The Yuma Area

In each of the last five years, we have visited Yuma. And every time we do some of the same things; visit Mexico to pick up a bottle or two and see the dentist or get glasses, and go to the flea markets in town. In the past week, we have done those things, but we also decided to do something different.

Our visit to the Yuma Territorial Prison was a step back in time. This is the "high tech" way in which wagons, coming into the prison grounds, were checked... "Security" looked down and eyeballed each and every wagon and its contents.

Although it was prison, there was at least sunshine 350 days a year.



There were men and women housed in this facility for such crimes as adultery, and burglary, selling liquor to an Indian, and cheating at cards. (There were also a couple of murderers; one a gal who murdered her brother.) I was fascinated by the way they photographed each and every criminal - a mirror was used to ensure that they got a face shot and a profile.

An old time criminal...
Today's version...

And the days in Yuma passed, a little chilly - only in the 60's most days - and a little windy, so the sunsets were beautiful. This was the view from our campsite one night.

"And then there is that Wildlife Refuge just north of town a ways, let's go there one day." So it was that we set off to check it out one day this past week. Along the way, we passed a lettuce field that had recently been picked and since it is legal to "pick the leftovers", Mike harvested a couple of heads. Do you know that fresh lettuce has a wonderful fresh smell and it is juicy... and does it ever taste good. Everyone should taste lettuce right from the field sometime in life!

And next to the field is a tiny little chapel that was built by a farmer on his land to honor his wife who lost a battle to cancer. She never did get home to see it. It is one of those special places where you just have to stop a minute.




We finally did make it to the wildlife refuge; didn't see any wildlife, but did see some beautiful scenery along the Colorado River.








We hiked a couple of miles; it felt good!

Then we headed to a "ghost town" that was a real bust - evidently it was bought by an entrepreneur a few years back and he or she is trying to make some money off the old town. We did not pay $6 to go in and see rebuilt old buildings. Instead we went for a Jeep Ride - not too treacherous, but fun.

It has been a good stay in Yuma. Oh, I forgot to tell you about the church we went to last Sunday and will attend tomorrow. The Pastor runs a one man show... not only does he welcome people and preach, he plays the organ, sings and actually wrote several of the songs for "Baptism Sunday". His voice is not the best, and I have heard better sermons, but you gotta give it to this guy, he is motivated! The songs that he wrote had great music and meaningful words. I am anxious to find out more about him tomorrow.

Later...