I had a few hours after the site walk, so I decided to take in Pismo Beach. Captured with X-T5, 2026-04-23 22:37:31, 16mm, 1/900sec, f/8, ISO-1600, light processing with PhotoLab 7.
To the best of my recollection, it has been more than 50 years since I last set foot on Pismo Beach. The time was the mid-1970s and my Dad’s dad had terminal throat cancer. We decided to go see the west coast family and see grandpa off.
It was in late March, so we decided to take the south route. We had friends at Los Alamos, so we spent one night there visiting Frank and Christy. Then we headed on to the LA Basin to visit Pat and Beth, then turn north. We spent a couple of days with them, before turning north to see family for a few more days. There are many stories from our short stay with our old friends, but not for now.
On our way north, we stopped for a few minutes at Pismo Beach. There I made a capture with Dad’s Argus C3 (the brick) on Kodachrome. My composition was so awful because I did not notice the “No Parking” sign right in the middle of the frame. The sunset was gorgeous, but ruined by the sign.
We paused there for a few minutes to listen to the surf, before heading on to our hotel for the night.
Thursday, after completing the day’s work, I found myself with a few hours. I booked two nights at the hotel, expecting that we would not finish early enough to make the trip home. So, after a short nap, The Girl and I headed to the beach to spend a few hours. I wanted to activate the park (ATNO) and had a small camera kit built around the Fujifilm X-T5. I paid the permit fee, asked the young man working the entry about best places, and received direction to find a place clear of people. Heh…
This time I drove on the beach. We motored along the way to the south until I found an area that others decided was unacceptable. I deployed my station and wondered how I would hear over the sound of wind and surf. Fortunately, I found a set of earbuds in the radio kit (sometimes I am actually smart) and stowed the hearing aids.
With the station setup, I started hunting POTA activators on the 20m band. I worked a few of them using both phone and code, then picked a frequency, spotted myself, and started calling to announce my availability to take calls. I worked the radio for about an hour, logging plenty of contacts to make the activation, and then turned off the radio. I just sat there for a few minutes, listening and watching the surf, the birds picking at the sand, and the passersby.
After a few minutes, I recovered the station and got The Girl out of the rig. There was no one close, so we played grab ass off-lead for a while. She did the attack-the-boots thing she sometimes does, and we had a great time. She hunted the piles of seaweed for things to eat while I chased her off of them, not particularly caring for the thought of kisses later.
With her energy burned off, I turned the rig around to face the surf and retrieved my camera bag. There were two lenses to use in that kit — the Fujinon 16-55mm f/2.8 zoom and the 70-300mm slow zoom. But, I also had the Fujinon 1.4TC in the kit, which really extended the reach of the telephoto lens.
So I spent the next couple of hours watching the Sun set, making images of the birds hunting for nibbles in the surf, watching a pair of surf fishers working the waves, and watching others pass through my field of view. I also spent some time remembering the stop there with Wife so many years ago. I think she would love the place again, waiting patiently while I played radio and then photographer while reading her book and enjoying the place.
Yeah, that would be what she did. Then we would have gone into town for some supper and talk. Yes, she is still missed.
Doggo and I recently celebrated our sixth anniversary together. Well, she enjoyed the celebration even if the time does not mean much to her. That means Sera is between seven- and eight-years old. I do mark the time.
As the Sun set, we headed back into town. I drove to The Quarterdeck, a small restaurant near the hotel. It is a little dated, but the food is pretty good. I had blackened halibut and a margarita. I even saved a bit for The Girl, who quickly munched it when I returned to the rig. Then we called it a night.
I saw many interesting things during my few hours at Pismo Beach. This pair of equestrians were just one of them. Captured with X-T5, 2026-04-23 22:23:51, 16mm, 1/2700sec, f/8, ISO-1600, light processing with PhotoLab 7.
When I was first licensed, I found Jim, W6LG, while searching for videos about amateur radio on YouTube. I found him to be an excellent teacher. The best I could tell, he was solid in his understanding of the physics of radio. He also had a wealth of practical experience resulting from decades of experience in the amateur radio service.
He later revealed he was suffering from a serious illness. At first he did not go into details. But, more revealed as time passed. It did not sound good to me.
He went through a period where he got his knickers in a twist over an interaction with ARRL leadership and made it public on his YouTube channel. I can understand his frustration, but I did not think it wise to take it public. I took it upon myself to make some contact with ARRL leadership personally and some facts just did not line up.
