Spring Outdoor Adventures: Boat Trips

April Showers, May Flowers. It’s that time when brighter days and the abundance of blooming flowers charm us to outdoor adventures. Day out on the lake, picnics by the lake, and road trips to flower fields can be met with rainy surprises. With chances of light drizzles, sunny days and breezy evenings, enjoy by being safe on your boat trips by preparing for the unexpected weather changes that come during the spring season.

Be Aware of Swift Weather Changes While Out in Your Boat

You want to be careful of boating in any conditions of rain, even on light-drizzles. The weather can change quickly and if caught unprepared it can lead to dangerous situations. This is why the Coast Guard insists boating operators learn to read signs of the weather, paying particular attention to subtle signs. The most important aspect for boaters to watch out for and be aware of is the clouds: how fast are the clouds moving? What shape and color are the clouds? The clouds will give a great indication to boaters if that light drizzle is the doorstep to the storm’s arrival or if it is just spring’s last rainy “hurrah” before retiring in the wake of summer.

Check the Clouds While on Your Boat

While there are many cloud-types, there are 4 in specific that Boaters should be aware of when out in the water.

Cirrus Clouds

These are clouds that are extremely high in elevation, reaching up to 42,000 feet. Cirrus Clouds are thin and whispy and appear abnormally far away when viewed from below. Cirrus Clouds may appear harmless in their appearance but be careful of these high clouds, sometimes they appear just before snowfall and rainfall. Their appearance looks thin because they are made of ice crystals rather than water drops in cold temperatures. If they appear against blue skies and the weather reports do not predict any coming storms then you can rest assured that it will be a nice day.

Nimbostratus Clouds

These are clouds are low clouds that are thick, grey, puffy masses that will rain upon you at any moment if they aren’t doing so now. These clouds are composed of water droplets and appear around 5,000 feet above. Nimbostratus Clouds are the rain clouds we so often see on our rainy days. Use great caution when boating on days where Nimbostratus clouds are in the skies because those clouds are indicators of prolonged rain and storms.

Stratus Clouds

Stratus Clouds are your light-drizzle clouds. They are low clouds that indicate rain is coming if it is warmer weather and snow is coming if it is cold weather. Its appearance is often described as a dark blanket across the sky. Light rain will precede heavier rainfall so if you are boating and see these clouds forming, be cautious and make your way back to shore, especially if weather reports have issues warnings of rain.

Cumulus Clouds

Cumulus Clouds are your white, fluffy, friendly clouds that you find against the blue skies on a perfectly sunny day. When you see the Cumulus Clouds out and about, you know your boating experience will be just as relaxing as if it were a clear blue-skies day!

Are the Winds Picking Up?

Being wary of winds is important for boaters. A change in wind direction often means a change in weather is coming so it’s important to be cautious of the clouds in the sky. Stronger winds can carry storm clouds your way so it is important to keep your eyes on the horizon for the edges of clouds. Figure out which way the wind is blowing and if it’s blowing Nimbostratus clouds towards you aggressively, it may be time to head back to shore before the storm arrives. Most wind will travel from west to east as a general rule of thumb. A strong storm can cause winds to travel north or south. These can help boaters be aware of what weather may be coming their way, even if they aren’t out on the waters.

The Birds Will Tell You

The behaviors of the birds will tell boaters a great deal on the weather. If you are out boating and see a great number of seagulls, or any other birds that hunt on the waters, this is good indication that the weather will be nice for the day. Birds will seek shelter in wake of bad weather. If you are boating and you see birds flying towards land, you may want to follow their lead and head back. Birds want feed unless there is danger so if many fish-hunting birds are flying towards shelter then this is an indication that rain is coming your way.

Stay Alert; Weather Can Change Quickly

You want to be careful of boating in any conditions of rain, even light drizzles. The weather can change quickly and if caught unprepared it can lead to dangerous situations. This is why the Coast Guard insists boating operators learn to read signs of the weather, paying particular attention to subtle signs. The most important aspect for boaters to watch out for and be aware of is the clouds: how fast are the clouds moving? What shape and color are the clouds? The clouds will give a great indication to boaters if that light drizzle is the doorstep to the storm’s arrival or if it is just spring’s last rainy “hurrah” before retiring in the wake of summer.

