dry camping outside Ajo, AZ

AJO, Spanish for garlic

We just spent 5 days in the desert just south of Ajo (ah-ho), Arizona - near the old cooper mine. About a 2 miles outside of the town city limits we made a hard right turn and head out into the desert. It is covered with saguaro, dust and the occasional coyote. One can see the environmental damage for miles...the "tailings" or debris fields (no mineral value) are piled 200-300 feet into the air and roughly 2 miles in diameter around the open pit. Frankly, it just made me sad...and a bit angry.

They do have a mine museum with knowledgeable local volunteers who were eager to provide with information and a tour.

There were a few other Rv'ers dry camping, however no one close enough to be considered even neighbors. The fighter jets from Yuma's air base were far noisier and more than evident than humans on the ground. Although we did see evidence of immigrant trails and bushes marked with green tape used as a guide in the dark....it was beautiful, quiet and warm. 

We had a really great time hiking in the desert and enjoying the quiet...and it's close enough to civilization to enjoy as well...so we ventured into town.

Indian community

exican community

Ajo, back when the mine was operational, had a community built on the Mexican and an Indian cultures inside the town..until the residences were leveled when the mine closed back in the early 1980's. The murals above were completed and dedicated earlier this year by the artisans in residence at the Curley School.  There are black and white historical panels to the left and right of these 2 colored murals.

Artist apartments now occupy what was the Curley School. Around back is an Art Galley, Gift and Print Shop.   From November 26 - December 29th there is a gallery show "HOLIDAY HOOPLA" with art, jewelry, pottery and other mediums for sale.

We had the best paninis to date at a newly renovated restaurant on the south edge of town.

We all had paninis so we can't vouch for either the burgers or the beer....but the place was clean, busy and wait staff was spot on.

Restrooms well marked                                           Tile mural depicts the exterior nicely..    

know your gender to use  restroom

tile mural of restaurant

Book and antique store

The bookstore was a pleasant surprise....it carried an array of new and used books, office supplies and connected via a interior door - the antique store with a large collection of $.25 cent books...honor system was the paying system when no one was on hand.

~Ciao

To Yuma-through snow, Zion & Valley of Fire

What a journey we had to YUMA this week. We awoke to snow in Bryce Canyon. ..SNOW???  We couldn’t get our RV travel-ready fast enough, when we pulled out it was 22 degrees…just the day before we had admired the beautiful snow capped hoodoo photographs  we viewed in the Visitors Center…and my request that it would really be terrific to see the snow covered canyon would be “awesome” was really said in jest!

Red Canyon arch as we depart for Zion. Pretty isn't it...the last days of October and we were expecting an Indian summer. However, I am thrilled we got to see the scenery decked out in snow!

Next stop - Zion National Park and some hiking. Soon discovered Angels Landing is (not for the faint of heart) considered 'strenous' we got to Scouts Landing, had lunch and decided to fore go the last .05 miles pulling ourselves up by cables along the narrow ledge.  Walter’s Wiggles (23 switchbacks) was challenging enough and the view was spectacular!

This trail leads you to Scout & Angel
Landings....3.1mi to the top of Angel's Landing. At 2.6 mi you reach Scout's Landing where lunch and a respite. We did not use the cables to pull ourselves up the last .05 miles, along the very narrow, and in some places missing trail to the top. The view from our vantage point was just fine...

Angel's Landing is on the other side of that tree sticking up on the right side (middle portion of photo).....the 3-sectioned pipe fence is the only barrier between you and a 1200' drop straight down.

Chipmunks are friendly and not afraid....they check out everything, including your physical space.

We arrived with no reservations in the full-service campground, however we did have a spot each of the 4 nights we were in Zion...even the hassle of moving every day could not spoil the beauty and splendor that is Zion.

We did take the Emerald Pools hike although the pools were more mud-like this late in the season. I have included a short video of the waterfall that feeds the pools. Enjoy....

Valley of Fire State Park located (approx) between Bryce and Las Vegas afforded us the opportunity to see different formations of red rock up close and have lunch in the shade of a gigantic rock.

Lone Rock picnic area

Indian lore, interpretive programs and self-guided tours provide for activities young and old alike.