Trinity Site

New Mexico played an important part in the development of the atomic bomb.

Los Alamos National Lab was constructed in the mountains of North central New Mexico to research and build the first bomb.  The town of Los Alamos grew as the need for housing for the scientists and technicians.

The location for testing the first bomb was selected as the Alamogordo Bombing and Gunnery Range in New Mexico.  Later, the range became White Sands Missile Range.

Trinity Site is a National Historic Landmark.  The landmark is a 51,500 acre area on the White Sands Missile Range. The site is open 2 days a year - the first Saturday of April and the first Saturday of October.  http://www.wsmr.army.mil/PAO/Trinity/Pages/Home.aspx

This morning, my cousin and I were  out of Albuquerque at "O-Dark-30".  Stopped into Socorro for a light breakfast and heading to the site.  From the San Antonio exit of I-25, head East about 11-12 miles to the road to Stallion Gate. There was a line of vehicles waiting for access to the site when we arrived about 8am.  It took us an hour to get to the gate.  (see upper photo).

He had no problems getting onto the range (you need your state government ID or passport for every occupant and the insurance certificate and registration for your vehicle).  Another 15 miles or so we were at the parking lot for viewing the site.

When we arrived the site, my cousin and I estimated that had to be nearly 1000 people that were already here or already leaving the site.  It is about 1/4 mile walk from the parking lot to the site.  Thankfully, there was a large "golf cart" (8-10 person) with driver to carry "handicapped" visitors.  With my knee problems, I availed myself of the ride to the site.

Of course, everyone wanted a photo of themselves or family at the ground zero marker (see photo to the right). There are remains of the of the original 100 foot tower (basically nothing).  On the fence to the far side of the site had photos of the detonation, and some of the people that were out at the site.  There was ever a "polo" teams at the site!  There is a covered shelter protecting the portion of the original crated cause by the detonation.

The bring in a "fatman" casing on a trailer to show the basic size of the bomb.  The last stop for me at the site was a stop at the the National Park Service vendor to get at least a bood about the test.  Ended up with a good book, at DVD and hat pin.

From there, Don and I boarded the bus taking us over to the McDonald Ranch House.  This was where the plutonium core of the bomb was assembled.  The house was left to the elements for many years until Commander of White Sands decided in was a important part of history and had the house restored.  There are a couple outbuilding at the ranch.  They are basically ruins and think there is no plans to restore them.

By the time we boarded the bus back to the parking lot, my legs had had it.  It was a little after noon when we got into the car and headed back off the base.  On the way back out of the gate, there was still a line of about 2 mile long waiting for access to enter the base!  It seams there was not any "slack" time to visit the site!

We headed back to the highway, intending to stop at the Owl Bar for a burger and brew.  Unfortunately, a lot of other folks at the same idea.  There was a line to get into the bar and for seating.  I am not big on waiting for tables to eat.  I convinced Don (I was driving) and it would be better to get food in Socorro. we stopped at the Bodega Burger Co in Socorro.  (see lower photo)

The weather was a bit "iffy".  Rain moved South further than first forecast.  We had some rain driving down to Socorro.  After our light breakfast, he headed to the site.  It was mostly overcast at the site, sun trying to peak out and even a couple sprinkles of rain while we were there.  We saw there had been a heavy shower that came through San Antonio.  We hit some more rain on the way back North to Albuquerque.

It was a interesting day.  I dropped Don back at his house in Abq,  It was about 4pm when I got home in Rio Rancho.  I grabbed my camera, processed most of the photos, wrote a short facebook post and crashed into bed for a long nap.

Change of Plans

Woke up about 2:30, nature calling.  Checked my e-mail and the weather forecast.  Not good for traveling in the East side of New Mexico.  MAJOR storm in that part of the state starting Saturday afternoon and continuing to Monday.  Cousin Don had talked with his friend (owner of the house I am renting) saying if I could get to Albuquerque by middle of the afternoon, the weather should cooperate and I can change plans and start into the house tonight.

