RVing In Alaska

Above, Ketchikan, Alaska. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I have been to Alaska once. That was in 2001 with my mom and daughter during a cruise. So with that in mind, I won't be much help in advising about RVing to Alaska.

Fortunately, others have done an Alaskan trip via RV and can advise.

RV Travel has posted an article with a video on 20 things one should know before heading to Alaska.

They begin with:

The video below from the Happily Ever Hanks is an important one to watch for anyone considering RVing to Alaska. In it, the Hanks honestly share 20 things they wish they had known before undertaking this massive RV trip that tops many RVers’ bucket lists.

The video covers a lot of common questions about RVing to Alaska, including what the roads are like, what kind of upgrades you should do to your rig, whether you need campground reservations, and much more.

This video report is based on the Hanks’ experience spending the summer a year ago in their RV in Alaska, so some things may have changed by now. But this still provides lots of good basic information when planning a trip to Alaska.

To read more and see the video, go here. 

Update On Canada's Big Ugly Gun Grab

Canada's dumb scheme to confiscate guns from its citizens is not faring too well. Five provinces are opposing it.

The NRA-ILA took a look at the program it finds that it is riddled with problems. Naturally, Canada's gun owners are resisting.

They begin with:

Canada’s Liberal government is pressing on with its harebrained gun ban and confiscation program for “assault style weapons,” but, true to form and precedents, it has been far from smooth sailing.

Canada’s National Post newspaper describes the government’s program as “not only severely behind schedule and over-budget, but a newly released internal report shows that Ottawa is doubtful of the plan ever actually working as announced.”

To read more, go here. 

Silver Price Hits $50 In Canada

Above, silver 2022 Canadian Maple Leaf coins. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Silver has touched on $50/toz. But this is in Canada. Is the U.S. next?

Inside Halton posted that the metal price may be what people need to begin selling.

They begin with:

If you have old coins or junky silver jewelry hanging around the house, now might be a good time to sell.

While it hasn’t garnered the same attention as gold, silver prices have also skyrocketed recently, briefly touching the $50-per-ounce mark in Canadian dollars earlier this week, according to silverprice.org.

The silver price has more than doubled over the past five years. 

According to David Erfle, founder and editor of Juniorminerjunky.com, silver could be set for a breakout. While sellers may wish to cash in now, the white metal could still have some additional upside for anyone waiting for a further bull run.

To read more, 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. 

Here's this week's Classic Rock Music Monday is from 1999. It is "Steal My Sunshine" by Canada's brother-sister duo Len. Although considered a one-hit wonder, Len had released several albums, but none reached the heights of "Steal My Sunshine" in popularity. 

The song's music video also received high praise. It was filmed in Daytona, Florida. At the 1999 MuchMusic Video Awards, "Steal My Sunshine" won awards for Best Video, Best Pop Video, and Favourite Canadian Video.

Here's an interesting documentary on how Len made "the greatest summer anthem ever."

From Wikipedia:

Len is a Canadian alternative rock duo based in Toronto, Ontario. The band consists of siblings Marc Costanzo (vocals, guitar) and Sharon Costanzo (vocals, bass) and a revolving lineup of touring and studio musicians. The group is best known for their 1999 single "Steal My Sunshine".

Also from Wikipedia: 

"Steal My Sunshine" received positive reviews from music critics, who praised its sample usage and considered the song a quintessential summer hit. The song peaked at number nine on the US Billboard Hot 100, giving Len their first and only entry on the chart.

"Steal My Sunshine" received positive reviews from music critics. Larry Flick from Billboard wrote, "It's hard to imagine that no one has thought of using the instrumental hook of (...) "More, More, More" to beef up a new concoction. Here, however, the quintet Len does so to grand effect. Somewhere between pop and modern rock, this all-about-summer track-featuring a back-and-forth male-to-female vocal-is uplifting, clever, and instantly appealing. Its melody line, verse construction, and memorable hook make for what should be an absolute breakthrough for this hip, talented act."

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 the forerunner to Bachman-Turner Overdrive, The Guess Who from Canada and their 1970 hit, "American Woman".

