Recent Trek - Raton NM - a Pleasant 2,000 miles

 

View from 2nd Street, Raton, NM

Raton KOA Signpost Directions

We completed this trek before the Memorial Day weekend. WaHoo!

This post will look at Raton, NM which was a stop during our most recent 2,000 mile trek. This spring we chose a different route to get from AZ to MI. We began in AZ to NM then on to CO, NE, IA, IL and finally MI. We did want to visit SD, but decided we wanted to get to our final destination before the Memorial Day weekend, so SD will be for a future trek.

We experienced mild weather, and open roads; we avoided busy spots like Denver, Dallas, and so on. Thinking of this, “The Road Less Travelled” which is a favorite book (1974 edition) by M. Scott Peck….

Raton, NM

We walked part of the downtown, visited the museum in Raton, NM, had dinner at K-Bob's Steakhouse and stayed at a nearby KOA.

The museum has original paintings, memorabilia, furniture, mining, ranching and other items of local historical significance.  It is a step back in time in Raton and includes several telephone switchboards, city market items, dentistry and so on. I'm posting a sampling of the items in the museum including several photos of a 1891 safe, I think it is indicative of some of the pieces in the museum. 

The Raton Museum, 108 S. 2nd Street, Raton NM 87740 - G at the entry

The museum has limited hours, so it is important to check the schedule.  There is a tour, which we missed because we arrived too late in the day.  The museum caretaker was kind to gave us a "mini-tour" and I do suggest arriving early for the full tour. 

Photos are permitted, but not of the paintings hung on the walls. As a consequence, there are no photos of wall mounted art in this post.  We liked the art.

I didn't know that Raton did print currency at one time. Here's a photo of $20 bill of "National Currency" issued by the First National Bank of Raton in 1929:

$20 Bank of Raton National Currency

The museum has a beautifully crafted 1891 safe manufactured by Hall's Safe & Lock Company.  The exterior has been restored however, the painting is the original. 

Exterior of Safe

Interior of Door of Safe

Artwork of Safe Door

The Safe within the Safe

Lower front of Safe

Lower Artwork on Safe Door

Mining Cart with coal from York Canyon Mine

Dawson Coal Mine Disaster: "The town of Dawson New Mexico lost 263 brave men
 in the explosion in mine No. 2 on Oct. 22, 1913"

Dawson Mine

Post Office

Fire Department

City Market

City Market Sale

Dr. Troy Smith's Dentistry

Train Diorama

One of several Doll exhibits

Archaeology

Telephone Switchboard - Before Cellphones

Original material Roadtrek210.blogspot.com

Wi-Fi Speed versus Internet Speed

 

Initially there was no image.  It was because Google Blogger had some sort of a problem.  What can one expect from Tech Giants?  Not much, I guess....  I tried about 12 hours later and voila'  the uploaded image could be re-applied and is now visible. 

Well, internet while trekking can be interesting. Here is an example. We are at our final destination for this trek. This smaller RV park has 5GHz and 2.4GHz wi-fi, but because everyone uses the same login there is no internet; the pipeline is full. To quote a nearby camper when the campground upgraded the Wi-Fi a couple of years ago: “Great, now I can get Netflix”. LOL. I explained to everyone in writing why that would not work, and it didn’t. But people try, anyway and so there is no bandwidth available.  This is a regular occurrence and my neighbor complained to me that he hasn't been able to get an internet connection for a week.  I guess the campground reboots their router and that kicks everyone off.  As people login the pipeline fills, performance deteriorates, and then the owner repeats the process, and reboots.  

The campground owner has been explicit that the internet connection is designed for things like email, but people apparently can't resist the urge to stream. In fact, the wi-fi is actually very robust. The breakdown is the available internet bandwidth.

Yes, I can get a wi-fi connection but no internet. However, my Verizon jetpack works fine (for now). Which is why I can post this. However, some locations in the US have limited or no cell connections. Because we are adjacent to the most popular state park in MI, this holiday weekend the cellular system will be overloaded. How overloaded? On one recent 4th of July weekend the DNR counted 27,000 automobiles and RVs entering the park.

