Halloween Is Fun! Carbon Monoxide. "Nature Find". Generator Linkage. Plugged P-trap. Water Heater. Great Campfire. Houdini. Beatlemania. Rain!

 

For "tRaVersing Thursday", or RV Day, but first some thoughts about tonight.

Regular programming will resume after these messages:

Halloween is fun! What's the problem?

"Why would you want to stop kids from the fun and excitement of Halloween? Does it really matter?"

Transcript at: http://www.ucg.org/beyond-today-daily/mans-holidays/halloween-fun-whats-problem

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Three reasons to ditch Halloween

Thousands of Christians around the world voluntarily have made the choice to kick Halloween to the curb. They made that decision because there are serious problems with the celebration of this holiday. (Photo by iStockphoto)

"Taking into account the origins and the practices of Halloween, here are three reasons you should completely ditch Halloween from your life and your children’s lives:

1. God forbids the merging of pagan customs into our lives. “You shall not worship the LORD your God in that way; for every abomination to the LORD which He hates they have done to their gods” (Deuteronomy 12:31). God demands purity of worship from His followers—not combining paganism with Christianity.
2. God wants us to avoid darkness. Halloween is all about darkness. It glorifies and emphasizes dark characters of mythology—witches, wizards, vampires, ghosts and zombies. These are all associated with either death, Satanism or the occult. The Bible is clear that we should “have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness” (Ephesians 5:11). No fellowship means no participation!
3. The whole celebration is based on a lie. The entire celebration of Halloween—from the celebrations it sprang out of to the present, commercialized holiday—is based on the unbiblical idea that humans have an immortal soul and live on in another form after death. The ancient Celts believed the souls of those in the Underworld wandered around on Samhain, and the Catholic All Souls’ Day is predicated on the belief that “canonized saints” are serving as mediators for God in heaven. Read “Is There Life After Death?” to learn what the Bible actually teaches on this subject.

Join the thousands of Christians around the world who have made the decision to ditch Halloween!"  More at: Click here: 3 Reasons to Ditch Halloween - Life, Hope & Truth

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Back to our scheduled program: 

NASCAR RV Camper Killed by Carbon Monoxide

"DEATH AT TALLADEGA. Recently a carbon monoxide poisoning tragedy occurred in the RV camping area at NASCAR’s world famous Talladega Superspeedway in Alabama. One man was killed, while his wife is in critical condition.

The Talladega County Sheriff’s Department said the 46-year old man died at a campground outside the racetrack. He and his 38-year old wife were discovered one morning unresponsive by friends. The wife was airlifted to a nearby hospital, where she remained unconscious and in critical condition. Sadly, the poison managed to shut down many of her internal organs. Even if she survives this ordeal, it’s possible she has suffered irreparable brain and heart damage.

What happened? Police said that carbon monoxide apparently leaked from the exhaust system of the family’s RV. The RV had a broken exhaust pipe on its generator, which was left running all night long– leaking deadly carbon monoxide into the living space.

The incident illustrates the importance of having a well functioning carbon monoxide detector in every RV. One of the most popular detectors on the market is the Kidde detector that includes both smoke and carbon monoxide detection, as well as a talking alarm. The talking feature will allow owners to quickly determine the type of threat."  More at: Click here: NASCAR RV Camper Killed by Carbon Monoxide

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In the market for a motorhome but a little short on cash?

Here's the simple fix -- just find a good motorhome with a blown engine and do the Redneck Fix. It's quick! It's easy! It's inexpensive!

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7 Gorgeous Alternatives to National Parks

"The other Sunday I decided to go hiking with a friend. It was a gorgeous day and we decided to go to a favorite local spot, Great Falls. As we drove up to the entrance, it hit us. It’s Great Falls National Park, and it was closed because of the government shutdown. We were already in Great Falls and needed a new place to hike.

That’s where the National Wildlife Federation’s Nature Find tool saved the day. We found Riverbend Regional Park just down the road, and it was fantastic! I thought it would be useful to take a few popular national parks and find nearby alternatives while the parks are closed.

A secluded pond at Riverbend Regional Park in Virginia. (Photo by Dani Tinker)

Update: Nature Find is still a great tool to find national, state, city parks and other sites to connect with nature."       List of parks and more at: http://blog.nwf.org/2013/10/7-gorgeous-alternatives-to-national-parks/

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Keep your generator linkage clean to prevent stoppages

"Onan generators, typically 4000W (3600W for propane), are often a feature on mid- to large-size RVs. You can recognize these ubiquitous products by the presence of a large green box in place of a storage compartment.

While generally quite reliable, these units have a failure mode that is deceptively complex, yielding an error code that essentially says, "Take me to your Onan service shop." If you own or operate an Onan, there's an easy maintenance action you can take to prevent failures and expensive shop visits.

Inside the generator cover (two hand levers to open) you will see the engine and its carburetor at the upper right. On top of the carburetor is control linkage that governs the speed of the engine under different load conditions. If this linkage gets dirty, dusty or corroded, it can start to bind up. Since it's operated basically by air pressure from the cooling fan, it doesn't take much to get it "sticky."

This happened on my RV after several miles of dusty roads. I heard the generator "rev up" a little bit one day after the microwave shut off, and then the generator shut down and delivered an error code 14 — "Overfrequency Fault." Normally, such a fault is due to electronic failure in the generator electronics. But in this case (and several times since), the issue was simply that the feedback linkage could not respond quickly due to dirt accumulation, and the motor over-revved.

Blowing out the accumulated dust and putting a small drop of Tri-Flo on the pivot points was all that it took to get my volts and watts flowing smoothly again. Now, I do this proactively whenever I've been in dusty conditions, or if it's just been a long time since I cleaned up.

A compressed air source helps a lot, but if you're out on the road and don't have such access you can get the linkage free just by wiggling it full-stop by hand (of course, don't do any of this with the generator running). If you see evidence of crusty corrosion, use a TINY bit of lubrication — just a drop of WD-40 or light oil will do. Too much lube will only hasten the accumulation of more dirt." by Greg Illes

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How to clean a plugged P-trap on an RV sink

"Don't worry if you accidentally drop your ring or your favorite earring down your RV sink. Your P-trap will save it from the holding tank. Here's how easy it is to get into that P-trap and retrieve your lost item."

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How to flush out your RV's water heater tank

"Here's how to flush out your RV's water heater tank, which will remove sediment and prolong the life of your water heater."

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See how easily a travel trailer can fall to pieces

"Here's a rare chance to see how easily a travel trailer can go from fully intact to a scrap heap. Here, a fellow decided to use the frame of a water-damaged trailer for another project. In this 50-second video, watch as the trailer easily falls to pieces with a strong tug of a rope attached to a pickup truck."

