[A/S] Yuma / Algodones

["Terry Tyler" <tylerbears@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Hey Guy (Bill Scott),

Long time no hear from you. Thanks for the encouragement. This reply is being sent to both you and
Airstreamlist@egroups.com. I need to limit my postings on the VACList@airstream.net to topics about
restoration and repair of Vintage Airstreams. I'm sensing that I haven't always done that. 

In reply to your note (see below), we've been in the southwest for several months exploring
California and Arizona. Today (12/05/00 Tuesday), we're in Arizona on BLM land that has
affectionately been dubbed "Gilligan's Island." It's near the Laguna Dam off Avenue 7E. There are
several "clumps" of BLM land around here (past Yuma Lakes RV Resort), but one in particular caught
our eye. It's a small island surrounded by water on two sides and third side only when there's a
flash flood. We decided not to park in the flash flood area on general principle, not that there's
any likelihood of flooding this time of year.

Anyhow -- on Gilligan's Island, there's room for 6-10 RVs. The spit of land is high above the
surrounding sand hills and subject to cool breezes on hot days (today's temp is in the 80s). Our
site is beside sagebrush (what else?) and there are no other RVs in sight on that side. On the other
side of us is a 5th wheel (100' from us) and more sagebrush beyond him. The parking spot we're on is
a very large area for two rigs (but only two spots level enough for an RV). Both of us have fire
rings (need your own wood - none here in the desert) and that's the extent of facilities. When I put
out the satellite dish, there were no trees in the way and the signal came in at 98% (a first). Our
1500 watt inverter is more than sufficient for the demands we make on it and constant blue skies
keep the solar panels delivering amps like there was no tomorrow. 

On the road to Algodones (near Winterhaven, CA) in the state of Baja California North, Mexico (on
Route 186), the "Quechan Indian Tribe Reservation" operates the Sleepy Hollow RV Park (within
walking distance of shopping in Mexico). They rent RV sites for prices that defy our novice logic. A
site with WES is $25 a day and a boondocking site is $15 a day. But, an Indian fishing license on
the canal (1/2 mile away) is $30 a month and it's okay to boondock with your RV on the canal while
fishing, or we could have paid $60 and boondocked on the canal until June 2001. Go figure. 

Plus, like most boondocking areas, there are self appointed "Mayors" who voluntarily make sure
everyone knows the "community rules." This is good in that someone is always keeping track of what
each new arrival is doing (like a nosey neighbor at home). Safety and security are well covered.
Boondocking has a few little known perks.   

On a related topic, anyone wanting to buy solar panels and have them installed, can buy them on the
Reservation. A gringo businessman brings in a supply each Winter. He has a roadside display on the
Reservation and has at least a dozen different panels. He will install them right there (while you
boondock in the field behind his display). There's no sales tax. On several occasions when we've
driven past his display, there have been at least a dozen RVers having panels installed. I talked to
the panel guy and he guarantees the best price in the country (what else would he say?). 

Every morning, there is a constant parade of US citizens driving to the border crossing parking lot
at Algodones, pay $3 to park all day, walk across the border into Mexico, buy new glasses (same day
pick up) or have dental work done at prices which are 25% of what the work would cost in USA. The
parking lot can accommodate about 1,000 cars and more macadam with white stripes is being laid to
keep up with the demand. 

While in Mexico, spontaneous conversations among other RVers are commonplace. In a dental office,
it's even easier. The amount of information shared can be overwhelming, especially when RVers begin
telling success stories about dental work they first had done 10 and 15 years ago in this small
Mexican town. Being newbies by comparison, we listened in. 

Another observation is the large number of RVers on day trips from southern California who come to
do their Christmas shopping. At first, we wondered, "Where are the good deals?" That was quickly
answered while sitting in the dentist's waiting room with other RVers. It has been like old home
week with enthusiastic conversations about which street vendor has the best deals, what new products
are available, where the best food is served for lunch, which Mexican businessman is most
accommodating, which kids are most likely to give the best shoe shine, how the prices vary from
street to street, and on and on. The instant camaraderie among buyers and the extensive chit chat
about local shops and businesses is like none other we've ever experienced at a dentist's office
back home.

Happy Holidays,

Terry

PS - Later this week, we'll be courtesy parking with a family in the Foothills of Yuma. This area
has the most friendly RV zoning rules we've ever seen. Plus, there are more RVs being sold at give
away prices than we ever imagined. It isn't even March when demand will drop dramatically. 

This great country of ours is truly the land of opportunity. Disadvantage to buying an RV from a
private party here is "cash on the barrel head," "warranty as is" and "tow it away the same day you
buy it." Advantage goes to the restorer who knows what he/she is doing. They can come here, buy here
and leave here with an unusually good deal. 

There is an RV for sale on nearly every block and there are hundreds of blocks in this booming area
of new homes being sold every day. A common occurrence for most families is to move everything out
of their RV and into their home, then put a "for sale" sign on the RV in their driveway. The supply
of used RVs for sale - far outstrips the demand.  

The variety of RVs being sold at the "RV Flea Market area" ($20 a week to rent a parking place at a
busy intersection where you show your RV to potential customers) changes daily. Today (Wednesday
12/06/00), I looked at a 34' Airstream, a 35' Avion and a 30' Silver Streak. All appeared in
excellent shape, as though the family had just moved out of them. I saw a 35' Avion being towed away
by a happy buyer. Tomorrow, the selection may be totally different. It's a fast moving, volatile
market and not for the timid at heart. Let the buyer beware. I made an offer on the A/S.