Fish is Delicious, but Not Worth Serious Boat Injury

Fishing in the rain can lead to high payoffs. On days where the clouds are giving light drizzle or moderate rain, the fish tend to be out and about, or at least that is the appearance. Less boating activity means more fish to catch but be careful if you choose to go boating when it is raining. Safety should always come first and use the precautions listed above to keep watch of growing storms. Always be close enough to shore that you can quickly make your way to safety. Wear a lifejacket on rainy days when fishing and wear adhesive shoes on the boat to make sure you don’t slip as you make your way around it. Otherwise, enjoy the catches as you fish on a rainy day.

Visit the Coast Guard information site for more safety tips.

Boat storage in Agua Dulce (Santa Clarita), CA

Agua Dulce Boat Storage - Weather Station Site — Weather Station located at Agua Dulce Storage

Did you know that Agua Dulce has a weather station? It’s now easier to check the winds before heading out to Castaic Lake from our boat and rv storage location. Call us for more information about the weather stations or for parking rent rates: 661-268-0407.

Extra, Extra! Storage Containers Offer Spacious Options When You Don’t Have Room At Home or Business

Let’s face it, we all wish we had extra room. To have less clutter at home, to store extra furniture, or to be more efficient by organizing business equipment to make your living space, well, more livable! Until you renovate, get a bigger home or move into an office space, there is a more affordable option to get that extra storage room without having to relocate!

Storage Container to Store Content of an Apartment or Home

Did you know that a 8′ x 21′ storage container can fit the entire contents of a typical two-bedroom apartment or small home? And yes, that includes major appliances such as a washer, dryer, refrigerator and furniture like a mattress and a couch! Depending on the size of your furniture and your packing skills, you may
also fit in an heirloom piece like a grandfather clock or couple of antique chests and cabinets.

A generously-sized space, a 8×21 storage container is ideal for storing needs in-between moves that will require renting a space for a month or longer. It is also a convenient solution for businesses that have out grown their current storage capacity or are home-based requiring a more efficient way to organize and access their business equipment.

Affordable Storage Solutions for Businesses

Considered a practical option, a 8×21 storage container offers a quick and easily accessible option for businesses to store extra supplies, boxes of paperwork, or bulky equipment. From home-based event planners to contractors who service a wide service area, vendors enjoy the convenience of having a centrally located space that is manageable in terms of organizing and rental rates.

Space for Event & Party Supplies

Event vendors have to keep up with the latest fads. Which means their list of supplies is always growing. Inflatable fun like bounce houses, Chiavari Chairs, large circular banquet tables, or centerpiece vases with elaborate fillers to decorate a large venue take up a lot of space but are also the key pieces of a party planners business. A good sized storage unit can be used to categorize and better manage the collection of themed decorations. Expensive and fragile items like the versatile glass vases that are used for so many different events can be securely stored without the risk of damage that often worries the budget-conscious planner working with highly sensitive brides. Additionally, a storage facility near their most frequented venues can cut down a lot of time, energy and stress when things don’t go as planned and a quick backup is needed.

Vending Machine Equipment Storage

Local suppliers such as vending machine equipment providers deal with large, heavy equipment. Unsold machines and extra servicing parts can be stored in a 8 by 21 storage container and moved easier into trucks for delivery from storage facilities that have drive-up access. There is also the added benefit of peace of mind when choosing a storage facility that is equipped with additional security options like 24/7 video surveillance or individual unit alarms and alerts so that your expensive machines are not easy vandalism targets.

Business File Storage

Every business has years of records and paperwork that needs to be stored. Even with the expanding need to go paperless, many businesses know how crucial having hard copies of important agreements can be in potential legal proceedings or if their company computers are hacked or infected with a virus. While the need to access these documents is unlikely, if the need does arise, being able to dig up a file in 7 years of storage boxes can become a costly and time consuming task. Storage units are a simple way to place these boxes sorted by year. Businesses can use the space to create a system of discarding older files as they replace them with more recent year documents.

Photo and Video Storage

Backdrops, photo booths, set furniture, studio props, lighting equipment and camera stands are all part of the creative workings of a photographer or videographer. For professionals who spend so much time on the road between events or shoots, being able to quickly provide a large selection of options to their clients means a better chance of securing a contract.