From me:  Maybe that is why I prefer the better built RVs, like bus conversions, or 'silver bullet' travel trailers.

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Tools and techniques for a great campfire

"Everyone loves a crackling fire. The Africans of the 13th century had a Swahili phrase for "dreaming the fire," an exquisite encapsulation of the mood around a campfire. Here are some tips for making your own flickering camp delight.

Techniques:  A quality fire needs dry wood and ventilation. Make up a stockpile of multiple wood sizes from pencil-thick through finger size, broomstick, axe-handle, and 4x4s.

Always stack the smallest sizes first, into either a teepee or tic-tac-toe arrangement. Allow lots of air around the wood for good combustion.

Starting:  Anyone can get a blaze going with a splash of charcoal-starter — but where's the art in that? Dream-like satisfaction comes with primitive methods. Some folks will insist that they start their fire with only a match and shaved wood; others might fall back to a Bic lighter and a wax/wood starter pellet. I've seen purists use flint and steel! You choose.

Big wood needs big heat to burn with a good flame. A 4x4 won't burn over the heat from pencils — it will only smoke up the campsite. Don't put the big logs on until you have real heat and coals.

Tools:  A very handy tool is the "Fireside Friend" by Estwing (Home Depot, Amazon, Sears). This combination maul/hatchet is fantastic for splitting wood into smaller diameters. For very large wood, use a regular splitting wedge.

Typically, a poker of some kind is very useful in managing a fire. A pair of very long tongs works for repositioning a log or coals.

Safety:  Common sense but worth repeating:
·    Use safety glasses and gloves when chopping or splitting.
·    NEVER pour any kind of fuel onto a burning fire.
·    Don't leave fire burning or smoldering when you go to bed.
·    Put it out, really OUT. Push your fingers into the dead coals to be sure." by Greg Illes

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RV Tips.

An alternative to duct tape

"We know we may be stepping onto hallowed ground: RVers love their duct tape. It's the greatest thing for on-the-fly repairs of all kinds. But we found something that you may want to add to your tape deck, if you'll allow it: It's called Waterproofing Repair Tape, made by Nashua, one of the big duct tape producers."  by Russ and Tiña De Maris  More at: http://rvtravel.com/blog/lowtech/2008/01/emergency-repairs-go-step-beyond-duct.html

From me: I have used Nashua tape and it is definitely better than regular duct tape, but consumers say that Gorilla tape is the best. http://www.popularmechanics.com/technology/gadgets/tests/4306415

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Fast-cooked meal on a hot day — without heating up the RV
"Reader Sherry Zampino says she's now using an electric pressure cooker to make fast meals on a hot day, outside! Since it's sealed, even outside it doesn't attract critters, but cuts cooking time in a hurry. "I can go from frozen to cooked in about a half hour." Thanks, Sherry!"

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Handy, and considerate, night lights
"LED "tap" lights near fifth wheel stairs, in the bathroom, and other places where a light is needed during the night can keep you from stumbling, or fumbling for light switches. And it's easier on your partner — the low level of light doesn't disturb sleepers."

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"If or when you have a problem with your RV's blinds, check here for ideas about how to repair them." Fix My Blinds.

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Is your roof air conditioner dripping?
"Got a dripping roof air conditioner but it's not raining outside? If the a/c drips when operating, you've probably got clogged drain holes inside the unit. Disconnect shore power and shut off the generator. Remove the shroud from the unit and look for debris blocking drain holes in the bottom plate of the roof-top unit."

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Lots of “Bang” for Five Bucks

"With RV travel, sometimes it’s the little things that make a big difference. An example is the humble Camco hose elbow (http://goo.gl/1W30Tb).

What’s the big deal about this little $5 piece of brass? It delivers great bang for the buck.

Solid brass, pardner!  It makes RV camping a little (maybe even a lot) more enjoyable.

The easy grip connector makes for faster and less frustrating water hookups.

It's technically an elbow, although here it looks like a knee.  It’s also good for your equipment.

By adding this piece between your RV and your water connection, the elbow helps relieve unnecessary stress on the hose and fittings.

What? You want a 45 degree angle? Camco's got you covered.  Extending the connection point away from your RV can work wonders in tight spaces.

These hose elbows are available in 90 degree and 45 degree flavors. The two are functionally the same; it just depends on what angle of access suits your needs.

Another view of the drop dead gorgeous 45-degree Camco hose elbow. It's a work of art, isn't it?  As someone once sang, the little things mean so much.  So try a little tenderness, I mean, hose elbow.  Your hose (and maybe your back) will thank you." by C.S. (Sean) Michael

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On This day:

Houdini is dead, Oct 31, 1926:

"Harry Houdini, the most celebrated magician and escape artist of the 20th century, dies of peritonitis in a Detroit hospital. Twelve days before, Houdini had been talking to a group of students after a lecture in Montreal when he commented on the strength of his stomach muscles and their ability to withstand hard blows. Suddenly, one of the students punched Houdini twice in the stomach. The magician hadn't had time to prepare, and the blows ruptured his appendix. He fell ill on the train to Detroit, and, after performing one last time, was hospitalized. Doctors operated on him, but to no avail. The burst appendix poisoned his system, and on October 31 he died."

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Ed Sullivan witnesses Beatlemania firsthand, paving the way for the British Invasion, Oct 31, 1963:

"In the autumn of 1963, Beatlemania was a raging epidemic in Britain, and it was rapidly spreading across the European continent. But in the United States, where the likes of Bobby Vinton and Jimmy Gilmer and the Fireballs sat atop the pop charts, John, Paul, George and Ringo could have walked through Grand Central Terminal completely unnoticed. It wasn't Grand Central that the Beatles were trying to walk through on this day in 1963, however—it was Heathrow Airport, London, where they'd just returned from a hugely successful tour of Sweden.

Also at Heathrow that particular day, after a talent-scouting tour of Europe, was the American television impresario Ed Sullivan. The pandemonium that Sullivan witnessed as he attempted to catch his flight to New York would play a pivotal role in making the British Invasion possible.

John Lennon and Paul McCartney wrote a song explicitly tailored to the American market and recorded it just two weeks before their fateful indirect encounter with Ed Sullivan. That song was "I Want to Hold Your Hand."

Ed Sullivan had his staff make inquiries about the Beatles following his return to the United States, and Brian Epstein arranged to travel to New York to open negotiations. As a result of the chance encounter at Heathrow on this day in 1963, and of Brian Epstein's subsequent coup in New York, the Beatles would arrive in the United States on February 7, 1964, with a #1 record already to their credit."

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Yesterday:

Jay didn't call to tell me that he was ready to be picked up.  He had left his cell phone here the day before, and his mother had thrown him out again, so he had no access to a phone.  We couldn't have done anything outside anyway, as it was teeming down rain.  But at least we could have got the carpet steamer down from the attic and cleaned the carpets.  I found out afterwards that he had just stayed in bed at his house, sleeping one off. 

