Happy Veterans Day!

 

Poll: Who will decide when to hang up your RV keys?

Above, at camp at Basecamp 550 in Ridgway, Colorado. Photo by Armand Vaquer

When will one decide to hang up the RV key?

At 71, I noticed during the past few trips that I didn't have the stamina for 400+ mile drives. I was able to do so without batting an eye before. These days, I have gone at least half way and stop for the night before pressing on.

I have chalked that up to getting a lousy night's sleep the night before. It could also be that age is catching up.

This is the topic of a new RV Travel poll: Who will decide when to hang up your RV keys?

They begin with:

“It’s time.” That’s what dear RVing friends recently told us. My first thoughts, I’ll admit, were selfish ones. “Who will play cards with us on rainy days? Spontaneously join in a last-minute motorcycle ride? Or take my husband fishing?”

Recovering from the unexpected announcement, I wondered how our friends arrived at the decision to stop RVing. I thought about our own eventuality. Who will determine when it’s time to hang up the RV keys?

To participate in the poll and to read more, go here. 

John Wayne Day In Fort Worth, Texas

Above, yours truly with Patrick Wayne outside of Ridgway, Colorado in 2022.

John Wayne Day is this coming Monday (which is also Memorial Day) and there will be several events at the Fort Worth Stockyards. The events mark the 118th anniversary of John Wayne's birth.

According to FWToday:

Next Monday, May 26 marks John Wayne’s 118th birthday, and the party is just getting started. Kick up your boots and get ready to celebrate Hollywood’s favorite on-screen cowboy with a series of events in the Stockyards.

One of the events is a special screening of The Big Trail (1930) at the Modern Art Museum. Son Patrick Wayne will make a special guest appearance. I am pleased to see that Patrick is out and about, considering he is now 85. I met him at the John Wayne Cancer Foundation's Grit Series marathons outside of Ridgway, Colorado in 2022.

For more information on the events, go here.

Grit Series In Moab, Utah

A little while ago, I found out that the John Wayne Cancer Foundation won't be holding their Grit Series marathon in Ridgway, Colorado this year. 

However, they are holding one in Moab, Utah on September 27.  Moab works for me as it is only six miles further than Ridgway (on a different route). 

Molly at the John Wayne Cancer Foundation said that I won't be disappointed in Moab. It has been decades since I was last in Moab.

She sent me a map of where the marathon will be held. It looks like it is near the Colorado River off Highway 128.

25 Years Ago

Above, my dad and I in 1993.

The other day, it occurred to me that I will be at the same age as my dad next year when he passed away 25 year ago today.

He passed away from lymphoma, a type of blood cancer that develops in the lymphatic system. He had it for about two years. 

That is why I decided to help the John Wayne Cancer Foundation with their Grit Series half marathons in Ridgway, Colorado. The first time I was there, I was talking with Patrick Wayne and mentioned that we both had the commonality of losing dads due to cancer.

In memory of my dad, I have also made donations to the Foundation. I have also done so in honor of Wellington "Bill" Wilson and Mike Hobbie, who also were casualties of cancer.

The John Wayne Cancer Foundation targets their efforts in cancer research and the training of oncologists. The JWCF funds novel and innovative programs that improve cancer patients' outcomes and save lives through research, education, awareness and support. 

Above, following my dad's funeral at Riverside National Cemetery.

It is hard to believe 25 years have passed. 

Forrest Gump Point At Monument Valley

Above, a view of Monument Valley from Forrest Gump Point. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

During my mini-vacation in September that took me from Ridgway, Colorado to Monument Valley, I took a route to Monument Valley that I hadn't taken before.

I came into Utah from the east and after entering the state, I headed south on U.S. Route 163 to enter Monument Valley. This route included Forrest Gump Point that was a few miles from the Monument Valley KOA Kampground where I stayed. 

According to Fat Man Little Trail:

For those of us who were enthralled with the majestic journey of a simple man from Greenbow, Alabama, Forrest Gump Point is a must see moment. The spot is where the long bearded Gump finally got tired and decided to go home.

The real spot is just outside of Mexican Hat, Utah near the entrance of Monument Valley. Nineteen miles from the Arizona border on US-163 is where you will find the spot that is marked by a green road sign. Either side of the two-lane highway has a few pull-offs to park. Local stands also sell memorabilia around the highway. Much like the movie, there isn’t a ton of fanfare for the location, and the surrounding beauty steals the show from the official spot.

I made a brief stop at Forrest Gump Point. As expected, other tourists also stopped there to take photos. Unlike some knuckleheads there, I did not stand in the middle of the highway to take pictures. At the Forrest Gump Viewpoint, there were Navajo vendor stalls selling jewelry and other trinkets. 

I only saw the movie Forrest Gump once when it first came out, so I vaguely remember the Monument Valley scene. 