Calculating miles and times, It would work if I just showered, packed the car, and head toward ABQ.  That, I did.  On the road out from Dodge City a little after 4am CST.

Pretty lonely across SW Kansas and a section of Oklahoma at tat time of a Saturday morning.  Not even a place to get breakfast until I had been on the road for over 2 hours.  Found a place in Clayton, NM.  The sun was just up when I got there.

After breakfast, I started looking for abandoned building and ruins (see upper photo).  Helps keep my mind on the road.  Strong wind from the NNW and temperature dropping across the high plaines of NE New Mexico.  Even saw some blue sky!

As I got to Las Vegas, NM, it started snowing.  Mostly blowing across the road.  Drove with that until about Glorieta Pass.  Once again, some wind-driven snow as I get into Albuquerque.  Stopped quile at a Verizon Store on the way to the house.

Found the rental house and got keys from the owner.  He grabbed the wring keys, so a little delay getting into the house.  Cranked up the heat and started unloading the car.  While taking breaks to that, I checked e-mail, facebook, and processed the photos from the day.

Called Don about eating, but he was in for the night,  Actually, I was a bit tired from the driving, so not looking forward driving for a brew and burger.  Satisfied my cravings with some of my snack I had in the car.

A White Christmas

I have been bust getting ready for a trip (month long) to Albuquerque.  Goal is to see how it goes, living in the city, in a house, for a month in the Winter.  Decided the best schedule is to head out Christmas Day. Only bringing the hybrid bike with me on this trip.

Had most stuff sorted that I want to bring.  Just pack the car.  Wednesday we had rain with forecast 1" snowfall for early Thursday.  Surprise, we got a major snow - reported 7 inches. With the freezing rain under the snow, I had problems getting up the hill off Rt 92 to head back to the house.

I still planned to get on the road Friday.  Just was not fun packing and loading the car in a first major snow storm of the season.  Forecast is showing another storm hitting home Sunday/Monday.  I needed to get on the road - with some cushion for getting to Albuquerque on the afternoon of Dec 30th,

Set tentative itinerary for stops in Dodge City, KS, Roswell, NM, and 3 nights in Alamogordo, NM.  Have to watch the weather because forecast is for South routh storm through El Paso, Roswell, and Amarillo over the weekend.

A Change in the Weather

It looks like we are finally getting some drier weather.  This morning's sunrise was a deep orange as the clouds head out to the East.  (see photo).  Cooler temp this morning, though still a bit humid.

Yesterday got the repairs made on the car - new windshield and replaced the tail lights.  Was very surprised - the cost of the two tail lights was higher than a new windshield!.  It was a good day to get this done as it was spitting and threatening rain most of the day.  Even had severe storm watches.  The bad weather stayed North of us.

Had expected to hear back from the insurance about the car settlement.  Sent two replies to her request my decision.  Never got any acknowledgement.  No word from the house contractor about meeting to iron out details and contract. 

Storm Damage/Repairs

 Both the car and house were damaged in the storm on June 3rd.  The car took the more visible damage.  The windshield is cracked (needs replacement)..Hood, rood, trunk, and all left side panels are dented from the hail.  Finally, the left tail light lens is broken.

The car was taken to the mobile claim tent.  The adjuster there inspected the car.  Original estimate for repairs was about $9K.  The adjuster had to sent the info to the home office - deciding to perhaps total the car.

A couple days later, I got the word that they decided to total the car.  However, I was given the option to retain the vehicle.  The home office e-mailed me details of their offer and my options.

Talked with my insurance agent - mostly to understand the ramification of retaining the vehicle verses giving the car to the insurance company and buying a new (used) car.  I decided it was better in my interest to retain the current vehicle.

Photos here show the hail damage to the car.

Like my previous Impala (2002), I drove the car to 207K miles.  For me, the 63K on the 2011 Impala is just broken in.  Stopped in town to get estimate for windshield replacement.  Scheduled that replacement and repaid of the tail lights.

Two contractors have inspected the house and furnished estimates.  Estimates are in the ballpark - near the insurance estimates.  Will use the weekend to review the estimates and make my decision.