Misty timed her 'outs' with the short lapses in the downpours, but we couldn't even take a walk.  She must have a clock in her head, because about 5.00pm every evening she gives a little bark, and licks her lips, which means "Mom, time for dinner."  If I don't fix it right away, she will give another little bark 5 minutes later.  She has me trained.

The foster cats spent the rainy day watching it out of the windows, or playing, or dozing on the couch, just as usual.   

My rainy day was filled with computer work, housework and bookkeeping.

The carpets will have to wait for another rainy day.

Socorro Dove. Pet Halloween Hazards. Atlantic Puffins In Peril. Obey Speed Limits For Birds. Pileated Woodpeckers. Wedge-tailed Shearwaters. "Roosting Tree." BirdNote: Spooky Shearwaters! "Last Chance Gulch." 1890 Anti-drug Law. "War of the Worlds."

 

For "Winged Wednesday":

Socorro Dove

"Although closely related to the common Mourning Dove, the Socorro Dove has been called the "Solitary Dove" because only one male and female were normally seen together in the wild on their native Socorro Island.

Typical of many birds on islands without native mammalian predators, Socorro Doves showed little fear of humans or, fatally, cats, which were introduced there during the 1970s. Cat predation, combined with habitat degradation caused chiefly by non-native sheep, is thought to have quickly led to a disastrous population decline.

The last sighting of a Socorro Dove in the wild was in 1972. Fortunately, aviculture has prevented the extinction of the species, with captive populations in the United States and 12 European countries, managed since 1995 under the direction of the European Endangered Species Program (EEP) of the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria.
The Socorro Dove Project, begun by the Island Endemics Foundation in 1987, aims to return these doves to their native island. By 2004, a breeding station funded by the Island Endemics Foundation and the Mexican Navy had been built on Socorro, but in 2005, concerns about the potential for spreading avian influenza from Europe prevented the return of the doves bred by the EEP to Mexico.

In April 2013, the conservation breeding program was successfully extended to Mexico. Plans for the species’ reintroduction to Socorro Island are under development by a diverse group of partners committed to securing a future for the bird: the Island Endemics Foundation, the EEP (led by the Frankfurt Zoo), the U.S. conservation breeding program, led by the Albuquerque Zoo and other U.S. zoological parks, Africam Safari, (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Africam_Safari ) INECOL, and Mexico's National Autonomous University. This program’s success will largely depend on the conservation breeding efforts in Mexico and a habitat restoration program funded by the Mohamed Bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund." Learn more about the Socorro Dove’s return to Mexico.    Range Map by ABC

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10 Halloween Hazards You Never Knew Could Harm Your Pet

"Halloween is upon us, and as always this time of year, we want to make sure your pet wakes up healthy and happy on November 1st.

Most pet owners are aware of some of the dangers inherent in Halloween, like chocolate candy. But there are other potential hazards you may never have thought of.

For instance, did you know that Halloween costumes can frighten your pet? Or that you should never let a black cat roam the neighborhood this time of year?

Other hazards include certain Halloween decorations, candy and candy wrappers, and even the adorable pet costumes you see in every store.

To make sure your pet stays safe on October 31st, keep these 10 dos and don’ts in mind."   More and pictures at:  http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2013/10/28/10-halloween-hazards.aspx

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Atlantic Puffins In Peril In U.S.

PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — "The Atlantic puffin population is at risk in the United States, and there are signs the seabirds are in distress in other parts of the world.

In the Gulf of Maine, the comical-looking seabirds have been dying of starvation and losing body weight, possibly because of shifting fish populations as ocean temperatures rise, according to scientists.

Instead of feeding their young primarily herring, puffin parents were giving them large numbers of butterfish, a more southerly fish that’s becoming more abundant in the Gulf or perhaps more accessible to seabirds because they’ve moved higher up in the water column. But the chicks ended up starving to death because the butterfish were too big and round for them to swallow, Kress said. Piles of uneaten butterfish were found next to some of the dead birds."  Article at: http://bigstory.ap.org/article/apnewsbreak-atlantic-puffins-peril-us

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Birds Count on Drivers to Obey Speed Limits

"A new study concludes that birds on roadways make decisions about when to lift off to safety based not on how fast an oncoming car is approaching, but on the average traffic speeds of a given road.

Two researchers in Canada recorded dozens of instances of birds taking flight as they approached in a car. Based on their measurements of flight initiation distances and other factors, the pair concluded that birds accumulate traffic speed information over a period of days, weeks, months or longer, and use that information to decide when to fly to safety in the face of oncoming traffic.

This study suggests bird-vehicle collisions are primarily the result of people driving over the speed limit, and birds being taken by surprise by the excessive speed of a vehicle. These results are another reminder of the importance of obeying speed limits."  Article at: https://justonemorepet.wordpress.com/2013/10/26/

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A Pileated "Roosting Tree"

"Photographer Gregg Thompson recently discovered a pair of Pileated Woodpeckers near a cavity, well after breeding season. Looks like he found a roosting tree! See his pictures >>"

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Calling Wedge-tailed Shearwaters

"The ghoulish nocturnal calls of Wedge-tailed Shearwaters scared the tar out of sailors in the 18th century - they thought they were entering the gates of Hell!" Watch (and listen!) to a shearwater pair courting at night >>

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BirdNote: Spooky Shearwaters!

 

Upcoming Shows

Pacific Golden-Plover SUNDAY How Shorebirds Find Their Way by Dennis Paulson   LISTEN NOW ►

Pileated Woodpecker MONDAY  Woodpeckers Carve Out Roost Cavities, Too  by Bob Sundstrom  LISTEN NOW ►

Great Kiskadee TUESDAY  Tropical Wake-up Call  by Bob Sundstrom   LISTEN NOW ►

Blue Jay WEDNESDAY  Meet the Blue Jay by Bob Sundstrom  LISTEN NOW ►

Wedge-tailed Shearwater THURSDAY  The Spooky Shearwaters by Bob Sundstrom   LISTEN NOW ►

Whooping Crane (with Sandhill Cranes)  FRIDAY  The Platte River Crane Plane by Todd Peterson  LISTEN NOW ►

Colima Warbler SATURDAY  Roadside Birds by Frances Wood  LISTEN

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On This Day:

The city of Helena, Montana, is founded after miners discover gold, Oct 30, 1864:

"On this day in 1864, the town of Helena, Montana, is founded by four gold miners who struck it rich at the appropriately named "Last Chance Gulch."

