Christmas in Ajo

From the Mojave we traveled east to cross the great Colorado River to Lake Havasu City, AZ.   Then it was back and forth across the Colorado at Parker, CA and finally south to get to Quartzsite, AZ.  We were headed to Quartzsite to get some additional solar panels that would enable us to boondock for longer periods of time without having to use the generator to charge the batteries.
The day we arrived to check out Solar Bill's, they were not busy and got us in and out in about 4 hours.  Amazing! 
While waiting I got some pictures of Amy, the parrot, and of the original Quartzsite Jail which was located at the back of Solar Bill's lot.  It seemed to be

Original Quartzsite Jail

quite a big deal that the door bars came from the prison in Yuma, AZ.

Amy

We stayed in Quartzsite for almost a week at the 88 Shades RV Park.  Some of Quartzsite's claims to fame are the Gem Show and the RV Show in January.  Usually there is quite a bit of activity even in DEC, but we were told it was quite slow this year.  We spent each of our days walking around the show ground vendors and checking things out...we were considering renting a space for all of JAN and maybe even FEB.  The monthly rate was only a little more than a weekly rate and we would have a full hook up.

Another of Quartzsite's claims to fame is the Oasis Bookstore, whose proprietor, Paul, has an interesting marketing tool.  He is a "naturist."  Not a naturalist...a "naturist.'  And no I didn't take pictures...but he invited Dave to his Author's Fair and for us to "camp" at the bookstore for a while in order to participate in the fair.  We are going to take him up on it, at least for a few days, (in January)...and bring our LIGHT.

1st Sunset at Ajo

In the meantime, we traveled on down to Ajo, AZ  (Pronounced "ah-hoe")  It was sort of a mistake (read: God thing) that we ended up going to Ajo.  When we planned it, Dave thought it was down around Yuma and wanted to go to introduce me to golf (they let you camp at the golf course free if you golf), so we sent our mail and some packages there.  Then we found out it was quite a bit further east...south of Phoenix actually and about 40 miles from the Mexican border.

Teri working it out

We golfed the afternoon we arrived and I was really sore (back) and wondering if this would be something I could ever enjoy, but I resolved to stick it out for at least 4 days.  I figured if Dave hurt as much riding as I did golfing, I owed at least that to him.  I also know that when starting a new exercise plan, it always takes me at least 4 days for it start to feel "good."  Sure enough, by day 4, I was much less sore and even my scores were beginning to improve.  I practiced my cantering and lead changes between shots and felt like my over all physical fitness was improving.

New camp host

All this would not have be possible however, if on the second day that we were there, the golf club president, Bill, hadn't met Dave.  After a brief conversation where he found out that we were interested in staying a while, he offered us the position of camp host with a full hook-up (electric, sewer, and water) and free golf in exchange for "keeping an eye" on the place, opening and closing the gate each day, making available the golf carts and putting them away at night and tidying the grounds and restrooms as needed.

Our thrift store tree

What a great Christmas present!  How does God do that!  This is not something we would have even thought to ask for!  Makes us want to shout out Ephesians 3:2-- "Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than ALL we ask or imagine...to him be glory! (NIV)  I like the way The Message Bible says it:  God can do anything, you know--far more than you could ever imagine, or guess or request in your wildest dreams!

Merry Christmas!