Storing Surplus Inventory

Keeping up with demands with on-hand inventory can be daunting, especially with unpredictable customer preferences. Storing additional inventory by stocking up gives owners and managers the leeway to purchase supplies in the off-season (often times at lower prices!) in preparation for their peak season demands.

Storage Containers in Agua Dulce, California

Getting that extra room at home may not be a practical option. Renting a storage container that fits the content of a small home or large apartment is possible! If looking for a facility centrally located in Santa Clarita, a 8×21 storage container at Agua Dulce Storage is currently renting at approximately $179 per month. To tour all storage unit options and to check on current space availability, rental rates, and promotions, contact an office manager at (661) 268-0407 or visit the storage facility website.

Last Minute Valentine’s Gift Ideas: RV, Boat, Motorcycle Lovers

With Valentine’s Day just a few days away, it’s time to stop thinking and start buying that perfect gift for the outdoor adventure lover in your life. Whether a boat sailor, motorcycle explorer, recreational vehicle vacationer or Jet Ski enthusiast, here are some thoughtful gift ideas to match their thrill.

For the Harley Davidson fan, how about touring luggage systems to store essentials as your significant other cruises the road? From jewelry accessories to music player pouches, your options are endless no matter what the budget for your motorcyclist.

For a more practical, but one surely to be enjoyed for days to come, consider an induction cooktop for their RV Camper! Cooking meals while on your camping adventures can be a fun experience as you come up with easy recipes together.

Just looking for simple yet practical gifts that matter? Care gear, handy tools or basic add-on tools for boat escapes for a day or weekend getaway are a perfect way to remind them how well you know them. Click here for ideas from boatingworld.com.

Make it personal! A comfy T-shirt or a sun-blocking baseball cap customized to express their motto or conveying an inside joke. Head on over to CafePress and check out their oh-so-many options that meets any outdoor adventurer’s thrill!

Show some love to your favorite recreational vehicle by keeping it safe. Agua Dulce Storage is located in Santa Clarita and the Antelope Valley. Call 661-268-0407 or Reserve your parking space today!

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7 Helpful Steps to Protect Your RV From Unwanted Rodents

With Winter in full swing, humans aren’t the only ones bundling up or spending more time indoors. Four-legged creatures are also seeking the warmth of covered shelter in spaces such as your RV or boat. Before rodents claim your stored vehicle, follow these 7 helpful tips below!

1. Remove all food from your RV!

A basic step, but also the most important in ensuring your RV is safe from rodents. Rodents love food so if you leave it for them to seek out, they will find it and make your RV home. Remove all food from the RV and wipe the cabinets down so there aren’t small particles of food left lying around. Even if you think certain foods are okay in prolonged storage, such as canned foods, the smell can still attract rodents. .

2. Spray ammonia in your engine.

Spraying glass cleaners like Windex in your engine helps keep rodents from making a nest
in your engine compartment or chewing on the wires. Ammonia has a strong scent that wards off unwanted critters and if your engine reeks of it, they will stay away! Preserve your engine and save it from irreparable damage by keeping away rodents which chew on wires, leave unwanted droplets, or even die within the engine.

3. Use Dryer Sheets to keep rodents away.

Put dryer sheets (i.e. Bounce) throughout your engine compartment and all throughout the RV and this will ward off those pesky rodents because they hate the smell. Similar to ammonia, rodents dislike strong smells. Keeping these pesky creatures out prevents them from causing damage to your engine. Some prefer the dryer sheets over the Windex as it offers an easier clean-up of simply pulling out the dryer sheets from the RV engine before riding it out of its winter storage home.

4. Seal all gaping holes in the RV with spray foam insulation.

Your Recreational Vehicle has small crevices and access points for plumbing that mice and other small animals can squeeze into and gain access. To protect the RV, close those gaps by sealing them with spray foam insulation. These gaps are typically found where the plumbing is located or behind cabinets. Be sure to check for any other openings to secure your automobile from these tiny invaders.

