Snow This Weekend?

Above, a spring snow two years ago. Photo by armand Vaquer.

Many of us in the Jamestown-Gallup, New Mexico area thought we turned the corner from having snow storms as the weather has been sunny and warmer.

It appears that Mother Nature is not quite finished with us when it comes to snow.

Here's the forecast by the National Weather Service through the weekend:

Today

Sunny, with a high near 73. Southwest wind 5 to 15 mph.

Tonight

Partly cloudy, with a low around 38. Southwest wind 10 to 15 mph.

Thursday

Isolated showers after noon. Mostly sunny, with a high near 60. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph increasing to 15 to 20 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Thursday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 36. West wind 15 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.

Friday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 61. Breezy, with a west wind 15 to 25 mph.

Friday Night

A chance of rain showers before 3am, then a chance of rain and snow showers. Some thunder is also possible. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 36. Breezy. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Saturday

Rain and snow showers likely, becoming all rain after noon. Some thunder is also possible. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 51. Breezy. Chance of precipitation is 60%. 

Yen Tumbles To Near Intervention Levels

For some reason, I forgot to take a look at how the U.S. dollar is faring against the Japanese yen at the beginning of the month.

That is now being rectified as here's what has been happening during the past 24 hours.

According to Reuters:

NEW YORK, April 23 (Reuters) - The yen dropped to multi-year lows against the U.S. dollar and euro on Tuesday, keeping investors on heightened Japanese intervention watch ahead of this week's Bank of Japan policy meeting.

The euro reached 165.71 yen, its highest since 2008, after data showed business activity in the euro zone expanded at its fastest pace in nearly a year, primarily due to a recovery in services. Europe's common currency was last up 0.4% at 165.67 yen .

The dollar rose as high as 154.88 against the yen , a 34-year peak and edging closer to 155, a level seen by market participants as the new trigger for Japanese intervention.

The greenback was last little changed on the day at 154.79 yen.

To read more, go here. 

Japan In Spring

Above, Matsushima's Godaido Temple. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Around about now, it is cherry blossom season in Japan. I was able to see them back in 2006 during my bullet train trip to Sendai and Matsushima from Tokyo.

There are other things to see and do during springtime in Japan and Good Housekeeping has posted a guide to them.

They begin with:

With ski season in Hokkaido (the northernmost island) in full flow in winter, picturesque floral phenomena in spring, dazzling firework festivals in summer and fiery-red leaf displays in autumn, Japan is truly a year-round long-haul destination.

Japan's ever-popular cherry blossom season, when the sakura flowers come into bloom and decorate the country with delicate pink petals, does make springtime an obvious choice for visiting, however, and it wouldn't disappoint for those wanting to partake in hanami (the custom of admiring the beauty of the flowers).

But there's plenty more to spring in Japan than just cherry blossom, as you'll find out in this essential guide. From catching the plum blossom (there's not only cherry!) to colourful street parades, discover why spring is one of the best times to visit Japan. Be wary of busy Golden Week, though, about which we'll explain. Here's everything you need to know about Japan in spring... 

To read more, go here. 

At The Gunsmith's

Above, the Winchester Model 12 shotgun. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Yesterday had me making a trek over to the gunsmith to see what's causing the shotgun shells from feeding into firing position with my Winchester Model 1912 shotgun. 

Right away, during an initial cursory look, they noticed an issue with the shell carrier. So it appears that I made the right decision to bring it in.

While there, I picked up a new Hoppe's gun cleaning kit. The ones I have date back to the 1980s and while I was cleaning my Winchester 94, a rod end broke off inside the barrel. I had to push it out from the other end. 

Things do get old, for sure.

Is Your Motorhome Ready For An Emergency?

Above, the motorhome came in handy during a power outage that lasted hours. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Is your motorhome ready for an emergency?

That is the topic of an article in RV Travel. Fortunately for me, the only "emergency" I had was when the power went out when I lived in Tarzana, California for several hours. I migrated into the motorhome that I kept parked in my assigned parking space at my apartment complex.

I was able to make coffee and breakfast and relaxed inside until the power came back on. 

When I moved to New Mexico six years ago, I lived in the motorhome as I waited for the moving company to deliver my belongings. That took about 11 days.

I can easily see how motorhomes do come in handy as lifeboats during severe emergency situations. 

The RV Travel article begins with:

Most motorhome owners view their RV as a route to adventure—the open road—free to roam where and when they please. Some take a more practical view and see their RV as a full-time home, whether roaming or stationary. Likely few of us may have considered that our motorhomes are also an asset in the event of a major unforeseen event, such as a natural emergency or other unexpected forms of chaos and uncertainty. The pandemic changed a lot of thinking about preparation for the unexpected. Is your RV ready for an emergency?

To read more, go here. 