The first major Anglo settlement of Montana had begun just two years before in the summer of 1862, when prospectors found a sizeable deposit of placer gold at Grasshopper Creek to the west. When other even richer deposits were soon discovered nearby, a major rush began as tens of thousands of miners scoured the territory in search of gold. In 1864, four prospectors spotted signs of gold in the Helena area while on their way to the Kootenai country, but they were eager to reach the reportedly rich gold regions farther to the north and did not to stop. But after striking out on the Kootenai, they decided to take "one last chance" on finding gold and returned. When the signs turned out to mark a rich deposit of placer gold, they staked their claims and named the new mining district Last Chance Gulch.

Eventually, Last Chance Gulch would prove to be the second biggest placer gold deposit in Montana, producing some $19 million worth of gold in just four years. Overnight, thousands of miners began to flood into the region, and the four original discoverers added to their fortunes by establishing the town of Helena to provide them with food, lodging, and supplies. But unlike many of the early Montana mining towns, Helena did not disappear once the gold gave out, which it inevitably did. Located on several major transportation routes, well supplied with agricultural products from an adjacent valley, and near to several other important mining towns, Helena was able to survive and grow by serving the wider Montana mining industry. In 1875, the city became the capital of Montana Territory, and in 1894, the capital of the new state of Montana."

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Oakland, CA, enacts anti-drug law, Oct 30, 1890:

"Oakland, California, enacts a law against opium, morphine, and cocaine. The new regulations allowed only doctors to prescribe these drugs, which, until then, had been legal for cures or pain relief. Reflecting a general trend at the time, Oakland was only one of the jurisdictions across the country that began to pass criminal laws against the use of mind-altering substances.

In the latter part of the 19th century, opium dens began to spring up. Generally, there was no legal prohibition on these narcotics, although respectable society certainly disapproved of addicts. Due to the growth of the opium problem after the acquisition of the Philippines, the Harrison Act of 1914 was passed, which added a tax to the sale of narcotics. This was intended to stop the easy availability of drugs, and in 1919, the act was extended to prohibit even the use of drugs in small doses for recovering addicts."

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Welles scares nation, Oct 30, 1938:

"Orson Welles causes a nationwide panic with his broadcast of "War of the Worlds"—a realistic radio dramatization of a Martian invasion of Earth.

Perhaps as many as a million radio listeners believed that a real Martian invasion was underway. Panic broke out across the country. In New Jersey, terrified civilians jammed highways seeking to escape the alien marauders. People begged police for gas masks to save them from the toxic gas and asked electric companies to turn off the power so that the Martians wouldn't see their lights. One woman ran into an Indianapolis church where evening services were being held and yelled, "New York has been destroyed! It's the end of the world! Go home and prepare to die!"

When news of the real-life panic leaked into the CBS studio, Welles went on the air as himself to remind listeners that it was just fiction."

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Yesterday:

Misty and I went to get Jay, and had our walk down there.  Ray's back is bothering him again.

Jay was anxious to get into a 'construction mode', so we  worked on the layout of the greenhouse.  Winter will be upon us before we know it. 

But first, we changed out the silver 'pinhole' blind in the van, for a silver one with no pinholes.  It covers the window behind the driver, and keeps the sun off the 12v. cooler.  In case there is a passenger in the second row of seats, it can be opened. The 'pinhole' one was installed on the screen porch, as the blinding sun comes in there just before sunset.  Recently, I have had to clothes-pin a towel over that area, or the sun would just blind me if I was sitting at my computer desk.  The pinholes allow me to see out, and who is coming in the driveway.

We installed some wide roof drip-cap under a seam in the present wall siding in the area where we will be making a lean-to roof on the storeroom.  Z-bar would have been to narrow.  After digging through the lumber pile we found what we needed to start the project, but didn't have any more time.  Rain might stop construction today.

Big Bend Ranch State Park, TX. Displaced Big Bend National Park Visitors. Terlingua International Chili Championship. Stock Market Crashes. Killer Smog. Super Sandy. Feast at Trinity, TX.

 

For "Travel Tuesday": This is a good time of the year to visit Big Bend Ranch State Park in the Texas Big Bend Country region.

"Named for the Big Bend National Park, the westernmost region of Texas boasts pristine parklands, wide open skies, popular hiking and camping areas, and the beautiful Davis Mountains. Relive the days of the Wild West or experience the international culture of old El Paso. Discover the Park Lands of the Texas Big Bend Country."

Big Bend Ranch State Park

"Big Bend Ranch is located adjacent to Big Bend National Park and shares the national park's Chihuahuan Desert ecosystem. However, in one significant aspect the state park is managed very differently from the nearby national park, as the state park encompasses a network of cattle ranches operated according to the principle of the open range. A herd of longhorn cattle is based here, and there is a semi-annual longhorn roundup.

The Big Bend Ranch manages 23 miles (37 km) of frontage along the Rio Grande, and river rafting is popular here. Away from the river, visitors can hike, backpack, go horseback riding or enjoy mountain biking in the Big Bend Ranch's substantial backcountry. The park is open year round and an admission fee is charged." More at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Big_Bend_Ranch_State_Park_(Texas)

Over a quarter million acres to horseback ride, raft, mountain bike and camp under a blanket of stars.

Welcome to the Other Side of Nowhere!

"Big Bend Ranch State Park offers outdoor recreation for the truly adventurous. This remote park features rugged mountains, steep canyons, amazing views, unparalleled night skies, and solitude in a high desert setting. The park stretches along the Rio Grande in far west Texas, on the U.S.-Mexico border.

The largest state park isn’t just grand in size, it’s full of grand adventure.

Things to Do

Visitors can hike, mountain-bike, backpack, paddle, ride horses or explore by vehicle (the park has two- and four-wheel-drive roads). This is Texas’ biggest state park, so there’s a lot to explore!

The park has 238 miles of multiuse trails (for hiking, biking and horseback riding). Visitors can explore 70 miles of unmaintained dirt roads in high-clearance four-wheel-drive vehicles. The Rio Grande/Rio Bravo area offers great day-use access. Visitors can float, fish and hike, or drive the scenic Camino del Rio (FM 170). Each February, the park helps host the Chihuahuan Desert Bike Fest. Visit our Activities page to learn more.

Campers can choose from vehicle-accessible, backcountry or equestrian sites. All sites (except backcountry) can be reached by vehicle. Some roads require four-wheel-drive or high clearance. Campsites offer solitude and great vistas; all (except backcountry) offer some camp amenities. Limited lodging and food service are available at the Sauceda Ranch House and Sauceda Bunkhouse.

The park also has a 5,500-foot paved airstrip. If you plan to fly in, call ahead to let park staff know when you will arrive and to get up-to-date information.

Pick up backpacking, camping and river-use permits at the following places. You can also purchase maps and hunting and fishing licenses, as well as find information about the Big Bend region.

