We spent a week prior to the Gypsy Journal Rally boondocking at the Quechan Casino in Yuma Arizona. It is within minutes (seven miles) of the border of Mexico and a small unusual town called Algodones. You park your car in a huge lot and actually walk across the border. It is so easy. Within four blocks there are hundreds of dentists, opticians, doctors, and pharmacies. Plus, lots of shops selling jewelry, leather goods, and some very delicious fish tacos and margaritas.
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| Crossing the border |
We watched people flock across the border and quickly disperse into the many pharmacies and medical clinics. Hawkers were everywhere wanting to sell you goods or refer you to a dentist. It was overwhelming at first and a sensory overload.
We crossed the border with J.C. and Bev and their friends Jo and Fred Wishnies who have also been full timing since 2005. We followed their blog and comments on the RV Dreams forum for several years and it was really great to meet them in person.
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| Market area |
Bargaining is expected when you shop for merchandise. Bev and I found some very nice silver bangle braclets and earrings. I also purchased a nice leather purse that has hand tooled inserts. Everyone speaks English and U.S. and Canadian dollars are accepted.
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| Dentist we used |
I was planning on replacing a cracked crown when we return to Indiana. Jo had a great experience with Castle Dental and recommended that I talk with them. We were all impressed with the office and Angelina answered all my questions. Bev and J.C. also had their teeth cleaned for $25 each.
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| Angelina, the friendly receptionist |
I ended up having two crowns replaced for $600 and was very pleased with the outcome. My dentist was professional and conscientious. It took two visits to complete and it was amazing how quickly they worked with short timeliness.
John and Bev had their eyeglasses and sunglasses replaced. This was also a place that Jo and Fred had used in the past. Everything was completed in two days and at about a third of the cost in the U.S. It is a good idea to obtain recommendations from others. Jo was a great resource and we sure appreciated all her advice.
You can also save on most prescriptions at the pharmacies. A perscription is not required but it is important to know your out of pocket costs and the generic and brand name of your medications. Over the counter medications such as ibuprophen and zantac are also very reasonable.
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| Where Bev had her glasses made |
We enjoyed our stay at the casino. Boondocking in the parking lot was free and the area was very clean and well maintained. The buffet restaurant was great and reasonably priced. J.C. taught us some strategies for black jack. We sat at the table together and I managed to hold onto my $40 stake for awhile. It was fun but I was a little nervous. J.C. and Bev did very well.
We then drove to the Yuma County Fairgrounds to attend the Gypsy Journal Rally. This is the first time we have attended but we have met Nick and Terry Russell several times in the past. They both presented at the first rally we attended (Life On Wheels) several years before we started full timing. They offer two rallies a year (Yuma and Celina Ohio).
Nick is a great writer and publishes the Gypsy Journal. It's a newspaper chronically their travels across the U.S. It is well written and he recently published a e-book with Amazon that is doing very well.
About 140 rigs attended and we have lots of fun over the five days of the event. We attended lots of seminars and most were presented by vendors. We especially found the solar presentations by Larry Crutcher of Starlight Solar to be very informative. Bev and I even learned how to knit and made these pretty suncatchers. There were seminars also on insurance, RV batteries, water filters, geocaching, and much more. There were four sessions a day with several options to choose from. I found the computer classes to also be very infomative and well presented.
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| John serving pizza |
Each evening door prizes were given away. In fact, all attendees won something. The grand prize was a SeaEagle kayak and a Kindle. We all volunteered to help out on pizza night. The entire crowd was served in five minutes and twenty seconds. Amazing!
One night there was an excellent entertainer that sang the best cowboy songs. We really thought he was terrific.
Right next to the fairgrounds is the Yuma Marine Corp Air Station . We all experienced a free air show each day watching these amazing planes take off and land. It could be very loud at times but Nick told us it was the sound of freedom.
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| Osprey |
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| Harrier |
We had a great time. The only tough part was saying goodbye to J.C. and Bev. They are heading to California to visit with family. John and I will start to meander towards Indianapolis to spend time with our family and friends. We will then travel to Watkins Glen New York where we will be workamping this summer at a KOA.
Bev took these great pictures of a sunrise one morning. We wish you safe travels J.C. and Bev. We so enjoyed traveling with you and hope our paths cross again soon.