"The Searchers" Limited Engagement

John Ford’s THE SEARCHERS in 70mm Limited Engagement Sun. Apr. 28 - Sat. May 4, 2024 Egyptian Theatre and Aero Theatre Newly struck 70mm print! THE SEARCHERS (1956) was filmed in VistaVision and released in 1.85. WB’s Motion Picture Imaging scanned the original 8 perf 35mm VistaVision camera negative in 13k with all restoration work completed in 6.5k, Jan Yarbrough, Colorist. The 70mm film print was created at Fotokem by filming out a new 65mm negative. WB’s Post Production Creative Services restored the original mono audio mix, with Doug Mountain as lead and assistance from Matt Vowles. Inventure Studios created the DTS encoded deliverable of the restored audio to playback flawlessly with the 70mm film print. The Film Foundation has given approval of this newly restored version. TICKETS

Nipping An Affair In The Bud

This is great advice if some clown is messing with one's wife. This has to be the best video by Coach Corey Wayne.

I should have done this 30 years ago when my wife was messing with a so-called "family friend". My ex has remarried is still her male orbiter.

Ruined Vacations Due To 10-Year RV Rule

Above, The Beast at Mammoth Lakes. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Next year will mark ten years since I bought my 2015 Winnebago Minnie Winnie 22R. 

That's when I may face the notorious "ten-year rule" of some RV parks. I'm not concerned about it as my motorhome is in good shape and it is kept in a garage to protect it from the elements.

This is the topic of an article by MSN.

It begins with:

RV owners risk having their summer vacation ruined this year due to a rule that prevents RVs over 10 years old from parking in certain US parks.

Travelers who have had their vehicles for a while might want to do their research before they head out on a family adventure, as they may be denied a reservation.

Oftentimes safety issues are cited as the reason for the rule. Older vehicles can have a higher potential to develop problems such as leaks and electrical issues.

Some park managers are also trying to avoid their sites looking run down due to a build-up of older RVs, meaning the issue of aesthetics also comes into play.

To read the full article, go here. 

Newsom's Gun Constitutional Amendment Going Nowhere

Commiefornia Gov. Gavin Newsom's proposed gun constitutional amendment is going nowhere among other blue (Democrat) states.   

This is not too surprising since this year is an election year and the Democrats (at least the ones with some sense) don't want pro-Second Amendment people panicked enough to go to the polls in November.

According to the Mercury News:

Recent ads from Gov. Gavin Newsom’s political action committee continue to push his effort to shake up the national gun debate with a constitutional amendment that would nationalize key California firearm restrictions.

“If Congress and the courts will not take action to help make our communities safer from gun violence, then we — the people — must do it ourselves,” say the ads on social media from Newsom’s Campaign for Democracy.

The California Legislature in September approved a resolution in support, and Newsom said 33 other states must do likewise to call a constitutional convention and consider the amendment. But even among the 18 other U.S. states with legislatures led by Newsom’s Democratic Party, none has done so.

Political observers aren’t surprised, noting the nation’s political landscape, amendment rules and the risks that could come with Newsom’s proposed path of calling a constitutional convention.

 To read the full article, go here.

7 Scenic National Parks In Wyoming

Above, Devil's Tower in eastern Wyoming. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

For those who have never been to the state of Wyoming, there are plenty of places to see and do there. 

For those who are history buffs, there are museums that focus on the old west. And, there are many national and state parks to visit. 

TheTravel has posted an article on seven scenic national parks in Wyoming.

Here's a snippet:

Wyoming is a treasure trove of natural wonders, and the National Park Service (NPS) and the Wyoming Division of State Parks are the guardians of these treasures. They diligently manage and preserve many places in the state, including national parks, state parks, recreation areas, monuments, historic trails and sites, ensuring that these areas are conserved for the enjoyment of future generations.

These are some of the most scenic parks in Wyoming designated under the NPS, featuring national parks, state parks, national monuments, and wilderness areas, prime for visiting and experiencing the state's beauty. 

To see what they are, go here. 

Classic Rock Music Monday

The stuff that now passes as "music", particularly rock 'n roll, leaves me cold. So, to start off the week, here's a video of a classic rock artist. 

To start off the week, we have Ian Matthews with his 1978 hit, "Shake It". It is from his solo album, Stealin' Home, which I have as an LP record. The song was featured in the 1980 movie, Little Darlings.

From Wikipedia:

Ian Matthews (born Ian Matthews MacDonald, 16 June 1946) is an English musician and singer-songwriter. He was an original member of the British folk rock band Fairport Convention from 1967 to 1969 before leaving to form his own band, Matthews Southern Comfort, which had a UK number one in 1970 with their cover of Joni Mitchell's "Woodstock". In 1979, his recording of Terence Boylan's "Shake It" reached No. 13 on the US charts.

