Yuma

 We spent 11 days in Yuma this time, we would have stayed longer but the wheels needed to roll on down the roads. The first two days we parked at the casino, dry camping but we were on blacktop. After the first two days we were able to get a site at the SKP Park KOFA Co-op.

 We did the usual trips to Los Algadones Mexico, it is always interesting going there. We stock up on alchol and smokes when we cross the border. AZ has went crazy on taxes, cigerettes are $50+ a carton in AZ and $14 in Mexico. Yuma has went overboard on taxes too, sales tax in Yuma is over 10%, which has me thinking they really don't want me in AZ.

 We didn't get to spend as much time with friends as we would  have liked to but we kept busy doing this and that. Games at the clubhouse, soaking in the hut tub, and we attended part of the annual meeting at the SKP Park. Since we are #29 on the waiting list for a lot we were allowed to attend, but we couldn't speak. I saw/heard enough to put a lot of doubt in my mind as to weather I really want a lot anywhere. It will be a couple of years before our number comes up so we will wait and see.

 One day we went wheeling with Howard and Marilee on the Barry M Goldwater Range. To get on the range you are required to get a permit from the Marine Corp Base, and then you have to call them and let them know when you are going on the range, you also have to sign a release saying the US is not responsible if they drop a bomb on you while your out there.

Howard and Marilee

The mountains in the distance is where we are headed to. They are reffered to in many western books that Howard reads so he wanted to visit them and see them with his own eyes. The reading should be a bit more interesting knowing he has been there.

We were following Devils Hwy, or Camino del Diablo Oeste as it is on the map. It is about 100 miles of NOTHING but mtns and desert between Yuma and Ajo AZ. Some parts they don't allow a single vehicle, there must be at least two vehicles together to pass through parts of it. Mainly because it is so rough and rugged, and so far from ANYTHING. (we didn't go there)

We came to an intersection in the roads and found this interesting sign.

It was a large open area so we stopped to rest a bit, and walk around. I sat down on the concrete slab the tower is ancored in while we talked.

After several minuets this guy shows up. He politely asks me to not sit on the slab. I'm thinking why not, its not like I'm hurting it. Well he tells us it has presure switches built into it and around it that allerts them as to when someone is within 10 feet of the tower.

We had a nice chat with the agent, and learned quite a bit about some parts of their job.

We left Yuma Thursday and drove to WHY, AZ. Yes it is WHY! Why is 10 miles south of Ajo, and 20 mile north of the Organ Pipe Cactus NM CG. Leland and Cathy saved us a spot on the B L M Land just south of Why. It was good seeing them, I just wish our paths could have crossed at a wider point.

We will hang out here a couple days enjoying the beauty of the cacti in the area.....