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Category: Mexico

21 February 2023

Three different camps: Tumco CA, almost Mexico, and Yuma AZ

Three different camps within a week, each for a different reason, beauty, convenience, and crowded.  You decide.

Ocotillo moon set Cargo Muchacho Mts BLM Tumco CAOcotillo moon

Typical Southwest winter wind, more intense than I remember, rocks my little home on wheels and batters my spirit.  Even with temperatures up to the mid 70s, the wind keeps me inside.  Thank goodness for sunshine on solar to keep my phone and laptop charged.  I sometimes knit or read.  I am easily entertained just looking out into a beautiful landscape at different camps.

flowers mts Cargo Muchacho Mts BLM Tumco CAAfter a full night of wind rocking that lasted until noon it was suddenly calm.  Warm 73° sunshine beckoned me outside.  I set up the solar shower bag before going on a walk in a nearby dry wash below the Cargo Muchacho Mountains in Tumco.

Redtailed hawk bird Cargo Muchacho Mts BLM Tumco CA

yellow flowers Cargo Muchacho Mts BLM Tumco CApurple flowers Cargo Muchacho Mts BLM Tumco CA

Hawk soared overhead and flowers appeared at my feet.

birds in tree Cargo Muchacho Mts BLM Tumco CABirds sang in the naked branches while I took advantage of the 110° water to wash my hair.

sunset clouds Cargo Muchacho Mts BLM Tumco CALater, just enough clouds slipped in for a colorful sunset.  I felt a click, like turning on the “you are finally healthy” knob after too many weeks of the Quartzsite crud.  Though I still don’t have my full voice back.  Join me for a previous walk in the Cargo Muchacho Mountains here.

first light Cargo Muchacho Mts BLM Tumco CAFirst light

sunset clouds Cargo Muchacho Mts BLM Tumco CASunset

Tumco has been a lovely boondock for much of the winter so far but it’s time to consider different camps.  I made an appointment with Mendoza Optical in Los Algodones, Mexico for Monday 9:30am.  Eye exam only $20 or free with eyeglasses including frames for $100, second pair half price at $50 more.

sunrise Crgo Muchacho Mts BLM Tumco CA

sunrise Cargo Muchacho Mts BLM Tumco CASunday morning’s sunrise made it difficult to leave.

bumper rock collection Cargo Muchacho Mts BLM Tumco CABumper rock collection from Cargo Muchacho Mts

I was up early to dump tanks and grocery shop while folks were in church but it was Super Bowl Sunday so still pretty busy.  Also visited with Joann while doing laundry and getting a real shower.  Living in Yuma, she’s been a savior for me from the different camps near that town.  We made plans for our border crossing into Mexico the next day, her first visit.

Quechan border parking lot Winterhaven CAThen I headed to the Quechan tribe’s secure parking lot on the US side of the border for a $10 night.  Here’s a video of that camp view.

Liqui's Purple Pharmacy Los Algodones MexicoIt rained overnight but stopped by the time Joann met me at my parking lot camp in the morning.  Headed straight to Mendoza Optical, part of the Liqui’s Purple Pharmacy complex, within the first block of the border.

Gaelyn's 6of12 frame choicesStarted looking at children’s frames because I have a small and narrow head.  One pair for progressive lenses and a second pair for single distant vision.  This is only a few I tried on.  Which two did I choose?

drugs for sale Liqui's Purple Pharmacy Los Algodones Mexico

Tequila Liqui's Purple Pharmacy Los Algodones MexicoSome of the tequila choices

While waiting the two hours for the eyeglasses to be ready for pickup we wandered first into the adjoining businesses, drugs and alcohol.

ceramics & metal art Los Algodones MexicoThen strolled past vendors selling nothing I need.  However Joann picked up a couple trinkets for her granddaughters.

edge of tourist town Los Algodones MexicoWe wandered to the edge of tourista-town and stopped at yet another optical shop where I found an adorable pair of Harry Potter frames and ordered a pair of progressive for $60.  How could I resist?

Chicken Milanesa Mi Casa Su Casa Los Algodones MexicoChicken Milanesa with vegetables and rice

We enjoyed a delicious lunch at Mi Casa Su Casa where I’ve eaten before and shared a huge margarita for a total of $15.  Then returned for my first two pair of glasses and waited in line 30 minutes to cross back into the US.

