Gary Julian's "Greatest Naps" (At Clampouts)

 

Challenge Coins

Last month, I picked up a challenge coin from the clampout in Quartzsite, Arizona.

The Lost Dutchman Chapter of E Clampus Vitus had issued previous challenge coins over the years. The latest is a new one. 

In yesterday's mail, I received a challenge coin from the Wounded Warrior Project, a charitable group who has programs and services for wounded warriors, families, and caregivers. I am an annual donor.

Both challenge coins are in the photo below with the Lost Dutchman coin at left.

Lost Dutchman ECV Challenge Coin

This morning, I finally emptied my travel bag and got out the challenge coin from the last clampout of the Lost Dutchman Chapter No. 5917 + 4 of E Clampus Vitus.

If I find a challenge coin interesting, I'll buy one. Otherwise, I just stick to buying silver coins.

Here's both side of the coin:

Lost Dutchman's Spring Clampout

Above, yours truly at the clampsite with a favorite beverage.

The Spring Clampout of Lost Dutchman Chapter No. 5917 + 4 is now in the history books.

The clampout was held in Quartzsite, Arizona and the plaque dedication was for the Hagley Store, which is now in ruins (but somewhat protected). 

Above, the Hagley Store ruins. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The temperature was over 100° for the most part. We did get some relief on Saturday when a thick cloud cover moved into the area.

I left Jamestown on Wednesday and stayed Wednesday night at the Flagstaff KOA. This was the first time I stayed there since around 1987. I arrived at the clampsite about noon on Thursday. 

Above, the RV at the Flagstaff KOA. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

For Friday night's dinner, we had jambalaya. It didn't look appetizing to some, but it actually was good and spicy hot. 

Above, the jambalaya dinner of Friday. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Saturday dinner was bar-b-que beef steak and all the trimmings. 

On the way home Sunday, I met up with Mitch Geriminsky in Parker, Arizona's Blue Water Casino Hotel. While waiting for him, I managed to win a whopping fifty cents on an electronic version of roulette. 

Above, the Hagley Store plaque. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I stayed Sunday night at the Holbrook KOA as I got a late start on the road and I was tired. I also took advantage of the stay by emptying the motorhome's holding tanks. 

Above, clampers who were instrumental in erecting the plaque. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The plaque dedication for the Hagley Store was well attended by clampers, local Quartzsite officials and townspeople. 

Above, the official clampout t-shirt. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Saturday night, the Hall of Comparative Ovations was held to initiate the new members into the Order. I took part in the reading of the ritual (as Royal Platrix). At one point during my reading, my throat got congested briefly (relieved by a swig of water) from chronic allergies. After that, it was smooth sailing.

All in all, it was a successful and fun clampout. 

Clampout Weekend

Above, The Beast at a prior Clampout in Quartzsite. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The Spring Clampout of the Lost Dutchman Chapter of E Clampus Vitus is happening this weekend in beautiful tropical Quartzsite, Arizona.

The temperatures will be around 100° during the doins. 

For the duration of the clampout, this blog will be relatively inactive. I have a cat sitter already lined up.

2024: Not Bad

Above, during the horseback ride in Monument Valley.

Well, 2024 is just about wrapped up.

The year hasn't been bad for me. For one thing, nobody in the family has passed away, which is always a good thing.

Above, during a boat tour in Nassau, Bahamas. Photo by Mitch Geriminsky.

Thus far, it has been a mild winter. Not much snow has fallen as of late. But there's always January and February. 

I managed to do some traveling. Two clampouts were attended. A cruise to the Bahamas was taken. Helped with the John Wayne Cancer Foundation Half Marathon in Ridgway, Colorado. That was immediately followed by a trip to Monument Valley. A visit with ex-roomie Jessica in Des Moines, Iowa. That included a visit to the John Wayne Birthplace and Museum in nearby Winterset. Christmas was spent with the Geriminskys in Lake Havasu. I also visited Fort Sumner, New Mexico and toured the Billy the Kid Museum and gravesite. I attended this year's G-FEST in Rosemont, Illinois (near Chicago). It was good to see everyone there.

Above, during a Jeep drive to McGaffey Lake in May.

