Quartzsite to Ajo

Ranking right behind Trona, CA as one of the most god-forsaken towns in America, Quartzsite hosted us for 2 days. A collection of eclectic flea markets,tent shops, and crapola collections, it sought to squeeze dollars from the attendant visitors. RVs of every age and size were represented. We have spent our last night here, that's for sure. Gas:$2.83.

In our cozy center of Quartzsite, the 88 Shades RV Park, the top-rated park in Quartzsite (all is relative) there were a mix of crumbling tin monsters as well as a couple of newer rigs. To those who live here year-round in the clap-traps, one can only speculate about the bad karma that caused their assignment to this location.

Julie and Carly re-united. As Carly continues her decline, we wonder each time whether it will be their last visit together. To aid Carly on this trip, I constructed a ramp to help her navigate the stairs in/out of the rig. The key here is to hang onto her, lest she turns it into a superslide and winds up with a thud at the bottom.

Arriving in Ajo (unsure whether it is pronounced “Ay”-ho or “Ah” ho---probably depends on one’s experience while they are here), we cruised through 2/3 of the town before arriving at the Shadow Ridge RV Park. The apparent primary industry in Ajo is selling Mexican Insurance, as there were at least a half-dozen shops along the main boulevard soliciting our business. Generally, US liability insurance is not valid in Mexico, and the Mexican government requires turistas to carry their Mexican liability insurance---to facilitate shakedown settlements in the event of a mishap.

At the Shadow Ridge, we soon were met by some of our fellow ‘rally mates’ who we joined in the rec hall for a super-bowl viewing on a scratchy 19" TV. We left half-way through the 4th quarter to view the final excitement on the TV in our rig. Great game.

First impression is that this will be a fun group of folks to soak up some sun with…if we see the sun. Last night there were some pretty strong showers pounding on the roof. Gratefully, enough to wash the car.

Today’s agenda will be a tour of Ajo, including the Ajo Country Club, a nine-holer in the cacti and sand.