From Wikipedia:

The Guess Who are a Canadian rock band formed in Winnipeg, Manitoba in 1965. The band found their greatest success in the late 1960s and early 1970s, under the leadership of singer/keyboardist Burton Cummings and guitarist Randy Bachman, with hit songs including "American Woman", "These Eyes", and "No Time".

During their most successful period, The Guess Who released eleven studio albums, all of which reached the charts in Canada and the United States. Their 1970 album American Woman reached no. 1 in Canada and no. 9 in the United States, while five other albums reached the top ten in Canada. The Guess Who charted fourteen Top 40 singles in the United States and more than thirty in Canada. In the early years before Canadian Content broadcast rules were enacted, unlike other Canadian acts who tended to downplay their nationality, the band made a name for itself by proudly celebrating it and they became hailed for that self-confidence.

The Guess Who officially broke up in 1975, although a nostalgia-oriented lineup organized by former bassist Jim Kale has toured and recorded under The Guess Who name since 1978, often performing without any original band members on stage. Bachman and Cummings have long been unhappy with the Kale-sanctioned version of the group, and have launched lawsuits over the use of the Guess Who name and repertoire. A recent legal manoeuvre by Cummings has prevented the group from playing any Guess Who songs (in a live or studio setting) that Cummings wrote or co-wrote -- this includes all six of the group's US top 10 hits. The group has consequently cancelled all of its scheduled appearances from April of 2024 forward. Further legal developments are expected.

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.

The last of the three-week selections from 1971 is from the Canadian band Lighthouse and their hit, "One Fine Morning". Like Chicago and Blood, Sweat & Tears, Lighthouse also had a horn section and that plays a big part in "One Fine Morning".  The song was released in July 1971.

From Wikipedia:

Lighthouse is a Canadian rock band formed in 1969 in Toronto, Ontario, whose repertoire included elements of rock music, jazz, classical music, and swing and featured horns, string instruments, and vibraphone. They won Juno Awards for Best Canadian Group of the Year in 1972, 1973, and 1974. 

Canadian Coins With King Charles's Image To Begin Circulating

Above, 2023 Britannia silver coins with King Charles III's image. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The Royal Canadian Mint has announced that coins bearing the image of King Charles will soon be circulating.

According to the City News Edmonton:

WINNIPEG — The first Canadian coins bearing the face of King Charles are soon to be circulated across the country. 

The Royal Canadian Mint in Winnipeg is set Tuesday to showcase its model of the King that will appear on one side of all Canadian coins.

The monarch’s effigy is also to be pressed onto a loonie for the first time at the mint. 

The mint says a small amount of 2023-dated coins with the King are to circulate in early December.

Some coins, such as the Royal Mint's 2023 Britannia silver coins, already have the King's image.

To read more, 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. 

The passing of Canada's Gordon Lightfoot in May at age 84 saddened fans around the world. Still, he had a great run and was active practically to the end.

I had previously posted his songs "Sundown" and "The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald" (just hit the "Gordon Lightfoot" tag link below to get to them), so to start off the week, here is "Carefree Highway", one of my favorites.

RV Border Crossing Tips

Above, San Ysidro border crossing. Dept. of Homeland Security photo.

Over the years, I have been to Mexico once and to Canada twice. Never have I been to either country in an RV. 

RV Life has posted an article with tips on crossing the border to each country. 

There apparently are special rules involving crossing the border in an RV. My late aunt and uncle used to drive their Class A motorhome down to San Felipe quite often. They never ran into any problems that I am aware of. They traveled there back in the 1970s and 1980s.

RV Life begins their article with:

RVing is a popular practice around the world, so many travelers want to take international trips. Lots of RVers dream of taking the long pilgrimage through Canada to Alaska, while others want to enjoy the sunny weather in Mexico. But there are rules you need to follow if a border crossing is part of your trip.

With the right preparation, you can absolutely drive an RV into another country. You just need to be prepared for additional security checks and a few restrictions. You’ll definitely need to plan ahead if you want to cross international borders because these are carefully guarded. Make sure you have all your necessary documents in hand and ditch any forbidden items.