• On the east side, near Lajitas:  Barton Warnock Visitor Center
• On the west side, near Presidio:  Fort Leaton State Historic Site
• In the park’s interior:  Sauceda Ranger Station.

For more information on visiting the park:

• El Solitario Newsletter:  Overview and Visitors Guide
• Policies on Dogs at Big Bend Ranch State Park
• Swimming Safety Tips

Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteers are always needed at Big Bend Ranch State Park. Visit our Volunteer page and keyword search for “Big Bend.”

Ranger Programs

Park rangers lead tours throughout the year. These include hikes and four-wheel-drive trips to learn about archeology, geology and nature. Rangers also lead mountain-biking and photography tours. Call the park at least seven days before your visit to request a tour.

For more information, visit our Activities page. Check the Events page for upcoming activities.

Commercial Outfitters

Commercial outfitters lead guided tours and rent sports gear. They rent kayaks, canoes and mountain bikes, as well as other camping equipment. Outfitters lead horseback rides, river rafting trips, 4x4 tours, mountain bike tours, campouts, nature and birding hikes, and art and photography classes.

Are you uneasy about tackling this rugged park on your own? Do you want to try a new activity, like mountain-biking? An outfitter may be able to help. Visit our Outfitters page for contact information.

Area Attractions

On your way in or out, stop for a dip in the world’s largest spring-fed swimming pool at Balmorhea State Park.

Near Fort Davis, you can visit Fort Davis National Historic Site or Davis Mountains State Park. Learn about desert plants and animals at the Chihuahuan Desert Nature Center. Enjoy a solar viewing or star party at the McDonald Observatory. You can also tour museums and art galleries, and road bike and hike through scenic areas.

If you like desert quirky, check out Terlingua. Tiny Marfa offers art galleries, mystery lights, and more.

Ask about the Junior Ranger Explorer Packs available for free checkout at the park!"

More pictures at: http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/state-parks/big-bend-ranch

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Big Bend Ranch State Park relishes influx of displaced Big Bend National Park visitors

"One possible silver lining to the partial shutdown of the federal government: The closure of Big Bend National Park has created a welcome influx of visitors at Big Bend Ranch State Park.

Campers at Big Bend National Park in far West Texas had about 24 hours to vacate the park after Congress declined to pass a budget to keep the National Park Service and other federal operations running beyond that Monday.

Barrett Durst, superintendent of Big Bend Ranch State Park, said the state park has seen a 100 percent increase in visitation over the past two days. The phone has been ringing frequently with inquiries from people who originally planned to visit Big Bend National Park.

“Our clientele is probably 90 percent return customers, so hopefully we’ll have a few more people come back to the park now,” Durst said Friday in a telephone interview. “It just opens up the door a little more. Hopefully word will get out, and more folks will start to visit.”

Big Bend Ranch State Park is Texas’ largest state park, encompassing 486 square miles of the Chihuahuan Desert along the Rio Grande from southeast of Presidio to near Lajitas. The park sits along the river just west of Big Bend National Park.

The state park recorded 963 visitors in October 2012 between its Sauceda Headquarters, Barton Warnock Visitor Center, and Fort Leaton State Historic Site, Durst said. Durst said he expects the park to reach that number this weekend—the first weekend of the month.

Barton Warnock Visitor Center.

But there’s still plenty of space at the park, which is only about 25 percent full, Durst said. The park has 107 drive-up primitive camping sites and 86 backcountry camping sites.

“Historically, we would have not seen very many people at this time at all,” Durst says.  “This is a really good thing. People walk through the door, and say they didn’t even know we were here.” From: http://blog.texashighways.com/?p=3081

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In nearby Terlingua:

October 30 - November 2

Terlingua International Chili Championship 

Phone: (432)371-2595   www.chili.org
"Features local cook-offs of chili, barbecue, beans, salsa and more Wednesday through Friday, with the Championship Chili Cook-Off event on Saturday. Also enjoy live music and dancing Thursday through Saturday nights. Rancho de los CASI on F.M. 170."

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On This Day:

Stock market crashes, Oct 29, 1929:

"Black Tuesday hits Wall Street as investors trade 16,410,030 shares on the New York Stock Exchange in a single day. Billions of dollars were lost, wiping out thousands of investors, and stock tickers ran hours behind because the machinery could not handle the tremendous volume of trading. In the aftermath of Black Tuesday, America and the rest of the industrialized world spiraled downward into the Great Depression."

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Killer smog claims elderly victims, Oct 29, 1948:

"Killer smog continues to hover over Donora, Pennsylvania, on this day in 1948. Over a five-day period, the smog killed about 20 people and made thousands more seriously ill.

Donora was a town of 14,000 people on the Monongahela River in a valley surrounded by hills. The town was home to steel mills and a zinc smelting plant that had released excessive amounts of sulphuric acid, carbon monoxide and other pollutants into the atmosphere for years prior to the disaster. During the 1920s, the owner of the zinc plant, Zinc Works, paid off local residents for damages caused by the pollution. Still, there was little or no regulation of the air pollution caused by the industries of Donora.

Beginning sometime on October 26, weather conditions in the valley brought a heavy fog into Donora. This fog appears to have trapped the airborne pollutants emitted from the zinc smelting plant and steel mills close to the ground, where they were inhaled by the local residents. Soon, a wave of calls came in to area hospitals and physicians. Dr. William Rongaus, the head of the local Board of Health, suggested that all residents with pre-existing respiratory problems leave town immediately. However, 11 people, all elderly and with heart problems or asthma, were already dead.

Most residents then attempted to evacuate, but the heavy smog and increased traffic made leaving difficult. Thousands flooded the hospitals when they experienced difficulty breathing. It was not until October 31 that Zinc Works shut down operations. Later that day, rain fell on Donora and dispersed the pollutants. By that time, another nine people had already perished.

The Donora smog disaster received national attention when it was reported by Walter Winchell on his radio show. In the aftermath, air pollution finally became a matter of public concern; the incident led to the passage of 1955 Clean Air Act. The Donora Zinc Works shuttered operations in 1957. Although the types of heavy visible pollutants responsible for the deaths in Donora have now been mostly outlawed and eliminated, invisible pollutants such as ozone remain a threat to people with chronic respiratory ailments." 

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"Superstorm Sandy",

Storm path

"Early on 29 October 2012, Sandy curved north-northwest and then moved ashore near Brigantine, New Jersey, just to the northeast of Atlantic City, as a post-tropical cyclone with hurricane-force winds, around which time it had a wind diameter of over 1,150 miles (1,850 km).

Hurricane Sandy affected 24 states, including the entire eastern seaboard from Florida to Maine and west across the Appalachian Mountains to Michigan and Wisconsin, with particularly severe damage in New Jersey and New York. Its storm surge hit New York City on October 29, flooding streets, tunnels and subway lines and cutting power in and around the city. Damage in the United States amounted to $65 billion (2013 USD).^"

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Yesterday:

As I knew that I would be gone for a long time, I left the foster cats with extra food, and took Misty for a good long walk when I went to pick up Jay.