Gaelyn in Harry Potter frames Mi Casa Su Casa Los Algodones Mexico

Divorced eggs bacon hashbrowns beans $3 Mi Casa Su Casa Los Algodones MexicoI paid for another night then walked back across to Mexico for my third pair of glasses in the morning plus enjoyed a $3 breakfast called Divorced eggs with bacon, hash browns and beans.  They must have chickens laying eggs out back at the price.

campers VFW-BLM camp Yuma AZI was back across the border by noon.  From there I had a couple choices of different camps, a return to Tumco, or to the noisy VFW-BLM.  I chose the later because Gayle was there to say hi to, and it would be OK for a few chilly nights, plus be close to town for shopping before moving on.

campers VFW-BLM camp Yuma AZ

Wind blown dust headed my way

It’s crowded because this camp is within ten minutes of Fountain Hills/east Yuma.  I guess shopping appeals more to some people than me.  I like much different camps that are remote, quiet, dark, and lack crowds.  Much of the area is like a huge dusty parking lot with an occasional bush where the mostly big rigs–30+feet—park closer than an RV park.  No pics because I always forget.  The area I try to park in best accommodates smaller rigs and is also crowded.

armored truck conversion VFW-BLM Yuma AZHowever, this place is full of unique rigs and people.  Note the converted Armored truck.

neighbor Rick's homemade camper VFW-BLM Yuma AZNeighbor Rick’s home-made “dream home” that partially comes apart for driving.  I didn’t see that process but I bet it limits him moving frequently to different camps.  I only planned to stay a few nights.

RV blocked me in VFW-BLM Yuma AZThrough dirty camper window

I’m seeing more boondockers putting small orange cones around to designate “their” camp site.  I don’t want to carry stuff like that, but maybe I should.  Late Thursday afternoon a huge motorhome pulled in and parked blocking my way to back out. Neighbors Rick, who reacted loudly with swearing, and Scott who was more sedate, and I asked them to move. They are from Canada and said they didn’t speak very good English. Not true, but I don’t speak French. The man decided, without asking, that I could pull forward across a soft sandy dry wash that has tracks where someone else has already been stuck. I won’t drive that.  He refused to move.  So I gave them one night.  I took and posted a 360 video on YouTube and a photo on FB.

dirty window view jeep & RV blocking me in VFW-BLM Yuma AZAs above

At 9am I knocked on their door and informed them they had 30 minutes to move or I would call the police.  They ignored me at their door and flipped me off through a window so I yelled my message.  In 45 minutes he had their towed jeep hooked back to the motorhome and by 11am they pulled out.  In over 30 years of RVing, mostly boondocking, I’ve never had this happen.  I just don’t get it.  One more reason for me to not like this BLM camp.  But with them gone, I made it a couple more days before thinking about a move to different camps.

 

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Arizona, California, Mexico, Places I've been, United States boondocking, new glasses, rude RVer 21 Comments
22 December 2022

Mexican moon & Tequila Elf

light poles full moon Quechan prkg lot border MexicoMoved camp to a parking lot and watched the Mexican moon at the border, then back to BLM-VFW campsite in preparation for yet another move.  And the Christmas elf has been moving every night, until…

light poles full moon Quechan prkg lot border Mexicolight poles full moon Quechan prkg lot border Mexicolight poles full moon Quechan prkg lot border Mexico

I picked up supplies and the calendars on my way to the border parking lot where Gayle and I would spend the night (360 video) before walking to Mexico in the morning for her dental appointment.  Was a rather different experience watching the Mexican moon.

elf in freezerGood thing I bought ice cream because that greedy elf ate almost all of the opened container.

Cosmetic & implant dentistry ctr Algodones MXIn the morning, we walked across the border to Gayle’s dentist office.

xrays Cosmetic & implant dentistry ctr Algodones MXShe was in surgery for almost two hours while the upper implanted posts were removed because her body rejected them.

vendor with bag Algodones MX

purses Algodones MXI went for a quick walk through the tunnel of merchandise that encloses the sidewalks outside of the storefronts, optical shops, and more dentists.  Feels like walking the gauntlet.  These pics are all taken from a video.

poles moon Quechan Res Mexican borderBack to the border parking lot for the night.  Unfortunately, low clouds obscured the actual horizon line of the Mexican moon.

elf on toiletThat’s what happens when an elf eats almost a half gallon of ice cream.