Ultimately, it was his choice and I respect that, but I elected to stop following him because I have no patience for that kind of negativity and do not want that energy in *my* life.
His son (I believe) posted that Jim died a few days ago and that would be the end of his videos. They will remain on YouTube, but without new material his channel will pass in oblivion, not to be found unless someone has some pretty specific search terms or are specifically looking for Jim’s work.
This is a pity, because Jim’s videos are solid. Godspeed, Jim.
While walking The Girl on a circuit around the campground, I noticed this frame and captured it. Captured with X-T5, 2025-11-09 10:23:36, 55mm, 1/220sec, f/8, ISO-500, in-camera Velvia film simulation, SOOC.
I paused to overnight at the Lake Texoma campground near Mead, OK on my way from Missouri to Texas. My youngest and his wife live near there, so a family meal was in order. We arrived late and I had to back into my camp in the dark, of course. But I learned that my handlight (EDC) worked well as an improved back-up light and permitted the alignment of the rig in the spot.
It did not take long to set up camp. Then I got The Girl out for a walk in the dark. She was on high alert for critters, of course. But, we found none.
That handled, we settled in for the night and I fed us. Then we slept.
I woke early, of course, made coffee, then walked over to the central facility to do my morning regimen, including a shower. When I returned, The Girl was ready to start her day, so we got out and walked the perimeter of the campground. A few others were stirring, some breaking camp; others enjoying the fall morning.
As we walked, I found a frame I liked. So I paused to make a capture. I rather like this one, if the colors are a little accentuated by the film stock selection.
We broke camp and then met Young Son and spouse for a meal before heading on to Lubbock and friends there.
The answer to the question posed is simple. I do not have the personal bandwidth necessary for radio operations at the moment. Work and personal obligations are sufficient that they use up my available resources. But, this will change and I will have an opportunity to go operate in the field. I will be ready for some POTA and SOTA activations and will enjoy those exercises.
Despite being busy, I remain grateful. Life is good.
While sheltering from the wind and rain of a pop-up thundershower, I noticed the rain on the front glass of the rig. So, I made the capture. Captured with X-T5, 2025-08-23 14:41:13, 35mm, 1/170sec, f/2.8, ISO-125, post in PhotoLab with HP5+ conversion.
I am quite busy right now with work and taking care of The Girl and myself. I did manage to get out for a couple of weekends, first to Weber Reservoir with friends. There was no radio play, but lots of conversation, a shared meal, and a pop-up thunderstorm that provided plenty of excitement. Hence, I offer the abstract above.
For the Labor Day weekend, I was invited with friends to active Bald Mountain, just north from Topaz Lake. We decided to make a part of it and took the vehicles up to the summit. There we grilled burgers, had a great time of fellowship, and I played some radio.
I did violate the First Rule, thinking I had brought the Yaesu FT-897D and instead finding the Elecraft KX3 in the black Apache case I picked up. That meant I was limited to 15w of output power, which is stingy for phone operations.
It turned out OK because I was the only operator who activated. The 15w output is plenty for code operations, especially at altitude.
Although the vista is wonderful, the air quality is not. Shot from Bald Mountain during my SOTA activation. Captured with X-T5, 2025-08-31 13:19:02, 35mm, 1/400sec, f/8, ISO-125, SOOC.
I did manage to get out Labor Day Monday for a POTA activation, which is already documented previous. That provided some needed recreation, some additional Morse Code practice, and a enjoyable Eastern Sierra outing with The Girl.
I like the combination of bright cloud and dark sky, shot on walkies up near Spooner Summit. Captured with X100VI, 2025-09-04 11:18:32, 23mm, 1/7500sec, f/8, ISO-4000, in-camera Acros-Red film simulation.The Girl and I are hiking the Eastern Sierra again, after the bear-scare kept me in-town for a few days. I really thought I lost her when I saw her broad ass disappear over the rise downhill from me.
Fortunately, she responded to my calls after she ran out of gas on the chase. She returned completely gassed, but unharmed. I, however, was worthless for the remainder of the day.
On our way up the trail from the staging area, I noticed this cloud peeking through the pines. I thought it might make a nice image in black and white with a red filter. So, I set the camera to simulate Fujifilm Acros with a red filter and made the capture. I rather like the output.
We finished our hike without incident, although I maintain a watchful attitude and work at staying present while hiking that trail now. The first bear I saw on the hike was last year, but at quite a distance. This time, the bear bombed the hill not ten feet in front of me. I was unable to react before The Girl clicked on and bolted in hot pursuit.