On the way to the last day of The Feast of Tabernacles at Trinity, TX, we took a wrong turn, so we drove through all the traffic lights in the historic college/prison town of Huntsville, TX.  Fortunately we had allowed extra time for the trip. 

We found the assembly and it was good to see the people from Georgia that we had met when they visited our little church on the 19th, again. Many from our church were there, too.  This time there were more people to meet, as some had come from the Virgin Islands for the Feast. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virgin_Islands  Lots of hugs all the way around.   This congregation has longer song services than we do at our church, and with the extra visitors there was a calypso theme to some of them.   There were talks by ministers from the different congregations, but I had trouble understanding their accents.  Jay enjoyed the talks and seemed to glean something from them.

As it was the last day of the Feast, there were a lot of 'thanks' speeches to all those who had made the successful Feast possible.  Jay got bored with that, and walked down to look at the lake close by, Lake Livingston, which is fed by the Trinity River.

The potluck was great, curried chicken, lasagna, lots of veggies, salads and desserts, one of them mine, a big Spice Cake and Fruit Trifle.  I was glad that I had bought that extra large 12v. cooler a few weeks back.  Jay didn't eat any potluck, he stayed outside.  We couldn't stay until the finish of the meal as I had to get home, because I can't drive in the dark.

Misty and the foster cats were very pleased to see me, they wanted their dinner!  Misty was fine as Ray had let her out a couple of times during the day.

Arsenic in Rice. Diet Pet Food? Pet's Exposure To Chemicals. Horse Soring. CSI Cats! Human Leashed. Meerkat Mutterings. Lady Liberty.

 

For "Mammal Monday":

Arsenic in Rice May Also Affect Dog Food

"The recent discovery by the FDA of high levels of arsenic in rice makes it likely we’ll soon be hearing more about excessive levels of the same potentially hazardous substance in dog food, too.

And for good reason.  Arsenic is a toxic chemical found naturally in the environment — in soil and groundwater.

In humans, arsenic is known to cause:

• Bladder cancer
• Lung cancer
• Skin cancer
• Liver cancer
• Kidney cancer
• Prostate cancer

Arsenic is listed by the International Agency for Research on Cancer as one of over 100 substances classified as Group 1 carcinogens.  In medicine, a carcinogen is any cancer-causing compound.

How Arsenic Gets Into Rice

Arsenic can be found naturally in the environment. Yet it can also be found in higher concentrations in some plants — like rice — as the result of years of human agricultural activity.

There are many ways the chemical can find its way into the public food supply.  For example, until the 1980s, arsenic-based pesticides were commonly used by cotton farmers to help control boll weevils and other insects.

However, since then, many of these same cotton fields have been flooded with water to grow rice. So, some of the arsenic found in the soil is steadily absorbed by the growing rice plants.

Yet this situation may soon be about to change.

Since the FDA has recently discovered arsenic in many rice-based infant formulas, it’s quite likely the Agency will soon set limits for many human food products.

However, if the government does not set a limit for arsenic in pet food, the potential problem could get worse for dogs.

That’s because it’s a good bet much of that tainted rice banned for use in human food will somehow — like so many other rejected ingredients — end up in commercial pet food."  More at: http://www.dogfoodadvisor.com/red-flag-ingredients/arsenic-rice-dog-food/     by MIKE SAGMAN

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Pets Eat More and Still Shed Pounds - A Brilliant Plan with a MAJOR Problem

"There’s a new “prescription” weight loss diet available for dogs and cats that at first glance seems to be the answer to the epidemic of pet obesity. In a two-month feeding trial of over 300 dogs and cats, a majority of animals lost weight and had an average reduction in body fat of 28 percent. Pretty impressive sounding, isn’t it?"There’s a new “prescription” weight loss diet available for dogs and cats that at first glance seems to be the answer to the epidemic of pet obesity. In a two-month feeding trial of over 300 dogs and cats, a majority of animals lost weight and had an average reduction in body fat of 28 percent. Pretty impressive sounding, isn’t it?

Upon closer inspection, however, it would seem that the manufacturer has simply supplemented its plant-based formulas with essential amino acids found in animal meat.

Since most dogs and cats get fat to begin with from overfeeding of processed pet foods, we recommend a healthier solution than switching to yet another processed pet food."     Complete article at: http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2013/10/18/new-prescription-pet-food.aspx

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Dogs and cats may be the proverbial canaries in the coal mine

"High levels of industrial chemicals are showing up in American pets.  A fairly recent study performed by the Environmental Working Group (http://www.ewg.org/reports/pets) has documented that pets were positive for 48 of the 70 chemicals tested.  On average, dogs had 40% higher and cats had 96% higher levels of these chemicals than were found in people.  These chemicals are known carcinogens or toxic to the reproductive, endocrine, or neurologic systems.

This study documents that dogs and cats are exposed to a complex mixture of industrial chemicals.  Since pets breathe in, ingest or absorb the same chemicals that are in our environment, exposures that pose risks for pets pose risks for human health as well.  This is a wake-up call that stronger safety standards for industrial chemicals are needed to protect ALL members of American families.

Help decrease your pet's exposure to chemicals:"  More at: http://www.halopets.com/pet-education/pet-articles/pets_chemical_exposure.html

and:

PBDE: Are You Exposing Your Pet to This Thyroid Ravager?  "Avoid Exposure to Flame Retardant Chemicals!"   More at: http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2013/10/25/pbde-exposure.aspx

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Let's End This Horse Abuse Now

"Congress can end this cruelty today by passing The Prevent All Soring Tactics Act (H.R. 1518/S. 1406)"

Please sign: https://secure.humanesociety.org/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=6013

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Felines Fighting Crime With Fur

"A recent case counting on the analysis of cat hairs has landed a murderer behind bars in the U.K.

When the remains of victim, David Guy, were found on a British beach in July 2012, Hampshire police were lucky enough to find cat hairs on his body. The hairs belonged to the cat of the suspect and supposed friend, David Hilder.

Many crimes are solved by tapping into the human DNA database. Organic fiber has genetic material, called mitochondrial DNA, which can be used to help link a suspect to a crime. At the time of Guy’s murder, however, a cat DNA database was not in existence in the UK.

To help Hampshire police solve the case, Dr. Jon Wetton offered his experience in creating a DNA.  Over six weeks, they were able to gather mitochondrial DNA samples from 152 cats across England."  More at: http://theanimalrescuesite.greatergood.com/clickToGive/ars/article/Felines-Fighting-Crime-With-Fur567

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“Walking Your Human”

"For cats' eyes only!   Kitties, listen up!  Kodi lets you know how to keep your human under control.  Keep your human healthy, happy and obedient with this 7-step guide to walking your human, instructed by Kodi the Kitten."

