Kennebunkport, ME Vacation - 2015

We had another relaxing vacation week in the yellow house.  It is certainly my favorite of the rentals we have had over the years.  I said this in a past post but our rental was built in 1765.  It is the 2^nd oldest house in the area.  It’s an ideal location being a 5 minute walk to town and 10 minute walk to the beach.  As with last year we had mountain bikes to ride, kayaks, and a canoe we could launch on to Kennebec River.  I have my camera too.

The week was warm being mid 80’s to low 90’s.  We had severe thunderstorms roll through mid week.  I haven’t seen that much lightening and heavy rain in a long time.

Several of the kids wanted to go to the rocks or the beach to watch the lightening, waves, etc.  I thought of going to one of the piers to do the same thinking I would sit in my truck to stay out of the rain.  I could roll down the window just enough to clear my camera lens and take time lapse pictures using the lightening as a flash.  I just couldn’t get past using my metal tripod inside my truck with that much lightening.  It was quite the show.  May be a bit too dangerous and wet so we all stayed in the house.

I headed to Cape Porpoise several times which can be interesting.  The heat can make sky and the water appear to be very similar in color.  I always like the fog as it can make some interesting pictures.

Not to say I’m a big kid but we went to “Funtown Splashtown USA”.  All of us enjoyed the rides.  I must say the old guys ruled on the bumper cars …

We went to the beach quite a bit.  We walked to the jetty, the cove, and the rocks.  Swimming, body surfing, boogie boards, and a ladder toss tournament on the beach.  We had pizza on the beach too.

I played with Kevin’s rock crawler on the rocks by the ocean several times.  It’s technical, fun, and slow.  I think Kevin likes his other RC cars that go much faster.

I was up early to get to Perkins Cove to see the sunrise.  Went to the “Maine Diner” several times with different kids as well.

George HW Bush was in town but had fallen and was in the hospital.  I saw former First Lady Barbara walking on the beach one evening.  Yet another relaxing family vacation.


Go to: "Search This Blog" at the top of my page and type in Kennebunkport or Cape Porpoise to see past posts.








Arizona Vacation - 2015

Kevin and I headed to Arizona for the week.  We landed at Sky Harbor Saturday night.  I rented a Red 2015 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible thinking it would be a fun car to drive for the week.  It ended up being true.  Kevin liked driving it too.

We stayed with my Aunt Shirley in Phoenix through Tuesday.  On Wednesday and Thursday we would stay in Flagstaff then head back to Phoenix on Friday morning.

On Sunday we stayed local and explored.  I drove through my old neighborhood, by my old high school, up North Mountain, etc.  I found a spot to take night pictures but forgot my tripod so would have to go back.

On Monday met with Steve, Amy, Seth, and Alyssa for breakfast at Denny’s.  Seth joined us as we headed out to Cave Creek to explore.  We saw an ATV rental place and stopped to check it out.  We made plans to rent ATV’s Tuesday afternoon.  Later that day I dropped Kevin off with Seth at the Pointe at Squaw Peak.  They had fun at the water park.

Tuesday, Seth, Kevin, and I headed back to Cave Creek to ride ATV’s.  Seth and Kevin have motocross bikes so were excited to try ATV’s in the desert.  We were given a map and instructions on what trails to take.  There were trail number markers at various times and were told what trails to stay on.

I brought my hunting GPS in anticipation of a hike or ride.  When I turned it on I had a blank screen with the compass arrow and no terrain maps.  I forgot to download the topo maps of Arizona.  Mistake by ME ... I could still use the GPS by leaving it on the whole time.  It would leave a breadcrumb trail showing where we had come from and I could set waypoints, etc..  We were riding North of Cave Creek so it was all new territory.  My other thought was “How am I going to keep up with these guys?”  Our riding improved the longer we rode and as we got more comfortable. 

Back in the day I had several motorcycles growing up in Phoenix.  I used to start riding my Yamaha 250 from the Circle K at 19th Avenue and Bell Road.  I rode North and West from that location which was all open desert.  One time I rode from that starting point all the way to Cave Creek never seeing another person or rider.  Phoenix has now expanded so there are houses and roads from that starting point almost all the way to Cave Creek.  There's also a canal with Colorado River water now cutting through my old riding area.