Happily, the 2024 Election turned out the way I wanted. We even gained some ground in the New Mexico legislature during the election. That is certainly a plus!

Above. with the gang at Grandpa's Grill in Gallup.

What 2025 holds is anyone's guess, but I am optimistic.

I plan on staying home tonight. It is safer that way. 

Happy New Year!

At The Clampsite

It was scorching hot during the clampout in Bouse, Arizona. It had to have been over 100° each day. It did cool off during the night. I managed to sleep pretty well with the RV's windows open.

The clampout was the fall doins of the Lost Dutchman Chapter No.  5917 + 4 of E Clampus Vitus. 

Despite the heat, we managed to have a good time. Saturday night's dinner was barbecued steak with beans and salad. It was good.

Some photos of the clampsite:

Above, Bobby, Tim and Tom. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, enjoying tequila sunrises. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, having a tequila sunrise.

Above, outside of my RV. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, The Beast at the clampout. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, Saturday night's dinner. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, yours truly doing a Gary Julian impersonation. Photo by Tom Garland.

 

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.

Heading To Bouse, AZ In October

Got one thing accomplished (besides paying my bills) and that is getting my "rub" in for the fall clampout in October with the Lost Dutchman Chapter No. 5917 + 4 of E Clampus Vitus.

I was expecting that the chapter was going to join other chapters in California for the fall clampout (at least that's what I was told). Apparently not.

The clampout will be in Bouse, Arizona, somewhat near Phoenix. At least I won't be driving to California. It is a six and a half hour drive from home.

Is It Camping When Staying At An RV Resort?

Above, at the Tucson/Lazydays KOA Resort. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

When staying in a luxury RV in a full-hookup RV resort, are you camping? 

That is the question in a recent article in RV Travel. This has been asked many times before and will likely be asked in other venues.

The closest thing to an RV resort I've ever stayed at was probably the Tucson/Lazydays KOA Resort in Tucson, Arizona last year during the clampout trip to Tombstone.

According to their website, their amenities are:

Tucson/Lazydays KOA Resort offers all the amenities KOA campers have come to love such as a fully stocked camp store complete with firewood and propane, Kamp K9, two outdoor pools, and WiFi. Whether you are joining with us for an extended stay or visiting us overnight on your way through Tucson, you'll find something fun to do. Tucson/Lazydays KOA Resort also features unique amenities including BBQ Rush Restaurant, a 9 Hole Putting Course, Mini Golf, Solar Power Parasols, Pet Sites, and a Workout Room. Our NEW Activity Room is ideal for your kiddos in tow, complete with a climbing wall, movies for the whole family, magnet wall, and more.  See the front desk for the Recreation Station schedule of planned activities.

The article begins with:

Today’s question in Campground Crowding prompted us to wonder, what do you consider “camping”? If you’re parked at a luxury RV resort with pools and tennis courts and spacious lots between you and your neighbor, is that camping? Or is camping only when you’re at state park campgrounds, among tenters, and just staying for a night so you can fish in the nearby lake? Is that even camping?

Has the definition of “camping” changed so much with our fancy RVs and parks that we’ve forgotten how to define it? Well, you tell us!

The responses from readers are interesting to read.

To read all, go here. 

Gen. Patton Memorial Museum

Above, Gen. George S. Patton and Willie. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Following the clampout, I headed across the desert to reach Interstate 10 to go to the General Patton Memorial Museum at Chiriaco Summit to see my uncle Ralph Ledoux's memorial brick I bought about a couple of years ago.

As the museum opens at 9:30 and I got to Chiriaco Summit 45 minutes early, I had a chili and cheese omelete at the Chiriaco Summit Cafe. It was excellent!

When I got there, I went to the clerk's desk to have them look up its location. But, it wasn't in their computer system.

I asked them to lead me to the newer section of bricks. We went over to a wall next to (and west) of the statue of General Patton and his dog Willie. Almost immediately, talk about luck, I found my uncle's brick. Considering that there are thousands of bricks, it was amazing finding it right away.

After taking some pictures of it, I went to my dad's and grandfather's brick and took some pictures of them.  