Music is Peach Cobber from iMovie 11

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DECODING PRAIRIE DOG LANGUAGE MAY LET US TALK TO ANIMALS

"This program discusses Prairie Dog Language -- the most sophisticated animal language decoded so far."

More at: http://therainforestsite.greatergood.com/clickToGive/trs/article/Decoding-Prairie-Dog-Language-May-Let-Us-Talk-To-Animals201?origin=ERR_100613_Video_S

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On This Day:

Grover Cleveland dedicates Statue of Liberty, Oct 28, 1886:

"On this day in 1886, President Grover Cleveland dedicates the Statue of Liberty in New York Harbor.  The statue’s full name was Statue of Liberty Enlightening the World. It had been a gift from French citizens to their American friends in recognition of the two countries’ commitment to liberty and democracy and their alliance during the American Revolutionary War, which had begun 110 years earlier.

The 151-foot copper statue was built in France and shipped to New York in 350 separate parts. It arrived in the city on June 17, 1886, and over the next several months was reassembled while electricians worked to wire the torch to light up at night.

The statue quickly became a symbol of America’s humanitarianism and willingness to take in the world’s "tired, poor and huddled masses." 

"Lady Liberty" was originally intended to work as a functional lighthouse and, from 1886 to 1901, the statue was operated by the United States Lighthouse Board. In 1901, the War Department took over its operation and maintenance.  The statue and the island on which it stands, now known as Liberty Island, were together proclaimed a national monument by President Calvin Coolidge on October 15, 1924, and, in 1933, the National Park Service assumed oversight of the monument."

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Yesterday:

It was pouring down rain when Misty first wanted to go out, but in her waterproof barn coat, she weathered the storm.  She wouldn't have gone out without it. A little while later it cleared up.

Ray and Jay were supposed to be here, but neither showed up.  So I spent the time getting food ready and studying the Bible for The Feast of Tabernacles in Trinity, TX.   I am hoping to make the trip there, as it is the last day today.

History Of Halloween. Dangerous Pretender? Should Christians Celebrate It? Is The Devil Real? Quakers Killed. Avalanche.

 

For "Scripture Sunday:"

History Channel The Real Story of Halloween Part 1 of 3

"This gives a good description of the history as well as explain how the leaders have changed what and when people worship and celebrate."

History Channel The Real Story of Halloween Part 2 of 3

History Channel The Real Story of Halloween Part 3 of 3

All in the name of commercialism!

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Does Halloween Reveal a Dangerous Pretender?

"Today, you can become rich and famous if you write books that glamorize or promote witchcraft and demonism, like the Harry Potter books. They are runaway bestsellers for children that focus their minds on wizardry, magic, witchcraft, demonism and Satanism.

Through these books, millions of our youth are taught to entertain the occult world, as if it were simply fun and educational. In Old Testament times, a person would be stoned to death for promoting divination or any other kind of demonism. We live in a day when good is evil and evil is good.

Did you know that the ancient professing Christian church allowed non-Christians to keep their heathen festivals in order to fill their pews (The Two Babylons , Hislop, p. 93)? They found it impossible to turn them away from their festivals (ibid). Hence we have Halloween.

Druidic superstitions honored the festival of Samhain (i.e., summer's end), which included wandering souls, ugly demons, headless "Jacks" or Jokers (a symbol of Satan), ghouls, ghosts, goblins, witches, mummies and other symbols of death, now naively transferred to the modern observation of Halloween.

The ironic thing about Halloween is that it reveals a great pretender—Satan the devil—who promotes his deceptive counterfeits on humankind, incognito and with impunity. Yet God says that his days are numbered; his judgment nears. Could Halloween help symbolize Satan's view of his future judgment, by proxy, perversely applying his fate to us?

What's God's view of Halloween? "Do not learn the way of the Gentiles; do not be dismayed [terrified] at the signs of heaven, for the Gentiles are dismayed at them" (Jeremiah 10:2). God opposes Halloween because it blinds humankind from His truth (Matthew 13:15). Why do two billion Christians observe it?

Halloween doesn't even pretend to be Christian; it unapologetically promotes Satan's evil design against humans: He wants us dead. Ironically, Halloween unmasks Satan as a misanthropic liar (John 8:44). Satan tries to appear as an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:14), another Jesus with another spirit and another gospel (ibid, v. 4). Halloween is Satan's quintessential holiday that openly mocks gullible humanity before God. (Revelation 12:10)."      From: http://www.ucg.org/blog/does-halloween-reveal-dangerous-pretender/

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Halloween and Christianity

"Halloween a day celebrated around the world when people dress up in costumes, collect candy from neighbors and have parties, but do you ever take time to think about the origins of Halloween? Most people don't think twice about participating in it saying "It's all in fun" or "Its not evil to me", but is this so called hallow evening really so innocent?"

Uploaded by KJTheTruth

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Halloween: Should Christians Celebrate It?

"Where did Halloween and its dark and demonic themes come from? What is its relationship to All Saints’ Day, and should Christians celebrate Halloween?

Origin of Halloween

The Celtic festival of Samhain is probably the source of the present-day Halloween celebration. The Celts lived more than 2,000 years ago in what is now Great Britain, Ireland, and northern France. Their new year began on November 1. A festival that began the previous evening honored Samhain, the Celtic lord of death. The celebration marked the beginning of the season of cold, darkness, and decay. It naturally became associated with human death. The Celts believed that Samhain allowed the souls of the dead to return to their earthly homes for this evening. (The World Book Encyclopedia, 1990, article “Halloween”).

It seems costumes of animal heads and skins played a part in their celebration, as well as fortune telling using the remains of the animals that were sacrificed. So how did this gory pagan holiday become associated with Christianity?

Many of the customs of the Celts survived even after the people became Christians. During the 800’s, the church established All Saints’ Day on November 1. … The people made the old pagan customs part of this Christian holy day” (ibid.).

Halloween: A celebration of evil

In spite of its marketing as innocent entertainment for children, Halloween remains a celebration of evil, not a fitting holiday for Christians to celebrate."  From: http://lifehopeandtruth.com/life/plan-of-salvation/holy-days-vs-holidays/halloween/

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Samhain: The Original Halloween

"Some time ago, a friend of mine told me that he did not feel comfortable celebrating Halloween, even though he enjoyed attending a “harvest festival” his church held year on the evening of October 31. 

So, what should Christians think about Halloween? What is the origin of the holiday? Is it merely a harvest festival? Should Christians celebrate this holiday, as a harvest festival or as something else entirely? Or should we be wary.