I have also seen a coyote a number of times (although not the last couple of summers), but always in the distance. She had a coyote encounter that left her with lacerations (she has earned the “F*()%#ed-up Face” appellation as a result) and the final rupture of the port-aft CCL. The latter required surgery for repair.
The Girl is a beacon for trouble, it seems.
Work kept me busy the remainder of the week. What this weekend will be is yet to be determined.
Life is busy at the moment. I am grateful for God’s gifts in general, and for the work in particular. Life is good.
The Comstock Casino has earned a few visits because of Juan’s Mexican Restaurant housed therein. The tacos and salsa are top-shelf. Captured with X-T5, 2025-08-28 17:44:53, 35mm, 1/480sec, f/8, ISO-125, Fujifilm Classic Chrome in-camera film simulation, SOOC.
The old Yaesu FT-897D provided radio service for my activation of Spooner Backcountry Park. Captured with Pixel 9a, 2025-09-03 01:22:23, light editing with Snapseed.
After violating the First Rule on Sunday’s Summits on the Air expedition, I replaced the black Apache case that housed the Yaesu FT-897D with a bright yellow Apache case Monday morning (Labor Day). After hiking The Girl in the morning and then working around the house for a bit, I decided I had enough and wanted out of the house.
We left at 1500h and headed back toward Spooner Summit and King’s Canyon Trail. I drove us down the trail from US50 and found a shady spot at the staging area. I got The Girl out to burn off some energy and then assembled my station, anchored by the Yaesu FT-897D radio.
This old radio is solid, that is, built like a tank. It does everything I want from a radio and will do more than that as well. I have filters for CW and Phone modes, which improve the signal-to-noise ratio on receive. I have the LDG antenna matching unit that is integrated well with the radio and has a better range of matching than does the factory unit.
I can have a working radio station setup and on-the-air in about ten minutes if I try. Recovery of the station takes about the same amount of time and can be shortened if I just toss everything into the back of the 4Runner.
While The Girl sniffed about for chippies (chipmunks), I deployed the Chameleon MPAS antenna in the vertical configuration and laid out my three-wire counterpoise. (I built this to improve antenna performance.)
I recently decided to move away from Big Tech to improve (slightly) my privacy and security. Part of that was purchase of a new phone, a Pixel 9a. I immediately flashed GrapheneOS to the phone (to reduce/eliminate Google tracking). I installed an amateur radio logging app, PoLo, on my phone for this outing.
So, while activating the park (Parks on the Air), I was also learning a new software. It is relatively easy to use. They keyboard will take some repetitions to master, but it is doable. I have yet to check the output ADIF, but I am confident it will be readily uploadable to the POTA logging portal.
I played radio for the next couple-three hours, keeping one eye on The Girl. I made enough contacts to get my quota on Monday and then we crossed the 0000Z date change and I also made my quota for Tuesday.
I chased a bunch of other POTA activators so I have many park-to-park contacts in my log. I mostly operated CW mode, but made and took a few phone calls.
Satisfied with the activation, I recovered the station and put things away. The Girl watched me expectantly.
After stowing my equipment, The Girl and I made a circuit around the big staging area, but most of the chippies had retired for the day. The Sun was falling behind the Sierra Crest as we humped it back to the rig. She settled into shotgun as we headed back down the hill. We had a lovely, cool afternoon/early evening outdoors with the wind shushing in the pine trees and the crackle and snap of HF radio.
The road to the tower site. Shot with iPhone 13 Pro Max.
Last year we activated a number of parks while staying with my Springfield, MO, contingent of kids. The Girl and I drove out to activate the Blue Slip Tower Site, US-11225, during our stay. This is one of the newly added state conservation areas. These are small plots acquired by the state and used by citizens for a variety of outdoor activities.
They are always fun to activate. There is usually an opportunity to get in at least a short hike as well.
This was the KX2 station setup for my activation of the Delaware Town Access SCA. Shot with the iPhone 13 Pro Max.
Last year, when I was in Missouri with Older Son and DiL, I activated several parks. One of them was Delaware Town Access, which is one of the state conservation areas.
The Girl and I drove through Nixa, where I paused for a breakfast burrito, then drove on to the site. As I recall, it is not a very large park and the road was quite muddy. But I was able to setup a small station and activate the park.
