Last Night I Lost My Cherry-oke!

I left Manteca, California yesterday morning and drove about 50 miles to arrive in Sacramento not knowing where I would be parked for the night.

When I’m approaching a city/town with which I am not familiar, I get on Google Earth to seek out possible places to park such as American Legion, VFW, Eagles and Moose Clubs, sometimes even a Wal-Mart. All I’m really looking for is a spot that is relatively flat, safe and quiet. Since our motorhome has a solar panel, I really do not need an electrical hook-up as we get our electricity from the sun.

Approaching a larger city like Sacramento is a little more difficult because as the population intensity increases, property prices increases, which usually means parking lot size decreases. Such was the case here. There seemed not many choices in this part of the city. My first prospect was VFW Post #1267.

Google Earth allows me to zoom down on their parking lot to evaluate how well it might accommodate the size of the motorhome and the Bronco of which the total length is 46 feet. Hmmmm…it didn’t look very promising…

Since it was my first potential I decided to swing into the parking lot to check it out. I ended up getting permission to park from the post commander as shown by the yellow line. And am I ever glad I stopped here!

At this point I must tell you that In my many years of Rving that I have stayed overnight in hundreds of similar places. Usually people are friendly wherever I stop. But this place is the friendliest place of everywhere I’ve experienced! Only about 30 people were there, but each and every one of them noticing a strange face (me) came over and introduced themselves and welcomed me to their post. Now that’s something that has never happened to me before!

At 4:30 PM during happy hour I went in for a drink. Only a few folks so I left deciding to come back for the karaoke at 7:00 PM. That’s when all the friendly folks approached. Scotty was the karaoke DJ (the guy in the cowboy hat) and he did an excellent job. Everyone here liked my favorite kind of music,,,classic country from the 60′s 70′s and 80′s…all right! One thing I noticed was that EVERYONE sang including the bartender.

Sure enough folks were soon asking me if I sang and I told them I had never sang karaoke before. Sure enough Scotty urged my to lose my cherry-oke, his term for losing one’s virginity to singing in public. I had had just enough to drink…so how could I refuse?

Are you ready to see me lose my cherry-oke? What song did I decide to sing? If you’ve got the courage, click this link…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aewbjWZdIhk

I got to thinking this morning, how appropriate it was to lose one’s cherry on April Fool’s Day!

My only disappointment was that my life-partner Mary wasn’t here to share the occasion with me at this very friendly place. I’ll just have to make sure I get her here on a Friday night (karaoke night) sometime soon.

I’ll spend one more night here before moving on tomorrow morning. In case you are wondering…there’s no karaoke on Saturday night, but all my good friends will be there!

All original material Copyright – Jim Jaillet 2011
For more information about my three books, click this link:
http://lulu.com/panamaorbust

So, What Do I Do While In Banishment?

I jokingly refer to my separations from Mary as “Banishment”. In reality when we first got together in 2008, that was part of the deal. She still has a home and four rentals that require her attention, so we knew that 3-4 times a year she would have to return home to attend to business.

She claims I’m a distraction (Who, Me?) whenever I’m at her home and “can’t get much done when you’re around”, So, she has requested I stay away so she can get things done. Hence my joke about being banished!

If you have not seen it, here’s our “business card” that we hand to people as we meet them on the road.

So, what do I do while in banishment?

Well, first of all,I try to stay in decent weather conditions. Then I try to take maximum advantage of my Thousand Trails RV Resort membership, so that I have maximum comfort during my banishment. That means security and utility-generated electricity.

Since I’ve traveled my usual Western route of Washington in the summer and the desert southwest in the winter for 16 years, I’ve seen most of the attractions.

So…here’s what I do…

I think a lot about what an interesting life I’ve had and lucky guy I am. All my life I’ve enjoyed wonderfully good health. At 70 years of age, I have never had any major illnesses or pain or surgery. I’m not on any kind of prescribed medications. I still have all of my own teeth and most of my hair. Can you put a price on that?

