The following is a recording of an accident my dash cam captured on Tuesday, 18 June 2024 in El Paso, Texas on North Mesa at Remcon. When we got to our destination I called the regional police substation and advised that I had a video. Alas, I guess visual evidence was not important enough to warrant an EPPD officer following up with me to obtain a copy. At any rate, I’ve cropped the video to enlarge the relevant scene, as my dash cam has an enormous 140º view.
Слава Україні! (Slava Ukraini!)
Comments Off on Why Dash Cams are a Good Idea
Filed under Automobiles and Driving, R. Doug Wicker, Video
We lucked out on this visit to Napier, as we had on a previous trip to Curaçao (see: Cruising for Classic Cars in Curaçao) and stumbled upon some real automotive beauties. But unlike our classic run-in in Curaçao, these examples for the most part predated Ursula and I by a few decades.
As such, I won’t even hazard a guess as to the years and models of the cars you’ll see today, except to say that most appear to date back to the 1920s and 1930s.
Remember when I said that Napier is considered by some the Art Deco Capital of the world? Well, apparently that extends right on down to at least one vehicle:
How about of couple of Model A Fords, starting with a typical example and winding up with a bus version?
Now, I’m an English roadster fan from way back, so let’s take a closer look at an Austin roadster I fell in love with that day:
Finally, we have today a Buick and a Packard Six:
Filed under Automobiles and Driving, Photography, R. Doug Wicker, travel, vacation
Fall tree
The Hatch Valley holds exquisite scenery any time of year, but there’s just something about fall colors here along the banks of the Rio Grande in the midst of chile fields, cattle ranches, and horse farms. Unfortunately, invasive salt cedar has infiltrated here, but even salt cedar affords some great color this time of year.
Hatch Valley salt cedar
However, we’re in a rush to get to lunch, so I’ll spare the words and post a few more scenic shots for a moment:
Hatch Valley
Hatch Valley
Red rocks of Hatch Valley
Now on to the important stuff—Hatch’s hidden gem, Sparky’s Burgers, BBQ, and Shakes:
Sparky’s World Famous Burgers, BBQ, and Shakes
On Friday we’ll head inside for a review of the food, but for now we’re going to look at the kitschy collection of 1950s roadside nostalgia straight out of the heyday of Route 66. Here you’ll find everyone from Robin Hood to Colonel Sanders to Yogi Bear:
1950’s roadside kitsch at Sparky’s across-the-street parking
Even Sparky is present here:
Sparky posing with one of his burger creations
Here are some closeups of this eclectic sampling of roadside Americana:
Spicing up a bucket
Even Yogi likes Sparky’s burgers
Comments Off on Hatch Valley Road Trip—More fall foliage and Sparky’s
Filed under Automobiles and Driving, Photography, R. Doug Wicker, travel, vacation
Decisions — Murder in Paradise
Mystery novel available for Kindle
0
The Globe — Murder in Luxury
Mystery novel available for Kindle
0
R. Doug Wicker — Author 