Afterwards, The Girl and I hiked around the woods a bit so she could have some fun too.
One of many ponds on the Mason Valley WMA site. Shot with Fuji X100vi with some post-processing in PhotoLab 7.
Goodness, I have been busy the last few weeks. I have project work plus the markets are giving me fits.
Saturday I just could not stand to stay in the house. So, I took Sera back down to Yerington to the Mason Valley WMA and activated the park. We had a nice walk and came across this pond that had quite a bit of activity. I made a few images with the Fuji X100vi and wished I had brought the Sony A7iii and the 400mm lens. There might have been a few more nice captures.
Still, I am satisfied with this one.
After the park, we drove over to the northeast side of Yerington to look at a property. It is a manufactured home on a five-acre lot. I am unsure about the condition of the home. The storage building looks fine and there is a small metal shed workshop that would be lovely, but awful hot in the summer.
It was good to take a look. I would like to have room for some wire antennas and be away from the noise of the mains behind my duplex. It looks like there could be some grass in a fenced front yard for The Girl.
I will have to think on it some more. I think the price is much too high for what it is.
This was my setup for the Washoe Lake SP activation, after I discovered I left the station battery behind.
Saturday morning I woke, made coffee, and sat down to collect my thoughts. It was a normal day. Well, it was until I decided there were a couple of tasks I needed to get done. So, I busied myself photographing the Fuji X100V and the X-E2 that were on my list to sell.
Once that task was done and the images reviewed, I wrote the descriptions and listed each camera on fleaBay. I realy do not like to use the service anymore because their fees are excessive. My cost to sell is on the order of 15 percent. But, it is the devil I know so I continue to use them.
That task done, I asked myself what was next. By that time, The Girl had wandered into my workroom, checked in with me, and moved to her daytime mat. I gave her a ruffle of the ears and a shoulder pat and turned back to my work.
“Nope, this is not going to do. We need to get outside.” So I fed her, took her out, and started to gather up a few things. We both needed some outside time and I decided to make a run to Washoe Lake for some air, some exercise, and some radio play.
The rig was basically loaded, so I grabbed a couple of water bottles, her gear, and we loaded up. I grabbed McD’s for lunch and we drove to the park, nibbling on fries as we drove. (Yes, she gets fries…)
At the park, I got her out and we got a short walk in. The wind was down and the Sun felt good. I let her sniff about while I got out my table, chair, and her mat. She stayed in the rig while I deployed the Chameleon MPAS 2.0 antenna with the mil-extension and the mil-whip. I used my hand-built counterpoise set — three wires about 16-feet long that I deploy symmetrically about the antenna. I’m confident I get a better ground plane from multiple wires and it takes only a couple of minutes to deploy them.
I then turned to setup the station and found that I had… wait for it… left the station battery behind. At that point, several thoughts passed through my mind, none of them printable. With the antenna deployed, I could not leave the site to retrieve the battery.
However, I had the Elecraft KX2 shack-in-a-box in the rig. So, I put away my exterior equipment (save the antenna), got the little radio out, connected it to the antenna, and turned it on. It powered right up, so I checked the 20m band but it was busy. So I moved to 15m and found an open frequency. I spotted myself on the POTA.app website and started calling.
I was puzzled that the little rig was putting out only seven watts. I checked the antenna match and power output settings and found nothing. Then, in the middle of a contact, the rig shut down. The battery was depleted.
It took only seconds to retrieve the spare from the rig’s kit. I plugged it in and powered the rig on. In my haste, I had changed frequencies, did not notice, and lost the contact I was working.
So, I paused, took a breath, changed back to my frequency, and found it occupied. “Poop!” I thought (well, kinda-sorta). Frustrated and harried, I searched for an unoccupied frequency, adjusted my log (HAMRS on my iPhone), and edited my spot. I restarted my call, CQ POTA DE AG7TX AR, and started working callers again.
We came up on the close of the day (1600h PST == 0000h UTC), so I took the last call and then cleared the frequency. I powered down the little radio, closed my log, and sat for a minute. What might have been a frustrating experience turned out fine. I had a spare radio that had a good battery. I made about 20 contacts (more than enough to make my activation), solved a couple of problems, and had a good day.
I recovered the station and the antenna and put them away. I got The Girl out of the rig and we took a ten-minute walk around the area we have been working. She sniffed, pulled on the lead to go faster, peed, and pooped — all the doggie things. Her gait is improving and maybe the muscle mass of her left hip is increasing. She limps less and all of that is good.
