Are RVers Responsible For Poor Quality RVs?

Above, my 2015 Minnie Winnie at the Moab (Utah) KOA in July. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Over the years, I have stated on this blog that my 2015 Winnebago Minnie Winnie 22R has been the most reliable vehicle I've ever owned. I bought it new in 2015 and only had minor issues on rare occasions.

Today, people have been noticing the lack of quality control of new recreational vehicles. It was made even more evident since the pandemic of 2020. 

RV Travel has posted an article asking if RVers are responsible for poor quality RVs. 

They begin it with:

Over the years, we’ve heard from countless frustrated RVers. The story goes something like, “I bought a brand-new RV and hardly got to use it the first year. It spent most of the time getting repairs made, right from the start!”

The rants about nearly every RV manufacturer are myriad. Yes, even RV dealers admit the quality of RVs they’re selling is often lousy, and they point the finger back at the manufacturers.

But hang on, are RVers responsible, in part, for the junk being dumped on the market today?

To read more, go here. 

Graffiti Found At Arches National Park

Above, rock formations at Arches National Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Back in July, I took a driving tour of Arches National Park near Moab, Utah. This was my first visit to this national park.

It was interesting to see the different red rock formations throughout the park.

It has been reported that bad behavior has struck the park. Too bad there are people who are compelled to do stupid things.

Deseret News reported:

Visitors to Arches National Park found the popular Devils Garden Trail vandalized with white spray-painted images of smiley faces, doodles and several iterations of what appears to be the word “GRUG” on the red rock.

Allyson Mathis, a retired National Park Service employee, found the defaced landscape while hiking with a friend last week. And that’s not all she encountered.

Speaking with a reporter from Outside, she described seeing a dog walking with other visitors — pets are not permitted on trails in Arches — and toilet paper strewn about the desert. That was in addition to the scale of the spray-paint defacement.

“It was everywhere,” Mathis said. “It was heartbreaking and upsetting, but unfortunately not surprising.”

To read more, go here. 

Major Google Maps Update

Above, the motorhome at Arches National Park Visitor Center. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

During my vacation in July to Wyoming, Montana, South Dakota and Utah, I made good use out of Google maps. I also made good use out of a paper road atlas.

That wasn't the app version, but the one available to anyone online. 

For those who use the app version, there will be major updates coming, some of which could "doom" trip planner apps.

From RV Travel:

The day of paying for an app to help you plan your trip’s route or find places and services along the road may soon be over.

Google is rolling out a major update to its Google Maps that uses artificial intelligence to make it easier for RVers and other motorists to navigate unfamiliar towns, find fuel or groceries near a campground or safely guide a large rig through tight turns and avoid routes with low bridges. And it won’t cost a penny.

The upgrades come from integrating Google’s Gemini AI directly into maps, adding smarter voice assistance, more intuitive directions, and better on-the-ground exploration tools. It’s GPS on steroids.

To read more, go here. 

Shiprock

On the way home from Moab, Utah yesterday, I took a slightly different route home from the route I took Friday to Moab for the John Wayne Cancer Foundation "Grit Series" marathons.

The route I took was one I took before from Monument Valley a year ago. It had me pass by Shiprock and into the town of Shiprock, New Mexico.

I needed to get gasoline there as I spent very little in Utah. Their gas prices were around $3.40/gallon, whereas New Mexico were around $2.84/gallon.

Despite rain squalls, the town of Shiprock (in the Navajo Nation) was busy with several flea markets and a carnival. I did manage to take the below photos of Shiprock before reaching town.

Drinks Canyon Campground (BLM)

Above, the RV at Drinks Canyon Campground. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

On Friday, I headed to Moab, Utah to help with the John Wayne Cancer Foundation "Grit Series" marathons.

It was a six hour drive from home. 

Above, red cliffs and Colorado River near the campground. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I decided that I would try to stay at a BLM campground along the Colorado River in a canyon next to Arches National Park. There are several BLM campgrounds and they are first-come, first-serve. It is outside of Moab, Utah on Highway 128. 