Tamarisk tree BLM-VFW camp Yuma AZ

broken bark Tamarisk tree BLM-VFW camp Yuma AZInvasive Tamarisk trees have thick bark

Returned the next day to the BLM-VFW camp for Gayle’s recovery.

elf hanging upside downElf feeling pretty good the next day.

beggar bead neclaces

cuffsMade a jewelry sale from a “memory” photo posted on Facebook.

elf by calendarI spent the weekend addressing envelopes for calendar shipping.  No help from elf.

trees sunset clouds BLM-VFW camp Yuma AZClouds built in the evening.  Rain was predicted.

elf in bedA good morning to sleep in.

desert mts mammatus clouds BLM-VFW Yuma AZGayle left Monday for Tucson.  I watched as mammatus clouds filled the sky and enjoyed the light rain.

sunset clouds BLM-VFW camp Yuma AZClouds were clearing out at sunset.

elf on hookJust hanging out.

Joann picked me up Tuesday morning and I used her rig to get to the post office, along with hordes of others.  I’d expected that.  Only took an hour.  Fortunately I was able to use a case on wheels to haul the heavy pile of calendars.

elf by AZ mapStill have a few calendars left if you’re interested.  $25 each includes shipping in the USA.  No guarantee they will be shipped by the end of 2022 because I’m camped in the middle of nowhere once again.  I am a happy camper.

desert sunset clouds halo BLM American Girl Mine Rd Felicity CANote the rainbow halo

Wednesday morning after a little shopping, found me moving to another location with lovely views of the Cargo Muchacho Mountains.

Christmas tree in camperAs it is unlikely I’ll get another post out before Christmas I’d like to wish you all Happy Holidays!

I tried to warn him.

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Algodones, Arizona, Mexico, Places I've been, United States, Yuma dentist, elf 24 Comments
02 December 2022

Trains, planes, automobiles and RVs at BLM-VFW in Yuma AZ

I moved further south to the BLM-VFW in Yuma where it’s warmer but noisy sandwiched between trains, planes, automobiles and RVs.  Celebrated Thanksgiving twice, I have much to be grateful for.  Good friends, a roof over my head that doesn’t leak, wheels under that hold air, propane in (lousy) tanks provide heat, cooking, and refrigerator (when working) for the ice cream I can still (barely) afford.  What more could a Geogypsy ask for?

desert Kofa Mts sunset clouds BLM Palm Canyon Rd AZAs much as I love staring at the changing light on the Kofa Mts, I needed to be warmer than 36° mornings.

Kofa Mts from SR95 S AZ

VFW SR95 Yuma AZAfter researching and looking at the map I decided to drive to the BLM-VFW in Yuma, at least for the night.  Boondocking is behind this building.

truckcamper camp VFW-BLM Yuma AZArrived about 12:30pm and parked near where I was last Spring, next to an invasive Tamarask tree.  Lots of mostly large motorhomes and 5th-wheels parked in the open area with only a few scrubby creosote bushes.  The “back row” under the trees, full of small to moderate-sized units and several tents.  That area tends to attract the long-timers because of the shade.  I went to an area not conducive to very large rigs.  Though the wind was a little cool the 75° temperature felt nice with windows and door open.

RVs sunset clouds VFW-BLM camp Yuma AZIt’s a noisy place.  SR95 is easily in sight to the east maybe 300 feet away and is parallel with the railroad tracks.  Long freight trains pulled by 3-5 locomotives go by every couple of hours.  To the west, out of sight, is a small airport.  I’d guess there’s maybe 100 RV/campers.

Mittry Lake USFWS Yuma AZWaking to 50° felt a bit chilly but only took 30 minutes to warm up the camper to a doable over 60°.  With the promise of 75° high and Joann at her winter home in Yuma we decided to explore Mittry Lake.  She picked me up and made a quick stop at a produce stand and food store before taking me to her new digs.  Very nice mobile home in a quiet park.