The day ended well with us heading back to the house for a good evening. I got the KX2 kit from the rig and put it on the charger. Both batteries needed to be charged.
The Yaesu FT-897D station at the end of my Mason Valley activation. I left the microphone in the 897 box. Shot with Sony A7iii and Nikkor 50mm f/1.2 at f/4.
I woke Sunday morning with the time change screwing with my natural rhythm. I made coffee (a substantial habit) and sat down at my desk. There are a few websites I check daily while I have coffee. As I worked through my second mug, I looked out the window and noticed the Sun shining. I checked the weather and we were in for another lovely day. So I checked the radio weather and it looks like propagation would be OK if not good.
I decided to go activate Mason Valley WMA. It is only a bit more than an hour away, is not heavily used (at least the area where I like to play radio), and I have not activated it in a long time (a couple of years). So, if propagation turned out to not be good, it was not a long trip to have spent.
I took The Girl out to eliminate and sniff. Then I fed her before I started preparations to go. (If I do not do things in the proper order, she will not eat.) I checked the KX2 and swapped batteries on the charger. This meant I was not taking the little rig with me. I grabbed a snack, The Girl’s gear, and we headed for the rig.
I started the rig and then realized I did not have a battery for the Yaesu FT-897D. Hmmm… I almost violated the First Rule of the Day… again. Well, for the second day in a row. I retrieved the Bioenno 30Ah battery from its charger in the camper and stowed it in the carry bag in the 4Runner.
Then we headed for McD’s for a breakfast sandwich and another coffee. Provisioned, we headed through town and then east on US 50 while I chatted with Older Son.
The trip was uneventful and I remembered the trail at the park to my preferred operating position. I got The Girl out for a short walk and enjoyed the air and the Sun. Then I put her on her mat and started setting up the station. Again, I used the Chameleon MPAS 2.0 and the Yaesu FT-897D. The radio would not power up. Hmmm…
I checked the connections, but no joy. I thought this odd because I had used the radio only a week ago. I returned to the rig and checked the 897 box. I had a spare power cable. I retried it, swapped it for the cable connected to the radio, and the radio powered up. Hmmm… I thought. That is odd. There was nothing physically apparent from a brief examination. I will need to check it.
With the station setup, I picked up my iPhone to spot myself on the POTA.app website.
“#!#$$#%%#$#!!!” no freakin’ signal. Plus, in my haste, and had not posted an activation on the website. So, I took a drink of water, paused, and decided how to solve the problem. I could a) just start calling and then send my park number as part of the first exchange with a request for a spot or b)drive a half-mile back towards the main road to pick up a cellular signal.
I elected Plan B. So, The Girl and I drove back toward the main road until I got a good signal. I then posted an upcoming activation, and we returned to the OP. I set the radio to an open frequency on the 17m band and started calling (CQ). I was greeted with a caller after a couple of calls and started working stations. At this point I knew that the Reverse Beacon Network would pick up my general calls (CQ POTA DE AG7TX) and then the POTA website robot would scrape by call sign from the RBN. This would keep me spotted so that callers could find me.
The Sun was a little too much, so I moved the rig to shelter the station (and me) a bit. The hatch does a pretty good job of providing shade.
I worked the bands for a couple of hours until the number of callers fell off. My farthest call of the day was an operator in Sweden whom I have worked a number of times. When the upper bands are working, I get calls from Europe and sometimes South America. That is fun.
Satisfied and ready to head back home, I recovered the antenna and station. With the equipment stowed, The Girl and I did another walk. We then loaded up and headed home.
I reflected on the weekend as we drove home. The Fujifilm X100V sold Sunday morning. I knew I would want to pack it and get it prepared to ship Monday. I thought about supper and decided I had not had enchiladas in a long time. There is a Mexican place in the CVS lot on US 50 on the east side of town, but it was closed. So, I started for San Marcus Grill. I called a buddy who has been trying to engage for a shared meal, but he was just taking supper from the oven.
So, I was solo. The Girl would be fine in the rig while I got a bite of supper. I parked in the lot, dropped the windows a bit, and opened the moonroof a bit. She would have plenty of ventilation.
I went inside, was finally seated, and the helper brought chips and salsa. I ordered a Margarita because I have not had one in a very long time. In fact, I have all but given up alcohol since the first of the year. It was not that I felt addicted; but I thought the habit was not my best self and decided to try an experiment wherein I reduced my alcohol intake substantially to see how I feel.
