Ajo, AZ, What's It Like? Thinking Of RVing and Camping There?
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- čas přidán 25. 02. 2021
- We spent some time near Ajo, AZ this last January and really liked the town and the surrounding area. We found friendly people, beautiful scenery, places to camp and boondock and all the necessary supplies nearby in this quaint little town. Nearby is the Organ Pipe National Monument, lots of trails for ATVs and motorcycles and plenty of valleys and hills to explore on foot if you prefer.
Videoed in January of 2021.
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Getting out on the road is what Linda and I love to do with our converted cargo trailer camper. We're part time nomads and the nomadic lifestyle suits us to a Tee. Whether your RV is a camper van, camp trailer, travel trailer, motorhome or just a car and a tent, there's going to be something interesting for you in the videos we produce. Back roads and overlanding are part of what we do while exploring the western states for beautiful, peaceful and sometimes remote places to camp on BLM and National Forest land (public land). Taking care of ourselves as much as possible and doing our own repairs is a must because we travel on a fixed income and a limited budget. If your into being off-grid and boondocking whenever possible then you'll appreciate the discussions on batteries, solar panels and solar chargers or power stations. Come on along, we're happy to have your company!
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Copper open pit. When the company shutdown the mine operations the entire town went down with it. Now it seems to be trying as place for artists. The huge old school you drove by is converted into artists apts. Every Saturday morning in season there are arts/crafts vendors selling their creations in the plaza.
Thanks for stopping by my camp and it was great meeting you and Linda. Greg
Heading back that way soon. Hope to see you again Greg.
The hiking out there is awesome and the visibility of stars at night is amazing.
You're so right about the stars, I have a hard time going inside at night.
I lived there for the first 14 years of my life.I had many great memories.l miss Ajo
"Slept ok, and I woke up, so I'm good to go!" ❤👏🏼👍🏼
Gonna put that on a shirt lol
The mining company in Ajo was Phelps Dodge Company and Ajo was where all it's workers lived. The "company store," which is now closed, would supply just about everything they need and, I was told, would let them charge purchases against their future paychecks. It looks very much like I remember it even though I haven't been back there since I camped in Why in '78 and '79. If I were to ever get to go our West again, I would be heading there for sure. There's nothing like the Sonoran desert for peaceful and quiet times.
I have to agree Rose and we love the Sonoran desert also.
Thank you for showing me the beauty of the desert in that area and another great video.
My great-grandfather was diagnosed with TB and moved his small family from Illinois to Ajo circa 1914 and opened up a barbershop in Roewood. Ajo, Spanish for garlic, was 3 distinct communities then: Roewood, ‘Mexican town’, and ‘Indian town’. My Anglo mother grew up speaking Spanish with her Mexican friends.
It's an interesting area and we met some nice locals there too.
Beautiful
I like camping away for every one else just like you . Thank you.
Thank you. My daughter is an elementary school teacher in Ajo. Prior to that, she worked as an Electronic Engineer at SILICON Graphics. What a change. I like it there.
We like it too and are looking forward to visiting again.
I love the woods cause I was raised in the rural country of Michigan. A few nights ago a bear came wondering into our central Michigan yard. Our trash was empty so he batted around our trash can. The he ambled behind our car and started coming up to our house, down a path between our flower gardens and stopped 8 feet right in front of my large bedroom window! I watched him from the safety of my bedroom where he had to stop by the wattle fence and decide which way to go, right or left. So, beautiful to watch and yet so close! I love living here in rural Harrison, Michigan. That is what I like to do. I love to hike through the woods here in the National Forests as you are never more than 5 miles from ANY body of water. You'll have to visit rural upstate Michigan in our lower and upper peninsula of Michigan. Come visit! See Big Spring (Kitch-iti-kipi) and tahquamenon-falls-state-park! Beautiful in the spring. I like trees and you'll see a lot of logging trucks here.
We've been eyeballing the map out your way and may come visit.
Oops hit the wrong button. The Ocotillo in bloom is really eye catching. When transplanted to CA I explored the CA desert and fell for all the beauty. Now living in North.AZ its the high desert, just as beautiful. Glad you are enjoying this wonder of nature and thank you for sharing. This is a way COOL state.
