Last Night

Last night, I stayed up to watch the signing of the bill ending the Democrats' government shutdown by President Trump.

While up, I also went outside to see if there's any visible aurora. 

Well, the bill signing went off without a hitch, putting an end to the shutdown.

Unfortunately, there was no aurora that I could see. I walked to a part of my front yard where no lights could wash out any views. There was no aurora that I could see.

I took the photo below from my porch. 

On Facebook, I posted it with this caption: The aurora is really impressive!

GOA Warns Senate Against Eliminating The Filibuster

In his frustration with the Senate Democrats led by Chuck Schumer over the government shutdown, President Trump is calling for the elimination of the filibuster.

This may sound good to many, but the Gun Owners of America says this is a bad idea that could lead to more Second Amendment attack legislation.

They wrote:

With President Donald Trump urging the U.S. Senate to do away with the filibuster to put an end to the government shutdown, one gun-rights group is sounding the alarm on that proposal.

On November 4, Gun Owners of America (GOA) issued a national alert encouraging members to “save” the filibuster for the good of the Second Amendment.

“President Donald Trump is calling on the Senate to use the ‘nuclear option’ and eliminate the filibuster to reopen the government,” the GOA Senior Vice President Erich Pratt wrote in the alert. “Destroying the filibuster would be a disaster for the Second Amendment. The truth is, the filibuster is the critical tool that GOA has used for years to defeat mandatory gun registration, bans on common firearms, crushing restrictions on gun shows, national gun confiscation laws and countless other gun-grabbing schemes.”

As Pratt further noted, if the filibuster is nuked, there will be nothing left to stop a flood of anti-gun legislation in the future.

“If the filibuster falls, no matter who demands it, the gun control crowd in Congress will ram every radical gun control bill into law,” Pratt wrote. “That’s why your action is absolutely critical, right now. I need you to send a message to your senators today. Tell them: Protect the filibuster and don’t give up the ONE tool that’s topped gun control for decades! Enshrine the filibuster into law.”

I agree with the GOA. The filibuster has been a protection against lunatic legislation.

To read more, go here. 

Cruise Passengers Concerned As FAA Cuts Flights

It's a good thing that I have no plans for any air travel during the holiday season. I did fly to Des Moines, Iowa last month which went smoothly.

Thanks to the Schumer Shutdown, starting today, airlines will be cutting flights by 10% due to call-offs by air traffic controllers who have missed getting paid during two pay cycles.

This cut in flights may affect those who are about to take a cruise.

According to Cruise Hive:

Cruise guests heading for upcoming cruises are bracing for widespread flight disruptions after the FAA confirmed it plans to reduce air traffic by 10 percent beginning Friday, November 7, 2025, across 40 major US airports.

The move, tied to the ongoing government shutdown and staffing limits among air traffic controllers, has cruise passengers scrambling for answers days before they are set to fly to their cruise port.

To read more, go here. 

Lawless Yosemite Campers Taking Over Campsites During Shutdown

Above, North Pines Campground during the time I was there in 2016. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Back in 2016, I camped for about a week at Yosemite National Park. I made my reservation months in advance online. I camped at North Pine Campground in Yosemite Valley.

Today, things have gone haywire at squatters are unlawfully camping without permit at North Pines Campground. The Schumer Shutdown is being blamed for this.

RV Travel reported:

RV travelers planning a trip to Yosemite should be prepared for challenges, as lawless Yosemite campers are taking advantage of the ongoing government shutdown.

With much of the National Park Service staff furloughed, some visitors are occupying reserved campsites without permits. It’s creating confusion, safety risks, and frustration for those following the rules.

Lawless Yosemite campers are exploiting the shutdown

A San Francisco Chronicle staff member reported that squatters moved into a reserved campsite at North Pines Campground. These falsely claimed the site was “first come, first served” because of the shutdown.

A ranger later intervened to remove the group, highlighting the lawlessness spreading through the park. Yosemite guides and former officials describe the situation as “like the Wild Wild West,” with only a single volunteer currently patrolling some areas.