5. Get some mothballs.

Rodents hate mothballs! Place some in bowls and spread them around the RV. Mothballs should be placed in areas that are susceptible to pests clawing: cupboards, top of those upholstered seats, on the bed, couches, and in the bathroom. The key targets to keep in mind while surveying your vehicle is to safeguard any place an animal will want to make their soft and comfy nests out of.

6. It’s a trap!

Don’t let mice take over your camper! Use mice traps to ensure there are no unwanted guests roaming around. As an extra precaution, place some traps on the ground near the engine! Whether using the traditional traps or no-kill humane contraptions to secure your RV, it is extremely important to stop by your storage units to check on captures. You certainly don’t want to be welcomed by that pungent smell that will linger for many days!

7. Keep storage clean with Irish Spring soap.

Rodents hate the smell of this soap! Something about the chemically-induced Spring-fresh scent deters these pesky critters from unexpectedly visiting your storage space. Buy a bulk of these at your local discount stores to set them around the RV and the Engine. The strong scents will be more welcoming for you while warding off uninvited animals.

The California rain storms and snowfall have brought many chilly days and evenings to Southern California. If looking to keep your vehicles covered during the winter weather, our professionally managed storage facility is an ideal place. Agua Dulce Storage is conveniently located near Santa Clarita Valley and the Antelope Valley? Dial 661-268-0407 or Reserve your space today!

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10 Fun Facts About The Holidays

The holiday season is here and that means spending quality time with family and friends in celebration. Whether you are celebrating Christmas, Hanakkuh or Kwanzaa, here are 10 fun facts about the Holidays to get you in the festive mood.

1. The most popular Christmas song is Mariah Carey’s “All I want for Christmas is you.”

2. On average, a person spends around $700 during the holidays for presents.

3. The Christmas tree was made popular in the 1850s as a result of Prince Albert introducing Queen Victoria to the German tradition. The two royal sweethearts even had a portrait of themselves done next to a Christmas tree and this prompted Christmas tree fever in England before moving across the Pond into the United States.

4. Santa Claus has many names, including St. Nicholas, Sinter Klaas, Kris Kringle, and Father Christmas, just to name a few.

5. Before Rudolph gained his famous name, he was considered to be named either Rollo or Reginald. Rudolph was decided in the end after much deliberation.

6. This year, over 17 million oily doughnuts (sufganiyot) will be eaten in Israel during Hanakkuh, celebrating the miracle of oil.

7. Unlike Christmas and Hannakuh which are religious celebrations, Kwanzaa is a cultural celebration celebrated between December 26 through January 1, commemorating the first harvest of the year and centers on 7 principles: unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith.

8. For Hannakuh, the candles are placed in the Menorah from right to left but when they are lit they are approached from left to right.

9. The world record for largest Christmas Stocking is held by Children’s Society in London as of December 2007 with the stocking being 106 feet long and 49 feet wide. It held nearly 1,000 presents and was created for a promotion to help poor children receive presents during Christmas.

10. President Coolidge started the White House lighting ceremony in 1923 and this tradition has continued every year since!

For the best self storage in Santa Clarita, Agua Dulce Storage is the perfect location to store all your belongings in self storage bins and park your RV and Trailers! Agua Dulce offers all important amenities needed for safe and secure storage of bins and vehicles. Call Agua Dulce Storage today for more information at (661) 268-0407. Or visit the website at (https://aguadulcestorage.com/).

8 Fun Facts About Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a reflective holiday spent with family and friends to give thanks for the gifts of one’s life. Families celebrate with the conventional Turkey dinners, gathering around the dinner table and enjoying one another’s company on the fourth Thursday in November. For Thanksgiving we would like to provide 8 Fun Facts about the Holiday in celebration.

1. We’ve celebrated more than 90 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parades

Not only will 2016 mark the 90^th anniversary of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, but an estimated 3.5 million people will line the streets of Manhattan to witness it live!

2. The first Thanksgiving was held in 1621

395 Years later we are celebrating in commemoration of that day when 50 Pilgrims and 90 Wampanoag Indians gathered to feast with one another.

3. Thanksgiving was made a national Holiday in 1863

President Abraham Lincoln was convinced by Sarah Joseph Hale who campaigned on behalf of the tradition for 17 years to make Thanksgiving a national Holiday. Hale wrote the song “Mary had a Little Lamb.”

