good-times-rollin

Monday, February 24, 2014

Indian Pass Road to Picacho State Recreation Area

Cocopah RV Resort
Yuma, AZ
February 22, 2014

This past Saturday, after our 2 mile walk at the East Wetlands Park with Ronnie and Carol, the four of us headed west on Interstate 8. We took exit 159 on Ogilby Road in search of Indian Pass Road.

Right turn onto Indian Pass Road...

The graded dirt road crosses a broad, open region and heads toward a tall rock outcrop on the horizon...Picacho State Recreation Area in the Chocolate Mountains.

We passed strands of ocotillo, cholla cactus and prickly pear...already blooming.

We all noticed a difference in scenery from our last ride thru the Cargo Muchachas...this trail was lined with yellow wildflowers and the trees were much greener.

At about 9 miles in, you come to a gap in the road known as Indian Pass. Its about 1,040 feet above sea level...just enough elevation to make your ears need a pop.

What a nice view!

Beyond the pass is a half-mile descent into a wash...a rocky, narrow, section of the trail.

For the next 6 miles or so we enjoyed the view looking up as we traversed thru the wash. Indian Pass Wilderness on the left and Picacho Peak Wilderness on the right.

A $5 fee per vehicle is required.

We came to a fork in the road...a sign pointed left to 4-S Ranch and right to the camping area. Choose the right turn...4-S Ranch was a dead end!

For the next 8 miles, we enjoyed a beautiful drive along the Colorado River. Spectacular views with lots of "WOW" moments.

We exited Picacho State Recreation Area on Picacho Road...

...which took us right back to exit 172 on Interstate 8, the exit to Cocopah RV Resort! A perfect loop!

We passed this group or Jeeps on our way home.

Picacho State (California) Recreation Area is rich in history. Quechan and other native people of the Great Basin culture lived along this part of the Colorado River. Spanish soldiers discovered the area in the 1500s.

Gold was discovered in the rock surrounding Picacho Peak and by 1890 a large scale gold mine operation was booming.

We had a wonderful day...

Until next time...

enjoy!

Up next...a dang good work-out!

Sunday, February 23, 2014

Margaritas in Mexico

Cocopah RV Resort
Yuma, AZ
February 19, 2014

Algodones is in the Mexican state of Baja California. It is about 7 miles south of Yuma off Interstate 8. You will actually be in California when you take the exit to the border.

The border crossing into Algodones is in Anrade, CA. There is a large parking lot...$6 fee...where most people park and walk "over the border". No one checked for a passport like they did when we entered Canada. Just follow the crowd and "tah-dah", you are in another country! First thing I noticed were the pharmacies and doctors offices.

You will see and hear all sorts of people beckoning you to shop...some look very "south of the border" while others look like folks we see in any American town.

There are public restrooms...but you pay! Restaurants do provide facilities for patrons.

This was my first time in Mexico. I was not disappointed...I found Algodones to be colorful and fun!

The sidewalks were crowded and uneven...Carol and I laughed at the number of times we stumbled (and we hadn't even had a margarita yet).

I have no way of comparing the shopping at Algodones to any other Mexican town. Yard art was plentiful...

as were blankets, hats, silver bangles, knock-off purses and leather goods like belts.

The prices are in U.S. dollars. Nothing is marked so you have to ask! Bargaining is expected which I am not very good at.

We had lunch at El Paraiso, The Garden Place...

...an outdoor patio. We enjoyed our lunch and listened to live music.

A trip into Mexico would not be complete without a margarita. I have to add, this refreshing concoction was a bit more potent than margaritas served at Mexican restaurants in the states.