To read more, go here.

Hakeem Jeffries: Born To Be A Punchline

Here's a little funny for you:

It’s just so ridiculously funny. Hakeem Jeffries was born to be a punchline. pic.twitter.com/O47KKGXB3K

— James Woods (@RealJamesWoods) October 5, 2025

Top 5 National Parks "Mostly Open" In Schumer Shutdown

Above, Yellowstone's concession-run lodges, campgrounds, and restaurants
will remain open, but visitor centers are closed. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The Schumer Shutdown of the federal government is affecting our national parks, some more so than others.

The top five national parks are open and RV Travel posted an article detailing what to expect at each, although some information is sketchy at this point.

They begin their article with:

With the federal government shut down, RVers face uncertainty, wondering, “Are national parks open?” We can tell you the top 5 national parks are mostly open but campgrounds situations could change daily. Roads and scenic drives remain accessible, yet services like dump stations, visitor centers, and campground staffing vary from park to park. For those rolling in with motorhomes or trailers, the best advice is to plan ahead, bring full water and propane tanks, and keep backup camping options ready.

To read more, go here.

National Parks Remain Open Through Mid-November

Above, Yellowstone's Old Faithful Inn. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The compromise funding agreement will allow the national parks to remain open, at least through mid-November.

According to National Parks Traveler:

An 11th-hour compromise Saturday averted a shutdown of the federal government for at least 45 days, allowing the National Park System to remain open through one of the most popular tourist seasons of the year.

With the agreement, reached by the House on Saturday afternoon, approved by the Senate that evening, and sent to President Biden for his signature, the Congress bought time to try to come to terms on government funding for Fiscal 2024, which opens October 1. As a result, the National Park System will remain open at least through mid-November, allowing for Fat Bear Week to run at Katmai National Park and Preserve in Alaska, enabling leaf-peepers to flock to the hardwood forests of Great Smoky Mountains, Shenandoah, and Acadia national parks to marvel at fall's vibrant coat of leaves, and allowing tens of thousands of sky gazers to flock to the National Park System from Oregon through Texas to catch the annular solar eclipse on October 14.

Just in case an agreement on the Continuing Resolution wasn't reached, officials in Utah and Arizona were prepared to keep national parks in their states open with state funding, and Colorado officials were working to do the same.

To read more, go here. 

Government Shutdown Averted Until Nov. 17

Above, Mesa Verde National Park will be open for eclipse watchers. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The impending government shutdown has been averted, at least for 45 days.

According to the Associated Press (via AOL):

WASHINGTON (AP) — The threat of a federal government shutdown suddenly lifted late Saturday as President Joe Biden signed a temporary funding bill to keep agencies open with little time to spare after Congress rushed to approve the bipartisan deal.

The package drops aid to Ukraine, a White House priority opposed by a growing number of GOP lawmakers, but increases federal disaster assistance by $16 billion, meeting Biden’s full request. The bill funds government until Nov. 17.

The national parks will remain open. Some, like Mesa Verde National Park, will be open for eclipse viewers on October 14.

To read more, go here. 

Shutdown: What Will It Mean For Public Lands Access?

Above, one thing is certain, Old Faithful in Yellowstone won't
 be turned off during a shutdown. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The looming government shutdown will lead to the closure of most national parks and other public lands.

As previously posted on this blog, the states of Arizona, Colorado and Utah are looking to keep their national parks open on their dime.

RV Travel has posted an article on what the shutdown means for RVers, at least what is known so far.

They begin with:

At the time of this writing, Friday, September 29, from all appearances, the likelihood of a federal government shutdown happening on Sunday is a safe bet. We’ll leave the politics out of this article, and get to how RVers and others could be affected. What will happen to access to national parks and other public lands? Here’s the latest information.

To read more, go here.

Colorado's National Parks May Stay Open

Above, Mesa Verde National Park may stay open if Colorado foots the bill. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Steps are being taken by the state of Colorado to keep its national parks open in the event of a government shutdown.