We plan on being back down there for the bloom.
Look what doesn't belong! I will keep it in mind, Rick. Thanks.
It takes practice, but it's fun to try.
Ya mean those three amigos
running away 🤪
Has Linda read racing in the rain? It about a dog and his perspective on life. Very touching
She hasn't, but she'll be looking for it now. Thanks Bob.
Linda, I couldn’t finish that book- cried too much. Additionally, when I was listening to The Art of Racing in the Rain, I was riding my mountain bike on a beautiful day with tears pouring from my eyes and snot from my nose, ugh, dog books always get me...
Hi Oscar Mike....I cried too but toughed it out to the end. Maybe I won't read The Art of Racing in the Rain....or will read it at home.
@@gonagain good read is Colors of the Mountain. By the way- sent Rick an email a few hours ago- James
Great review. Tons of info and beauty. This is on my list.
The two of you do a great job of communicating with your viewers. I love watching your videos. You are very respectful of the environment and your interaction with each other. Your info on the areas is excellent and it is refreshing to see many places in which I would like to visit. Stay safe and look forward to watching all your future videos.
Thank you very much! Have you checked out our older videos as well?
@@gonagain I’m going through them , a couple a day😁
Beautiful sunset! Thanks for letting me tag along guys!❤👣🤙
Any time Kristi!
You and the little lady always seem to find the prettiest and most interesting places to explore. Scenery is great
There is a campground called Coyote Howls in and near Why that is an interesting location. for $635.00 a year you can have your own "permanent" RV site. I know it's not your style but for someone who is houseless it could be pretty useful.
Thanks for the info. We think all the time about having a home base down there somewhere. It's all far from Montana!
I saw that too. Amazingly cheap year round cost. Cheaper than I can store my rig here in Albuquerque. Found an even cheaper one down down of Tucson. But haven't seen it.
@@borandell9915 what is it,s name and location
@@richard4743 It's called Caballo Loco Ranch. You can see a video that Bob Wells did on it called "Very Inexpensive Year Around Camping Near Tucson"
@@richard4743 I was wrong on the price, but still pretty inexpensive given the amenities.
Rick and Linda, I am enjoying your past trip to Ajo. I appreciate this video. Stay warm and spring is here , finally.
We're now back in Montana waiting for it to warm up.
Ajo one of my favourite little AZ towns
Another award winning review Rick, the desert has a beauty all its own.....
Hello and good day Gonagain We Finally got some warm weather here in Georgia hit 80 yesterday. A friend of mine watched your video with me yesterday while I was waiting for my wife to get off work I was watching it on my phone that's why I didn't comment then anyway he said why do people go to the Desert I told him that it's a Beautiful place as he was watching and saw the view he said it does look nice. I just can't believe that some have never seen it of that they believe it's nothing but sand. Any way we are glad that you all are enjoying yourself. Thank you so much for sharing take care stay safe and we hope your tomorrow is better than your today was.
Hi Den, at first we just went there to get warm, but it kinda grew on us and now we love it. Linda doesn't like being camped in a damp forest anymore, but we still do that too.
We are in Caballo Loco Ranch. Near Aho. It is 11 miles down 286. Then turn left on a dirt road and go 7 miles. They have about 10 camp sites. $100 a month for 12 months. You get your camp site and they have propane water a dump station and showers.
thanks so much for taking us along ,via youtube
Thank you for coming along!
Thank you for showing us such beautiful light in the desert in the morning. Sign of a true artist to create before a cuppa coffee. Right now I’m working on a travel trailer over the winter 16 foot 1981 it’s ready to go I just don’t have a vehicle to pull it with yet. I live in Kent we are in the same age club I also enjoy your smooth Narration.Peace and kindness from a big fan.
Thanks Frank, I hope you find a dependable tow rig and get out on the road soon.
That is a beautiful town. Thanks for sharing.
I never spent much time in Ajo, but I started high school in the early 60's in Gila Bend.
I'm thinking Gila Bend isn't much larger now than it was then. Thanks for watching, Dale!