Here's the bricks:

Tonight's Dinner

Above, the KOA's main building. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The evening has been nice and relaxing.

The weather has been also pleasant. I noticed some clouds, but my weather apps indicate no rain is in the forecast.

Above, fired up the Weber barbecue. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

One of the neighboring campers has her cat with her, so I am not the only one who travels with a cat. 

I barbequed a porterhouse steak for dinner. I had Bush's Baked Beans and some Del Monte Green Beans to go along with it. I had bought the steak for Thursday night's dinner at the clampsite, but one of our group will be making dinner for everyone.

Above, enjoying an after-dinner coffee. The saying on the mug means, "he was
ugly, strong and had dignity." It is from the John Wayne Stock & Supply Co.

The clampsite is three hours away, at least that's what Google Maps says. We'll see.

At Circle Pines KOA

Above, after setting up camp. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

This afternoon, I made it to Williams, Arizona where I'll be spending the night at Circle Pines KOA Kampground.

I decided to go half way to the clampout and spend the night in Williams to take care of some RV-related chores such as filling the water tank, emptying the holding tanks and some general cleaning.

Above, after the chores, it's Alien time!

I last stayed at this KOA way back in 1992. It was the last family vacation we took before my marriage took a dump.

It looks pretty much the same, except it has a few more amenities.

I'll be heading to the clampsite in the morning.

The Train Derailment Site

Above, the train derailment site. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Headed out to this weekend's clampout at the former Rice Army Airfield in the Mojave Desert of California.

Just before crossing the Arizona-New Mexico border, I passed the site of last Friday's train derailment that caused the explosion of gasoline and propane that the train was carrying. The fire was put out over the weekend and now the investigators are seeing why the train derailed and the start of the clean-up.

I got a few photos of the site (there was nobody else around on Interstate 40.

Above, approaching the derailment site. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the derailement site. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the derailment site. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, approaching the border and Luption, Arizona. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Clampout Time!

Above, the Beast in the front drive way. The refrigerator is on to make the beer cold. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It is clampout time. I am almost ready to go. I have a cat-sitter to make sure the kitties are fed.

It will be held in the Mojave Desert of Riverside County, California. It is a three chapter affair. 

I just checked the weather and the temperature will be in the 90s at the clampsite. 

From the National Weather Service:

Thursday

Sunny, with a high near 93. North wind around 10 mph becoming southwest in the afternoon.

Thursday Night

Clear, with a low around 63. South southwest wind 7 to 9 mph becoming west after midnight.

Friday

Sunny, with a high near 93.

Friday Night

Clear, with a low around 64.

Saturday

Sunny, with a high near 94. Breezy.

Saturday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 62.

Sunday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 84.

Interstate 40 Planned To Reopen At 2:00 Today

Above, the train still burning this morning.

Some people at the Facebook New Mexico Road and Weather Conditions Reports are saying that Interstate 40 will be reopening at 2:00 PM today.

One said:

2pm reopening. That’s the plan Albuquerque local news is reporting.

And another:

 They expect it to be open st 2pm today

And more:

They just reported at 2pm today.

it is on channel 7 news this am.n.m news expect to be open at 2pm today

That would be nice if these are correct. 

As long as Interstate 40 is open by mid-week, I'm okay. I have a clamp-out to go to.

UPDATE:

From the McKinley County Fire & Rescue:

WB I-40 back open following derailment fire, all evacuations lifted

Westbound I-40 at mile marker 126 is back open to traffic following Friday’s derailment fire near the New Mexico-Arizona state line.

Eastbound traffic remains closed while first responders continue accessing the incident location. All evacuations have been lifted.

Air monitoring continues around the site and results do not indicate any concern for air quality. 

All local, state, federal and tribal public agencies, along with BNSF continue to work together within Unified Command to ensure the safety of the public.

We thank the public for their patience and will continue to post updates on the McKinley County Fire and Rescue Facebook page.

If you have been directly impacted by this incident, please call the State Line/BNSF Incident Hotline at 1-866-243-4784.

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I just stepped outside and saw that traffic was moving in both directions on Interstate 40. I am 40 miles east of the derailment and 18 miles east of Gallup.