It will be interesting to see how Starlink changes this.

Original Material Roadtrek210.blogspot.com

Tucson via Iowa - Option Four

 

Entering a Dust Storm in New Mexico

After discussion we decided on a slightly less northerly route, than the "option 3".  This decision meant we would have a maximum of 6-1/2 hours driving time each day, and as little as 4-1/2  hours.  Add to this driving time gas stops, meal breaks, sight-seeing and so on.  In retrospect it was a wonderful route.  Driving US 350 - CO 71 (the original Santa Fe trail) was monotonous, but it was pleasant, nonetheless.  I never knew how much farming there was in Eastern Colorado.

This route did not allow us to go into South Dakota, but we'll do that this summer during another trek.  The "option 4" route reduced our trek distance by about 291 miles.  The "option 4" actual distance was 1,877 miles.  The   trip planning projected 1,840 miles, but that ignores side trips to truck stops, museums and other sites, etc.     

Option 4 trek - via Iowa, but short about 110 miles to final MI destination

We closed down the AZ site and got into the Roadtrek 210P:

Leaving the Winter Site to the Summer Caretakers.....

On the Road in New Mexico

Our first night stop, in New Mexico.  We used the propane furnace for our first two nights, because it got cool.  But no freezing conditions. I've set up the Dometic thermostat to run the Cool-Cat heat pump fan when the propane furnace runs. That's an option, and I think it provides better airflow and temperature distribution in the Roadtrek by running both.  That means more comfort at night.

Cacti blooms in Elephant Butte:

Campsite in Elephant Butte

Continuing on, the next day:

Guess Where?

Sunset - 2nd night

We stopped in Raton, NM and visited their museum.  The museum was a gem and I'll post about it later: There is a 1-1/2 hour guided tour, but we arrived too late for that.  We will attempt a future trip to attend that tour.  The museum caretaker was kind and gave us the "mini version". 

Raton, NM Museum 

Interior, Raton Museum, First Floor upon entering

We had dinner at K-Bob's Steakhouse in Raton.  We asked about local places to eat and this was one of several suggested by the museum caretaker. It was delicious.  Easy parking for RVs, too!  I had a chicken fried steak and the wait staff was excellent, as was the food.  I was so hungry that I ate half of it before taking the photo.  Homemade mashed potatoes, and I ordered gravy on the side. 

K-Bob's Steakhouse, Raton

K-Bob Steakhouse Chicken Fried Steak

Raton Campground

On to Limon, CO via the Oregon Trail.  This route took us east of I-25 on CO 71 though farmland for a few hours. We stopped for gas in Ordway at a bustling local store and gas station. In fact, I wasn't aware of how much farmland this part of CO has. We stopped for lunch at the only fast-food restaurant we saw that morning. It was a Wendy's on CO 71 in Limon.  Kudos to the teenager who stepped up to help even though it wasn't his shift. It was a long line and our order for two sandwiches took 20 minutes to fill.  

Rural CO 71 - Not a Snow Bunny in sight!

After Limon, CO we continued to I-76 and Nebraska.  We had dinner in Ogallala and spent the night there. We dined at the Crystal Palace and LOL, they actually had a salad bar!  The first we had seen in a year!

Ogallala has an interesting history, steeped in the cattle drives.  In fact, in one year 100,000 head of cattle were driven through the town, en-route to market!

Crystal Palace Steakhouse and "Saloon" Ogallala NE

Crystal Palace

I ordered the chicken fried steak, which is, I understand, the most popular item on the menu. G ordered a hoagie with shaved rib meat.  It too was delicious.....

Chicken Fried Steak - Crystal Palace

The Crystal Palace has a stage show, but it doesn't begin until Memorial Day and we were a week early.  However, we did visit the museum. I'll put more about it in a future post.