Great video. Thanks. I miss Arizona.
Last time I was there we left when I was around 11. I'm going on 70 now. Keep the videos coming...
Well come on back to arizona we love to have u.
Thanks, will do!
You're absolutely right Rick,
I've hunted big and small game, and hunters look for things that are "out of place". That skill also helps when I'm walking around the campground picking up micro trash. :)
Great video, thanks for sharing.
JT & Ole What's Her Name.....
Hey, a hunt is a hunt!
Hey guys..I just drove thru Ajo twice. After watching the video I'll definitely go back..take the Ebike out and explore. I really like the Darby Wells Rd area..for sure will camp out there again !
Beautiful place the desert is, Spring is I think the best time. The Ocotillo in bloom is
It really is!
Tanks for, sharing this beautiful place with us. Wish I could be there now 😊
We had a tarantula visitor at Gunsite! But I don't remember the dust being any different from all the other dusty roads we love to camp on. It's taking a toll on our little generator which is mounted under the RV. I need to learn how to turn our tire air compressor into a blower for all the dust! My latest read said the population of Ajo is declining.
Glad I didn't see a tarantula! They are kinda cool, tho....
Just the beauty......t
I enjoyed your video , sweet people ❤ nice native music and speaking pace was true . Alliance of 3 nations Ajo Arizona , native , Mexican and gringos 😊❤❤❤
Thank you!
Looks like a great place to spend a month in February.
I hope I can get there this coming February!
The solitude of open desert clears the mind, and centers the soul.
Ah yes!
Beautiful. Peace
Thank you for the great views and tour of Ajo. Heading there in a few days. Glad to see the area before going. 😃😁
We like Ajo. It's been a little chilly this year, but it's getting nicer.
Yes you are right it’s one of the most beautiful towns in Arizona . If you get tired of every day life Arizona is the cure . 🌵🌵 Thank you for sharing your life with us . We can’t wait for the next episode .
Another interesting episode! You mentioned hunting in Hawaii. During WWII when my day was transferred to a Combat Military Police company, he trained with Honolulu PD for some duties. One leave he and friends went to one of the islands on a small Navy boat to hunt goats. I guess feral. He said he shot one with his Garand from one hill top to another, 800 or so yards, “the luckiest shot I ever made” is what he said. He mentioned Molokai during our conversations but I can’t remember if that was it. Thanks for another good one!
And you can still hunt goats there to this day! Nice shot your dad made.
That Ajo Pie pizza was broke da mout kine grinds! Enjoyed saying hi to you! We're loving our time on Darby Well Rd.
Yes, it was ono! We had the rest of our pizza for lunch today.. Next time you see us, come over and talk story! (We're on Bates Well Rd)
Really enjoyed travelogue, nice to see towns as well as off road. Thanks
Our pleasure!
Thanks for sharing !
Beautiful well put together video you capture the beauty of the land so well and the Town tour was spot-on totally enjoyed it. I want to go visit someday and you to crack me up you're such a joy to watch... just how a couple should treat each other ❤ love your videos👍👍
Thanks Teresa. For an out-of -the-way place it's very nice there.
Thanks for the Ajo tour. Not boring at all
Thanks Kim.
Great job good job fun times
Looks like a desert oasis. Would like to see it one day.
Please tell Linda , I had the chance to fly over Molokai once. I wish I could have landed, it looked so peaceful. Stay safe .
Headed there.. the dust, its everywhere..
Watch out for Killer Bees.🐝
You're right about those bees and we've gotten out of areas where they seem to be.
Linda wanted to know what we do for entertainment, we watch your videos lol! thanks for another great one, beautiful absolutely beautiful. I will visit soon 😊
Thanks Robin!
I love the scenery! Can’t wait for the border to open up again.
And I just heard today that the Canadian border is going to remain closed! I'm so disappointed.
@@gonagain I know, Trudeau’s government is very unpopular and they are doing scary stuff with people who dares to travel.
@@Jixton Things look the same kind of scary here too.
