The Steps looked unattractive, better suited to watching fireworks than hanging out. So I continued on to Bullhead City. Katherine's Landing is a big marina on Lake Mohave, with a lot of RV spots. I particularly like the thousands of oleander bushes in bloom. And it's a federal recreation area so I can camp for half price ($5), no hookups. Cheap and pretty. There are a couple of things I want to check out around here, though in general the area...
I could head west into California, but fuel prices being so high here, they would be unreasonable there. So I'm heading towards Las Vegas and then north to Idaho. Or at least to Wells, NV where I can change my mind. Short-term I'm enjoying the desert and will make a short trip to a spot I've heard about, The Steps, but have never seen. Between Parker and Lake Havasu City. Not sure if I'll find cellphone coverage there, but it's only a night,...
Not exactly busy here, but it's a free spot to park as I head north. I'm slowly heading to Washington, but am not in a hurry for cooler weather. And I don't know which route I'll be taking right now. Except for a couple of dusty days, I got a lot done in Yuma. Replaced my truck's front speakers (one failed), and picked up some more LED lamps. Yuma has by far the best selection and best prices for LEDs, which are now half the cost when I started...
I took a bunch of money to Algodones and left it there today. Dental, new sunglasses, the Purple Store, and lunch. Seasoned pro that I am now, I took a paperback while I waited for the dentist, waited for lenses to be made, and waited to cross the border. I sat and read in the square and watched the people. You know those guys that "encourage" (some say "accost") you to go to the "best" or "cheapest" pharmacy/dentist/optician in town? Forcing...
High winds have the dust up, with visibility down to almost zero at times. This will last a couple of days, mornings being the best to go out and about. I went shopping for glasses in Algodones today, and found there weren't any really good deals. Despite there being dozens of eyeglass shops there, they all use the same price list from Algodones Optical, the only game in town. I think the Mexican businesses have figured out they were giving us...
I've not been in Yuma after the winter visitors left, and it's quite a difference. The VFW/BLM site only has a dozen rigs (a hundred is more typical) and there is no traffic on the streets. Parking lots are empty. The city takes advantage by starting up road improvements which has caused some street closures. The Marine Air Station here has increased it's activity including evening exercises. Many of my readers will remember parking at the Yuma...
There was no headwind and no dust. That's the best that can be said for any drive on I-8 through the big desert to Yuma. The desert was green, but no wildflowers this year. I'll be here at least a week, parked at the VFW/BLM site. Last year when I was in Arizona the legislature was debating a bill to create a state militia. To me the motivation was obvious (Take our country "back" from the brown people), but of course the bill was not worded...
The Escapee park here is a good stop on the way to Yuma, and they allow dry camping for one night free. I had forgotten that and planned on spending $5, so I took two nights. Not sure what I'll do here for a day, but there's a good Mexican food place I like. And there's no wind or dust.
That's the traditional date for the "winter visitors" to leave the SW and head north back home. One because it's warming up here, and two because they have to get home to mow the lawn. Yuma, especially, experiences the mass exodus so I'm interested in getting there before most everything closes up for the summer. Once I get some things done there I'll head north as well. So tomorrow I'll leave Tucson and stop in Casa Grande for a night to break...