Have already talking with my financial adviser. The house needs some work and I had been looking to make some upgrades (anti-plug gutters, painting, etc).  This is the best time to get the work done.

I should comment about working with my insurance company.  My insurance carrier is Allied (part of Nationwide).  The insurance adjusters (car and house) were first in a hurry to settle.  They were happy to settle over the phone.  I told them that I needed pieces of paper that I can look at and review.  They quickly sent me what I needed.  In the case of the car, I asked that the offer e-mailed to me.  It was in my inbox in a couple hours.  Between my agent and the adjusters, they were happy to address any questions I have.  Finally, the settlements are fair.

Severe Weather

At least we were warned.  The weather forecasters have been predicting severe storms in the Omaha area.  About 4:30 in the afternoon, storms start rolling through the area.  Just before 5pm, the winds, rain, and hail hit at the house.

Unfortunately, I have too much stuff in the garage and can't get the car in.  I opened the garage door to look at the storm.  It looked like a high-pressure washer outside with leaves blowing with the rain.  I saw about golf-ball sized hail.  All the grass had been flattened.

Didn't take much time and the power went off.  The storm raged on and I kept of taking some photos and captured some video (at least I got video on my GoPro).  Getting near 6:30, I decided to pack up the computer and drive to town for dinner at Panera.

As I got into the car, I noticed some dimples in the roof.  In that car, I could see that the windshield was cracked from at least 2 hail stones.  Guess I know what I will be doing tomorrow - insurance estimates and windshield replaced.

Less than an mile down the road it is blocked by a large tree branch across the road.  The branch tore the power lines from the pole.

When I got to Panera, I was wondering if they were even opened.  Almost no one in the bakery.  Ordered some dinner and booted up the computer.  While there, another squall hit town.  Radar was showing it was going to be a long night.  It was time to head to the house to see if power was back on.

As I bottomed the hill at Keg Creek, I saw it was much higher than it was just 2 hours early.  It is now out of its banks.  Heading back up 275th St to the house, I had to dodge that same tree.  No effort has been made to clear the street or repair the downed power lines.  Since it was getting dark and more storms are on the squall line, it looked like it was anybody's guess when power might me restored.

Stopped down at the bottom of the hill to look at the creek level.  In the 28 years I have lived here, i have not seen water this high.  Packed my pill caddy and a small bag for a change of clothes and headed to town.  Checked into a motel in town.  At least have power and comfort for the night.

Snow! @#$%^

Winter roared back with a vengeance.  While it was 85 and sunny Sunday, Wednesday temperatures were dropping all day with rain.  This set the stage for cold air from the North blowing in snow.  Yes, SNOW on May 2nd. 

The photo here was taken when I headed in to the car to start it up this morning before coffee run.  There was about 2" of snow on the windshield.  The gravel road was covered with ice and slush.

Temperature is supposed to top off today in the 30s. Warming up for the next week, but also forecast for rain into next week.  Sure not looking like much bike riding soon.

Late Winter Snow

Last Thursday was the "big" snow storm of the season.  Early forecast was for a for or more.  That was scaled down to 8-12".  Eventually, we got about 8" - the bottom end of the forecast.

True - it was a nasty storm - but the bulls-eye was south of us.  Oklahoma and Kansas got walloped.  Better there, than here.

I stayed home Friday during the storm.  From a walk out after the snow, I could see that the road was passable, though not plowed (see photo).  Did not plan to shovel the drive - just drive on through the snow. Sometime in the afternoon, one of my neighbors came through and scraped the drive - leaving me a clear path to the road.

Was supposed to get more snow first of the week.  That kept being delayed.  So far, the storm has again stayed south.  Nothing here, except for warmer temperatures and melting (no complaints there!)

Overcast and highs in the mid/upper first half of the week (still melting in the afternoons).  End of the week is forecast into the 40s and sunny - that should get us rid of the rest of the snow. 

The Blizzard of 2012

We have had a pretty mild December until this week. A couple times I have been out riding my road bike on the Council Bluffs trails. Looks like i should have ridden a little more to make my goal of 1000 miles (17 miles short).

