Today - Yuma, Arizona

Photos:  http://silverserenity.shutterfly.com/133  Deming to Yuma

1/23/10 - Saturday
Last night was not a very restful one. The RV beside us had to start up their engine to start their generator (or so it seemed.) When it finally left sometime in the morning, a cattle truck took it’s place. The cattle sounded like they were trying to walk around in the trailer. And then there were the trucks that kept coming in and out all night long.

At first we thought of going on up to Imperial Dam LTVA (long term visitor area) and check it out since we were not going to try to get in to Mexico until Monday. But more gas was needed so we decided to head into Yuma and decide from there.

On the way in, we passed many mountain ranges. Some of which I took photos of. Since we were here in January 2008 it has grown up. About 30-45 miles from Yuma is a really large cattle farm. They also had a large area where they grew their own hay for the cattle. They were selling lots for $60,000 and putting in housing developments.

Once you top the last mountain you are still 20 miles from Yuma. But you can see the town even from here.

First stop…gas. Next stop is to find somewhere to fix breakfast. Yes, it is lunch time but…oh, well! When we stopped we talked to a lady from another RV parked on the same side road. She and her husband are from Canada. They are heading out to a free parking area close to Mexico but just in California. Sounds good to us. We can stay there for 2 weeks before we have to move.

Let me back up and explain the BLM camping land. The Bureau of Land Management controls public lands most of which is from the mid states to the west. You can stay in their long-term parking areas for the season which is September 15 to April 15 by purchasing a season pass for $180. Or, you can purchase a 2 week pass for $40. The LTVA areas usually have some type of services. Or, you can stay in the free areas with no services for 2 weeks.

Before heading on to Pilot Knob, we stopped to resupply at Wal Mart and pick up some meds. This was the wrong thing to do. It was 2 ½ hours to get the refill transferred and filled. Then the clerk was snotty and hateful with me and some of the other customers. ARRRRR! I think I will drive many miles before going to this pharmacy again!

It was 3pm before we finally arrived at the Pilot Knob Area. Just follow the power lines 1.6 miles down a dirt road. We found an area and started setting up for our stay. Some of the campers there talked to us and told us of the horrific storm and rain that came through the past couple of days. The road was like a river that you had to drive in. So maybe it was a good thing we waited in Deming that extra night.

Talk to you soon……