Seth, Kevin, and I followed the trails and ended up at the Verde River where we were going to turn around.  When we arrived there was a Sheriff’s helicopter, 6 trucks, ATV’s and probably 20 Sheriff Deputy’s there.  Seth and Kevin headed to the river and I asked one Sheriff if this location was a meeting point.  He said “There's something going on in the area”.  Being the responsible adult with 2 teenage boys I asked if we should leave.  He said “You're ok for now.” … Hmm … needless to say I made the decision to leave after about 10 minutes …

We went back the way we came.  At one of the forks in the trail we went the wrong way and got lost.  Not good.  I looked at my GPS to help get us back to where we unloaded the ATV’s.  We were getting close but none of the trails we were on took us in the correct direction.  I remember we passed under power lines driving to where we parked and unloaded the ATV’s.  When getting instructions I was told if we hit the power lines we went too far.  With no trails going the direction we needed to go I headed for the power lines.  Once there we took the power line trails to the road.

We rode our ATV’s on the road for about a mile and turned on to the dirt road we took to get to the parking area.  We spotted the truck and trailer so all was good.  With so many small trails going all directions my GPS (even without the topo maps) really helped get us back to where we started.  My GPS said we rode 27 miles.  Our time was almost up so we loaded up the ATV’s and headed back to town.

That night I went back to take some night pictures.  This is a view of 7th Street in Phoenix.  I experimented with shutter speeds up to 15 seconds.  I got a bit creative by moving my camera while the shutter was open which causes the light trails.  I haven’t taken time lapse photographs for a while so had fun experimenting again.

We were up early on Wednesday and drove to Flagstaff.  We unloaded and headed south on 89a through Oak Creek Canyon to Sedona.  The rock formations and colors are outstanding.

Up the road from my Aunt's place in Flagstaff there was a marsh area with trails.  With elk in the area I really wanted to spot some and take pictures.  Lots of tracks but no elk.  I did take some bird pictures, sunrise and sunset pictures with the Snow Bowl in the background.

Next we headed down some back roads, on to 89a, ending up in Jerome.  It is a neat old mining town with lots of history.  Because of the extensive mining many of the old buildings are sliding down the mountain.  They said the old jail is 225 feet down the hill from where it was built.  We headed back to the Cottonwood area to visit one of my old friends.  We had Mexican food in Sedona.  It was very good.  Kevin drove back up Oak Creek canyon.  It's always fun with the corners and steep ascent but especially in this convertible Camaro.

When people visit places like Sedona and the Grand Canyon it is immense with so much BIG scenery.  I started thinking about the little things.  Here are a couple shots I took remembering the little things.  Cactus with rocks in the background ... Focus on Cactus ... Bulb on Cactus not yet blooming ... Ants on bulb ... Remember the little things too.




Thursday morning up early and headed to the Grand Canyon.  We went around Agassiz Peak, the second highest mountain in U.S. state of Arizona at 12,356 feet.  This is the snowy peak you see in my photos.  Snow Bowl ski area is on that mountain.

We arrived and parked at the Grand Canyon Visitor Center.  We walked several miles along the rim of the canyon.  It started out a bit hazy but clouds showed up and seemed to take the bite out of the sun.  I took some good pictures but the camera doesn’t do the canyon justice.  I don’t think the camera can capture the depth of field appropriately. They do have free shuttle buses in case you get tired of walking.

Views of the Grand Canyon are breathtaking.  It is hard to capture the size of what you are really looking at with a camera.  In the Canyon there are trails, camping areas, a ranch, and buildings in various locations for hikers or the mule teams.  My friend Shawn has hiked to the bottom many times on 3-9 day treks.  You can see some of the trails from the top but not much else unless you have binoculars, a spotting scope, or in my case a camera with a good zoom lens.  Unfortunately I forgot my binoculars ...

Here is an example.  Using my zoom lens I panned and was able to spot some activity below.  This first picture is a normal photo looking at the canyon with no zoom.  I put a circle around what I spotted.  Do you see anything in the circle?   When I zoom in on that same area you can now see a black rectangle.  When I zoom in all the way you see the building, hitching rails, hikers, backpacks, etc.  Looks like the hikers were getting ready to head out.  If you go back to the first photo with the tiny circle you would never see it.  As we continued walking I pointed out the Phantom Ranch to Kevin.  Again, with a zoom we could see the ranch buildings and people walking on the trails, etc.

Bring your binoculars … You’d be surprised how much more you can see from the rim.