RVing Addresses Top 3 Senior Concerns

Above, horseback riding in Monument Valley in September.

From tent camping with my family or Boy Scouts to my current Class C Winnebago, camping has been in my life. 

Now that I have reached the septuagenarian age group, I can easily see why keeping active betters one's overall health. 

Back in September, I took a RV trip to Ridgway, Colorado to help with the John Wayne Cancer Foundation's Grit Series marathons. From there, I headed over into Monument Valley in Utah for some more camping. This included horseback riding from the KOA Kampground I stayed at. This was the first time in fifty years I've done so. I joked afterwards, "Ask me in ten years if I can still ride a horse."

RV Travel has posted an article on how RVing addresses the top three concerns for seniors. If one is still in their fifties or sixties, it may be a worth a read.

It begins with:

As people age, anxiety can become a common, often overwhelming, experience. Anxiety in older adults can stem from a combination of health, social, and financial concerns. I’d like to make the case that RVing positively addresses these concerns—especially for seniors, but really for everyone. Read on to find out why.

To read the article, go here.

2024 JWCF Ridgway Photos

Above, the first aid station area before set-up. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The John Wayne Cancer Foundation's Ridgway, Colorado Grit Series marathons for this year are now history.

The official website has posted photos of the run along in several categories. The categories are: Highlights, Start-Finish Area, On Course - Start & Final Stretch and Miscellaneous.

I volunteered again this year and worked the first aid station at the True Grit Ross Family ranch movie location. We had around 200 runners participate.

To see the photos, go here. 

Summer 2024 Travel

Above, at Billy the Kid's grave in Fort Sumner in June.

Now that summer 2024 is over and done with, I can now look forward to the next few weeks of autumn and then winter. We tend to get early snows in autumn.

At least I made some good travel use out of the summer months.

In June, I headed to Fort Sumner to see the Billy the Kid Museum and gravesite. This was a camping trip in the motorhome. It was educational as well as fun.

Above, Jessica Tseang and I at G-FEST in July near Chicago.

In July, I headed to the Chicago area (by plane) for G-FEST, the annual Godzilla/kaiju convention by Daikaiju Enterprises. It was enjoyable and I got to see some friends for the first time since 2019.

In August, the cruise to the Bahamas was made with Norwegian Cruise Lines. I went with a friend I've known since junior high. We made several stops including Freeport, Nassau and Great Stirrup Cay. We jet skied at Great Stirrup Cay. I even managed to win $60 in roulette in the cruise ship's casino.  

Above, Mitch Geriminsky and I in Nassau, Bahamas in August.

A camping trip to Ridgway, Colorado for the John Wayne Cancer Foundation Grit Series marathons and Monument Valley, Utah closed out the summer. The Autumn Equinox arrived during the trip. I did some horseback riding in Monument Valley. That was the first horseback ride I took since 1974. That was fun. 

Above, horseback riding in Monument Valley in September.

Autumn travel, so far, will be for a clampout in Arizona with the Lost Dutchman Chapter of E Clampus Vitus. Beyond that, I have no plans for autumn travel. But one never knows what may come up on the spur-of-the-moment.

Today's Grit Series Marathon

Above, the marathon aid station I was assigned. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

This year's Grit Series marathons are now in the history books.

I got up early this morning, thanks to my cat Sierra walking on me. But I had to get up anyway as volunteers are supposed to be at the marathon site by 7:00. When I got there, it was about 39° outside. That was cold enough. But once the sun rose over the mountains, it warmed up fast. 

Above, some of the 5K marathon runners. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

For the most part, it was sunny and clear out with about 200 runners. But that changed around 12:30 when rain clouds clouded the area and dumped rain. This forced the marathon organizers to pack very fast. As I am writing this, it is still raining.

Above, some of the signs on the 5K route. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

After leaving the marathon site, I headed into Ridgway and had dinner at the True Grit Cafe. I had a big bowl of chili along with a glass of wine. 

Above, inside the True Grit Cafe. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I didn't see Patrick Wayne at the marathon, he could have been there but I didn't see him. Ethan Wayne gave me a nicc pat on the shoulder. He looked busy getting things set up. 

At the marathon, I met the new owner of the ranch in which the locations were used in True Grit (1969). He seemed to be a nice fellow and is enthusiastic about the marathons. 

Above, yours truly trying to get warm at the marathon site. 

I may go to bed earlier as I have to drive to Monument Valley in Utah tomorrow. Hopefully, the weather there will be much warmer and dry.

Rains Coming After The Marathon (Hopefully!)

Above, the Last Dollar Ranch. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It appears that the rains forecast to arrive in the Ridgway/Telluride region of Colorado will come after the John Wayne Cancer Foundation Grit Series half marathon and 5K today.