Above, a view from the campsite. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I reached the canyon at about noon and the first campgrounds were already full, but when I reached Drinks Canyon Campground, they had several campsites available. Campsite 13 (lucky number, eh?) was the largest of the ones available that would accommodate the motorhome. After filling out the payment envelope, I set up camp. The campground was only nine miles from Red Cliffs Lodge, the headquarters for the marathons. That worked out great as volunteers have to arrive at 5:00 am.

Above, another view from the campsite. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The fee for overnight stays is $20/night. There's no water available or trash cans. It is dry camping and one must "pack it in, pack it out". There is a restroom at the campground.

It is in a beautiful area with tall red cliffs along the Colorado River. 

For more information, go here.

Grit Series Marathons In Moab

Above, runners were already on the course before sunrise. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

This year's Grit Series marathons benefitting the John Wayne Cancer Foundation was held yesterday outside of Moab, Utah. 

I volunteered for the event and was assigned to the main parking area directing arrivals. I was told that 100 participants took part last year and 200 this year. I believe it. The lot at Red Cliffs Lodge was full and the shuttle buses were transporting participants to the starting/finishing area. I was kept busy for about two hours or more and on my feet. I was a little exhausted afterwards.

After finishing those "parking attendant" duties, I was given a ride to the marathon starting/finishing line. 

Above, Ethan Wayne holding my donation check in memory of Richard Pusateri.

There, met up with Ethan Wayne, John Wayne's youngest son, and gave him a donation to the John Wayne Cancer Foundation in memory of Richard Pusatari, who passed away in February (on my birthday). We took a picture with Ethan holding the check for posting at Richard's Facebook page (which I did last evening). 

I was going to stay Saturday night, but I heard that storms were coming in (at this writing, we're having a thunderstorm that woke me), so I decided to head out. It was a nice drive, with little rain while in Utah. But when I reached the Shiprock, New Mexico area, it was storming and got even worse when I reached Tohatchi, New Mexico. It continued on when I entered Gallup. 

I stopped for lunch at an A & W Root Beer restaurant in Blanding, Utah. It was a little disappointing: no frosted mug. I was just handed a plastic cup to fill it myself McDonalds style. They were selling glass mugs for $4.95, but I already have two vintage ones. That's enough.

Still, I had a good time and did my bit for the Foundation. 

Some photos:

Above, the Red Cliffs Lodge parking area with the Colorado River. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the Red Cliffs Lodge. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the starting/finishing line arch. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the canopies with Foundation swag. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, spectators relaxing at the maraton area. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, horseback riders chatting with spectators. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Rain In Moab Area This Weekend?

Last year, rain hit the Ridgway, Colorado area about the time the John Wayne Cancer Foundation's Grit Series marathons ended.

Everyone had to hurry and pack up equipment as the rains started.

This weekend, the marathons will be held outside of Moab, Utah. I am heading there as a volunteer. 

It looks like there is a chance of rain in the vicinity according to the National Weather Service:

 Today

Sunny, with a high near 84. Calm wind becoming northwest around 5 mph.

Tonight

Increasing clouds, with a low around 62. Northwest wind around 5 mph becoming southeast in the evening.

Friday

A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms between 9am and noon. Mostly sunny, with a high near 84. South wind around 5 mph becoming west in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 10%.

Friday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 60. West wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.

Saturday

A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after noon. Mostly sunny, with a high near 83. Calm wind becoming south southwest around 5 mph in the afternoon.

Saturday Night

A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 61.

Sunday

Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before noon, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 76. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Hopefully, the marathons will not get drenched.

Did Kirk Assassin Escape In A Private Jet?

This is both interesting and curious.

A private jet took off from a nearby airport to Utah Valley University and did some things, some illegally, during its flight.

