THAI AND MEX IN ONE DAY.

It was a long slog from Murphys to the Sacramento Airport to fly to Yuma. I got stalled in commuter traffic and worried that I'd make my flight in time even though I allowed an extra hour. Something new called Pre-security where I didn't have to take off my shoes, or put anything out in trays?  Fast and easy, I liked it. And, Finally able to relax, I had just enough time to enjoy a big bowl of Thai chicken soup for my breakfast. It was very good; plentiful and full of chicken.


My flight was so full on both legs, they were removing carry-on bags and putting them in checked baggage. Three flights leaving at one gate within minutes of each other made for crowded conditions and a few snafus. An older man and his wife asked us to vacate our seats. They had the same number as myself and my seat mate. It turned out they were on the wrong plane. But, I arrived in Yuma, met Jim and we headed for a Mexican restaurant.


As we crossed the bridge over the Southern Crossing of the Colorado River, I was reminded of our previous stay in Yuma in 2008 and my conversation with my seat mate on the plane. A young business woman, she asked me what there is to see and do in Yuma? I told her about the historically important southern crossing, the Yuma territorial prison, the vast green fields of produce grown here and watered by canals. Growers ship 20,000 container trucks of produce all over the United States from here during the winter months by train. Up to a hundred containers a day stacked two high leave Yuma.  With a brown winter in Murphys, I'm hungry for that green. Today, I want to drive by green fields.


At La Fonda, I enjoyed a wonderful tasting tortilla soup.


Jim had a sumptuous chicken tostada.  Ahhh! Mex and Thai in the same day. Sweet!


We are boondocking at the Quechen Casino. There are probably 100 rigs in the parking lot. Jim laughed at my surprise and told me that last week there were about 12 rigs parked here.


On our evening walk, we found one rig that looked like a derelict from the Slabs, where we will visit soon. I love the Slabs. Can't wait to see the changes from 2008.

TSUNAMI WARNINGS, SEASIDE, LEWIS AND CLARK

(The first photo shows the Lewis and Clark company salt burner)

Touristy beach towns have satisfying similarities, in some ways. Besides the smell of the seaweed, and salt ocean, walking the short streets brought layers of odors. Salt water taffy, mingled with caramel corn. Then a hint of hot sweet coffee and the powerful odor of burgers and french fries. At one point it was batter fried fish of some sort next to burned cotton candy and maple syrup. A waft of chocolate and peanuts. An ice cream store on every street corner. Yum!
Thai, Greek, Italian, Mexican food...the smells were tumbling out of the store fronts between windows of gifts featuring kitschy souvenirs, quality paintings, glass works, incredibly talented hand crafts, jewelry and the inevitable T-Shirt, baggy shorts, and flip flop boutiques. Throw in a skate board, boogie board, tattoo and swim wear shop and you have it all. Summer heaven for kids. Not many have tsunami warnings.
Weather was coolish, and the tourists aren't yet swarming, but, those that were about town were enjoying it as much as I enjoyed people watching.

We stopped to see the End of the Trail. This beach is the western terminus of the Lewis and Clark expedition. They spent time making salt and their salt burner still stands preserved. A statue marks the site. Brass medallions decorated a bridge over an un-named river pouring into the ocean, commemorated their feats, as well.
The town itself has those quaint salt box houses dripping with giant blooming rhododendrons everywhere. one had lobster shutters. Another we saw had buoys hanging from the garage eaves. Its a fun place to visit cold or hot.

Not every beach town has a carousel. They are becoming scarce, but, here sits a beauty with wonderfully imaginative animals to ride. Around town, inside a building, no less, was bumper cars, a tilt-a-whirl and kiddie rides plus several arcades with flash-ball and other wonderfully absorbing games designed to separate every healthy teenager from his change.
A 1/2 dozen places rented bicycles, and quadcycles built for four. Some bicycles built for two, adjacent style, hold baskets for a couple of kids. A smiley faced electric vehicle screams RENT ME!!


For more pictures of Seaside and Lewis and Clark stuff, click on the web link below for a quick slideshow.

http://picasaweb.google.com/1579penn/SeasideOR#