We left the Grand Canyon toward Sunset Crater.  When I visited as a kid we could climb to the top and look in the crater.  Not anymore … We took the 52 mile Wupatki and Sunset Crater National Monuments Loop Road.  Kevin and I enjoyed the Indian ruins.  I really liked the grasslands with the Painted Desert in the distance.  This was one of Kevin's favorite parts of our trip.

Friday morning I decided to visit a friend in Wickenburg which was south and somewhat on the way back to Phoenix.  Kevin drove down Oak Creek Canyon this time.  89a took us back up through Jerome and through more very winding roads to Prescott.  From there we took 89 to Wickenburg.  After our visit we headed to Phoenix past Lake Pleasant.  When I lived in AZ there was no Dam so Lake Pleasant was small compared to now.  We passed 2 shooting ranges (one with a 1000 yard range).  Tempting …

As we drove we kept our eyes open for critters.  We saw 3 mule deer, an elk, Pronghorn Antelope as well as a variety of birds and lizards.  I was able to get a picture of these 4 Pronghorn Antelope on our way to Prescott.

We relaxed on Saturday.  I did more visiting.  Then returned the car and caught our night flight back to Boston.

I had a great time connecting with some old friends and relatives.  My Aunt Shirley, Shawn and Teri S, my Aunt Ellyn, Star and Ken C, Brian C, Keven and Linda H, Tim O, Ken S, and Mary & Cindy P.  It was fun talking about the old times and getting caught up.

Arizona is a big state with a variety terrain, climate, etc.  The Camaro had 6300 miles on it when we started.  We added 1205 miles over the week.  I told Kevin we didn’t go south or east from Phoenix so we have more to explore next time.

Go to: "Search This Blog" at the top of my page and type in "Vacation" to see past posts.

Springfield XDs vs M&P Shield - The Experience ...

My recent firearm purchase was for a conceal/carry gun. 

What caliber?  I was thinking .380.  From my .380 research the Kahr P380 was it.  It’s a great gun with great reviews.  That was it for me until I held one and realized my hands are too big and my fingers are to long so it didn’t fit my hand at all … NUTS … At that point I decided to stay with the 9mm caliber for my conceal carry gun.  I love to research so let the conceal / carry games begin.  

Glock, Sig, Kahr, Baretta, Springfield, Smith & Wesson, Ruger, CZ, Taurus, Kel Tec, H&K, Walther, and the list goes on.  There are some great choices out there.  To create more confusion many manufacturers have multiple carry models in the same caliber to choose from.  Springfield, for example, has the 1911 EMP, the XD sub compact, the XDM compact, and the XDs.

First I would "Ask Individuals" what they thought.  Kind of a consensus approach.  It reminded me of asking someone what NASCAR driver or Sports team they like.  They had some good answers but I found manufacturer loyalty was very strong even when research says one gun may be better than another.  The Glock guy says go Glock. The Sig guy says buy a Sig.  The M&P guy says get an M&P.  You get the picture.  (My friend Rob has the M&P .45 and just bought the M&P Shield in 9mm). 

Next, I can’t tell you how many shops I visited using the "Hands On Approach".  Big hands and long fingers ruled out several for me.  Differing styles (revolvers, semi automatics), sizes, magazine capacities, grips, sights, etc.  The gun has to feel good and fit your hands.  It can be the best gun out there but if it doesn't fit you will have control issues.

I currently have Ruger Redhawk .44mag, Smith & Wesson .22a competition, Smith & Wesson M&P22 Full Size (great training gun), and a Springfield XDm 9mm pistol as well as Weatherby, Remington, Springfield, and Franchi rifles and/or shotguns so I am not partial to one manufacturer.  I buy for function, features, and purpose and have different caliber weapons.  In this case I already had a 9mm pistol and wanted my conceal gun (different purpose) to be the same as something I already had.  Accuracy has always been a big thing for me so that is something I look for in reviews.  

Third, my "Research" pointed me to Smith & Wesson’s M&P Shield and the Springfield XDs 3.3 (3.3 is the barrel length in inches) for many reasons.   When the Shield came out, research said it blew the competition away. (look it up)  More recently the Springfield XDs came out.  Research indicated it was slightly improved over the Shield in a couple areas (look it up) but it would really come down to preference.  My thought is no gun gets a perfect 100.  If the Shield is a 98/100 and the XDs is a 98.5/100 the bottom line is you can’t go wrong with the Shield or the XDs.  The major differences I noticed when handling both guns:  both grips were great,  XDs grip was more harsh.  There is a small thumb safety on the Shield, the XDs has a back strap safety and trigger safety.  The extended Mag on XDs holds 1 more round.  The XDs 3.3 and Shield are pretty much identical in length.  The XDs slightly thinner.  The Breakdown for cleaning slightly different.  The XDs has a fiber optic front sight.  These things being a pro or con comes down to personal preference. 