I think about my wonderful family and my many great friends and acquaintances.

I think about how lucky I am to have traveled so extensively in my life. 26 countries while in the U.S. Navy. I started RVing in 1962, retired at age 55 and have lived on the road full-time for the last 16 years. I’ve got a lot miles on my body and oh, the people I have met, the places I have seen and the experiences I had.

In addition, I…

* do my daily blog, do research and play spider solitaire on my computer,,

* go for walks,

*read (I’ve been an avid reader all of my life.) Why are a good book and an RV much alike? Both can take you to many wonderful places,

* visit friends and meet new people,

* chat with family and friends on my cell phone,

* visit with my fraternal brothers at the VFW, American Legion, Eagles and Moose,

* watch an occasional movie,

* get lots of rest and relaxation,

* listen to lots of great music on our XM satellite radio and six-channel surround-sound system,

* do routine maintenance and repairs to the motorhome and Bronco,

* miss greatly Mary’s wonderful meals.

Finally, I think about how lucky I am to have met my life-partner Mary. She is a delight and brings much laughter, joy and happiness to my life.

But as she and I have discussed…moderation is the key to a good life. So, in reality banishment is a good thing. It gives us time apart to think and reflect about our relationship and really appreciate the times we spend together.

Kind of brings a tear to your eye, doesn’t it?

I’ll leave you with on of my favorite photos of Mary…

Did I tell you she brings lots of laughter into my life?

So, in banishment, I think and appreciate what a lucky guy I am!

All original material Copyright – Jim Jaillet 2011
For more information about my three books, click this link:
http://lulu.com/panamaorbust

Happy New Year!

Jim says:

(Sparkling glasses courtesy of glittergraphicsnow.com)

Here’s wishing you a very happy and prosperous new year!

As we begin another new year, I frequently like to reflect on what a lucky guy I am! I’m blessed with a great family, wonderfully good health, many good friends, being a full-time RVer of 16 years and have a delightful life-partner. I’m not a particular believer in astrology. However when Mary and I met in 2008, I was curious what the stars had to say about our (at that time) potential relationship.

Here’s what it had to say. I’m most pleased to tell you that it very accurately describes our current relationship. How lucky we are! She’s a Libra and I’m a Sagittarius.
——————————————————————————————————————-
Compatibility Tools

Monday, October 20, 2008 | Provided by Astrology.com

Libra & Sagittarius

The merging of Libra and Sagittarius can be paradise found for both Signs; this combination is a harmonious one, to say the least. Signs that are two positions apart in the Zodiac tend to have a very deep, special connection and understanding of one another. Sagittarius, the journeyer, is constantly in search of wisdom. Libra has a mind keen for art, beauty and aesthetics; Libra makes a stimulating companion for Sagittarius on their travels and adds much to Sagittarius’s experience. The relationship always feels new because these two keep it exciting — and yet their natural understanding of one another makes them feel like intimates from the beginning. Together they will reach new horizons in love and in life.

Libra and Sagittarius make great friends as well as lovers. They share a certain fresh-faced optimism in the world; they’re both enthusiastic about finding truth and beauty in their experiences. Problems rarely occur. Occasionally Sagittarius may hurt sensitive Libra’s feelings by speaking without thinking; conversely, Libra can sometimes be a bit too emotionally controlling for Sagittarius. Since Libra is a born diplomat who abhors conflict, they’ll be able to smooth over any ruffled feathers. These two have the gift of forgiving and forgetting quickly.

Libra is ruled by Venus (Love) and Sagittarius is ruled by Jupiter (Luck and Philosophy). Venus’s femininity and Jupiter’s masculinity make these Signs compatible and balanced. Sagittarius is constantly on a quest for knowledge of the big things — the truth, the meaning of life and death — and whenever Libra comes up with a new idea (as they are wont to do) Sagittarius is eager to go along with their partner and become familiar with this new concept.

