Best and Worst Times To Travel On Memorial Day Weekend

Above, who needs to fight holiday traffic when I have nearby Six Mile Canyon to enjoy? Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Now that Memorial Day weekend is upon us, the experts are expecting to see record numbers of people hitting the road or flying. This also marks the start of the summer vacation season.

For me, I am perfectly content to stay home. I haven't gone anywhere for Memorial Day weekend in years. 

CBS News has posted the best and worst times to travel on Memorial Day weekend.

They begin with:

NEW YORK - If you're going to hit the road this Memorial Day Weekend for the unofficial start of summer, you're not alone. 

Holiday travel is already underway in and around New York City ahead of the long weekend. 

AAA projects nearly 44 million people will be traveling more than 50 miles from May 23 through 27. That's a 4% hike from last year and, for the first time, will exceed pre-pandemic levels.

"We're projecting an additional one million travelers this holiday weekend compared to 2019, which not only means that we're moving beyond pandemic-era lulls, but also signals a very busy summer travel season ahead," Alec Slatky, of AAA Northeast, said. 

That means a record amount of road trips are expected. AAA estimates 38.4 million people will travel by car, the highest number for the holiday ever recorded since AAA began tracking in 2000.  

To read more, go here. 

What To Know On Eclipse Viewing

Above, eclipse watchers setting up near Roberts, Idaho in 2017. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

During the 2017 solar eclipse, I stayed at a KOA Kampground in Lava Hot Springs, Idaho, but I went early in the morning to Roberts, Idaho (100 miles) to view it.

I got up early (around 4:00 in the morning) and drove to Roberts and went to an area where others were set up for eclipse viewing off Interstate 15.

Above, The Beast at the eclipse viewing area in 2017. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I got to Roberts around 7:00 and made myself breakfast in my motorhome. 

The eclipse in totality was spectacular and I took many photographs of it. 

After it was over, I got on Interstate 15 to head back to Lava Hot Springs. Well, the traffic heading south was the worst I ever experienced. It took me over four hours to reach Lava Hot Springs. It seemed like half of Utah was on the Interstate heading back to Utah. Still, despite that, it was a worthwhile experience.

Above, eclipse viewers near Roberts, Idaho in 2017. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

More people are expected to hit this roads for Monday's eclipse. It is taking a different path than the one that took place in 2017. It will be over more populated areas. 

Friends from L.A. are now in Gallup resting while they head to Dallas, Texas to view the eclipse. We may be meeting up this morning.

MPR News has some tips for eclipse viewing and what to expect.

They begin with:

NASA says that roughly 31.6 million people live in the path of this year's total solar eclipse, and a little under half of the U.S. population lives within 200 miles driving distance of the path of totality.

That could mean many millions of Americans will hit the road to get a better view on Monday. If you're still pondering whether or not you want to make the journey, here's what to consider.

 To read more, go here.

Snow Traffic Problems (As Usual)

Above, winds are adding to visibility problems. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Just as we all expected, the latest winter storm has arrived in New Mexico and, like the last one, is causing plenty of traffic accidents around the state.

Again, at Continental Divide (eight miles east of me on Interstate 40), semi trucks are involved in snow-related accidents. 

At milepost 30 (ten miles west of me near the McGaffey exit) another accident took place involving a semi truck and passenger car). People have got to learn not to drive in such conditions and truckers need to slow down.

As for me, I am just sitting at home and enjoying the view. 

Tarantula Causes Traffic Collision In Death Valley

Above, a male tarantula, native to New Mexico, attracts a kitten's attention. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Now that we're in autumn, we are seeing tarantulas out and about. These are males looking for females to mate with. (If successful, their "happy endings" usually involve getting eaten by the female.)

Quite often, we see them crossing roads. I see about two or three of them a week during these mating seasons. I try to avoid running them over, so the following story is understandable. It is also getting a lot of press.

From the People Magazine website:

A tarantula was the culprit in a traffic accident Saturday in California’s Death Valley National Park, resulting in a motorcyclist being hospitalized. 

The National Park Service (NPS) said in a news release that a rented camper van carrying a Swiss couple suddenly stopped to avoid hitting a tarantula while crossing CA-190 east of Towne Pass in the park.

A 24-year-old Canadian man on a motorcycle crashed into the rear of the camper van, per the statement. An NPS ambulance took the injured motorcyclist to Desert View Hospital in Pahrump, per officials.

As a former insurance adjuster, this sounds to me like a incident of comparative negligence at best. It appears that the motorcyclist was following too close to the camper when the camper's driver jammed on the brakes. But then, suppose it was a child they stopped for. Maybe 90/10% negligence on the motorcyclist's part.