NewsBreak reported:

In the chaotic aftermath of Charlie Kirk's assassination at Utah Valley University (UVU), various reports of a private jet taking off from a nearby airport and illegally disappearing from tracking software have surfaced, pointing to the incident as proof of a conspiracy in the conservative commentator's murder.

Initially, X (Twitter) users expressed concern about the continued function of Provo Airport, which is a 15-minute drive away from the UVU campus, as the shooter could potentially use it to escape.

One of them, @stellarman22 wrote "A private jet under the tail number N888KG left Provo Airport an hour after the shooting... Suspiciously 30 mins into the flight it drops off of ADS-B illegally and reappears headed back to Provo approx. an hour later... Why did this plane turn off its radar? Where is the shooter?"

This is curious indeed.

To read more, go here.

New Kirk Assassin Video, Photos Released

Last night, new photos and video of the assassin of Charlie Kirk was released last night during a brief news conference.

Charlie Kirk Assassination, A Professional Hit?

Above, the assassin on a campus building's roof as shown in a video. Image from Stuff.

The assassin of Charlie Kirk may never be found. That is a distinct possibility. 

From what I have been able to determine from news reports was that the Utah Valley University campus was not sealed off to prevent anyone from leaving. It was only later was the campus put under lock-down. 

Along with Kirk's own security team, there were six police officers present. 

At first, security and the police at the venue thought that the shot came from someone in the crowd. It was later determined that the shooter fired a single round from a campus building's roof. Has a weapon been found during the search of the roof? I have not heard of any reports of a weapon being found. Was the bullet's shell found on that roof? Again, there has been no reports. 

It appears that if the assassin left the scene with the weapon, how was he able to leave without being seen carrying a rifle? Possibly, the rifle was a take-down model and was carried out in a suitcase, bag, backpack or even in an attache case. If this was the case, it smells of a professional hit. My Winchester Model 12 shotgun is a take-down with a 30-inch barrel and it could easily fit in a large attache case. A rifle would be shorter and easier to smuggle out. 

Hopefully, security videos will be analyzed to determine how the shooter was able to escape and, possibly his identity. 

UPDATE: A rifle has been found in a wooded area near the campus as well as a footprint and forearm imprint. 

🚨BREAKING: Former FBI Agent Stuart Kaplan says Charlie Kirk’s Assassination was a “PROFESSIONAL HIT” 🚨

“This was a very well-planned, very well-orchestrated plot that was put in motion days before. This individual had a plan of escape… this assassination is indicative of a… pic.twitter.com/cEDIbFZHne

— Jesse Watters (@JesseBWatters) September 11, 2025

Charlie Kirk Assassinated

Above, Charlie Kirk speaking an instant before being hit by an assassin's bullet.

Charlie Kirk, the CEO of Turning Point USA, was shot to death by a sniper at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah today. He was 31.

He was taking questions at a gathering on campus when a single shot rang out. It it Kirk in the neck and he immediately crumpled down. I viewed one video that showed him being shot. By the amount of blood that gushed from his neck, it appeared to this untrained eye that possibly an artery was hit.

President Trump made the announcement about 20 minutes ago.

Initial reports said the shooter was apprehended, but that has changed and police are still searching for the shooter.

Prayers to Kirk's wife and children 

This is what they destroyed today. I am so heartbroken, I can’t speak. pic.twitter.com/8v4OF6nLkM

— James Woods (@RealJamesWoods) September 10, 2025

RV Camping Near Utah’s Stunning National Parks

Above, Moab KOA is just minutes from Arches National Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

During a recent trip to Wyoming, Montana and South Dakota, we stayed a night in Moab, Utah at the Moab KOA.

As we were taking our time in going to Wyoming, we took a driving tour through Arches National Park. This was the first time I've visited the park.

Above, Arches National Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

This is Go RVing posted a list of RV camping near Utah's national parks. 