Fortunately, plenty of RVers have been in your shoes, so you don’t have to figure everything out yourself. There are well-established rules and practices at each border, although the specifics may vary depending on whether you’re going to Canada or Mexico. Let’s take a closer look at the ins and outs of an RV border crossing.

To read the full article, go here. 

Biden Alcohol Czar: Limit Americans To Two Beers A Week

The Looney Left Report

It's been a while since I posted any Looney Left Reports. Today, I'm posting two. (See the other one by going here.)

This is the second one.  

Biden's "alcohol czar" wants to limit Americans to two beers a week. I enjoy New Mexico's Alien Amber Ale about one a day at most.

From Fox News:

President Biden's alcohol czar says Americans may be told by officials to have no more than two beers a week.

Director of the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) George Koob told the Daily Mail on Thursday that the U.S. may follow Canada's footsteps on alcohol guidelines.

Texas Republican Rep. Troy Nehls told Fox News Digital the "rich men north of Richmond are once again recommending what hard-working Americans should and shouldn’t do."

"Biden’s beer czar has no business advising ‘guidance’ on alcohol consumption," Nehls said. "This is who the Democrats are. They want to control every aspect of your life."

"Two beers a week? What a joke," he continued. "Let’s not forget that JFK snagged 1,200 Cuban cigars just hours before banning all Cuban products from the United States."

They should mind their own damn business and leave people alone.

To read more, go here.

Gordon Lightfoot, 1938 - 2023

 

Photo credit: MuchMusic on Twitter.

People Should Drink Less Coffee To Combat Climate Change

With each passing minute (not just each passing day), the world is getting more wacko.

The latest is that a Canadian "study" has found that people should drink less coffee to combat climate change.

From the New York Post:

Canadian researchers analyzed coffee’s “contribution to climate change” in a piece published in early January and suggested people moderate their consumption of the popular drink as a part of the solution.

Researchers Luciano Rodrigues Viana, Charles Marty, Jean-François Boucher and Pierre-Luc Dessureault wrote in an analysis published in The Conversation that pollution from preparing coffee was “just the tip of the iceberg.”

“Limiting your contribution to climate change requires an adapted diet, and coffee is no exception. Choosing a mode of coffee preparation that emits less GHGs (greenhouse gases) and moderating your consumption are part of the solution,” the researchers at the University of Quebec at Chicoutimi wrote. 

The study also found that using coffee pods to brew coffee contributed less to the carbon footprint than brewing coffee with a traditional filter. 

To read more, pour yourself a cup and go here. 

Buying Silver

After reading Gary Julian's blog post* on coins this morning, I went over to my favorite coin dealer website to see what they have available of my favorite coin, the Morgan silver dollar.

They didn't have much, but one coin advertised did catch my attention: a Canadian 1 oz. Silver Maple Leaf five dollar coin.

Here's what it looks like:

 

As Mr. Julian wrote, "Having a portion of your wealth in "hard assets" is important. The mix of assets can include real estate, land for farming, silver and gold."

Silver is much more affordable than gold, so that's why I buy silver coins. The price was right and I bought one (they limited purchases of this coin to one per customer). 

*The Federalist blog.

The Left Is Now Targeting Rodeos

Above, from the Wild Thing Championship Bull Riding in New Mexico. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The Left is starting to target rodeos.

A group of eight animal rights activists protested at the Langley Valley West Stampede rodeo in Langley, Canada. Most of the attendees ignored them.

From the Peace Arch News:

A demonstration by animal rights activists greeted ticket holders as the Valley West Stampede got underway in Langley on Saturday afternoon, Aug. 3.

Eight protesters set up a sun shade by the entrance to the rodeo grounds, with a sign that read “Animals are not for entertainment. Change my mind.”

They also held placards that read “Don’t lie to your children. This place hurts animals,” “Your fun, their pain,” and “Exploiting animals for entertainment is wrong.”