To read the full story, go here.

Truckers Banned From Left Lane In New Mexico

Above, semi trucks clogging Interstate 40 in New Mexico. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Semi trucks are now restricted to the right lane of two-lane highways except for actively passing in New Mexico.

This new law, passed earlier this year, goes into effect today.

From CDL Life:

Starting on July 1, 2023, New Mexico’s new law banning trucks from using the left lane goes into effect, with some exceptions.

The law requires trucks to stay in the right lane of any two or more lane highway unless actively passing another vehicle.

According to New Mexico State Police (NMSP), failure to obey could result in a penalty assessment of $250 for the first and second offenses and $500 for the third offense.

To read more, go here.

Interstate 40 Problems Persist

Above, the long line of traffic going eastbound on I-40. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Last evening, I decided to have dinner in Gallup. 

When I got to the I-40 bridge, I saw that a long line of vehicles stopped in the eastbound lanes. It appears that the two night closure of eastbound Interstate 40 for road pothole repairs in Coolidge (MM 44) this week didn't do much good.

As I headed down to Gallup (there were no problems with the westbound lanes), I saw that the long line of vehicles stretched four miles to milepost 35, four miles west of my Jamestown exit.

While at dinner in Gallup, I monitored the traffic situation so that, if necessary, I can take an alternate route through Mariano Lake on Navajo Service Routes 11 and 49 (these are in the Navajo Nation).

As it was somewhat expected, the traffic was still backed up, so I took the alternate routes home. Strangely, the Navajo Service Routes were almost pothole-free. I only saw a couple of them and they were already patched. 

Although the alternate route added 40 more miles to my drive home, I didn't mind it as it is a nice drive through the Navajo Nation. The area is mainly comprised of  Navajo ranches and rock formations. The route would eventually take me to Thoreau where I got onto Interstate 40 westbound to home. 

Although a longer drive, at least I didn't have to sit in traffic for hours.

Potholes Return To Coolidge

Above, today and before the storms. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It appears that we will have another week of rain and snow.

As such, I went to the Flying J to pick up a couple of gallons of water for the coffeemaker so I won't run out during the storm(s). While heading there, I saw a long line of cars and trucks stopped on the eastbound lanes of Interstate 40. Cars and trucks were stopped in the southbound lane of the overpass to the Flying J. As the northbound lane was clear, I headed over. 

I saw several cars pass the stopped vehicles on the bridge by going south in the northbound lane. I figured I'd do the same. According to the county office of emergency management, the construction area at Coolidge has the single detour lane under repair, thanks to Phineas G. Pothole. This has become an everyday occurrence.

I got what I needed and headed home. I passed the stopped vehicles on the overpass bridge by going around them in the northbound lane. No problems.

So now, all I have to contend with is the coming storm that should be hitting here tonight.

According to the National Weather Service, the week in Jamestown, New Mexico looks like this:

Tonight

A slight chance of rain showers before 9pm, then rain and snow showers likely. Cloudy, with a low around 33. Southwest wind 10 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. Total nighttime snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.

Monday

Rain and snow showers likely before 3pm, then a chance of rain showers. Cloudy, with a high near 44. Breezy, with a southwest wind 15 to 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.

Monday Night

A chance of rain showers before midnight, then a chance of rain and snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 34. Southwest wind 15 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.

Tuesday

Rain and snow showers, becoming all rain after noon. High near 45. Breezy, with a southwest wind 10 to 15 mph increasing to 20 to 25 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 35 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%.

Tuesday Night

A 30 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 38. Breezy, with a south wind 20 to 25 mph, with gusts as high as 35 mph.

Wednesday

Showers likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 46. Windy. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Wednesday Night

A 20 percent chance of snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 25. Breezy.

Thursday

A chance of snow showers before noon, then a chance of rain showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 41. Chance of precipitation is 50%.

Thursday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 25.

Friday

A 30 percent chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 42.

Friday Night

A 20 percent chance of snow showers. Partly cloudy, with a low around 25.

Saturday

A 30 percent chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 41.

Saturday Night

A 20 percent chance of snow showers. Partly cloudy, with a low around 19.

Sunday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 40.

Fatality Yesterday In Prewitt, NM On I-40

Above, yesterday's fatal accident in Prewitt.

The accident yesterday morning in Prewitt, New Mexico that caused the closure of the eastbound lanes of Interstate 40 at Thoreau resulted in a fatality.

According to a post by Ferguson Law:

Prewitt, NM (February 7, 2023) - A car accident outside of Prewitt on Tuesday morning, February 7, resulted in a fatality. 