The hybrid was in the shop to get a spoke replaced. Looks like it was damaged when hauling home from Albuquerque in May (had not ridden this bike since). Needed to get the bike ready for the next trip to Albuquerque.

Tuesday, I took the hardtail to the bike shop and got tires and pedals exchanged - now running studded tires and flat pedals. And just in time. We got about 6" of show (with ice under) Wednesday evening.

Missed a doctor appointment yesterday (did not feel comfortable with venturing out in the snow, cold, and wind). Stayed inside for the day except for a walk out to the mail box and take a couple photos.

Did not stay out very long. While it was in the 20s, the winds were 25-40mph and the drifting snow. Made it pretty chilly and not fun. Winds died off last night. Was able to get out and head out to Panera Bread for coffee and bagel this morning.

Word is that the Council Bluffs trails have been plowed (before than our county roads!) Don't see much melting for the next week or so. Looks like maybe the studded tires will get use yet this year.

Ike's to Coin

Time to make a trek south to take photos. With another beautiful day in store, I headed down to Coin, IA, planning to ride up to Ike's and back. Unloaded the bike and headed out from the Coin trailhead. In the first 1/2 mile, I encountered over 4 trees down (thought it would be clear from Shenandoah to Coin).

I gave up and drove up to Ike's. The trail was supposed to clear for the Winery Harvest ride. This is a section of I had not ridden before. Wanted to photograph the Tarkio Bridge.

Uneventful ride to what I thought was the Tarkio River. (Now I see that the Tarkio River is crossed by the Trace South of Coin. I photographed the bridge over the W, Tarkio Creek!) I met one couple that said they were planning to ride to Blanchard - but they were stopped a little over 1/2 miles shy of Coin.

From the W. Tarkio Creek, the trail climbs for nearly 3 miles, cresting at 250 St. When I had started from Coin, It looked like it was a steady climb. So, I figure from 250 St to Coin is downhill.

Trail is blocked with downed trees at H Avenue. I did not try to ride South from Coin. With all of the downed trees in Coin, there was no reason to try that section.

Note: This is just informational. The trail crews have done a great job clearing the trail. Just soooo many downed trees from the storms.

Manawa Ride

Yesterday was a beautiful day for a ride in the woods mid 70s, sunny, a bit windy. There were several others riders at Manawa. I stopped two to chat. They are new mountain bikers - starting this season. Talked them about THOR membership.

Anyway, I continued making my laps. The trail conditions are pretty good, except for 2 dead falls on East Sidewinder. One had been there some time, the other is new. Both were trees damaged in the June wind storm, just decided to come down in October.

One reason for riding at Manawa yesterday was to check out the fork re-build of my trail bike. No problem with the fork on this ride. I had a leisurely ride - 7.7 mph. Just what I was looking for. Even had a good conversation with 2 potential THOR members.

Hoping to ride again today, before the weather turns colder and wet over the next couple days.

Checking Out the Trails

Feeling really good yesterday morning, I headed out for a ride checking out damage to the trails caused by the recent storms.

The from the Wabash Trace Trailhead, I rode about 3 miles down the trail. I rode that same section Sunday. This time, I took time to photograph some of the damage. Today - Tuesday the 1st, trail work is scheduled. Meet at the Trailhead at 4:30. Should end up in Mineola about 9pm.

From there, it was over to Lake Manawa Mountain Bike trails. Lots of branches down on the trail. A big tree down across the trail close to the kiosk. Trail Work scheduled to Thursday, July 3rd - 6-8 pm. See the THOR-Trails blog for more information.

Still feeling good - on to the Trail Center. Lots of signs from the storm - broken trees, limbs/branches down, corn ripped from the wind. On the way back, I saw how the flood waters of the Mosquito Creek has damaged the paved trail.

Rode over to Xtreme Wheels to see what's happening. By the time I got back to the car, I logged just short of 29 miles. That made it over 1100 miles for the first 6 months of the year.