Over the years I have put 15,000+ rounds through my S&W .22a, around 1000 rounds through my Ruger Redhawk, and 1000’s of rounds through my Springfield XDm.  I have never had an issue with my Ruger.  I have never had an issue, jam, or misfire with my Springfield XDm. 

Customer Service - S&W: I’ve had 2 customer service experiences because of minor issues with my 22a. 1) The plastic spacer wore out due to lots of use.  I called S&W Customer Service and they sent me more spacers at no charge so I was impressed.  2) After shooting 15,000+ rounds the firing pin recently broke.  I called S&W Customer Service to ask about the repair and the cost of the part (was $5).  Customer Service sent me a new firing pin at no charge.  If I went to another site it would have cost me $7-10 + shipping (the shipping could have cost more than the part).  Now you may say it was only a $5 part but that’s not the point.  My point is I didn’t call S&W to get a free part …  but they sent me one.  My 2 personal experiences with S&W Customer Service have been outstanding.  Kudos to S&W. 

Customer Service - Ruger: I have had one customer service experience with my Ruger Redhawk.  Being over 20 years old, to me the springs on the adjustable rear sights seemed weak so I called.  Customer service sent me new sight springs and a rear sight assembly at no charge.  Not expected by me.  Kudos to Ruger.

Customer Service - Springfield:  I have yet to have any issue with my Springfield so I can't comment on their customer service. 

Anthony did have one jam with his XDM from a bad crimp on a reload.  For an hour we tried to get that round out at the range with no success so we decided to pack up and go home.  I already had 3 targets set up at 10 yards.  Time to go … I took 3 shots with my XDM.  1^st shot left target, 2^nd shot center target, 3^rd shot right target.  With the competition barrel on my XDM I can put multiple's in center mass or I can clear the red ...

Once home I called Gary.  He rescued us and helped us get the round out.  It was definitely a bad reload.  We have never had a jam since …

Through my research results and the reliability of my XDM, I finally decided to go with the Springfield XDs 3.3.  I wanted the bi tone but no one seemed to have one in stock.  While patiently waiting I went onto the Springfield site only to find out about the new XDs 4.0 that is SHIPPING SOON !!!  (.70 inch difference in barrel and gun length)  NOW, I had to wait for the 4.0.to see if I like it better than the 3.3.  http://www.springfield-armory.com/

I have been accused by someone who will remain anonymous (Gary) of over researching to the point of not buying anything.  Sometimes called “Analysis Paralysis”.  He says if I wait long enough Springfield might come out with a 4.1 … SLAP ... OUCH !! 

What are differences in the 4.0 vs the 3.3?  The 4.0 may be a bit harder to carry in a pocket holster because of the added slide length (same width and handle length as the 3.3).  The 4.0 has a longer sight radius.  The 4.0 weighs a couple ounces more up front so recoil is slightly lower. 

My friend Gary said there should be no real difference between the two for someone who shoots as much as I do so I decided the next bi tone I saw in either 3.3 or 4.0 is what I would buy.  I saw nothing in those next few weeks.

The following weekend I went to 4 gun shops.  At the 3^rd shop I held a 4.0 in all black and compared it to a 3.3 in all black.  I still decided the next 9mm bi tone in either 3.3 or 4.0 is what I would buy.  At the 4^th shop I saw 2 XDs bi tones.  I took a number.  That’s right … this shop is so busy you take a number just like you do at the deli in your grocery store.  They called my number and I told the sales guy I want an XDs 9mm bi tone in either 3.3 or 4.0.  He had 2 3.3 bi tones in the case !!!

He took a bi tone out, checked empty … opened the slide … and put the gun on the counter for me.  It looked good, It felt good, so I told him I’ll take it. 

He took a photo of my license and I start working on the background check form.