The deadly crash was reported on Interstate 40 EB near NM-412. The roads were reportedly slippery due to snow and inclement weather. The site was temporarily closed and traffic was routed to NM-122. 

At least one person involved in the crash was killed. At this time, the number of involved parties has not been made public. No further information on the accident has been provided at this time. 

Local authorities are handling the ongoing investigation into the cause of the crash. 

We would like to extend our deepest condolences to the family of the deceased victim at this time.

Above, another view of yesterday's accident.

I had a feeling that a fatality was involved while we were stuck in the resulting traffic jam. Interstates in New Mexico are generally not closed due to accidents unless the vehicles are blocking all lanes or a fatality is involved. 

We noticed that semi trucks kept speeding along at 70 mph (at least) in snowy/icy conditions. Those jackass drivers never seem to want to slow down to safe speeds. 

Didn't Quite Make It To Albuquerque

Above, Interstate 40 traffic near Thoreau. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Today, I was to take Larry Lucier to his dentist appointment in Albuquerque.

The forecast for today was partly cloudy with 0% chance of precipitation. Sounded good.

It didn't exactly turn out that way. It clouded up about two hours before we were to head to Albuquerque and then it started snowing.

Above, nice sign. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

We debated whether or not to go, but the snow was more of a light dusting. So we headed out.

All was going good on eastbound Interstate 40 until we saw stopped vehicles ahead near Continental Divide. Then, it started snowing. At times, it snowed hard. We then slowed to a crawl for about an hour. There was no indication on the cause of the tie-up. At least I took the opportunity to call my cousing and wish her a happy birthday while stopped.

We decided to skip going to Albuquerque and head back to Jamestown. Except the traffic got even worse before we reached Thoreau. Once we got to the Thoreau off-ramp, we saw that the New Mexico State Police were diverting traffic off Interstate 40 at the Thoreau off-ramp and the freeway was closed from there. (We later heard it was due to a bad accident.)

Above, snowing in Thoreau as we were stopped in traffic. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Once we got off at Thoreau, we went under the overpass and headed onto the westbound ramp to go back to Jamestown.

Getting back was not easy either. The New Mexico Dept. of Transportation closed one lane about five miles from our exit. 

Once we reached our off-ramp, we headed to Denny's at the Flying J. We were joined by Victor, Greg and Russell. 

By the time we were done eating, the skies cleared and the sun came out. What a morning. 

The weatherman did not get this one right!

UPDATE:

I found that the road closure was due to this traffic accident in Prewitt, near the exit.

Here We Go Again, I-40 Closed

Above, stopped traffic on I-40 near Coolidge. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It was a good thing I went into Gallup to pick up a strongbox (that I was having re-keyed) and do some quick grocery shopping earlier this morning.

I received the following email from McKinley County:

Per the New Mexico Department of Transportation as of 11:23 a.m.

Eastbound I-40 is closed at mile marker 44 (Coolidge Interchange) while crews repair the roadway through the construction zone. NO DETOUR AVAILABLE. WATCH FOR SLOW MOVING OR STOPPED TRAFFIC. EXPECT DELAYS. This event will be updated on NMRoads.com as conditions change.

It is estimated that the Interstate will be closed for about two hours. I was stuck in stopped traffic yesterday as road crews were repairing a large pothole. It appears the pothole problem is back today.

Fortunately, I am at home and just finished running the mini-bike and Jeep for a while. Despite fixing a couple of things on the Jeep, it is still running a bit ratty (I drove it around the block). I'll have to bring it into the mechanic's when the weather is warmer during spring.

Stuck In Traffic

Above, looking east near Coolidge. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

After checking my mailbox at the Flying J, I decided to go do some grocery shopping in Thoreau.

Unfortunately, it took me over and hour and a half to go the 15 miles to Thoreau. Eastbound Interstate 40 ground to a halt at the construction area at the Coolidge off-ramp. It seems that a large pothole formed in the single lane that was open. So the New Mexico Department of Transportation stopped all traffic so that repairs could be made.

Above, looking west. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

They did do a temporary fix last night, but that came apart today. We sat stopped for an hour and a half for the repairs could be done. 

Luckily for me, I wasn't too far from the beginning of the stoppage as traffic was jammed all the way to Gallup. When we got the go-ahead to proceed at 1:45, I was able to get going and out of the area in no time.

After doing my shopping and was headed back home, I saw a line of traffic as long as the eye can see in the eastbound lanes.

RV Travel: Top 12 Driver Errors

Just about everyone has been involved in a traffic collision, whether or not it was their fault. Each time one gets behind the wheel increases the odds that they will be involved in an accident. It is just the law of averages at play.

