Imperial Sand Dunes

border of AZ and CA

On our way out of Yuma we stocked up on groceries at a bent & dent, Green Trees, and fueled up with cheaper gas at Superfuels. Also hit the thrift stores again. We're thinking we really like this area of economical long term camping, frugal food & clothing, friendly folks, and beautiful weather! (However it was getting a bit toasty by the end of March.) 

Eventually we made it out of town a little ways, into California, to Imperial Sand Dunes. These are much larger than the White Sands dunes we enjoyed so much in New Mexico.

snapshot from the motor home

small issue trying to turn around in sand

phew, the get away tracks

We hadn't gotten a permit for the recreational area, so we drove to another exit at the edge of the dunes and let the children play.

Not too long after we arrived, another RV stopped. This was a family not out for leisure, but booking it through to visit family in south Texas. They had actually just crossed the border into the U.S. at Mexicali/Calexico as they are missionaries in Ensenada, Baja California. A tire had blown, so they exited quickly. Shannon loaned his tools and assisted in the tire change. I was with the girls enjoying this huge sandbox.

wind & sand...ouch to the eyes!

Caroline captured several beetles and made a daisy chain with white desert sand flowers. It's nice to hit these country spots occasionally where the children can freely pick and dissect to their hearts content without damaging government protected property. Because children are little explorers-adventurers-scientists, continually curious, and that's the best time to learn!

beetle bottle & flower chain

Last Day in Yuma

We showered, dumped, filled up with water, and left Senators Wash. Entered Yuma Proving Ground Base to see the Heritage Center Museum where supposedly they had a Holocaust exhibit. The director was sick, so it was closed, but we did investigate the massive piece of machinery on display outside.... Land Train.

a little perspective on size

Passed by the itty bitty church again, then stopped at From the Farm, which was open today!

another perspective on size 

Loving these fresh dollar deals!

We settled in at a new BLM camping spot, behind a VFW. There was an elaborate paintball course back in the woods. What a huge fun mess! Layers & layers of scum build-up on barrels, couches, plywood, pallets, straw bales, carpet. Riley enjoyed blasting the little unused balls against tree trunks. The girls liked collecting and sorting the pretty bright colors!

Concluded the day with a delicious meal at Gerald & Linda's (plus showers, laundry, clothes, coloring books, and fixin's for s'mores). They were winding down their winter in Yuma, getting ready to summer in Oregon. Very helpful with tips, advice, and services.

Exceeding abundantly blessed.

Palm Sunday

Sunday March 24 found us attending church at The Christian Service Center near Imperial Dam. We had driven past it on an afternoon drive and thought it looked basic, yet inviting. Indeed we were warmly welcomed by the older generation gathering there. There were several special music selections and even a solo spiritual! The preacher expounded on Palm Sunday with a lot of biblical cultural insight. A blend of snowbirds, locals, and regulars, the people were very friendly to us and especially the children. In fact, the preacher even took us out to a waterside restaurant for lunch at Martinez Lake. For our large-ish family, what a tremendous blessing!

delighted with a rare yummy treat

food & fellowship

After eating, we watched the two step and line dancing going on inside. Some couples really added flair with turns and twirls and fancy stepping! We parted ways with our generous friends company, going several different directions. We checked out the small recreational area of Martinez Lake, then drove N on 95 to find an old gold mine they mentioned. We ventured out on a longer and bumpier ride than anticipated, and after 7 miles of gravel road, finally reached Castle Dome. Wandered around finding all kinds of shaft vents in the ground. On our way out we drove through the museum where the overseer gave us a brochure as he was shutting the gate behind us. Turns out it was a silver mine, not gold. Still a very interesting expedition, especially to Shannon!

Picking flowers...

....and kicking flowers!

These cute little cholla balls were too tempting not to take a foot swing at. Unfortunately they have very long spines that became stubbornly stuck, eventually only coming free with Shannon's handy pliers!

Castle Dome behind a blooming ocatillo

On the ride back we saw wild horses grazing along the roadside. Riley was anxious to take another boat ride on our camping neighbor's boat, and I got to enjoy a sunset glide!

running the motor

manning the oar

 Truly an adventurous day of rest!

Afternoon Drive

Saturday, March 23, we piled in the van to explore some other Bureau of Land Management areas to possibly move the motor home to. Driving north along the Colorado River we came to Imperial Dam.

Senators Wash

Squaw Lake

We circled around by the U.S. Army Yuma Proving Ground, where the military tests various equipment. 

entrance to the base area

retired military tanks

On down the road there was a quaint little itty bitty church house beside a lush green field. Our family filled about 30% of its capacity! Caroline started singing Amazing Grace and we all chimed in. 

Then we came upon a produce stand/restaurant From the Farm. It was closed for a private party, but we snapped a couple pictures of some of their growing fields.

Enjoyed another campfire evening. This time telling childhood stories and building our own big tale, each person adding their creative section. 2 little girls got carried inside, after falling asleep watching the flickering fire.

Ahhh, relaxing, interacting, precious family time!