Members of the group said they were affiliated with “Anonymous for the Voiceless,” an animal rights group.

To read more, go here.

Lujan Grisham Trying To Bamboozle People With Website?

A website that curiously is similar to one with a .gov is NewMexicoDelivers.com.

According to blognewshub.com:

Discover exclusive facts that are not available anywhere else about the mission of the site, as well as technical information and other details of New Mexico Delivers.com.

Did you realize that NewMexicoDelivers is frequently searched for as an .gov domain within the United States? The actual website was registered as a commercial domain with the URL NewMexicoDelivers.Com.

Let’s consider the latest news regarding the candidate for governor, Michelle Lujan Grisham, being attacked by Republicans saying that Michelle almost did not do any thing during her term. We will look at the New Mexico Delivers.com to learn about its goals and information.

About NewMexicoDelivers.Com:

NewMexicoDelivers.Com is a promotional website for the election campaign of Democratic Governor candidate Michelle Lujan Grisham.

To counter criticism of Republican candidates and make people aware of Michelle’s targets if she is elected as a governor, the website NewMexicoDelivers.Com was launched.

The next election is scheduled for the 8th of November in 2022. The candidates of the Republican party registered their names. They include Jay Block, Greg Zanetti, Rebecca Dow, Mark Ronchetti, Ethel Maharg, and Michelle Lujan Grisham from the Democrats.

By the way, NewMexicoDelivers.com was registered in Canada on 13th April 2022. 

Are the taxpayers funding this Lujan Grisham promotional website? The question is being raised since it is illegal for tax money going to promote her reelection.

Remember, before you vote:

That's Michell Lujan Grisham in a nutshell!

7 of The Best U.S. Natural Wonders

Above, pueblo ruins at Chaco Culture National Historical Park in New Mexico. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

If one is a fan of nature and who also like to travel, the following is just likely your cup of tea.

This comes from a Canadian perspective. 

The Vancouver Sun posted an article on seven of the best U.S. natural wonders. Some are national parks and some aren't. Each, though, is worthy of a visit.

They begin it with:

As far as unbelievable natural and historical wonders go, the United States of America packs them in.

An amazing system of national parks, national monuments and historical parks preserve an unrivalled beauty and diversity of environments and truly stunning landscapes, and nowhere is the concentration of parks greater than in the Southwest. 

For the traveller who yearns for the freedom and space of the open road, for wild places that inspire, these convenient green sectors marked on touring maps across California, Arizona, New Mexico and Utah, create marvellous stepping stones that highlight the very best of what this region has to offer.

Here’s 7 of the best…

I have been to three of them on their list. 

To read the article, go here. 

People's Convoy Route and Timetable

Above, the Tee Pee Trading Post in Lupton, Arizona. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The People's Convoy, protesting COVID-19 mandates in the U.S., is heading east along Interstate 40 today. What's even more interesting (to me) is that it will pass through my neck of the woods.

According to Newsweek:

A convoy of American truckers will leave from Adelanto, California, on Wednesday to complete an 11-day journey to the nation's capital, where the group plans to hold a protest demanding that all COVID 19-related mandates are lifted across the country.

The group, dubbed the People's Convoy, is inspired by the protesters of the so-called Freedom Convoy in Canada, who occupied Ottawa for 24 days and blocked various border crossings into the U.S. to protest the country's pandemic restrictions, particularly the federal vaccine mandate for cross-border commercial truck drivers. This past Sunday, Ottawa police cleared out the remaining demonstrators, arresting 191 people and towing 57 vehicles after more than three weeks of protests.

"To our brave and courageous neighbors to the North — our Canadian brothers and sisters who led the charge — we join your call to Freedom with THE PEOPLE'S CONVOY," the Canadian protesters' American counterparts wrote on a website.

Something else caught my eye. The convoy will rest up in Lupton, Arizona tomorrow night. Lupton is where the Tee Pee Trading Post (that I frequent) and Speedy's Truck Stop are located. I am sure both businesses will get some good business from the convoy participants.

