Verna and Bob's Weblog

Retirement

White Sands

We took a short drive up Dunes Road at White Sands Nat’l Monument yesterday on our way to our present camping spot in Deming, NM. After a few miles, the pavement ended and we were driving on the white sand. In the photo below, you can see dunes and footprints on some of the softer gypsum sand.

Having seen this impressive natural sandpile, we asked “How did this get here?” The answer is it’s the sediment left behind by an ancient sea.

From NPS:

Geology of White Sands

The story of the world’s largest gypsum dunefield began 280 million years ago when the Permian Sea covered this area and gypsum settled on the sea floor. The formation of the dunefield continues today in an endless cycle of erosion and renewal.

We didn’t have time to get out and play in the sand this time. Maybe when we come through here next spring we will take the time to do so.

October 20, 2023 by Photography Retirement Vacation

Albuquerque Solar Eclipse

We were blessed with clear skies and good weather as we witnessed today’s annular solar eclipse from Albuquerque, NM.

Image information: Camera: Canon EOS Rebel SL1, Lens: Canon EF 100-400 set at 400 mm focal length. Solar Filter: Thousand Oaks Optical 77mm. Click on the image to enlarge.

October 14, 2023 by Astronomy Retirement Vacation

2023 October Road Trip

We’ve begun the trek to view the annular eclipse of the sun in Albuquerque, NM, this weekend. Tonight, we’re camped out in Holbrook, AZ.

Cabela and Tucker seem relaxed and content in the RV while we are resting overnight.

October 12, 2023 by Astronomy Retirement Vacation

Photo Update

We’re still here. Verna and I were getting ready to go for our weekly grocery shopping and I set up the little camera for this shot out in the courtyard. Click to enlarge.

October 1, 2023 by Family Photography Retirement

RV Shakedown

We got the RV out to the fuel pit yesterday to get some diesel. It had been running low what with the weekly start-ups of the engine and monthly generator run. All went well, and everything seemed to be working during the short jaunt to get gas.

Before we head out on our next excursion, we’re going to have to get some new tires and a replacement for the main awning. We also should get it in for service for fluids, pressures and etc. New windshield wipers are a must as well as a checkup of any other essential items before a major travel segment.

We’re looking forward to being on the road maybe sometime in October, if not a sooner, longer shakedown cruise.

August 30, 2023 by Leisure Retirement Vacation

The Big “O”

The old and tired saying comes to mind: If I knew I was going to live this long, I’d have taken better care of myself. However, despite our reckless self-deprecation in our earlier years, we have managed to turn all the bad habits into less-worse habits and persevered this far down the road to eternity. We remain in good health and visit the specialists of the few ailments (now in remission) who monitor those functions and all gauges are in the green.

Our festivities for the day will consist of Steaks on the Barbie with a nice salad provided by Verna. There might even be a couple of adult beverages consumed as the day goes on.

We may get some rain and a possible Thunderstorm later today. As I look back on the years, I can remember quite a few times we had lightning shows in mid to late July. That would be nice if we have some of that today – we could use the cooler weather, but not so much the inevitable humidity that comes with it.

Here’s to another trip around Old Sol.

July 22, 2023 by Climate Family Retirement

Avalon 1998

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