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

Amerind - as in 'American Indian' culture and art

If you haven't been to the Amerind Foundation Museum near Dragoon, AZ - GO! ASAP works...


This is a must see for those who are interested in other cultures, their artwork and history. The museum has displays from Native Americans in Alaska to the Native People of Peru, and everyone in-between along the Western Hemisphere.  http://www.amerind.org/ - "Amerind foundation and Museum seeks to foster and promote knowledge and understanding of the Native Peoples of the Americas through research, education, and conservation." Be sure to check the website as the museum was closed on a Monday as we came to discover and were turned away in disappointment.


Near the entrance

 I was stunned at the size of the collection and in how interestingly it is displayed. The volunteer staff/docents were extremely knowledgeable and were willing to spend the time answering our questions. It was fascinating, as I eavesdropped on a small tour that was sharing one of the rooms we were in, as the volunteer tour guide explained how the collection came into existence and the history of the founders.

Included in the museum fee is an Art Gallery, located in the building next door, dedicated, in part, to the founder and his wife, their belongings and their collections of artwork. This also was worth the journey, for many of the furnishings were in excellent condition considering the age of each piece, but just being able to look closely at the craftsmanship in producing the piece of furniture was, in itself enlightening. None of that "roped off-don't touch, stand too close" stuff here, the pieces were right there - up close and personal. There were a few with signs asking you not to sit on them but other than that not too much 'forbidden' areas. There was also a 'self-guided' pamphlet/map of the rooms, with information about the artists so you could linger as long as you wished.

Photography is not permitted, although I did take one display photo - (no flash - no harm) of some pottery which I have included in the "Du Jour Photos". Nothing makes me crazier than not being allowed to take photos - especially when I have been charged an entry fee!

TimTrask bronze

Gallery of Dreams - located in St. David, AZ - Hwy 80, approx 8 miles south of Benson, AZ. Brightly painted exterior-it is the studio of Tim Trask http://www.agalleryofdreams.com/Tim%20Trask.htm, in front the building houses a co-op of local artist works from jewelry, photographs and bronze statues. In an adjacent room and if he is working - you might be able to watch Mr. Trask work on a piece - we missed that but I was able to photograph the life-size statue he was working on in his studio, all of which are also in the daily photos.

Art is everywhere, you just have to pay attention. Dragoon, a small almost non-existent town, just south of I-10 looked and felt like a ghost town, however this wooden Indian marked the corner we turned around at, so I've added him here.  The building he is guarding is closed, but he looks well cared for....

Adios...until next time. Be well, travel safe and smile often.

If you can change your mind, you can change your life. - William James

Amerind / Tim Trask - link to the additional photos from this blog.

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!