Background Check Form Side Note: When I bought the Mosin Nagant a couple months ago it took me 3 tries to fill out the background check form. (I was told the record was 13)  Why … because you can't make any mistakes, you can't cross anything out, etc.  Note to self … Where it asks you for your height, do not put 6’0” … there is a separate line for each.  Start again.  Note to self … When it asks you what city and state you were born in, do not put Mpls for Minneapolis … you cannot abbreviate.  Start again …

Back to the XDs.  I completed the form the first time.  Good for me.  As the sales guy filled in the pistol information on the back he stopped and looked perplexed!!!  I looked at him and said “What’s the matter”?  He said he messed up and is trying to figure out how to make the 9 into a 4.  I said ”Why would you do that?  I want a 9mm !!!”  He said “This is a .45 !!!”  I said “I don’t want a 45, I want a 9mm !!!”.  He then went to the case, looked and said, “WE HAVE NO XDs 9mm PISTOLS!!”.  Not to digress but when you were told:

“Santa Clause is Not Real” … SAME FEELING …
“There is No Easter Bunny” … SAME FEELING …
“The Tooth Fairy Forgot About You” … SAME FEELING ...

Now, this is where I need to confess it wasn’t 100% the sales guys fault.  I did tell him I wanted the XDs 9mm bi tone.  The .45 and the 9mm are identical in size except for the barrel diameter and the number of rounds the magazine can hold.  Did I read the tag on the gun he handed me? … NOPE … Did I look closely at the barrel or read the etching on the gun saying it was a 45? … NOPE …

You see at that moment I was in a state of euphoria … 
I found my 9mm bi tone …  
I was floating on the clouds ... 
I couldn't see as my eyes had rolled back in my head like a shark feeding … 
I was dreaming about what holster I would buy ... 
Visualizing shooting my bi tone at the range … 
ONLY TO BE CRUSHED BY REALITY … NO 9mm XDs BI TONE PISTOLS IN STOCK !!!

Needless to say, my perfect background check form was shredded.  I was told they will call me when a 9mm bi tone arrives.

Could it have been worse … OH YES … All gun sales are final.  If the transfer was put through would it have been possible to transfer the gun back to the store?  Would I have to pay a transfer fee?  I know it wouldn’t have been possible if I left the store.   Imagine getting that pistol home only to find out it's the WRONG CALIBER !!!  

Learn from my mistake.  Don't leave it to the sales person ... Don't leave it to the tag on the gun as I'm sure there have been instances where the tag was incorrect ... Examine the gun and read the writing on it before you put down your hard earned cash. 

The following week I received a call that an XDs 9mm 3.3 and 4.0 had come in.  They were black so I held.  That same day I received another call saying an XDs 9mm 3.3 bi tone had come in and they were holding it for me.  I went in the next day … application again … background check … clear … I had my bi tone.

I took it to the range and set up targets at 20 feet.  My first shot was at a dirty bird target.  Bullseye, ¼ inch left and ¼ inch low from dead center (bullseye was 1½ inches in diameter).  I felt good about that.  After 100 rounds through my XDs I was very happy with its accuracy.  

The XDs is a nice carry gun but I don't have an IWB holster.

It was time to start the IWB holster search.  Crossbreed, Comp Tac, White Hat, Stealth Gear,  Raven, G-Code, N8, Uncle Mikes, Sticky, DeSantis, Blackhawk, etc.  Various sizes, shapes, materials, clip arrangements … too many choices … 

It was a tough choice ... From lots of research my first cut narrowed the field to Crossbreed, Comp Tack, Stealth Gear, and N8.

After much more research I made my decision and bought the Stealth Gear Onyx for my primary IWB holster.  Why?  I liked the breathable aspect of the holster, the full coverage of the Kydex to protect my slide and front sight, and no rivets.  The N8 would have been my second choice for primary IWB holster.  I also bought a Sticky holster for a hidden pocket in one of my hunting packs.  

There you have it ... For me it's the XDs 9mm 3.3 bi tone with the Stealth Gear Onyx IWB holster.  I enjoyed the research and will let you know how the Onyx holster works out.

XDs 3.3, 10 rounds off-hand at 6 yds

Oh ... someone did ask me about the magazines.  My 3.3 came with two 7 round magazines.  I bought two 9 round magazines direct from Springfield.   

Update on the Stealth Gear Onyx holster.  I have to admit this holster is great.  I haven't had any issues with it.  It's very breathable in hot weather and very comfortable.  More reviews have come in confirming my research on this holster.  It's an excellent IWB holster ... http://www.stealthgearusa.com/

 
The link below is to another post of mine on range safety.  It's an experience I witnessed at a range and is a good learning experience.  Be safe ...
http://actionshotsnh.blogspot.com/2014/12/a-learning-experience-at-range.html

Go to: "Search This Blog" at the top of my page and type in "Shooting" to see past posts.