That is, if the state is willing to foot the bill.

From CPR News:

It looks like Colorado's four National Parks may stay open through a shutdown, even if it means the state ends up footing the bill.

Entrances to national parks will be blocked and thousands of park rangers will be furloughed if Congress doesn’t reach a budget agreement this weekend, the Department of Interior said Friday, with visitors encountering locked gates starting on Monday.

However, the department also noted the director of the National Park Service can enter into non-reimbursable arrangements with state, tribal or local governments, or third parties for donations to fund park operations and keep gates open.

Gov. Jared Polis is taking steps to do that. 

On Thursday, he issued an executive order for the Colorado Department of Natural Resources to develop a plan to keep the parks and other federal land in the state open, and to look for state money to do it with.

The neighboring states of Arizona and Utah are also looking into keeping their national parks open during a government shutdown.

To read more, go here. 

Government Shutdown Will Close America’s National Parks

Above, Petrified Forest National Park will be closed unless the
 state of Arizona pays to keep it open. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

In the event of a government shutdown, the U.S. Department of the Interior, which oversees the National Park Service, issued a press release on the closure of national parks.

It begins with:

The Department of the Interior is committed to upholding the highest standards of public access to and maintenance of America’s national parks and public lands. Our national parks reflect who we are as a country and unite us in our common purpose to not only enjoy their beauty, but also to preserve them for all Americans to enjoy.

However, in the event of a lapse in annual government appropriations, National Park Service (NPS) sites will be closed. This means that the majority of national parks will be closed completely to public access. Areas that, by their nature, are physically accessible to the public will face significantly reduced visitor services.

At NPS sites across the country, gates will be locked, visitor centers will be closed, and thousands of park rangers will be furloughed. Accordingly, the public will be encouraged not to visit sites during the period of lapse in appropriations out of consideration for protection of natural and cultural resources, as well as visitor safety. 

To read the full press release, go here. 

Mesa Verde Eclipse Viewing Information

Above, Cliff Palace at Mesa Verde National Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Since Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park will be closed due to tribal eclipse rituals, the next best place to view the annular eclipse on October 14 in the Four Corners would be Mesa Verde National Park in Colorado.

The path of the eclipse will take it over the park.

However, there's just one problem: if there's still a government shutdown on October 14, Mesa Verde National Park will be closed. That's unless the state of Colorado pays to keep it open.

In case there's no shutdown on that date, The Denver Post has an article on everything one needs to know about viewing it at Mesa Verde.

They begin it with:

NASA personnel will soon be in Colorado for a celestial event that hasn’t been visible from North America in more than a decade.

On Oct. 14, Mesa Verde National Park in Southwest Colorado will be almost directly in line with the annular solar eclipse. During this type of event, the moon comes between the Earth and the sun and blocks most of the light.

Because the moon will be at one of its furthest points away from the Earth, the moon will appear smaller than the sun and not block its light completely. Instead, the moon will appear as a black dot surrounded by what’s called a “ring of fire.”

It’s a stunning sight – one that can only be viewed safely with the aid of protective eyewear, according to NASA. That’s why Mesa Verde is expecting robust crowds during the otherwise sleepy shoulder season.

“This event might be pretty huge compared to an average October day,” said Eric Sainio, supervisory park ranger at Mesa Verde. “NASA has told us that in former annual eclipses, they’ve seen crowds something like a busy summer day plus 50%. For us, that might mean around 6,000 people.”

The last time an annular solar eclipse was visible from North America was in 2012. Here’s what you need to know if you’re thinking about making the trek to Mesa Verde to witness the event.

Note: These details may be affected by the federal government shutdown. Visit nps.gov for the latest information about park closures.

To read more, go here. 

How Would A Government Shutdown Affect National Parks?

Above, Grand Canyon National Park would be kept open by the state of Arizona. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

How will a government shutdown affect the national parks?

That is a question that many are asking. Some states, such as Arizona and Utah, will pay to keep theirs open if necessary.