Human sacrifice, often by fire, was a common practice of the Druids during Samhain. During this festival the Celts would dress in various costumes and dance around large bonfires which were thought to ward off wandering spirits. Jumping through the fire could thus be seen as a way to enhance communication with the spirit realm, as well as to “strengthen and purify” those who jumped through it (J. A. Macculloch, The Religion of the Ancient Celts¸ 261).

How does an ancient Celtic costume party around a bonfire relate to us today as Christians? Does dressing up in Halloween costumes in our modern era have any connection to this ancient pagan festival?

Yes, we can see Halloween’s close ties to Samhain, a pagan harvest festival involving idolatry and human sacrifice. As such, it is something that God makes clear His people should never celebrate (Deuteronomy 18:10–12). Jesus Christ cast out demons who possessed and tormented human beings (Matthew 8:28–33). By contrast, Satan has deceived most of mankind into thinking Halloween is harmless or even Christian (Revelation 12:9) and in doing so has influenced people to call “evil good and good evil” (Isaiah 5:20)."  More at: http://www.tomorrowsworld.org/commentary/samhain-the-original-halloween

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Is the Devil Real?

"People are increasingly ignorant or dismissive of the notion that there is a being called Satan. When Jennifer Senior recently interviewed U.S. Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia for New York magazine, she was taken aback when Justice Scalia said, “I even believe in the devil.” She reacted as if Justice Scalia’s belief in evil were strange and arcane.

So, what is the truth? Is there evil? Is there a devil? If so, who is responsible?

The Devil depicted in The Temptation of Christ, by Ary Scheffer, 1854.

The Bible discusses the subject of evil and lays the blame at the feet of a supernatural being God calls the devil and Satan. It may shock or mystify you that an all-powerful God would tolerate an adversary that is evil. But if you look deeper into this enigma, some startling facts are uncovered.

The Scriptures tell us in the book of Ezekiel that Satan was not created to be wicked and evil. Rather, God first created an angelic being named Lucifer in perfect splendor and goodness, who eventually turned into a perverse and evil enemy of everything God stands for."     More at: http://lifehopeandtruth.com/speaking-of/is-the-devil-real/

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The program on WGN TV this morning:

Dabbling With Demons

"Fallen angels and evil spirits have been a source of fear and fascination. Do demons really exist? Isn't it time you knew?"

Transcript at: http://www.ucg.org/beyond-today-program/satan/dabbling-demons

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On This Day:

Quakers executed for religious beliefs, Oct 27, 1659:

"William Robinson and Marmaduke Stevenson, two Quakers who came from England in 1656 to escape religious persecution, are executed in the Massachusetts Bay Colony for their religious beliefs. The two had violated a law passed by the Massachusetts General Court the year before, banning Quakers from the colony under penalty of death.

The Religious Society of Friends, whose members are commonly known as Quakers, was a Christian movement founded by George Fox in England during the early 1650s. Quakers opposed central church authority, preferring to seek spiritual insight and consensus through egalitarian Quaker meetings. They advocated sexual equality and became some of the most outspoken opponents of slavery in early America. Robinson and Stevenson, who were hanged from an elm tree on Boston Common in Boston, were the first Quakers to be executed in America. Quakers found solace in Rhode Island and other colonies, and Massachusetts' anti-Quaker laws were later repealed.

In the mid 18th century, John Woolman, an abolitionist Quaker, traveled the American colonies, preaching and advancing the anti-slavery cause. He organized boycotts of products made by slave labor and was responsible for convincing many Quaker communities to publicly denounce slavery. Another of many important abolitionist Quakers was Lucretia Mott, who worked on the Underground Railroad in the 19th century, helping lead fugitive slaves to freedom in the Northern states and Canada. In later years, Mott was a leader in the movement for women's rights."

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Avalanche buries homes in Iceland, Oct 27, 1995:

"An unusually large avalanche buries homes and kills 20 people in Flateyri, Iceland, on this day in 1995. This disaster was the second deadly avalanche in the region that year.

Ten months earlier, on January 17, the small fishing village of Sudavik had suffered a devastating avalanche in which 16 residents lost their lives. The incident illuminated the dangers of living in historically avalanche-prone areas. As winter began the following October, high winds in the West Fjords prompted evacuations across the region. Hundreds of electric poles were snapped by the winds and on October 26, an avalanche of snow, ice and rocks crushed and killed a herd of 18 horses in Langidalur. Later, another slide destroyed a storage building in Sugandafjor.

Residents remained on high alert on the evening of October 27. At 4 a.m., a deafening roar was heard above Flateyri as a huge avalanche crashed down the mountain above the town. Snow and rocks buried 17 homes, only one of which had been thought to lie in an avalanche danger zone. Local residents immediately attempted a rescue effort, which proved extremely difficult in the darkness with all landmarks erased. The would-be rescuers had trouble remembering where each buried home was actually located.

In the meantime, several victims were able to dig themselves out from under the snow.  United States military helicopters and the Icelandic Coast Guard arrived with 600 rescuers and dogs specially trained to locate buried people. Eventually, 20 people were pulled out alive. One woman was saved after being stuck completely motionless for eight hours. The last survivor to be found, an 11-year-old girl, was rescued 11 hours after the avalanche. It took two days to locate all the bodies."

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Yesterday:

Wendy wasn't going to call for her usual Saturday phone call as she would be at The Texas Renaissance Festival.

This would give me more time to get ready for church and take Misty for a longer walk, until an un-computerized neighbor came over to visit.  A relative of hers had taken some pictures of them when they were here, emailed them to me, and she wanted to see them.  She loved the pictures, but my printer's ink is coming out all funny greeny colors, so I won't be able to print them out for her until I get new ink.  I should have asked her to postpone her visit to another time.

It was a mad scramble for me to get ready, and I had to leave with wet hair to pick up Jay.  Jay was ready, so we went to church. 

Brother Jeff blowing the ram's horn.  There were several more families there that I hadn't met before.  One family was visiting from California for The Feast of Tabernacles which is being held in Trinity, TX, and came to our little church for the Sabbath.  The songs of praise were great, as usual.  Then the prayers for different people in need.

The Bible readings were Exodus 34:10-17 and Numbers 29:12-40, which are about keeping The Feast of Tabernacles, and then Exodus 38:18 – 39:20.  

The sermon was about the Second Resurrection.  Luke 14:13-14 ^"But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, And you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you; for you shall be repaid at the resurrection of the just.”   More at: John 5: 25, John 6:39-40, 1 Corith. 15:16-27, 40-53, Rev. 20:4-6 and Isaiah 26:19.

The potluck was tasty, all organic meats, meatloaf, lasagna, BBQ brisket done in a huge crockpot, lots of salads and veggies.  Jay didn't eat any salad or veggies, no wonder he is sick so many days.