1984, National Geographic produced a documentary on trains called, "Love Those Trains", which includes the Durango and Silverton train.

Here is the segment on the Durango and Silverton train:

The full documentary can be viewed here:

Japan Received 8,700 Foreign Visitors In August

Above, a view of Tokyo Tower from the Sumida River. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Japan saw a doubling of inbound foreign visitors in August, but the total numbers are very far from the numbers seen during the same period last year. All courtesy of COVID-19.

The Japan Times reported:

Japan received an estimated 8,700 foreign travelers in August, down 99.7 percent from a year earlier, amid the coronavirus pandemic, though showing a month-on-month pickup in volume, government data showed Friday.

The number of visitors more than doubled from the previous month’s estimated 3,800 and increased even further from May’s 1,663, the lowest figure since the government began compiling such statistics in 1964, according to the data released by the Japan Tourism Agency.

Still, the latest figure marked the 11th consecutive monthly decline since last October, when the number of South Korean visitors fell sharply on the back of souring political relations between Tokyo and Seoul over wartime issues.

To read more, go here. 

Kinkaku-ji Getting Roof Renovation

Above, Kinkaku-ji in 2015. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The pandemic is a good opportunity for some roof work in Kyoto's famed Kinkaku-ji "Golden Pavilion" as scaffolding surrounds the World Heritage Site.

According to The Japan Times:

KYOTO – The famed golden pavilion at the Kinkakuji temple in Kyoto began [September 8] a three-month renovation of its shingled roof amid the coronavirus pandemic, which has drastically reduced the number of visitors.

The pavilion with its gold leaf gilded facade is part of a World Heritage site in the ancient capital. Visitors will be unable to fully view the temple for three weeks as scaffolding will completely shroud the pavilion. The renovation work will be completed sometime in December.

Instead, a large photo panel of the Buddhist temple was set up on Tuesday for travelers and worshippers to see, as materials for the renovation work were brought in. Kinkakuji last underwent a similar renovation in 2002.

To read more, go here. 

10 RV Safety Tips

Above, The Beast at the USA RV Park in Gallup, New Mexico. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Nobody wants to face problems while on the road, so it is best to prepare beforehand.

Do It Yourself RV has an article with ten important things to keep in mind for safe travels. Each is relatively easy to do and will help to prevent headaches while traveling.

They begin with:

Nobody wants to have issues while traveling with their RV. Flat tires, breakdowns, and other on-the-road problems can all result in grumpy moods and even ruined trips.

Obviously, you won’t always be able to avoid these things. However, by following a few simple safety rules, you can reduce the likelihood that problems will arise. The question is, what kinds of rules should you be following to keep yourself and your family safe during your travel days?

In this article, we will discuss some of our top tips for safe travels so you can help ensure your next RV adventure goes off without a hitch.

To read what they are, go here. 

Vacation Souvenir

During my recent vacation trip to Colorado, I didn't buy too much in the way of souvenirs. Some things that caught my eye were too pricey or I saw nothing that particularly interested me.

However, one item caught my eye while in a shop in Silverton. It was a "Geezer Crossing" sign. The shop had two different sizes and I picked the smaller of the two. We have referred to ourselves in Jamestown as "geezers" (even though most of us are in our mid-60s) and we even got the waitresses at the local Denny's to refer to their 55+ omelet as the "Geezer Omelet".

So, last night I hung the sign in the garage. I did it in such a way that I can always move it if I so desire.

The Man Who Saved The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad

Above, the Durango train at Rockwood Station last week. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

While in the Durango, Colorado station of the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, I was chatting with one of the employees of the station.

I mentioned that my first ride on the train was in 1983. He replied, "Ah! The Bradshaw era!" That piqued my curiosity. I first heard of Charles Bradshaw in a documentary on railroads, "Love Those Trains".

Remembering that, I did some looking around and found that Charles Bradshaw Jr., the man who saved the former line of the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad, passed away December 21, 2013 in Florida.