Crystal Palace Stage

Nebraska Sandhills Warrior Rabbit - Crystal Palace Museum

Continuing to Iowa, I was impressed by the miles of terraced fields, which improve soil retention:

Our final night was at the Timberline Resort in Waukee, IA.  They have an extensive agreement for visitors, but it seems to work as we had a pleasant and quiet overnight.  One observation, there were many chipmunks to be seen cavorting on the grounds, probably a bunch of happy rodents. The area looks interesting for future exploration.....

Original material Roadtrek210.blogspot.com (c) Norm Retzke

Dealing with Chalking-Oxidation - Protect the surfaces

 

After partial removal of chalking or "oxidation" - Never do this in the sun!
I'll do another buff, a wash and final wax tomorrow

Fiberglass will get a white surface which blocks the gel coat or paint color.  This happens on boats as well as RVs.  RV wax residue will whiten in the sun.  Each year it is a good idea to remove any old wax residue, chalking and oxidation.  On fiberglass it is important to protect the gel-coat.  Proper cleaning and waxing is important. 

My 210P has a fiberglass coach body, and I'm please to say that it has not experienced a chalking issue.

However, others do experience this.  Annual washing and waxing can reduce this problem.  However, for RVs that spend a lot of time in the hot sun, chalking may occur even if the rig is cleaned and waxed annually.

I also use a variety of solar shades, I've posted three photos.  These not only reduce interior temperatures, they also protect the finish.  We reduce heat gain by using Reflectix in windows, too.  In particular that large front windshield.

The above photo shows the rear of a large 5th wheel which is in the Arizona sun for long periods of time.  The photo shows the rear after a partial buffing with several oxidation removers.  I apply a Meguiar's product called "Oxidation Remover".  I apply with an electric buffer or a small sponge for tight areas.  I then buff.  I have also used a spray on product called "EternaClean".  However, I prefer the Meguiar's.   Meguiar also makes "Cleaner-wax" and "Pure Wax" products which are use for final waxing.  I've also used those on RVs. 

A couple of products - This is not an endorsement!

I apply the Meguiar's with an electric buffer, or sponge. I then polish by hand using a clean, soft cotton cloth. Note that one should always follow the manufacturer's instructions and test any product on a small area before proceeding. Never apply in sun!

When possible, if the surface is relatively flat, I use an electric, hand-held buffer to apply the Meguiar's, using the appropriate applicator pad.   This is much faster than applying by hand.  There are a range of pads to use. I use an "applicator pad" to apply. I then hand polish to knock off any excess product and get a sheen.  After that I do a final polish with the electric buffer and a cotton cloth pad:

Hand held electric buffer-applicator

Using the electric buffer to apply the "Oxidation Remover" - Always in the shade!

After finishing the oxidation removal steps, I then use a "Cleaner Wax" to touch up and a "Pure Wax" product to give a high gloss and a protective surface.  These can be applied by hand and buffed out with the electric buffer-applicator.

A wash and a wax and voila' I'm done.  

Oxidation removed, washed and then waxed

Using a Solar Sail to shield the rig, reduce interior temperature and protect the finish

The RV in the photo is under a shelter to protect it from the sun. The rear has a removeable "home-made" solar sail because the rear of the 5th wheel faces west and gets a lot of afternoon sun.  This RV was purchased with no rear windows.  That was deliberate. 

I also use a small solar shade for the Roadtrek, etc:

Koolaroo Sun Shade - Reducing the interior temp at a very sunny site with full afternoon sun. Note the Reflectix in the windows

Blocking the Afternoon sun in MI- I handmade and painted Koolaroo Fabric for the slide

5th wheel sun shade- Koolaroo Fabric which I cut and painted to mimic Montana Fossils

Original material http://roadtrek210.blogspot.com/

Gasoline Conditioner - SeaFoam for RT and Onan Generator

 

Instructions on my 1-Gallon Container of Sea Foam Gasoline Additive

Knock on Fiberglass, the Onan generator is doing great, 8-1/2 years after manufacture (My 210P was manufactured in December 2012 and I took delivery in December 2013; I've had it for about 7-1/2 years).  

Is it a good idea to use a gasoline additive?  See the notes at the end of this post, including GM and Onan generator.  That said, here is my experience to date......