RV Travel has posted a list of the top 12 driver errors that can and do cause accidents on the road.

They begin with:

RVers may spend more time behind the wheel than the average driver. That gives us plenty more opportunities to do something bone-headed and get into an accident. Here’s the Top 12 list of driver errors. Check them out and see if perhaps you need to make any adjustments to keep yourself—and others—safer on the road.

To read more, go here. 

Virginia's Freezing Traffic Jam and Electric Vehicles

The incident involving cars stuck in snowy and freezing conditions is a good illustration of why electric vehicles are impractical in this country, as the below Facebok post below shows:

 

Despite what Facebook's phony "fact-checkers" say, cold temperatures and batteries don't mix. Plus, there's only so much charge a battery will or can hold.

New Mexico I-40 Traffic Jams Drawing Media Attention

Above, the Interstate 40 traffic jam near Laguna, New Mexico last week. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Last week, while returning home from Albuquerque, Russell Azbill and I were stuck in a traffic jam for over two hours. The tie-up must've been 15-20 miles in length. What should have been a two-hour drive was turned into a four-hour drive.

This was due to a road construction project near Laguna, New Mexico.

The traffic jam reminded me of the jam in Idaho immediately following the Great American Eclipse in 2017.

The traffic jams from this road project are so bad that even the media is taking notice.

From CDLLife:

Over the weekend, massive traffic delays were reported due to a construction project and a hazmat crash on I-40 in New Mexico, but drivers passing through will get a little relief during the holiday weekend.

The New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) is conducting a 5.5-mile construction project on westbound I-40 from mile marker 111 to mile marker 114 near Laguna. The project began November 11 and is slated to continue through mid December.

The project has resulted in nightmarish traffic backups.

The NMDOT announced a short halt to the project to ease traffic conditions over the Thanksgiving holiday.

To read more, go here. 

And, from KOB 4:

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – A major traffic alert for holiday travelers – construction has led to major backups on I-40. 

Chopper 4 flew over I-40 early Sunday and it showed that the back-up really begins in the westbound lane just east of Laguna.

On Saturday, Nov. 20, traffic stretched 30 miles from Laguna to the Route 66 Casino – semis were not moving at all, some folks even got out of their cars waiting for some movement.

“We both just said they are going to be sitting there for hours and hours, I've just never seen anything like that on this road not that big,” said Malia Adache. 

KOB 4 reached out to the Department of Transportation to see if they will open up all lanes of traffic for Thanksgiving. On Sunday, they said barriers are going to stay up because this is an accelerated project. On Monday, NMDOT officials said they will be suspending a portion of the 5.5-mile construction project beginning Wednesday, Nov. 24 through Sunday, Nov. 28.

To read more, go here. 

Sadie's and Traffic Mess On I-40

Above, traffic backed up on I-40 westbound lanes near To'hajiilee. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Yesterday was spent going to Albuequerque with friend Russell Azbill from Jamestown who had doctor appointments. I rode along just in case problems should crop up (none did),

Along the way, we noticed westbound lanes of Interstate 40 about 30 miles from Albuquerque were backed up for around five miles of traffic near To'hajiilee. This was due to road work near Laguna. 

Above, Sadie's of New Mexico Euclid location. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The doctor appointments went fine and when those were done, we tried out Sadie's of New Mexico Euclid restaurant. This was a different location from the one I went to a couple of weeks ago. Same menu and good food. I had a combination plate of a chicken enchilada and chile relleno. The sauce was quite hot and sweat was pouring down my face.

Above, my combination plate of a chicken enchilada and chile relleno. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

After dinner, we headed back to Jamestown. 

As for Interstate 40, the westbound lanes were worse than what we saw earlier. Long lines of vehicles stretched for miles. Most of the time, we were at a crawl at best.

This added two additional hours to our travel time back to Jamestown. 

By the time we got back to Jamestown, it was around 8:00. 

Finally, Two Open Lanes On Interstate 40!

Above, looking west from our bridge over Interstate 40. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Finally, at long last, Interstate 40 at Exit 39 has two open lanes in both directions.

It has been three years for the construction of this section of I-40 to be near completion. It has been a nuisance as semi trucks have caused massive traffic jams along the construction area. I've done some driving on interstates in New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, Colorado, Idaho and Wyoming over the past three years and been through several road construction zones but all flowed good EXCEPT for the construction zone at our exit. It has been a real pain in the ass!