Libra is an Air Sign and Sagittarius is a Fire Sign. This partnership is full of kinetic energy. As air spreads fire and makes it grow exponentially, this relationship is heated and ardorous. Sagittarius thinks they’re steering the rudder, but Libra controls the flow of events with a quieter hand. These two are energetic in the extreme and can run together far and wide. The relationship runs most smoothly when Sagittarius can feel they have plenty of freedom and independence within the relationship.

Libra is a Cardinal Sign and Sagittarius is a Mutable Sign. Libra is an initiator; they think up new ideas and new places to go — but can change their minds at a moment’s notice. Sagittarius is flexible and adaptable, amenable to any changes Libra wants to make in plans.

What’s the best aspect of an Libra-Sagittarius relationship? Their mutual interest in cultivating knowledge and utilizing intellect. They are well-matched and will go far together, both emotionally and geographically!
——————————————————————————————————————-
And here we are…the lucky couple!

HAPPY NEW YEAR, SWEETHEART!

In other news…

Did you stay up and party hearty and welcome in the New Year? Not me. I could have went to my local Moose Lodge full of strangers with lots of noise and smoke. Instead I watched part of an old John Travolta movie and hit the sack around my normal usual time…8:30 PM. I knew the New Year had arrived when I heard a few fireworks set off by some locals. I muttered “Happy New Year” mostly still asleep. I feel great this morning!

The “cold snap” continues here. Average temps are a high of 69 and low of 43. Yesterday the high was 44 and last night the low was 25! It’s supposed to slowly start warming up in the next few days.

All original material Copyright – Jim Jaillet 2011
For more information about my three books, click this link:
http://www.panamaorbust.com

Vernal, Utah

Jim says:

We had planned to leave Graig, Colorado at 9:00 AM. As usual I did my “walk-around” inspection on the out side of the motorhome and Bronco prior to heading down the road. One of my tire pressure indicators said I had low tire pressure on the outside rear tire on the driver’s side of the motorhome. I got out my trusty tire pressure gauge and instead on 90 #’s…it was reading 30 #’s. Not Good!

So I got out my electric tire air pump and re-inflated the tire to 90 #’s. Since the next town down the road was 120 miles distant…it was imperative we had the problem fixed before leaving town. We went to the local truck tire repair place and they found the extender to be leaking, We had a new one installed and by time we finally got on the road it was 11:30 AM. Along the way we crossed into the State of Utah…

Entering Utah

120 miles from Craig, the first town in Utah is Vernal. Mary drove about 100 miles and I drove about 20. The next town up the road is 120 miles away…so we decided to spend the night in Vernal. Utah appears to be a strange state…for outside of Salt lake city I cannot seem to find a Moose or Eagles Club…or a VFW or American Legion. Vernal does however have an Elks club and despite not being Elk members…they allowed us to park on their rear dirt parking lot for the night. The barmaid Sheila told us that beer is only 3.2% as opposed to all other states at 6.0. Then, the state law requires they have this electronic gizmo on the hard liquor bottles that regulates exactly one shot. Paper records are required to be kept to verify the clicker count controlled by the electronic gizmo. Sheila told us the Mormon religion is behind these strict alcohol regulations. In all of my travels, I have never seen one of these electronic gizmos before. Sure glad I do not live in Utah!

The below map shows our progress to Vernal, Utah.

Our progress to Vernal, Utah.

Today we’ll continue our westward-bound journey,

All original material Copyright – Jim Jaillet 2010
My three books may be purchased at http://www.lulu.com
Just enter Jim Jaillet in the search box.

ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK-C0NTINENTAL DIVIDE

The narrow canyon above is just past the Devils Spine and is the gateway to the Rocky Mountain Crossing on Highway 34.
From Evans, Colorado to Steamboat Springs on Highway 34 and 36 West is a reasonable day’s drive. I drove about 13 miles and I could see Jim was getting nervous so I pulled over short of Estes Park, another 22 miles up the road.  Jim reasoned that the highest road in America, at 12,183 foot elevation,  was not the place for a beginner. And, he was right. I drove the last hour to give him some rest. We stopped short of our goal, both of us tired, at the small town of Kremmling, Colorado.

