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

Bits and pieces of Oldtown Yuma, AZ

Friday-December 10, 2010

we discovered this sign on our morning walk this morning...made me laugh. (lots of 'beware of dog' signs, so this was noteworthy)

We tried to visit the Quartermaster Park (1800's supply depot
for Utah, New Mexico and Arizona forts) - but they were
preparing it for a Christmas Village and therefore was closed
to visitors today...it's been added back into the "to-do" list.







 
 
 
 
 
Sadly, (like So. Dak) we women apparently need visual aids....
this inside the Quartermaster Park restroom stall.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
So instead, we toured Oldtown Yuma and it's odd collection of shops and art galleries



Roosters are outside



Miss Piggy model....

Hens indoors

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Everyone needs a 'barbwire' corset....$45.00 and this beauty is all yours

Owner of this '39 Chevelle was 75 and had owned it for 60 years...and yes it runs.



This chair was for sale - $100...yep, I decided that - while pretty - not $100 pretty....so it's still holding down the cement outside the store.

While we were out playing today - Lola doing what Lola does best....

Ciao!