Great travel video for Ajo! Thanks for showing us around. I hope to visit that area one of these days. Jim
Thank you for your comment Jim, I hope you make it down there to enjoy the peace and warmth.
We sure enjoy your adventures. We loved the Organ Pipe campground and took visits to Rocky Point from there. Good times in AZ 2004-2013. Come up in early summer to Lava Caves in Klamath Falls area!
That's a good idea.
I really like the places you go. You go that extra mile and you get what you want sometimes. I had a friend that would search for old camping spots from travelers on trails and old roads and he would think where would I hide my valuables while I camp tonight and lot of them got attacked during the night and they never retrieved there stash. He found a old leather bag stuck between rocks that had five twenty dollar gold pieces in it. No telling how long they had been hidden there. Good video, I bet Linda was a good hunter. Take care
Now that is an interesting way to look at the remote places! It's like the old river crossings where they would stash their valuables in case they got swamped while trying to cross.
Thanks for sharing your adventure.
Thanks for watching Marra!
So back in the late 60s and 70s Ajo was a thriving little town when the copper mine was still open my dad and I used to go fishing out of Puerto Penasco Mexico four or five times a year we would pass through Ajo. Ajo had a Dairy Queen back then and we always stopped and got ice cream. We were in line to get our ice cream and a retired couple came in wearing Nebraska cornhusker sweatshirts they kindly asked me how do you say the name of this place and my dad said DAIRY QUEEN And then apologized after everybody started laughing and told them AHO. 👊👍😎
Thanks for a great laugh! We got a kick out of that.
Wow you guys do a great job! Love all your videos. This one means alot to me I live near San Diego.
Another great video
👍👍
Good stuff! Never been to that area of Az. But I will now!
We watch your videos and wish we were there.
A little farther South there is an RV park named Coyote Howls I believe. They have primitive and developed sites. Pretty cheap if you need a year round home base.
Thanks for the tip Danny, we do like the area.
I really enjoyed your video. My wife and I are headed that way next week. I hope we find as nice and much fun as the two of you did.
Do it in a relaxed manner, just take your time and look for the out of the way spots and you'll love it. Thank you for watching.
Good one guys. Keep them coming
My wife and I also love that area . We also prefer to camp away from others
Great video
Thanks.
Great channel me and the wife love to go out and adventure 👍👍 thanks for sharing the adventure
Thanks for watching!
Morning flying in the desert is the best.
Good stuff,,, You & linda, be well out there!
The desert has always seemed sorta creepy to this FL girl, but the sling-shot cactus was awesome.
Enjoyed the tour!
The dessert can be a beautiful place. I have lived in AZ most of my life and the older I get the more I appreciate it! Maybe it’s an acquired taste.
@@KRT045 I think you may be right!
We originally started going there to escape the Montana winters, but found that we really like it.
You should see it in the spring. Im from NY then Cali now in AZ. The desert is absolutely gorgeous (not in August though)
love all your videos.
Thanks so much!
That really is a lovely spot! 🌵Added it to my list. 👍
Nice video thank you
Great work, keep it up!
Great video, and that’s a great book too. If I recall I read it on a trip also.
Your tour of the area is so interesting and u r a great tour guide. I would love to visit this area. Thank u
Thank you for watching April.
Shush 🤫 you’re almost in my backyard make sure everybody cleans up after themselves packet in packet out. 👊👍😎
Yes, we want to keep this special place of beauty, beautiful!
pack it in, pack it out. packet is like a sugar packet.
@@badgerpa9 yeah got a D in English all through high school and college but I still seem to be able to make well over six figures a year thanks for the heads up. 😱👊👍😎
Will do
@@marketshare5273 the best mechanics often failed spelling, no harm meant.
Luv you're travels , you guys are the real thing , forestry forest , you guys are real campers with real adventures and are not wall Mart campers , you really get out there . Plus between you and forestry forest and you wonderful folks, i get a nice multiage review of adventure camping. I only watch the real folks with INTEGRITY and true footage. Luv you so much , you are the best....
Thank you, Joyce, we really appreciate those kind words.
Definitely a place to check out, thanks!
You bet!
Thank you for the info on Ajo. Nice to know that there’s less wind too. Wishing you and Linda many happy travels!