They begin it with:

Utah is home to some of the most iconic landscapes in the American Southwest—towering sandstone arches, sculpted red rock canyons, and vast desert vistas. For RV travelers, Utah’s national parks provide an unforgettable road trip experience. While booking a campsite inside the parks can be a challenge, there are many well-appointed, privately owned RV campgrounds just outside these parks that offer full hookups, excellent amenities, and easier availability.

Here are four of Utah’s most visited parks, along with nearby private campgrounds that offer a comfortable and convenient base for your adventures.

To read more, go here. 

AZ Central's Guide To Monument Valley

Above, a sunrise view of the West Mitten. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park straddles the Arizona-Utah border. It was made famous by director John Ford in 1939's Stagecoach, starring John Wayne and Claire Trevor. It has appeared in many more movies since then.

I have visited Monument Valley several times. It is less than a half day's drive from home. I have camped at Goulding's Lodge Campground and at Monument Valley KOA.

Above, Goulding's Lodge Campground. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

AZ Central has posted an "ultimate guide" to Monument Valley listing the best things to do.

It begins with:

A boundless open sky greets travelers heading toward the Arizona-Utah border, with just a few red-orange sandstone monoliths reaching heights of up to 1,000 feet tall along the horizon.

The transcendental landscape at Monument Valley inspires visitors with its towering sandstone buttes so picturesque that it has served as a backdrop for many movies.

Monument Valley, the 91,696-acre tribal park on the Navajo Nation that spans parts of Arizona and Utah, was named by Arizona Republic readers as a finalist in the Most Beautiful Places in Arizona Poll, which was won by the Grand Canyon.

Monument Valley is a popular destination for travelers visiting northern Arizona and southern Utah. Here's how to plan a Monument Valley trip, including the best time to visit and what is the closest town.

To read more, go here. 

Campground Reviews Posted

Above, Moab KOA Kampground. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Since returning from the 12-day trip to Wyoming, Montana, Utah, South Dakota and Colorado, I have campground reviews posted at RV Life Campground Reviews.

During the trip, we stayed at eight campgrounds, most of them were KOA Kampgrounds.

The KOA Kampgrounds were (in order of stays):

• Moab, Utah
• Vernal, Utah
• Cody, Wyoming
• Deadwood, Wyoming
• Hardin, Montana
• Devils Tower, Wyoming
• Colorado Springs, Colorado

The non-KOA campground:

Eagle RV Park, Thermopolis, Utah

To access RV Life Campground Reviews, go here. 

Flaming Gorge Resort

Above, Flaming Gorge Resort Fly Shop. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

While traveling to Cody, Wyoming, we stopped at Flaming Gorge Resort for breakfast.

Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area straddles Utah and Wyoming. It is a huge reservoir with plenty of camping, fishing and water sports activities available for vacationers and sportsmen. 

Above, a little oddity for sale in the Fly Shop. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Flaming Gorge Resort's restaurant's food was good! 

After breakfast, we perused around the Fly & Tackle Shop. They have plenty of fishing and camping gear along with gift items. 

Above, Mitch Geriminsky outside of the restaurant. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Flaming Gorge is a beautiful area with pine-covered forests. I am tempted to go back for a few days of camping.

For more information on the resort, go here.

Arches National Park

Above, an interesting rock formation. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The first attraction stop on the trip to Wyoming, Montana and South Dakota was at Arches National Park.

Above. the RV performed well during the trip. Here
 it is at the visitor center. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It was the first time I've been there. I was somewhat disappointed that there weren't more arches easily accessible from the road without taking a hike. But the terrain was spectacular. I got to see one arch, though.

Here's some photos:

Made It To Cody, Wyoming

Above, Mitch and I at the Moab KOA.

 Mitch Geriminsky and I made it to Cody, Wyoming today.

We left New Mexico a couple of days earlier than planned as Mitch was getting sick from the elevation of New Mexico. As we had more time, we took our time driving to Wyoming. 