Estes Park is a tourist destination, a skiing mecca in winter, it attracts backpackers,  mountain stream anglers and bikers. Many rustic and fancy cabins entice people to get-away to the fresh air and fragrant woods. It sits on the edge of the Eastern entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park.

We have a destination with ‘miles to go before we sleep’ so most of my pictures were taken from the motor home window. This rock formation was beautiful whether the pictures give it credit or not.

The pines have suffered from bark beetle infestation. In fact the park campground on the western slope is completely treeless because all of the trees died and had to be removed. Here you see the many dying, still standing trees. The grey ones are completely dead, the brown ones are on the way.

As you climb higher, the trees become smaller, stunted. In the visitor center it showed trees 100 years old bent and twisted by winds; small from barely sufficient nutrition. They were only two feet tall.

Suddenly you realize you are above tree level, looking down into moonscape canyons. The narrow roads and twists and turns made for some tense driving with a motor home pulling a 4,000 pound “toad”.

This vertical cut right through the rock gave our motors passage and has a beauty of its own.

The park is one of two places in the U.S. that has tuffa.

The road just traveled high on the right. The road we will travel in the center, without the twists as we seem to sit on top of the world.

Now we encounter pockets of snow that do not melt during the summer. We learned from the visitors center those pockets are filled with pure ice and are therefore  mini-glaciers.

Valleys like this, full of color and beauty provide forage and water for wildlife. Antelope, a smaller growing moose than the Canadian and Alaskan herds, deer, weasels, fox, big horned sheep, marmots, chickerees, and other small animals and birds make their home here. Plenty of signs show where to view antelope, but we didn’t see any wildlife as we drove by.

This spot marks the Continental Divide where river water now flows toward the west. It is significant, but, not that you could tell from this spot.

On the way down the Western slope, we had several miles of gravel road and roadwork. Signs promised no wait would exceed 60 minutes.

And, none did. But we sat in this parking lot and another for a lengthy time; enough time to turn off the engine and get out and walk around. Thus, I got pictures of some flora and fauna from the roadside woods. No one seemed upset. The air was fresh, the place restful and beautiful. But, at one point we were so close to a huge paving machine we slid by it within a few inches. I had my head out the window as we crawled by with my window beads clinging to my face, laughing all the way.

Don’t know what these plants are called.

The aspens are just turning color.

Its a beautiful drive. As usual, I took many pictures. If you would like to see them, click the link:
http://picasaweb.google.com/1579penn/91310OverTheRockiesOn3436#

A Double Cross That Ended In Evans, Colorado

Jim says:

Yesterday Mary and I drove 238 miles on U.S. Highway 34 West with Mary driving about 100 of those miles. We gained 2030 feet in elevation and we are now at 4560 feet and parked at Moose Lodge #905 in Evans, just a couple of miles south of Greeley, Colorado.

As far as the double cross goes…first we crossed into the Mountain Time Zone and then crossed into Colorado. What kind of a double cross were you thinking of?

Here are two photos I took yesterday…

Entering Colorado.

On the high plains of Colorado.

Today we will continue out journey westward and expect to cross the Continental Divide.

All original material Copyright – Jim Jaillet 2010
My three books may be purchased at http://www.lulu.com
Just enter Jim Jaillet in the search box.

We’re In New England…Just Barely!

Jim says:

Yesterday we drove about 75 miles and just barely made it into New England. We’re about two miles into Connecticut where we spent the night at a large Connecticut Welcome Center Parking lot. As a general statement, in comparison to the western states…New England is not RV friendly.

By that I mean…
* the roads are narrower and used by lots more vehicles,
* there are fewer campgrounds and they are much more expensive. A Connecticut State Park Campground will cost a non-resident $40 a night,
* RV dump stations are fewer in number and harder to find.
* because the area is older, the American Legion, VFW, Moose and Eagles parking lots which I use a lot are generally located near the center of cities/towns with little to no parking room for an RV.