According to The Durango Herald:

When Charles E. Bradshaw Jr. bought the Durango to Silverton branch of the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad in 1981, it marked an important turning point for the economies of both Durango and Silverton. Bradshaw died Dec. 21 in Orlando, Fla. He was 83. 

For the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad, the branch was an outlier. In 1964, the company had made an attempt to abandon the route, which was thwarted, in part, by concerted lobbying from community members. The route had been disconnected from the rest of the company’s system since 1969, leading to more uncertainty about its future. 

“Since the 1950s, the Denver & Rio Grande had been trying to get rid of it, and the deals kept falling through,” said Jim Mayer, who was vice president and superintendent of operations and maintenance during the first two pivotal years of Bradshaw’s ownership. “Shipping people was a whole lot different than a carload of coal, with much higher liability. From a culture around a century old, Bradshaw brought the railroad into its own. It was arguably the hugest turning point in the railroad’s history.” 

Rod Barker, who owns the Strater Hotel, remembers the concern in town in those days. 

“My dad and a number of others had formed the Durango Railroad Co. to try to buy it,” he said. “They were so pleased they didn’t have to do that. Charlie brought a level of commitment to ‘our’ railroad that was as deep as any member of this community.” 

As the railroad turned, so, too, did Durango and Silverton. 

“It saved the town of Durango,” historian Duane Smith said. “What Bradshaw did was vital. And just think what Silverton would be without it. It would be a ghost town between here and Ouray, instead of being preserved as a town and community.” 

Bradshaw, who was born July 10, 1930, had made his money in Florida as a citrus grower at his family’s orchards, Hi-Acres, cattle rancher and as owner of a fertilizer plant.

Many people had stories about him as a straight shooter with some idiosyncrasies, including the fact that for several years he would accept only cash or checks. Dolan said it took some convincing to get him to accept credit cards when they began taking telephone reservations and became computerized.

A hat tip to Charles Bradshaw for saving the train for future generations of train buffs to enjoy.

To read more, go here. 

Vacation Miscellany

Here's some photos that I transferred over from my phone to my computer:

Above, fall colors are starting in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado. Photo by Armand Vaquer

Above, Highway 491 near Shiprock, New Mexico. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, True Grit poster at the True Grit Cafe in Ridgway. Photo by waiter.

Above, restaurant at the Ouray KOA Kampground. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the Ouray KOA Kampground. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, avalanche tunnel on the "Million Dollar Highway". Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, motorcycle campsites at Ouray KOA Kampground. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, Ouray KOA Kampground. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Home Again!

Above, the cover to G-FAN #128.

Well, I'm back at home in Jamestown, New Mexico.

We (Mitch Geriminsky and I) left Cortez, Colorado at 8:00 this morning. Google Maps states that the drive from Cortez to Jamestown is a bit under three hours long, but we managed to reach Gallup at 11:30. Gallup is roughly 20 miles from Jamestown, so it is about right.

We didn't rush getting to Gallup, but we were both a bit starved. So I directed Mitch to the El Rancho Hotel there for breakfast. I thought about Earl's Family Restaurant, but was unsure there would be parking for Mitch's truck and 32 foot travel trailer, so we went to the El Rancho where I knew there would be enough parking space. We both enjoyed our breakfast.

After breakfast, we headed to Jamestown and once we reached my place, we unloaded my things from the truck and trailer. Mitch decided to press on to Lake Havasu, Arizona (a six-hour drive) although he was welcome to rest up at my place for the night.

After taking a shower, I proceeded to unpack my luggage and start doing laundry. I then rested for a while until about 1:30 to go to the Flying J to get my mail.

As expected, my mailbox was stuffed with a week's worth of mail. One welcome item was G-FAN #128. Since this summer marks the third year since Haruo Nakajima's passing, I wrote a remembrance article on our 2013 attendance at the Mad Monster Party in Charlotte, North Carolina and it appears in this issue.