The result is that I have almost no reflux overnight and I think I sleep a little better. So I will maintain the regimen even if I allow myself an occasional Margarita or glass of wine with supper.
I ate most of my enchiladas, so I did not pay the Dog Tax. Forgiven, I drove us home, put the battery on the charger, and fed her. We then settled in for the night. It was a good day.
There were things learned, of course.
Be sure to check the punch list.
Wait, I do not have a punch list.
If I do not leave necessary parts of the station in the rig, then create a punch list… even if it is just a note that I need to get a battery, radio, antenna, etc from storage and put it in the rig.
Have a backup plan. On the Saturday outing, I had a QRP radio in the rig and had batteries for it. This saved the activation.
On the Sunday outing, I had an Elecraft KX1 and battery in a box in the rig. That was my backup. And, I knew it was there.
I did not have a DVM in the rig. I should be sure to have a small toolkit in the rig with a ohm meter for continuity checking. Fortunately, I had a spare power cable so was able to operate.
I have a propensity for ad hoc activations. While this is OK it can lead to failures, such as a forgotten battery, no cellular signal for spotting, or other problems from lack of a punch list or moving equipment/items to and from the vehicle.
I should spend a few more minutes before leaving the house to post my intended activation, check the kit, and be sure I have everything needed for a daytrip.
As usual, I learned a few things. I hope the lessons stick. It was a good weekend. The weather was good. The Girl is healing, albeit slowly. I played some radio. One of my excess cameras sold (the X100V is still in high demand).
Oh yeah, hat tip to Dickens for my use of his meme.
Life is good. I am grateful.
After completing the Mason Valley WMA activation, I paused to make an image of the site and the Chameleon MPAS antenna. It was a good day. Shot with Sony A7iii and Nikkor 50mm f/1.2 lens at about f/8.
While activating the park at Walker Lake, the view across the lake caught my attention. I made the capture with the Fujifilm X100vi using a Kodachrome 64 film simulation with just a little adjustment to the contrast.
Last Sunday I was a bit out of sorts, tired of sitting at the house, tired of doing the same old thing, and kind-of just generally out of sorts. So, I decided to get out and go somewhere.
I need to renew my Nevada Senior Park Access Pass (gets me in free), so elected to see if I could activate the Walker Lake SRA. It was a new park for me and I would like to increase my number of unique parks activated.
So, I grabbed the 30Ah battery from the camper, loaded a few things into the 4Runner, and we set off. I knew The Girl would want to go along. I also knew that we could get in a couple of short walks as well.
The drive down was uneventful until I approached the turn off to the park. The driver behind me apparently was displeased that I slowed to make my turn. So, he shouted at me rudely (honked the horn), expressing his displeasure with my driving skills.
We worked our way down to an unoccupied portion of the park, found a relatively level place, and stopped. I got The Girl out for a short walk (that is all she gets at the moment). Then I put her back into the rig, got out the radio and antenna, and got out my table and chair.
It was warm enough to sit outside in the Sun, with it playing peek-a-boo through the clouds. I put down a mat for Sera and she took advantage of it. It did not take long to set up the antenna and the Yaesu FT-897D. I also put out a solar panel and connected it to the battery.
I started on the 10-meter band, phone, and then worked my way down to 20m. The bands were not very good and there was a lot of noise on 20m. I made enough contacts to make the activation before the noise drove me off.
I put away the station and gathered up The Girl for another short walk. I carried the new Fujifilm X100vi along with me and made a few captures. I am pleased with the two shared in this entry and the Rexall Drug Store capture in the last Remainders entry.
Although unusual, I came away with no lessons learned this outing. It was a straightforward setup, operate, enjoy, and recover the station operation. That is good.
We headed home and I drove through Yerington, Nevada instead of taking the bypass. The bypass has been heavily regulated. I suppose there was too much traffic using a local/collector road so they took action to reduce the traffic load. The road is not in good condition, anyway.
I used the opportunity to drive downtown. The Lucky Gold Casino was open and the restaurant/diner was serving. So I bought a grilled chicken breast supper and enjoyed some coffee.
Of course I carried the dog tax to the rig for The Girl. She enjoyed her early supper quite a lot and then settled in for the remainder of the trip home.
It was uneventful. I am grateful. Life is good.
While walking Sera a little, I paused to make this capture with the Fujifilm X100vi using a Kodachrome 64 film simulation, SOOC.