We spent the night here because there’s an RV dump station and it has a large RV parking area separate from the trucks and it is located well away from Interstate Highway 84, so it has a low traffic-noise.

Here’s four photos…
Along the west bank of the Hudson River in New York, I took this photo of the Indian Point Nuclear Power Station where I worked as a Mechanical Quality Control Engineer 1969 -1971. It’s located just South of Peekskill, New York.

We crossed the Hudson River on the Bear Mountain Bridge…

Since there was no convenient place to photograph the bridge…here’s a photo I took in the winter of 1978…

Here’s our parking spot as seen this morning…

Yesterday it was hot and humid…88 degrees and 95% humidity. Today’s forecast is 91 degrees with intermittent thunder storms. The Weather Wimp…that’s the name Mary has given me…says YUK!

Today we continue our journey in an Easterly direction.

All original material Copyright – Jim Jaillet 2010
For more information about my three books, click this link:
http://www.panamaorbust.com

The Light At The End Of The Tunnel And Then Back To Reality!

Jim says:

We’ve just completed six days in RVing Heaven.

Yesterday we drove 50 miles and completed our second day on Skyline Drive. It was the end of 305 miles on the Blue Ridge Parkway and 105 miles on Skyline Drive. Six days of delightful weather, beautiful scenery, low-speed limits (45 on the Blue Ridge Parkway and 35 on Skyline Drive), no speeding drivers, no trash along the roadways, winding, curvy, up and down roads at elevations reaching 4,000 feet through the states of North Carolina and Virginia.

About 32 miles from the end we passed through Mary’s Rock Tunnel with only inches to spare.

and then…about one hour later…we were back in reality…90 degree heat…traffic congestion…traffic lights…trucks…speeding drivers…exhaust fumes…trash along side the roads…YUK! Oh well, it was great while it lasted.To see the other 10 photos I took on our last day in RVing Heaven, click this link…
http://picasaweb.google.com/jimjrver/51510#

We ended up parking at the large and beautiful Moose Lodge #829 in Front Royal, Virgina. Mary has friends from the Washington, D.C. area, about 60 miles distant, coming to visit today so we will spend tonight here as well.

All original material Copyright – Jim Jaillet 2010
For more information about my three books, click this link:
http://www.panamaorbust.com

Is This The Coalminer’s Daughter????

Jim says:

Nope! It’s Mary wearing her Energizer Headlamp. Why is she wearing that?…you ask.

We use these headlights to conserve coach battery power when we camp without electrical hookup.

Well, many times we camp at night without the benefit of being plugged into land-powered electrical system. We get electric power from our coach batteries…the process is termed…Boon-Docking.

When boon-docking (without electric, sewer or water connections) conservation of the on-board utilities becomes an important issue. My old motorhome had four coach batteries…our new/current motorhome has only two coach batteries.

To help conserve electric power while boon-docking Mary and I bought these coal-miner-like head lamps to use when it is dark. They are made by the Energizer Battery Company (you know…the Energizer Bunny!). They have a red LED and a white LED lamp. We use them when we read our books or work on with the computer. They work really well and cost only $12.99.

In other news…
We drove about 85 miles yesterday and arrived safely in Boone, North Carolina. I thought we were going to park at the VFW, but when we got there we found it to be on a very steep incline unsuitable for RV parking.

We found a some-what level Subaru dealership that was closed on Mother’s Day Sunday. We unhooked the Bronco and went exploring. First to the local visitors center we they help us with some good local information. They told us the Moose Lodge had a nice and level parking lot not far away. It sure does and that’s where parked the motorhome for last night.

In addition we visited a local attraction called Hickory Heights with old cabins.

A replica of an 1800′s North Carolina cabin.

Then we went to a genuine old-fashioned General Store.

The Mast General Store has been in business since 1883.

The colder weather front I mentioned being due soon finally arrived. They high for yesterday was only 57 degrees…30+degrees less than a couple of days ago. The low last night was 36 degrees and the Weather Wimp (that’s me) said Brrrrr!

