BLM CAMPING

AJO

AJO A HIDDEN GEM IN THE SONORAN DESERT

We have driven thru Ajo several times on our adventures, fueled up etc. but never spent any time actually exploring. This trip we had a few extra days to finally stop and see what Ajo is all about. In early history Ajo was a meeting place of several cultures, Native Americans, the Spanish and the Europeans all met here for trading. Later, Ajo opened up to ranching and mining. A 6.8 mile scenic drive of spectacular desert views, vegetation, cactus and wildlife. Also home for many opportunities for dispersed camping. A map and information can be obtained at the AJO Chamber of Commerce visitor’s center located in the historic AJO Plaza. While visiting the plaza be sure to stop by Oasis coffee for a delicious cup of coffee and pastries. A library is also located on the south side of the plaza. Oh and do not forget the farmers market every Saturday at 9 am, supposed to have the best burritos. There is an IGA Market and Ace hardware in the same building ,Gas and propane and a few restaurants with sporadic hours.

We camped about 4 miles from town on Darby Wells RD and found many spaces available. Some are secluded and some with great desert views which we opted for. The site was fairly serene and peaceful except for the occasional vehicles coming down the 30 mph road which the biggest speed violator was the border patrol. As with any visitation to the lower border areas use caution to strangers. We felt secure at our site with about 7 other campers nearby. We travelled down the scenic highway and ended up by the mine museum and some historic buildings. There is a lot of Spanish influenced architecture in AJO . Our friends from Quartzsite View/Navion Rally Marshall and Mel met up with us at our site and made our trip even more adventurous with our new friends to share it with. The people and merchants in AJO are very welcoming and friendly. A lot of snowbirds park here for the winter.

We will see you next at Organ Pipe National Monument. Happy Trails, Cheers from Jeff and Liz.

STEHEKIN WASHINGTON CAMPING IN OUR BOAT

What if you had an idea to camp in your 19 foot boat, drive 55 miles on Lake Chelan to reach your destination of Stehekin. Only way to get to Stehekin is by a Ferry, your personal boat or I guess swim. A very isolated but magical location well worth the journey.

Stehekin is located at the head of Lake Chelan, there are no roads connecting this tiny community of 75 permanent residents. A fifty mile scenic journey in which you can reach Stehekin only by foot, horseback, your own boat or by passenger ferry boat. We opted to use our own 19 foot boat and boated the fifty miles exploring the shoreline as we traveled. The panorama of stark steep mountains took your breath away. The beauty of this country left us speechless. It actually only took less than 3 hrs to reach our destination and well worth it. A fee of $5.00 a day to dock your boat was a good deal as we were also camping on our boat. Cheap Digs with a view to remember. Fortunately we brought our Blix foldable electric bikes to explore with. Bikes are available to rent or you can bring your own highly recommend for exploring.

First Stop :

The Stehekin Pastry Company and log cabins are located two miles up the Stehekin Valley Road from the boat landing where the Ferries let off passengers. The bakery was built in 1989 and has a homey rustic feel besides the aroma of home baked goods and killer coffee and espresso. Delicious Cinnamon rolls the size of a small dinner plate for $2.25, pastries, cookies, ice cream, I could go on and on. The selections are varied depending on the day you visit, we visited everyday for 6 days, need I say more. The bakery is very considerate of those with special dietary concerns ( low carb and gluten free) are also very delicious. Their from scratch soups, sandwiches and quiches are also delicious with people coming from a far just for the goodness. As we headed back towards the boat dock one more stop a mere mile from the bakery was mandatory. Karl’s Garden!!!

Second stop:

Another hidden gem called THE GARDEN. Owned and fully operated by KARL a BAREFOOTED ORGANIC GARDENER.

Karl is amazing with a fairyland entryway into his garden lined by gorgeous flowers as big as your hand. You immediately feel transformed to another land with the aromas of flowers, goats he raises for yogurt and cheese, to the bees buzzing everywhere which help with his honey harvest. OK lets start with the goats: He raises them for making the most incredible creamy Chevre cheese (plain or herbed) or homemade yogurt flavored with his incredible honey he harvests on site. He uses the goat poop to fertilize his gardens which appears to be on steroids. Everything is on steroids I think even the bees were bigger . His garden is seasonal with homemade cosmetics, holistic medicine to some of his own bakery goods. A bit about Karl, he owned a Organic bakery called the honey hole located in Wenatchee years ago. Get him talking and you can learn some fascinating garden and baking tips. We left with our bike bags overflowing with giant beets, kale, fresh honey, chevre and fresh made goat yogurt. I myself was in organic heaven, Jeff wasn’t to far behind..

Stay Tuned for part Two of our Stehekin Adventures CHEERS FROM JUST AROUND THE BEND

NOTE: We visited Stehekin in early August 2019 beautiful time of year for perfect weather.

ALABAMA HILLS CALIFORNIA

THE ALABAMA HILLS

This destination has been on our bucket list for some time, now that we have arrived it is has been well worth the very scenic drive. Alabama Hills is BLM land, with wide open spaces and very large rock formations that look like they could come alive at any minute. Over 400 motion pictures, TV shows and commercials have been filmed here. Ironically as you enter the area, the roadways name is movie road. You can obtain a detailed map at the Eastern Sierra Mountain Visitors Center.

There is a selected few dry camping spots as the BLM is re thinking the usage of the area and in the future may eliminate the free camping. This is due to heavy usage and the destruction of the plants and land. There is two designated camping sites with fees and not much amenities.

Located in the city of Lone Pine, The Museum of Western Film History is worth a stop. For a $5.00 donation the museum includes a history documentary on the film history of the Alabama hills and over 40 on going exhibits containing memorabilia and information about westerns from the earliest days of the silent screen to some of the latest. The staff also offer tours of the Alabama Hills showing you special film locations.

Next stop 15 miles up the roadway is a Internment Camp Museum called MANZANAR. Extremely well presented with actual buildings you can tour and artifacts that humble you. This is a national historic site. Give yourself at least two hours for touring the museum and camp. There is also a drive around the perimeter of the camp with stops along the way. A must see.