The issue has a unique cover. It appears to be a "homage" to the Norman Rockwell Saturday Evening Post covers of the 1940s. It looked nice!

One article caught my attention in G-FAN #128. It is on the "cancel culture's" possible effect on 1962's King Kong vs. Godzilla. It focuses on the "blackface" make-up of different movies, including the natives of Faruo Island. I read some comments on Facebook about this article that were negative. Actually, the topic is a valid one that needs discussion. Are old movies, including King Kong vs. Godzilla, to be banned from screenings (or television) just because they "offend" some people? People need to grow up and put on their big boy and big girl underwear. History is history, whether "good" or "bad", so get over it. Blazing Saddles sure as heck would not be produced in today's politically correct climate.

As Clint Eastwood said in Escape From Alcatraz, "There's always the possibility that some asshole will be offended. Isn't there?"

One little problem cropped up when going to the Flying J. There were water spots on the Mustang's windshield and I turned on the wipers to clean it. A fastener for the driver's side wiper arm broke when I turned them on (the wiper was stuck to the windshield) and the wiper blade went flying. It was a new wiper arm that I bought two years ago. Fortunately, I still have the old wiper arm. I'll put that one back on tomorrow as the current arm is being too stubborn to come off and I am too tired to bother with it today.

Another interesting piece of mail was from Glenn Thornhill (thanks, Glenn!) which contained some old pictures of my first motorhome (I have no idea how he got a hold of them).

Above, a Gulf gas station in Shiprock, New Mexico. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

One interesting thing we saw along the way from Cortez: While driving through Shiprock, New Mexico, we saw a Gulf gasoline station. I haven't seen this brand for about 40+ years, since they left the Los Angeles market.

Well, I am just going to kick back and relax for the rest of the day.

More People Buying Vinyl Than CDs During Pandemic

Above, a LP I recently purchased. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

This isn't all that surprising to me. Many friends (including myself) and those in the recording industry (such as Neil Young) contend that vinyl records sound better than CDs.

So, with many people having time on their hands due to the pandemic, are buying more vinyl records than CDs for the first time since the 1980s.

According to USA Today:

Americans seem to be listening to more vinyl records amid the pandemic.  

In fact, vinyl outsold CDs for the first time since the 1980s, according to a recently released mid-year report from the Recording Industry Association of America. The report underscoring the state of the U.S. music industry captured how people's music listening has changed during the coronavirus crisis. 

With people having more time on their hands due to COVID-19 lockdowns, music streaming, which includes revenue from paid services such as Spotify, Apple Music and Amazon, grew 12% to $4.8 billion in the first half of 2020.

To read more, go here.

Excuses, Excuses of Ben Ray Lujan

After weeks of saying he won't attend the October KOB-TV debate with Mark Ronchetti, Rep. Ben Ray Lujan now has a new excuse for ducking it.

According to the Associated Press:

RIO RANCHO, N.M. (AP) — Democratic U.S. Rep. Ben Ray Luján said Sunday that work on a COVID-19 relief bill and other pressing Congressional business might keep him away from an early October U.S. Senate debate against Republican challenger Mark Ronchetti. 

Luján’s campaign told The Associated Press that his duties in Congress to pass a coronavirus relief package and rescue the U.S. Postal Service may prevent him from joining a scheduled October 5th debate on KOB-TV. 

He has not confirmed that he’ll join the KOB-TV debate. The station said it would still hold the debate with an empty podium for Luján. 

Ronchetti has accused Luján of “hiding” from voters by not accepting debate offers from the other outlets. His campaign said it wasn’t buying Luján’s reasoning about possibly skipping the KOB-TV debate. 

“It’s disappointing that Ben Ray Luján continues to make excuses for ducking debates,” Ronchetti campaign spokesman Jeff Glassburner said. “He’s had no problem coming to New Mexico to film false TV attack ads, but he refuses to commit to debate.”

If a candidate is unwilling to debate the issues with his opponents, he does not deserve to even be considered for the position.

To read more, go here.