The question is being discussed in The Hill.

They begin with:

(NEXSTAR) – As the clock ticks closer to the looming weekend deadline, a government shutdown was looking increasingly likely Thursday. A federal shutdown could end up being bad news for hundreds of thousands of federal workers, people who rely on government assistance to pay for food, and those with a trip planned to one of the country’s 425 national park sites.

Since the National Park Service is largely funded through Congressional appropriations, all 63 national parks, plus hundreds of additional monuments and sites, “are at risk of closing Oct. 1” if the government doesn’t reach a deal to keep the government funded, writes the National Parks Conservation Association, a group that advocates for protecting the parks.

As The Hill has previously reported, it’s somewhat unclear what would happen to national parks under an upcoming federal shutdown. The Department of the Interior hasn’t announced its plan, either. 

To read more, go here. 

Social Security and A Government Shut-Down

This coming Sunday, if the congress (House and Senate) and the White House don't come to an agreement on a spending bill, the government will shut down.

What does that mean for those of us geezers who are collecting Social Security? Nothing.

According to NBC News (via AOL):

If the federal government shuts down on Sunday, numerous publicly funded agencies will stop work and their employees won't be paid, but Social Security checks will still go out.

Social Security is considered a mandatory program and it isn't funded by the shorter-term appropriations bills passed by Congress and signed by the president. That means its operations and funding don't stop when the government shuts down.

That's important for a large portion of Americans, as about 67 million people are currently receiving monthly Social Security benefits, according to the Social Security Administration. Those benefits primarily go to retirees, but also to people with disabilities as well as dependents of deceased beneficiaries.

Medicare and Veterans Affairs benefits also continue being distributed during a shutdown.

To read more, go here. 

Wyoming Bill Allowing State Takeover of National Parks In Shutdown Passes Senate

Above, Mammoth Hot Springs terraces in Yellowstone National Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

In the event of future government shutdowns, the state of Wyoming seeks to take over the national parks within the state.

The Seattle Times reported:

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — Legislation that would allow the state of Wyoming to take over operation of Yellowstone National Park and other facilities during a federal government shutdown was approved Wednesday by the state Senate. 

The measure passed 17-12 and went to the House.

Under the proposal, the governor of Wyoming would be authorized to spend up to $500,000 to operate any national park or other federal facility, except military installations, within the state’s borders. Wyoming would surrender operation of any facility once a federal government shutdown ended.

Along with Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton National Park is also in Wyoming.

To read more, go here. 

Visit Joshua Tree National Park

Above, The Beast at Cottonwood Campground. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Being close to Los Angeles, Joshua Tree National Park attracts many people. Some good and conscientious and some are just pigs.

The pigs came out during the recent government shutdown and caused vandalism and cut several of the protected Joshua Trees. If there is another shutdown, the National Park Service should close the park to protect it from the idiots.

Fortunately, although the pigs attracted most of the attention recently, the vast majority of people are the conscientious ones. This post is for them.

Besides seeing the sights of Joshua Tree National Park, there are many things outside and near the park to see. Do It Yourself RV has an article on what's available.

They start with:

When winter seems to linger a little too long, one of the best places to escape to is the desert. The epitome of deserts has got to be Joshua Tree National Park in Southern California. This park has it all: sand, rocks, cactus, some odd looking trees, and a wide expanse of blue sky. 

The park also has a lot for RVers. Beautiful campgrounds, large pull-out spots, miles of hiking trails, rock climbing, and wildlife dominate the park. However, Joshua Tree is also a land of extremes.

From very high heat in the summer to snow and flooding in the winter, the park is not your typical camping destination. Joshua Tree is also different in that there are no hotels, lodges, or food inside the park. Even the water is very limited. You may need to bring your own water if you find a site in one of the more rustic campgrounds.

To read more, go here.

Everything You Need To Know About Yosemite National Park

Above, Upper Yosemite Fall. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Now that the government shutdown is over, operations are returning to normal (at least normal for the winter season) at Yosemite National Park.