Mittry Lake USFWS Yuma AZAfter lunch we drove the road to Mittry Lake and along the way discovered a BLM boondock I preferred to the BLM-VFW camp.  Then further on, the lake area is pretty with very few (full) sites along the water and other designated areas like parking lots.  It would only get more crowded over the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday weekend.  No thanks.  US Fish & Wildlife rules only camp 10 days out of one year.  So different than my first experience there 25 years ago.

Shoe tree SR95 Yuma AZStopped at the “Shoe tree” or as Joann calls it the “Tree of old soles”.  Fridge was off when I got back and gave grief until almost bedtime.

sunset clouds BLM camp Laguna Mts & Gila canal Yuma AZ

sunset clouds BLM camp Laguna Mts & Gila canal Yuma AZAfter a noisy night of trains and planes at the BLM-VFW camp I moved to the previous day’s discovery, not the lake.  About ten miles north of Yuma, within sight of the Laguna Mountains to the east, the Gila canal carrying water to the agriculturally rich valley to the south, and in the distance the Cargo Muchacho Mountains in California to the south west.  Very open terrain resembling a rock quarry, with lots of pretty rocks.  Only two other truckcampers when I arrived and a van joined later.  360° video here.  Delightfully quiet, had some breeze but the sun was warm.  Pretty sunset.

bumper rock collection camp Laguna Mts & Gila canal Yuma AZBumper collection

I had figured to stay through the holiday weekend, but plans changed.  When Gayle called to say she’d gotten a dentist appointment in Mexico for the day after Thanksgiving and would be camped at the BLM-VFW I returned there so I could go with her across the border.  She’s working on a dental procedure that began eight months ago.  Parked in the same location and immediately invited to Thanksgiving at noon the next day located just a few camps away.  Gayle pulled in as I sat soaking up sunshine.

Gayle playing fiddle camp VFW-BLM Yuma AZGayle and I joined a gathering along with many other RVers and enjoyed the full Thanksgiving spread.  Well I did, she doesn’t have her teeth yet.  Later in the afternoon, Gayle played her fiddle at the community campfire area.  I have video but not sure I can load any of it on this weak signal.

retainer probe in camper fridgeFridge went off again for about 15 hours.  Freezer held mostly because it was packed solid.  Then came on again about bedtime.  I keep moving the retainer probe when it quits.  (That white thing on the fins.)

flags at borderFriday morning, we took Gayle’s car to the US side of the border parking lot and walked across the few blocks to her dentist.  I always forget to take photos because I’m busy constantly saying “NO” to the multitude of vendors selling trinkets and suggesting pharmacies, liquor stores, eye glasses and dentist offices.  Like hawkers at a carnival.  Their sales areas line both sides of the sidewalks creating a dark tunnel.  I’ll try to take photos and video next time, because yes there’s a next time in a couple weeks.

Once again back at the BLM-VFW camp I finally got a blog post written but not uploaded.  There’s barely a signal here and it could be because there’s no bandwidth with so many RVers trying to get online.

Christmas decorations Joann's Yuma AZAs luck would have it, I was invited to join Joann and her granddaughter for Thanksgiving dinner on Sunday and she has a great signal.  I also took advantage of the long hot shower and doing laundry.  After desert first because we can, Perci and I went to the pool but I don’t own a bathing suit so didn’t go in.  It would have been warm enough so I may have to invest for future visits.  After dinner and a movie, Joann brought me back to my BLM-VFW camp where I planned the next day’s trip to town for chores.

https://geogypsytraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/VID_20221129_164255696.mp4

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Arizona, Mexico, Places I've been, RV life, United States, Yuma boondocking, dentist 20 Comments
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Hi, I’m Gaelyn, the Geogypsy

I retired after 29 summer seasons as a Park Ranger, traveling solo for 40+ years. My passions include travel, connecting to nature, photography, and sharing stories.

I started exploring US National Parks in 1977 and 20 years later became a seasonal Park Ranger.  I’ve lived full-time in a RV for 30 years working summers and playing winters.  I’m still trying to figure out what I want to be when I grow old, other than grow up.

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