Cap'n Bob & the Damsel

Completing Another Orbit

Well, my 82nd birthday finds us in West Virginia, which happens to be a place where of one of the branches of my ancestors can be traced back to the family’s original immigrants who arrived in what was then the Virginia Colony. They prospered after lots of hard work and were actually pioneers to the area.

We will pass through Barrackville, WV, tomorrow on the way to our next campsite in Morgantown. My paternal grandmother was born in Barrackville and her grandfather and possibly more ancestors are buried here. We visited grandmother’s grave in Pueblo CO, a few days ago.

So, we’re camped here in Sutton, WV, and as a celebration of the special day, we grilled a couple of petite Filet Mignon Steaks and Damsel prepared a wonderful Romaine salad as an accompaniment. It was a good day.

Clickable Images.

22 Jul 2025 by Ancestors Notions Wanderlust

Starlink Mini Report —
 Internet On The Road


Last year when we camped at Monument Valley on our way to view the Total Eclipse of the Sun in Texas, our internet service options were terrible. We had both the campground wi-fi and a hotspot provided through the cell phone; either one was very crappy. It was at that time that we decided to (eventually) go the Starlink way.

This year, our first stop was, in fact, Monument Valley. I did not bother comparing their wi-fi to the Starlink Mini. Once I got the unit turned on and the antenna oriented correctly (per the Starlink App), we were off and running with internet speeds adequately high bandwidth to not only run our laptops, but to stream movies and other content on the big RV TV using an Amazon FIRE® Stick.

The screen shots below are typical of the up and download speeds we get in places that are not perfectly clear. There is enough open view of the northern sky, which Starlink seems to like, in these places where we have been camping.

We are even getting good internet in the land of OZ.

Click on any image to enlarge.

17 Jul 2025 by Entertainment Notions Technobabble Wanderlust

Wilson Arch

We stopped to water the dogs and take a break from driving at Wilson Arch along US 191 south of Moab, UT. We’ve seen this arch many times over the years as we navigate through Utah. Photo from my Samsung Galaxy. Clickable.

From Brave Leo AI:

Wilson Arch is a natural sandstone arch located in southeastern Utah, just off U.S. Route 191 in San Juan County, 24 miles south of Moab. It has a span of 91 feet and a height of 46 feet. This arch is easily accessible and can be viewed from the road, with turnouts and interpretive signs available.

For those interested in exploring further, a short 0.4-mile hike offers a spectacular view of the majestic rock formation and the blue Utah sky beyond. The hike is considered easy and rewarding, with a chance to stretch your legs and explore the natural marvel up close.

Wilson Arch is also a popular spot for photographers and nature enthusiasts, with the changing light and shadows around the arch providing endless inspiration. Its imposing structure, set against the vast desert sky, creates a striking contrast that begs to be captured.

11 Jul 2025 by Photography Retirement Travel Wanderlust

Monument Valley

After sort of a long day of travel, we’re camping in Monument Valley for a couple of days. The trip was uneventful and only punctuated with a little summer rainfall north of the San Francisco Mountains in Northern Arizona.

We will be traveling eastward but not before heading north from here up into Colorado to drop by a couple of Ancestors burial places. More on those stops later.

Meanwhile, we’re relaxing in the valley made famous by John Ford, John Wayne and others in various cinematic performances of yore. Regardless of the cinematic fame, this place is awesome and one of God’s greatest creations.

08 Jul 2025 by Photography Travel Wanderlust

Happy 249th, America!

Happy Independence Day, America! On the 249th anniversary of independence from our tyrannical overlords of yore, we seem to be enjoying much in the way of prosperity, peace and the blessings from above.

From The Patriot Post:

On July 3rd, the day before the Continental Congress affirmed our Declaration of Independence, John Adams wrote to his wife, Abigail, that the 4th of July “ought to be commemorated, as the Day of Deliverance by solemn Acts of Devotion to God Almighty.” He continued, “It ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more.”

He added: “You will think me transported with Enthusiasm, but I am not. I am well aware of the Toil and Blood and Treasure, that it will cost Us to maintain this Declaration, and support and defend these States. Yet through all the Gloom I can see the Rays of ravishing Light and Glory. I can see that the End is more than worth all the Means. And that Posterity will triumph in that Days Transaction, even although We should rue it, which I trust in God We shall not.”

The defense of Liberty requires eternal vigilance…

Image above: Proudly flying our National and State flags over our little domicile. Click on the image to view enlarged.

Today, we celebrated with prayers and thanks for our freedoms, followed by a steak and salad dinner.

UPDATE: Here is an interesting AI generated spam comment linked to some irrelevant music platform:

Really appreciate how you tied John Adams’ words to the present moment—his vision of posterity ‘triumphing’ feels especially relevant as we reflect on 249 years of hard-earned freedom. Your mention of prayer and gratitude before a simple, celebratory meal struck a meaningful balance between tradition and mindfulness. It’s a good reminder that patriotism can be both spirited and reflective.

It’s interesting how the AI robot parses the post and then generates a somewhat apropos comment. Of course, we won’t link to their clickbait. AI comments are getting to be more frequent, but still caught by the Askimet anti-spam plug-in.

04 Jul 2025 by Arizona Holidays Patriotism

A Hardy Feast on Fathers Day

It is interesting that “Fathers Day” and “Hardy Feast” are anagrams of one another; that is, each phrase contains all the same letters in a different order.

In fact, the entire weekend – Friday the 13th, Flag Day and Fathers Day each featured a “Hardy Feast.” Patty Melts on Friday, a Seafood Bake on Flag Day and Surf and Turf with Beef Tenderloin Steaks (a.k.a. Filet Mignon) and Salmon Steaks served with a green salad on Fathers Day.

Happy Fathers Day to all the Dads, Granddads and Great Grandads out there. If there are any Great-Great Granddads left, then a special shout out to y’all.

15 Jun 2025 by Family Food & Dining Holidays Humor Notions

Flag Day 2025

About Flag Day

Flag Day is a national holiday in the United States, celebrated on June 14th to commemorate the adoption of the U.S. flag on June 14, 1777. The flag has a rich history and is a symbol of freedom and justice, with its design representing the 13 original colonies and the 50 states. The flag’s colors have specific meanings: red represents valor and bravery, white represents purity and innocence, and blue represents vigilance, perseverance, and justice.

The first flag of this design was carried into battle on September 11, 1777, during the Battle of Brandywine. Flag Day is not a federal holiday, but it is observed nationally, and Pennsylvania recognizes it as a state holiday. The largest Flag Day celebration in Michigan takes place in Three Oaks, which claims to be the nation’s largest Flag Day celebration.

Donald J. Trump, the 45th and 47th President of the United States, was born on June 14, 1946. This date coincidentally coincides with Flag Day, which is celebrated on June 14th to commemorate the adoption of the U.S. flag.

June 14 is also the 250th anniversary of the Commissioning of the United States Army. Hooah!

About our Flags

In the image above, we proudly fly the American Flag on most days of the year. The flag shown in the image was manufactured in the USA by Grace Alley Flags, a company that produces high quality flags available from their website or through Amazon. Their flags have embroidered stars and sewn stripes. No cheap printed colors.

We have recently procured another high-quality American Flag, also produced in the USA, from Alliance Flags, who produce the similar quality as the Alley flags, but cost about three times as much. As of this writing, Alliance is offering a 25% discount across their product line. You may have seen Alliance advertising on TV in recent weeks.

14 Jun 2025 by Holidays Notions Patriotism Something Shiny

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