According to the National Weather Service:

Today

A chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 3pm. High near 74. South wind 5 to 10 mph becoming north northwest in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 90%.

Tonight

Showers and possibly a thunderstorm before 1am, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly between 1am and 4am. Low around 39. North northeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening. Chance of precipitation is 90%.

Sunday

A 10 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after noon. Partly sunny, with a high near 64. South southeast wind around 5 mph becoming north northwest in the morning.

Fingers are crossed! 

Ridgway Grit Series Event Today

Above, the start and finish arch. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Today's the day that I will be heading about 11 miles west of Ridgway, Colorado to help with the John Wayne Cancer Foundation's Grit Series half marathon and 5k. 

It goes from 7:00 AM to 1:00 PM today. 

I will be working one of the aid stations for the runners. I did this last year and had a great time. I was plagued with allergy issues last year, but I am prepared this year will allergy meds. 

The route include some locations used in True Grit (1969) for the Ross Family ranch scenes. Ridgway itself was also used in the movie and many locations there are still recognizable today. 

I have to head out early this morning to the marathon site near the Last Dollar Ranch.

Made It Into Colorado

 

Above, the fall colors are evident along Hwy. 550 outside of Silverton. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Well, I made it into Ouray, Colorado. I am at the Ouray KOA Holiday. It was a 250-mile drive.

The site I was given has to be the nicest one of the three times I've stayed there. It is a nice back-in site right next to a creek. It is relaxing hearing the gurgling water as it flows behind my motorhome. 

Above, the campsite at the Ouray KOA. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I reached the KOA at about noon. 

I did stop in Silverton for some coffee and a blueberry muffin at the coffee shop of the Grand Imperial Hotel. It was a nice little pit stop.

Above, the creek behind my campsite. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

After that, I headed off for the 25 mile drive to Ouray. The John Wayne Cancer Foundation Grit Series marathon will be held tomorrow 11 miles west of Ridgway. Ridgway is nine miles from Ouray.

Above, the main drag of Silverton. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I am just going to spend today just relaxing at camp. 

On the way, I saw the 9:00 Durango train north of Durango. It is on its way to Silverton.

Above, inside Silverton's Grand Imperial Hotel during my coffee stop. 

The fall colors are very evident in Colorado. Many people stopped in turnouts to take pictures of the trees. I took some as I was heading out of Silverton. 

Above, the 9:00 Silverton train along Hwy. 550. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Following the marathon, I will be heading to Monument Valley Tribal Park in Utah. 

Heading To Ridgway

This morning, I will be heading off to Ridgway, Colorado for the John Wayne Cancer Foundation Grit Series Marathon.

From there, I will be trying out a northern route from Colorado to Monument Valley Tribal Park.

 

Above, the "toys" parked in the front yard. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Rains At The John Wayne Cancer Foundation Marathon In Ridgway?

Above, Patrick and Ethan Wayne at the 2022 Grit Series Marathon outside of Ridgway. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It appears that the John Wayne Cancer Foundation's Grit Series marathon outside of Ridgway, Colorado may see some rain.

According to the National Weather Service the weekend looks like this:

Today

Sunny, with a high near 73. Light and variable wind becoming west 5 to 10 mph in the afternoon.

Tonight

Mostly clear, with a low around 38. West wind around 5 mph becoming calm after midnight.

Thursday

Sunny, with a high near 77. Calm wind becoming west around 5 mph in the afternoon.

Thursday Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 43. West wind around 5 mph becoming calm after midnight.

Friday

Sunny, with a high near 76. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph in the afternoon.

Friday Night

A slight chance of showers between midnight and 3am, then a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after 3am. Mostly clear, with a low around 40. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Saturday

A chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after noon. Partly sunny, with a high near 67. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Saturday Night

A chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before midnight. Partly cloudy, with a low around 38.

Sunday

A slight chance of showers before noon. Sunny, with a high near 68.

As I already have travel plans and reservations, I am heading up anyway. The marathon team has canopies for the aid stations along the marathon route, so I am not concerned. I don't know how this will affect the runners, if at all.  

From there, I will be heading into Utah to spend some "quality time" at Monument Valley. The temperature will be around 80° and sunny there.

Note: I posted this at Facebook, but they removed it, allegedly for "spam". Ridiculous!

Got Stuff Done In Gallup

Above, at Ouray, Colorado KOA Kampground two years ago. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Yesterday started out rainy. But it stopped about mid-morning.

I was going to get an oil change for the motorhome and fill its propane tank in the morning, but I thought that the ground at the RV garage would be muddy.

After getting mail from the post office around noon, I checked the ground and it was not muddy at all. So I decided to get the oil change (including trip check) and propane. Which I did. This is all in preparation for the trip to the John Wayne Cancer Foundation's Grit Series marathons outside of Ridgway, Colorado and, after that, a visit to Monument Valley Tribal Park in Utah. 