I do use a gasoline additive intermittently.  I've had good experience, yours may be different.  Note: This post is not an endorsement or recommendation; it is a statement of my experience. 

I use a gasoline additive primarily to stabilize the gasoline in the Onan Carburetor. When we purchased the Roadtrek in December 2013 we were only able to use it about 4-8 weeks each year.  As a consequence it was stored for long periods. Even when stored I did attempt to run the generator monthly and according to the Onan hour meter I've been largely successful. I do have a log.  However, the same gasoline could be in the Chevy tank for 3 months or more, because of limited driving.

I do also change the Onan engine oil about once each year, and I follow the manufacturer's viscosity recommendations.  I assume my good fortune to date with the generator is attributable in part to the maintenance, fuel stabilizer and monthly operation in accordance with my Onan manual.

In cold weather I do add a fuel stabilizer to the Roadtrek gas tank.  I'd been using a product called Sea Foam (r) for many years in small gasoline engines including outboard motor, snow blowers and lawn mowers.  There are other products, such as Sta-Bil(r) which I used some decades ago. 

I add SeaFoam to the gas tank usually when storing the vehicle.  I don't add it to every tankful of gas.  I began buying the 16 oz. bottle but switched to the 1-gallon container. because it is less costly per ounce.  I've probably used about 20 pints to date.

I transfer the SeaFoam to SIGG bottles so I can carry it with me. I usually have two in the outside storage of the Roadtrek. When full, these each hold 20 ounces; I usually don't fill them to capacity. 

According to my Chevy passenger van manual, the fuel tank is 31 gallons capacity.  

I checked the label on my gallon container of SeaFoam and here are excerpts from the printed instructions:

"For Fuel Stabilization Use 1 pint [16 ounces] to 16 gallons to stabilize and condition fuels.....

Use 1 ounce per gallon for 4-cycle engines.....Add more to clean, less  to maintain."

1 oz per gallon is 16 ounces per 16 gallons. I usually add when the tank is half full if I am planning to store the vehicle. I then take a short trip in the Roadtrek to mix the conditioner into the gas. That's about 16 ounces per 15-1/2 gallons of gasoline.  I then run the generator at about half load for an hour which pulls the conditioned gasoline into the Onan carburetor and exercises it well. I do allow the generator a cool-down period under low load.

As a consequence the Onan generator may have as much as 1 ounce of SeaFoam per gallon of gasoline stored in the carburetor.

I don't use SeaFoam with every tank of gas, nor do I add it to the gas tank each and every time I run the Onan.  However, I do flush the Onan carburetor and fill it with new gas by running it once each 4-5 weeks.  On occasion, I may miss a few days.  The Onan hour meter indicates I do run it on average slightly less than one hour per month. 

Is it expensive?

One gallon of SeaFoam is about $55.  I have used 2+ gallons in 7-1/2 years.  That's a cost of about  $7.33 per year. In recent years I've stored the vehicle less and so I use less.  The 210P currently has about 45,000 miles.

Is it recommended by automotive manufacturers?

I unaware of any automobile manufacturer which recommends gasoline additives. The Chevy 3500 manual for my Roadtrek states "GM Fuel System Treatment Plus is the only gasoline additive recommended by General Motors."

What does Onan say about this? 

My genset manual (for KV) says this about gasoline additives:

"Storing the Genset - Proper storage is essential for preserving top generator performance and reliability when the genset cannot be exercised regularly and will be idle for more than 120 days.  

1. Gasoline Models. Fill the fuel tank with fresh fuel and add a fuel preservative ("OnaFresh" TM) , following the instructions on the container label. Unless a preservative (stabilizer) is added, the gasoline in the fuel system will deteriorate causing fuel system corrosion, gum formation and varnish-like deposits which can lead to hard starting and rough operation. 

Then run the genset for about 10 minutes at approximately 1/2 rated power to fill the fuel lines with the fresh fuel and preservative."

Original material http://roadtrek210.blogspot.com/ (c) 2021