Born in Barton-upon-Humber, Lincolnshire, Matthews was known in the 1960s as Ian MacDonald, but changed his name to Ian Matthews (his mother's maiden name) in 1968[3] to avoid confusion with Ian McDonald of King Crimson, with whom Judy Dyble began working when she left Fairport. In 1989, he changed the spelling of his first name to Iain and has been known as Ian Matthews ever since.

Influenced by both rock and roll and folk music, he has performed solo and as a member of various bands. He was a member of Fairport Convention during the early period when they were heavily influenced by American folk rock and sang on their first three albums before leaving in 1969. He initially embarked upon a solo career before forming the bands Matthews Southern Comfort and then Plainsong. Later in his career, he was also a member of the bands Hi-Fi, No Grey Faith, and More Than a Song, and in the 2000s has twice revived both Plainsong and Matthews Southern Comfort (MSC). He continues to tour regularly with the current version of MSC. A new MSC album The New Mine was released in March 2020, and a vinyl-only album Fake Tan, recorded with Norwegian band the Salmon Smokers, was released in September 2020.

In a career spanning over fifty years he has featured on over 100 albums and in 2018 published an autobiography co-written with author and broadcaster Ian Clayton, Thro' My Eyes: A Memoir, about his life in the music industry.

Ford Celebrates The Mustang's 60th Anniversary

Above, the 1989 Mustang LX in the garage with my other "toys". Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The Ford Mustang is celebrating its 60th anniversary. 

The Mustang is one of those rare cars that one can still immediately identify it. Cars nowadays all look like each other as if they came from the same cookie cutter. I can look at a vintage photo of 1950s cars and can tell which is a Ford, a Buick, an Oldsmobile, a Chevrolet and so on. Those were the days when cars had style.

I still drive my late dad's 1989 Mustang LX on a Fox chassis. It was his last car and I really don't see the need to spend $24k and up for a new car. It is a 4-cylinder with a manual 5-speed transmission. It loves the open highway.

KABC-AM's "Motorman" Leon Kaplan has advocated that if one has an older car that runs and looks good, why spend money on cars that cost hundreds of dollars just to diagnose a problem with all their computers and other gizmos. 

I have been approached twice in the last month by people asking me if I want to sell the Mustang,

Fox Business has an article on the 60th anniversary of the Mustang. They go through the evolution of body styles of Mustangs over the years.

They begin it with:

Ford Motor Co. celebrated the Mustang's 60th anniversary on Wednesday with the pony car now in its seventh generation, having become an icon of the American auto industry.

The Ford Mustang debuted April 17, 1964, at the New York World's Fair and has carved out a unique legacy in the decades since its launch, even as its features have changed over time.

"Mustang has stylistically and performance-wise been a vehicle that appealed to the masses — anybody who wants a cool-looking car that goes fast, Mustang is there for you," Ford Heritage Brand Manager Ted Ryan told FOX Business.

They refer to the Fox body (or platform) Mustangs (1979-1993) as the third generation. 

To read the article, go here.

Shotgun Internals

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

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

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

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

Japan Hotel Prices Near 30-Year High

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

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

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

According to The Japan Times:

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

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

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

 To read more, go here.

Transitioning From A Travel Trailer To A Class C Motorhome

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

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

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

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

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

It begins with:

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

To read the full article, go here. 

Affordable RV Campgrounds Near Top National Parks

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

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

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

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

This is the topic of an article in RV Life.

They begin it with:

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

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

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

To read more, go here. 

Problem Shooters

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hoppe's Day

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

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

The weather is supposed to reach 73° today. 

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

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

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

Crater Lake New Concessionaire Gets Transfer Approval

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

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

They issued the following press release:

Date: April 18, 2024

Contact: PWR_Public_Affairs@nps.gov  

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

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

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

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

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

Today's Shooting

Above, Larry and Nandoh. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

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

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

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

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

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

Some photos from today's shoot:

Plinkin' Day

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

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

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

The targets have been readied and in the garage.

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

Japan Tourism Skyrockets

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

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

In March, a record was broken.

According to Travel And Tour World:

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

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

To read more, go here. 

Grisham Calls For Special Session For Gun Control

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

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

According to the Santa Fe New Mexican:

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

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

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

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

To read more, go here. 

Three Winchesters

Above, the three Winchesters. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

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

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

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

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

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

Cruise: I Don't Think So

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

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

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

ROUNDTRIP FROM:Tampa, Florida

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

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

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

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

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

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

Brought Home The Winchester 1912 Shotgun

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

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

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

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

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

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

I picked up the below card at the gun store:

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

"Godzilla 2000" Trailer

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

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

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

Here's the trailer:

Air Safety Concerns As Travel Picks Up

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

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

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

According to an article in West Hawaii Today:

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

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

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

 To read more, go here.