We stayed at KOA Kampgrounds for the most part, except for last night's stay at Eagle RV Park in Thermopolis, Wyoming. I was getting drowsy during the drive and decided to find an RV park at the next town we were coming to. It worked out just fine. They only charged $40 for the campsite. Today's drive was an easy 83-mile drive from Thermopolis to Cody. We got into town around 8:00 this morning. We had breakfast at Grannys Restaurant.

Before checking into the KOA in Cody, we went to the Buffalo Bill Center of the West and toured the Buffalo Bill and Firearms Museums. 

We may take in the nightly rodeo tonight. There's a free shuttle from the KOA to the rodeo.

Above, on the road in Arches National Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Along the way, we stopped in Arches National Park in Utah. It was a nice park, but somewhat disappointing as most of the arches required hikes. They should have built them closer to the road.

Above, yours truly at Arches National Park Visitor Center. Photo by Mitch Geriminsky.

Above, Mitch at Flaming Gorge Resort. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, Cody KOA. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Grit Series Marathons In Moab September 27

Since the John Wayne Cancer Foundation's Grit Series marathons won't be in Ridgway, Colorado this year, I just signed up to volunteer at the next closest event in Moab, Utah. 

It's a good thing I am an early riser as we have to meet up at 5:00 AM to catch the shuttle bus to our stations.

I am looking forward to the trip as it has been years since I last had been in the Moab area. While there, I will be making a donation to the Cancer Foundation in the name of Richard Pusateri, who passed away from cancer in February.

For more information, go here. 

Stay In A Navajo 'Hogan' Home In Monument Valley

Above, a traditional Navajo hogan in Monument Valley. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Visitors to Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park that straddles Utah and Arizona is a part of the Navajo Nation.

A Navajo woman in Monument Valley is opening her hogan to visitors for overnight stays.

AOL reported:

The Diné, or Navajo, are indigenous to the Southwestern United States, where they have lived for over a thousand years. Travelers seeking to explore Navajo traditions and culture can now stay in a hogan, a traditional dwelling, within the Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, or Tse’Bii’Ndzisgaii. A Navajo hogan is usually dome-shaped or multi-sided and built entirely out of natural elements like logs, bark, and mud.

The MonetValley Eco Hogan sits within the tribal park north of Kayenta, Arizona, and is owned by Verna Yazzie, a Navajo woman who was born and raised in Monument Valley. Her hogan, completed in 2020, is built out of juniper wood, bark, and sand. It is an off-grid structure with no electricity or running water, offering guests an extra dose of dark night skies (the area is renowned for its stargazing) and the chance to connect with the natural world.

By opening her hogan to visitors, Yazzie hopes to introduce people to the Navajo lifestyle, which traditionally involves herding sheep, weaving rugs, growing crops, and silversmithing. The name of her hogan, MonetValley, is an ode to her grandmother, who also lived in Monument Valley.

 To read more, go here.

Monument Valley: Ancient Stories Beyond Hollywood Fame

Above, the Mittens and Merrick Butte at sunrise. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Regular readers of this blog can safely guess that I have a fondness for the Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park that straddles Utah and Arizona.

I have been there several times, most recently last September. It is my good fortune that I live within less than a half day's drive from it.

Le Journal Catalan has posted an article on Monument Valley.

They begin it with:

The red sandstone monoliths that punctuate the horizon at Monument Valley aren’t just rock formations – they’re ancient storytellers rising dramatically from the desert floor. This extraordinary landscape, straddling the Arizona-Utah border, represents one of America’s most iconic and instantly recognizable natural wonders, yet many visitors fail to fully appreciate its profound cultural significance.

A sacred homeland, not just a movie backdrop

While Hollywood westerns put Monument Valley on the tourist map, this 91,000-acre expanse represents much more to the Navajo (Diné) people who have called this region home for centuries. The tribal park sits within the Navajo Nation, where these dramatic formations – some towering over 1,000 feet tall – are considered sacred.

 To read more, go here.