After the oil change and propane tank filling, I headed home, but I stopped first at the Flying J and filled the gas tank. Thankfully, the posted price for unleaded regular was $2.959/gallon. With my Good Sam discount, it was lowered to $2.909/gallon. Not bad!

Going To Monument Valley From Ridgway

Above, Monument Valley from Goulding's Lodge. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Following the John Wayne Cancer Foundation marathon in Ridgway Colorado, I decided to go from there to Monument Valley Tribal Park in Utah.

I figured I would make this a mini-vacation and enjoy the sights of the tribal park. I've already made my campsite reservations.

Above, the John Wayne Cancer Foundation Grit Series in 2022. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I will be taking a different route from Ridgway to Monument Valley, so I won't have to cross the Million Dollar Highway south of Ouray, Colorado. I'll be seeing Monument Valley from a different direction. 

I have one other planned camping trip after this one. I have a clampout in October, so this will probably be it for me in 2024.

Monument Valley After Ridgway?

Above, the East and West Mittens and Merrick Butte. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Next month, I will be heading up to Ridgway, Colorado to help with the John Wayne Cancer Foundation marathon. 

Since will be "out and about", I am considering extending the trip to include Monument Valley Tribal Park. 

I was last in Monument Valley in October 2022. I enjoyed the visit, which included a sunrise tour of the tribal park. If I go to Monument Valley, I will likely take that tour again. I stayed at Goulding's Lodge Campground. 

The weather in September will still be warm. It averages 82° highs and lows averaging 58°. 

Above, Ridgway, Colorado to Monument Valley. 

The drive from Ridgway, Colorado will entail some mountain road driving. But The Beast can handle it. It is a route that is basically west and then south. The driving time is around four hours. 

Since the route will take me on U.S. 163, there is a new KOA Kampground (Monument Valley KOA Journey) on that road I can try out. I read that the campground is five miles from Monument Valley and has great views.

I have a few weeks to decide. 

Why Retirement Isn’t As Straightforward As It Seems

Above, last Thursday at Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas. Photo by Mitch Geriminsky.

It will be ten years since I retired in late 2015 next year. Taking a cue from my parents, who really didn't have "golden years" due to health issues, I decided to retire while my health was still good. 

Good thing I did so, since I had a close call with a heart attack in 2018 that led to two stents being put into a coronary artery. It is said that retirees live an average of 11 years after retiring. 

As of now, I am enjoying retirement and as active as ever. My health is reasonably good. I travel in my RV or with a cruise line (most recently as last week). The key to having great retirement years is to keep active. Next month, I will be taking my RV north to Ridgway, Colorado to help out with the John Wayne Cancer Foundation's marathon. I did so last year.

Chuck Woodbury at RV Travel has posted an article on retirement. Some of what he wrote has crossed my mind on occasion. Like Woodbury, I am also "well past 65".

He begins it with:

How many times have I announced in this space that I was retiring? How many times have I hinted that I was retiring? Hmmm… Let me count the ways.

A whole buncha times… Apparently I have failed.

I am well past 65. For the approximately 17 readers in this audience younger than 40, that means I am really old. For those readers, maybe 7 or 8 of them, younger than 30, I am as old as dirt: I could have been Abe Lincoln’s drinking buddy.

Let me be clear: For most of my life I never thought I would get old. Oh, it would happen, but it would be so long it would like walking from Seattle to Miami and back maybe 50 times — essentially an eternity.

Then one day I looked at the mirror and I realized I was no longer 35 (or 45 or even 65!). I hadn’t even made it halfway to Miami one time! What the heck?

To be honest, as I always am, I have been guilt-ridden of late about still working. When I grew up in the 1950s, most working men looked forward to turning 65, whereupon they would get a silver watch, and their fellow employees would make farewell speeches saying they would remember them forever. And everyone would clap (and then the next day, when someone mentioned their name to another employee, he or she would ask “Who?”). That idea of retirement has stuck in my subconscious my whole life.

Unlike Woodbury, I did make it to Miami last week. 

To read more of what Woodbury has to say about retirement, go here.

Staying Put (For Now)

Above, at Mesa Ridge Ranch two weeks ago. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Now that the Bahamas cruise is over, I have no travel plans until next month when I head up to Ridgway, Colorado to help out with this year's John Wayne Cancer Foundation marathon. 

Then again, I could just go somewhere on the spur-of-the-moment. There's plenty of places to see and plenty of campgrounds within a few hour's drive. 

Yesterday, I got the Jeep out and went to the Flying J to pick up a few items. I was surprised that it started up after sitting idle for over a week. 

I may head over to Gallup to do some grocery shopping. It depends upon the weather. We had some thundershowers here yesterday. It is nice and green in the area from all of the monsoon rains we've been getting.