4. Presidential Tradition: Pardoning the Turkey

Ever since President Truman began the tradition in 1947, the president each year pardons a turkey from being eaten during Thanksgiving. Last year, President Obama pardoned a turkey named Courage.

5. The Football Tradition started 96 years ago

In 1920 the NFL started the Thanksgiving classic games and the tradition has carried on until today. For decades there were only 2 football games but beginning ten years ago, a third game was added to the roster.

6. The heaviest Turkey ever recorded was 86 pounds!

7. Turkeys were not consumed at the First Thanksgiving

According to historians, it was likely that deer, ducks, lobsters, and fish were consumed at the feast.

8. Benjamin Franklin wanted the turkey to be the national bird

If Benjamin Franklin had it his way, the Turkey would have been the national bird instead of the bald eagle! Food for thought!

13 Wicked Fun Facts About Halloween

Halloween is just around the corner! Candy corn, pumpkin spice, and talk of witches and black cats fill the air. Families are putting finishing touches of their Halloween decorations and children are hanging their costumes, ready for the fun-filled night coming this October 31. To add to the celebrations, here are 13 Wicked Halloween Fun Facts about the Holiday.

1. The largest pumpkin ever recorded weighed at 836 pounds! It was grown by Norm Craven who broke the previously held world record in 1993.

2. The mask used by the character Michael Meyers in John Carpenter’s 1978 Halloween film is a Captain Kirk mask that was sold in the 70s. The film crew was on a strict budget and purchased the mask as it was the most economically feasible option for them at the time. They manipulated the mask to make it appear as spooky as possible and to separate its likeness from Kirk.

3. Halloween was also once known as All Hallows’ Eve, Samhain, Witches Night, Lamswool, and Summer’s End.

4. Trick-or-Treating is based on the Celtic holiday Samhain where food and sweets would be put outside to feed the spirits who came out on that night. This would be the last day of the Celtic calendar year.

5. Harry Houdini, the world renowned magician, died on October 31, 1926.

6. Salem, Massachusetts, is the Halloween capital of the world having history in the Salem Witch trials.

7. The record for most Jack O’Lanterns lit at one moment (over 30,000!) is held by Boston, Massachusetts.

8. The Salem Witch Trials took place in colonial Massachusetts between 1692 and 1693 and more than 200 “witches” and “wizards” were accused of practicing magic.

9. The most well-known Halloween song is the “Monster Mash” which was sung by Bobby “Boris” Pickett and released in 1962, featuring lyrics on all the famous monsters like Frankenstein and Dracula.

10. Jack-O-Lanterns were originally created from turnips, beets, and potatoes years ago.

11. A survey revealed that 50% of kids prefer to receive chocolate candy when trick-or-treating during Halloween, 24% prefer non-chocolate candy, and 10% prefer gum.

12. In accordance with Scottish traditions, if someone wears their clothes inside and out and walks backwards on Halloween, they will see a witch at midnight! “

13. Americans will buy 600 million pounds of candy for Halloween.

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5 Frightfully Fun Facts About Self Storage

October is the month to celebrate the spooky, mysterious, and frightfully fun elements of Halloween. This is the month to watch all your favorite horror films and indulge in candy corn, attend costume parties, or get lost in a corn maze at your local pumpkin patch. To celebrate this Halloween, here are five frightfully fun facts about self-storage.

1. Self Storage was first used in Ancient civilizations.

In Ancient China and Ancient Egypt, clay pots were used to store items that needed preservation and protection, including salted meats and jewelry. Many of these clay pots were stored inside or in the ground. There was even storage quarters or caves for the public to store their pots, with each family receiving a designated spot. Guards would stand in front protecting the stored items. This was a practice commonly used in Ancient China and Ancient Egypt.

clay_pots

2. The most famous private storage units are the Ancient Pyramids of Giza.

Enclosed inside the pyramids are the coffins and remains of the Pharaohs and their heirlooms that they believed carried with them to the afterlife. The most famous discovery of a private Pharaoh’s treasure was done by Archaeologist Howard Carter when he discovered the treasures of King Tutankhamen. It is said Howard Carter suffered from the curse of the Pharaohs when he entered King Tut’s tomb and moved the mummy from its resting place.