Thank you! You too!
Nice desert tour. Thanks
Glad you enjoyed it
I visited Arizona for the first time last year and I fell in love with it. It’s on my bucket list to boon dock in the desert. We have always stayed in State Parks, never on BLM land. You always find the best places.
Try some boondocking out there and I think you guys will love it. I have been informed though, that an occasional stay at a state park may make longer trips more enjoyable... Linda said that we need to regroup once in awhile. This last trip we were gone a month and didn't spend one dime on camp fees, even though that's not what we intended.
Another excellent video. We were only through there once in the early 1980's on our way to Rocky Point/Puerto Penasco. Where we camped on the beach for week (in tents). It was a much different world town there then. Thanks again.
Thank you for the tour, did a great job!! Loved the little town square and shops.. someday I will get to go places like that..stay safe
O hope so Sharon and maybe we'll see you out there.
All the times I've been to deserts I was hunting. North America - Javelina, bear, deer, elk, antelope. Africa - eland, gemsbok, springbok, hartebeest, steenbok, and others. And, you are right about looking for game. Look for pieces. An eye, ear, slight movement, horizontal line. Things that are different. After a while it becomes automatic. I was much better at it when I was younger. Of course, 20/10 vision didn't hurt me.
I saw a circle once in some bushes and it turned out to be a ram's horn. And me without a tag!
Darn. I do miss your reloading and shooting vids.
@@jimv.661 And I miss making them! Now, even if I didn't mind doing them without compensation, I just don't have the time.
Thanks for sharing this video, looks real nice area .
It is!
Just camped there a few weeks ago. First time there, loved it!
Wish we were there now.
Im ready to go back. @@gonagain
Ha! The cactus got me. Linda eyeing up dat buggah!
She likes all the cactus and I'm fortunate that it won't grow in Montana...
Love your work, great job as always. Just about have my DIY camper completed, may be a little big though as the box is 6x12. I will definitely have Ajo on my list as I want to visit Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument.
Gosh! I like you guys. I believe soon I'll be heading out onto the road. The East coast has worn out its welcome for me. Got to wait it out a few more months however...I'm chomping at the bit!
You’ve a good 👁 for framing shots. Thanks for showing that mining claim pole holder and paperwork. I’ve never come across such. ⛏ Very nice ending photo with y’all enjoying the sunset.
Really good info, good video !
Thanks, NoMadSoon! I like your name, clever.
Thank you, I enjoyed seeing the town! It is quite nice to know what's there, should I decide to go.
Nice, enjoy the warm weather and beautiful desert adventure..It is still dark and grey back here in Montana...North of Lovell Wyoming,"in Montana" is great sandstone bluffs BLM land to look for fossils and Indian artifacts. It is also a desert type area that I found a scorpion, 2 rattlesnakes, squid fossils, arrow head shavings.
Yes! The Pryor Mountains are full of relics too. I hate rattlesnakes.
I'm sure that the the clincher is that the camp site is free!
Added this to my list for next winter. I'm planning on headed there, even if I can't get the better half to go along. Hard to get her away from a couple of the grands for more than a week at a time. Thanks again for sharing your adventures.
We share the same problem! Those cure little rascals just won't leave us be!
Thank you for the terrific introduction to the Ajo area. We so enjoy all your programming.
Linda, "Merle's Door" is a favorite book of ours. We keep an extra copy around to give fellow dog lovers. Merle adopted a young writer- sportsman from Kelly, Wyoming. Happy Reading!
Thanks Tex. Linda loved the book and read me excerpts every evening.
Yes sir i will be looking that place up some year.
Maybe see you there!
Entertainment? Today we spent the entire day working on the cargo trailer. Installed two outlets and one switch. Tomorrow is rough in wiring for AC unit and then walls for a bathroom. Other than the occasional lay-over at Pheonix, the last time i spent time in Arizona was 1968. Next fall we plan to be "Gone" from Alabama... head west for an unspecified amount of time.
That sounds good John! My advice is to head out without an itinerary of any sort; just take the road as it comes. Happy travels!