Day 2: Thursday, February 24
Morning: Depart Kingman, Arizona, and head east on I-40 toward Lupton, Arizona
Evening: Arrive in Lupton for an overnight stay

Day 3: Friday, February 25
Morning: Depart Lupton on I-40 eastbound through New Mexico
Evening: Arrive in Glenrio, Texas, for an overnight stay

To read more, go here. 

Yvette Herrell: Grant Asylum to Canadian Truckers Persecuted by Canada’s Trudeau

Above, Rep. Yvette Herrell. Official photo.

Last year, New Mexico gained a gem of a Republican Member of Congress by ousting a phony, lie-in-your-face Democrat during the 2020 election.

That representative is Yvette Herrell.

Why is she such a gem?

Here's the latest from The Gateway Pundit:

Rep. Yvette Herrell (R-NM) announced on Saturday she will introduce legislation to grant asylum to politically persecuted truck drivers in Trudeau’s Canada.

Rep. Herrell made the announcement on Twitter after she compared Trudeau to brutal authoritarians like the Marxists ruling Venezuela.

In February 19 Twitter Tweets, Herrell said:

Just as we provide asylum for political prisoners, we should do the same for truckers who have been subjected to violence, had their property confiscated, and their bank accounts frozen by a government that is quickly becoming the embarrassment of the free world.

I am introducing legislation that would temporarily grant asylum to innocent Canadian protesters who are being persecuted by their own government. We cannot be silent as our neighbors to the north are treated so badly.

To read more, go here.

Doctors Can Now Prescribe National Park Passes In Manitoba

Above, Lassen Peak. It would be nice to have national park passes prescribed here. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

When I first saw the name of the news source for the following story, SteinbachOnline.com, my immediate thought was, Has J. D. Lees (of G-FAN and G-FEST fame) taken a job in his town's news website? 

Reading on, the answer is no. But, when the story came to my attention, I thought it merited a mention here. Since there's been so much bad news coming out of Canada these days, it is nice to see something different.

Doctors in Manitoba, Canada can now prescribe national park passes. Interesting concept!

They begin with:

Thanks to a new program introduced to the province, residents of Manitoba, can now be issued ‘nature prescriptions’ from their healthcare providers. And local healthcare professionals are liking what they’re seeing.

The program is called PaRx, an initiative of the BC Parks Foundation and was recently introduced to Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Ontario, and BC. A nature prescription could involve a patient being prescribed ‘2 hours in nature a week for 20 minutes each time.’

Doctors Manitoba has recently announced its endorsement of PaRx.

“As physicians, we recognize that spending time in nature can offer measurable benefits to patients’ physical and mental health,” said Dr. Kristjan Thompson, President of Doctors Manitoba. ​“The PaRx initiative will allow doctors to actually prescribe nature to their patients, while also removing barriers for patients to access a national park in Manitoba. It’s truly a win-win initiative.”

​“It is so exciting to see Doctors Manitoba endorse PaRx, because it has never been a more important time for folks to get outside. Not only is outside one of the safest places to be right now, but research also indicates that those who are more connected to nature are more likely to protect it,” says Anna Reed, a social worker, and Manitoba PaRx coordinator.

PaRx recently announced a new partnering agreement with Parks Canada. Licensed healthcare professionals registered in the PaRx program can now help reduce their patients’ barriers to nature access by prescribing an Adult Parks Canada Discovery Pass. They are asked to prioritize those who live close to national parks, national historic sites, or national marine conservation areas, and who could benefit from the pass the most. In Manitoba, this includes Riding Mountain National Park. Each physician can prescribe one park pass per month.

To read the full article, go here. 

Trudeau Regime Will Start Confiscating Protesters' Pets

The following goes beyond the pale.

From The Gateway Pundit:

Now they’re going after your dog.

On Thursday the Ottawa By-law and Regulatory Services announced they would start confiscating the pets of the Freedom Convoy protesters when their owner is arrested.

The city officials say they will keep the dogs for 8 days and then the animals “will be considered relinquished.”

Unbelievable!

To read more, go here. 

Sic semper tyrannis!