3. Pirates Booty was found in a self storage unit!

A foreclosed locker was auctioned off and inside was a treasure chest of gold and silver coins. The entire value of the chest and its contents was half a million dollars! Where the booty came from remains a mystery.

treasure_coins

4. Rare Amelia Earhart Photographs taken right before her doomed flight were found in a self storage unit in California.

The images were gifts given by Amelia Earhart herself and stored away in self storage, passed on from generation to generation, until they were found recently. The photos appraise for about $1,000 each!

hith-amelia-earhart_lockhee-ab

5. A storage unit was filled with brains!

A former medical examiner had used a self storage unit to fill with his work, including housing human tissue and organs in containers filled with formaldehyde. When his unit was opened up because of the strong odor, the containers of brains and other body parts were discovered.

DISCLAIMER: It is illegal to house human remains in self storage.

Need Help Choosing a Parking Space?

Do you need help choosing a parking space in storage that fits your needs? If you are thinking about renting a parking space, you are probably asking yourself a lot of questions, including “how large of a parking space do I need for my vehicle?” The best way is to measure your vehicle and then rent a unit that is larger than your vehicle to ensure quality space. For answers to any questions, you can contact us here at Agua Dulce Storage.

If you are trying to store a car, jet skis, or a smaller truck, you can rent the 10×10 parking space here at Agua Dulce for $45 a month. There are many RV and trailer parking spaces spanning from 10×25 through 12×35, and based on your RV or trailer we have the right accommodations for you! If you have a semi truck that needs parking or a place to store the truck, we have space for you!

Agua Dulce Storage is a prime location for RV and trailer storage in Santa Clarita and Antelope Valley. Contact Agua Dulce Storage today for more information at 661-268-0407 or visit the website at (https://aguadulcestorage.com/).

Agua Dulce Facility 2
Agua Dulce Facility 1

Filming at Vasquez Rocks

Vasquez Rocks Sunset

Vasquez Rocks are iconic rock formations in the town of Agua Dulce, famous in their own right for their unique appearance but also famous for the scenery in many well-known television shows and movies, most notably for the use in Star Trek. The rocks come out of the ground up to 150 feet high and at a 45 degree angle. They were formed as early as 25 million years ago through rapid erosion and plate activity along the San Andreas Fault. The name is attributed to a famous bandit, Tiburcio Vasquez, who hid from capture by law enforcement in the rocks in 1873. Not only can you see Vasquez Rocks from Agua Dulce Storage, but when you’re hiking along the famous rocks, you can peer down and see all of Agua Dulce Storage below.

Vasquez Rocks are most notably attributed with Star Trek, specifically the fight between Captain Kirk and the Gorn, a green reptilian alien (photo below). Filming also took place there for a Star Trek: The Next Generation episode and for many of the Star Trek movies including Star Trek Generations, Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home, and the 2009 Reboot Star Trek. In the 2009 reboot of the Star Trek franchise, the famous rock formations were used as the scenery to the planet Vulcan where Spock was born and raised.

Kirk Fighting the Gorn
The Vasquez Rocks are also featured in the 1994 live action film “The Flintstones” as well as the 1979 Muppets Movie. They were also featured in various television shows, including the Big Bang Theory.

Flintstones Vasquez Rocks
The Flinstones (1994) Bedrock

The Muppets Movie 1979 Vasquez Rocks
The Muppets (1979)

“The Bakersfield Expedition” — While the guys take a road trip to a comic book convention dressed as Star Trek: The Next Generatieon characters, the girls stay home and try to interpret a comic book, on THE BIG BANG THEORY

Agua Dulce Storage is a prime location for storage, not only for those storage in Santa Clarita and the Antelope Valley, but also for the filming cast and crew who need to store their equipment between takes. For filming in Vasquez Rocks , cast and crew can store their equipment and trailers at Agua Dulce Storage. Hollywood and the varying studios across the Southern California area would benefit from storing their equipment at Agua Dulce Storage and parking their trailers and RV’s between takes when at Vasquez Rocks. Contact Agua Dulce Storage today for more information at 661-268-0407 or visit the website at (https://aguadulcestorage.com/).

Star Trek: The Next Generation