Today we’ll get on the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway and continue our journey in a North-Easterly direction.

All original material Copyright – Jim Jaillet 2010
For more information about my three books, click this link:
http://www.panamaorbust.com

The Friendliest VFW Post In Florida…

Jim says:

I’ve done and seen many a thing in my years on the road. One of these things is that I’ve spent a night or two at a VFW, American Legion, Moose, Eagles and Elks, etc…

I usually find these places on Google Earth. All I do is identify the location of where I desire to stay and then ask it to show me the locations of the local clubs. Then Google Earth allows me to zoom in and see the size of their parking lot and if there’s enough room to park an RV.

They number in the thousands and one or more of the clubs can usually be found in the area where I desire to spend the night with my RV. Some have specific RV spaces with electricity available, but most do not. Usually I’m just looking for a mostly flat, safe place in the corner of a parking lot. Then inside I can usually enjoy good drink, food and companionship at a moderate price. Some places request a donation for an overnight stay, most do not.

It’s also an excellent place to get referrals for a local mechanic, etc.. I normally stay only one night, but recently because of waiting on the repair of a vital electrical component for my RV, I spent 13 nights at the American Legion Post #240 in Pensacola, Florida.

Most of these places serve as a social gathering place for persons of similar ilks where everyone pretty much knows everyone. In these places, the members are supposed to be “brothers, if you will. Since I’m usually “just passing through”, it’s interesting how a strange face is received by the local membership.

The first part of the process usually is the showing of a paid-up/current membership card which entitles you to visit the facility. Some places never ask to see it and take my word I’m who I say I am and others have a sign on the door saying only current members may enter.

Since I’m not a local member, I usually cannot use the membership card reader that automatically opens the entrance door. A doorbell is normally nearby that notifies the bartender that a non-local member desires entry. Once the bartender presses the buzzer, the door lock clicks open and entry is made…AND EVERY FACE IN THE PLACE IS LOOKING TO SEE WHO JUST RUNG THE DOORBELL!

Once they see who’s there, most go back to their in-process conversations. I proceed to the bar, and find an empty seat. I usually tell the bartender who I am…name and post location affiliation along the line of…:”Hi, I’m Jim Jaillet, a visiting VFW member from Post #7968 in Apache Junction, Arizona”. I then hand over my membership card for approval, then place my order. A chat with the next sit-ee or two usually develops. That is pretty much what happens at most locations. Sometime the next sit-ees show no indication of desire for conversation, and that’s okay with me. Usually they appear to be in some kind of deep thought, so I leave them alone.

Once in a while, the opposite happens…
Yesterday I had the good fortune to stop at the friendliest VFW (Veterans Of Foreign Wars) Post in Gulf Breeze, Florida. Once through the door, pretty near everyone was shouting at me…”Welcome to the friendliest VFW Post in Florida!” Here even though a stranger, you are truly welcomed as a “brother”. Everyone comes over says hello, shakes your hand, introduces themselves and expresses a welcome. That’s pretty much what happened yesterday. The kinda-sorta leader of this most friendly group was a guy by the name of Mike McDonald, also known as Frogman because he is an ex-Navy SEAL…a long time ago they were called frogmen. He also happens to be the Commander-elect of this local post and assumes his office this July. Mike made sure I met most of the better-than 50 people that came in during the day.

Mike McDonald is the third person from the left of photo.

Post 4407 looking North.

The sign does not say it all. They should add “The Friendliest VFW Post In Florida!”

Post 4407 looking South.

We spent the afternoon (four hours worth) drinking beer, eating hot dogs and waited for the NASCAR Race on TV which never happened because of rain. Most listened to the stories I told of my many years on the road with interest.

All in all, a most enjoyable day. Thank you VFW Post #4407 for making a wayward brother feel at home. You are most certainly the friendliest VFW Post in Florida…and maybe the entire United States!

All original material Copyright – Jim Jaillet 2010
For more information about my three books, click this link:
http://www.panamaorbust.com