Many of us, including me, have tried to avoid going to Gallup in order to avoid the traffic jams going eastbound. We have used Historic Route 66 that runs parallel to I-40 from Gallup to Iyanbito to avoid the jams. Many truckers have discovered this alternate route and have jammed up Route 66 as well.

Glad it's finally over!

RVs and Stop & Go Traffic

Above, a traffic jam on Interstate 40. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

There's one thing (of many) about living in New Mexico's northwest corner that I like, the scarcity of traffic jams. 

Whenever we do get them, they're either caused by accidents or highway construction. 

If I happen to be stuck in traffic, I'd rather be in the motorhome than in the car. If I have to be stuck in traffic, the RV is much more comfortable.

RV Life has posted an article on the best way to deal with stop & go traffic in an RV.

They begin it with:

Driving an RV is a little different from driving a car. You have to account for things like slower stops and wider turns. Pulling your weight up a steep grade is a lot more difficult, and going down the other side of a mountain requires a bit of know-how in order to avoid burning up your brakes.

Another thing that’s a little bit different when driving a motorhome or pulling a trailer? Stop-and-go traffic.

Today we are going to talk about how to handle traffic jams in your RV. After reading this, you should have a good idea of how to be prepared for the inevitable occasional jam, how to avoid others, and how to deal with them when they do come along.

To read more, go here. 

Sashimi Dinner Tonight

Above, Zen Steak & Sushi, the only sushi restaurant in Gallup. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

For the first time in months, I had sashimi for dinner (good for us cardiac patients) at Zen Steak & Sushi in Gallup.

Since our county is at green level status on coronavirus, we are able to have some indoor restaurant dining (25% of occupancy). 

That all went fine except for the drive home. 

The highway department has closed one lane of two in each direction and this is causing massive traffic snarls at our exit on Interstate 40 (exit 39). Today, it was backed up all the way to Gallup. The only alternate route available now is on Route 66 from Gallup to the Iyanbito exit (that's one exit to the west from ours). Even Route 66 was backed up. It took me an hour to get home. 

The main problem with the traffic are the thousands of big rigs who use I-40. It would me nice if we had a frontage road from Iyanbito to the Flying J.

This is the third year in a row that construction on I-40 at our exit has been causing problems. 

At least the meal was good.

Truck Fire On I-40

While we were at coffee at Denny's in the Flying J this morning, we noticed that westbound traffic on Interstate 40 was at a standstill.

We guessed that it was probably an accident and, if so, a semi-truck is likely to be involved. Seems like, more often than not, whenever there's an accident or incident on I-40, a semi-truck is involved.

Sure enough, we were told that a semi-truck fire was the cause about a quarter mile west of the bridge to Jamestown. There was a line of vehicles on the access road out of the Flying J.

Fortunately, the lane coming in was clear, so I went on that and got to the bridge and was able to make it home with no delay.

By the time I got to the top of the bridge, the fire was already extinguished.

I did manage to take a few photos:

Above, a view of the tie-up from the Jamestown bridge. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the emergency equipment and the semi-truck that caught fire. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the view from the entrance to Six Mile Canyon Road. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Longer Than Expected At The Flying J

Above, in traffic on a Flying J access road. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Not too long ago, I got home from the Flying J. I was there two hours longer than expected.

Originally, I wasn't planning to go there for our usual coffee gathering, but I saw that Bo across the street was heading there. I figured, if Bo can drive in the snow and ice, I can. Plus, I did want to try out the Jeep in these conditions.

Above, just after getting the Jeep out of the garage. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

All was fine until I got to the stop sign near the on and off ramps to I-40. The stop is at an upslope and it was so icy, I couldn't get enough traction to go forward after the stop. I've never seen the roads in the community so icy.

Above, stuck trucks at the I-40 ramps. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I backed up (actually rolled back) the Jeep a few feet and then put it into 4WD and it took off.

I got to the bridge and noticed two police cars blocking it on the other side. Then I saw cars going through. So I pressed ahead. On the Flying J side, I saw a massive traffic jam, but I was able to get through to go on to Denny's.

Above, trucks lined up waiting to get on I-40. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Some semi trucks were stalled near the top of the hill at I-40 and a long line of cars and trucks formed behind them.

After an hour, Bo and I were ready to leave, but we took a look and the access road was jammed in both directions. So, we decided to wait it out in Denny's.

During the time I waited around, I talked to some truckers and some of them were stuck at the Flying J since before midnight.

Finally, the New Mexico State Police arrived and got stalled big rigs out of the way with tow trucks and directed traffic.

In the future, I have to remember not to head down to the Flying J when the roads are all icy. It is now 28°, but at the time we were waiting, it was around 25°.

What a zoo!