But, before going, check the road conditions first.

The Mercury News has posed "everything you need to know" about Yosemite.

They begin with:

The majestic peaks and snow-dusted landscapes of Yosemite National Park never fail to inspire wonder. But they inspired concern, too, during the recent 35-day government shutdown. The park kept most of its gates open and fires still crackled in the grand Ahwahnee-era fireplaces of the Majestic Yosemite Hotel, but even Yosemite was not immune to the effects of the shutodwn. 

Now the portions of the park that were shuttered during those five long weeks — the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias, for example, and some snow play areas — have reopened. Rangers returned to their posts this week. And it’s time to head for the wilderness once more. 

Park admission is $35 per car for a weeklong pass. (Hang on to that receipt. You’ll have to show it again every time you enter or exit the park.) An annual pass is $70, but if you’re going that route, go all in and get the $80 American the Beautiful pass which grants you a year’s admission to all the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands.

To read more, go here. 

Arizona National Parks Survived The Government Shutdown

Above, a view of the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

During the government shutdown, Joshua Tree National Park suffered damage that would, officials say, take 300 years to heal. Trash was left uncollected, valuable Joshua Trees were cut down and other acts of vandalism took place.

In contrast, Arizona's national parks were almost unscathed in comparison.

According to AZ Big Media:

Waiting for the sun to rise, visitors to Grand Canyon National Park quietly stood at Mather Point. By 7:45, sunbeams pierced the low clouds to illuminate the red rocks and the sparkling snow. Despite the partial federal government shutdown, which ended Jan. 25, for most visitors, the closure didn’t affect their experience. 

Although Petrified Forest National Park closed during the longest government shutdown in U.S. history, Arizona’s two other national parks – Grand Canyon and Saguaro National Park – remained open with limited services. The visitor center at Grand Canyon was closed, but the Grand Canyon Conservancy bookstore, hotels and restaurants were open. It was a similar story at Saguaro. But as of Monday, both parks were fully staffed, and it was business as usual, at least for the next three weeks while the debate over funding a southern-border wall continues in Washington, D.C. 

Park officials say Saguaro and Grand Canyon are recovering from the shutdown with limited damage, and they are prepared should another shutdown happen.

To read more, go here.

Trump Is Calling Their Bluff

If it were a president other then Donald Trump, I would see a good reason for people who want border security to be alarmed. Since it is an agreement between President Trump and the Democrats, I am not concerned.

The agreement re-opens the government for 15 days, pays the federal workers and begins the negotiating process on border security that includes barriers.

If the Democrats still won't negotiate in "good faith" (as President Trump put it yesterday), another shutdown can take place or Trump can use his emergency executive powers to get barriers along the border built.

Some fellow conservatives are complaining that Trump "caved" and, naturally, the left-wing media are also claiming the same. But I don't see it that way.

Pelosi and Schumer had said on a number of occasions that unless the government is re-opened, no negotiations will take place. Here's where we'll see if they are really willing to act in "good faith".

Trump is calling their bluff. That's the way I see it.

Pelosi: No State of the Union In House Chamber

CNBC reported today:

Democrats will block President Donald Trump from giving his State of the Union address in the House chamber until the partial government shutdown ends, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Wednesday. 

After Pelosi’s announcement, the president appeared to give up on his earlier promise to go on with his speech as planned. He quickly said he would hold an unspecified “alternative” event and contended that the California Democrat is “afraid of the truth.” He called Pelosi’s move “a great blotch on the incredible country that we all love.”  

In a letter to Trump Wednesday, Pelosi escalated a standoff over the annual address hours after the president said he would give the speech in the House chamber next week. Earlier this month, Pelosi urged him to reschedule the remarks or deliver them elsewhere during a partial government shutdown.

Frankly, I think the President should give his State of the Union speech in the senate chambers.

Pelosi, on the other hand, thinks she owns the House chambers. It belongs to the people, not her or her party.

To read more, go here.