My Healthy Pet Algodones Veterinarian

What a horror having a sick dog in a foreign country? Two days ago I watched Madigan my cockapoo have explosive watery diarrhea That night I stepped in wet poop on the tiny camper floor and knew I a problem. 

At 4 years old he’s house trained but there he was looking so forlorn.  His eyes said, “I couldn’t help it.:”  I cleaned camper’s hardwood floor with both Lysol spray and Pledge soap. Thankfully  I found  a left over puppy pad from years back.  I stopped feeding him.  I wasn’t going to give him any more ammunition.  Best thing for diarrhea for everyone is fluids only.  Let the bowels rest. He didn’t’ have a fever, was playful and tail wagging happy. 

All that day he was drinking water fine but still only having loose watery diarrhea and farting. He seemed a bit bloated  and his tummy was sensitive to touch.  

I assumed at first he’d eaten something off but that should have cleared in 24 hours. He wasn’t eating the rice and chicken soup I made him that next day.  I worried about parasites though he’d had his shorts and worming only a couple of months before.  The mind is a bad neighborhood and it’s said one shouldn’t go there  alone. I began to think  worse case scenarios.

On Google and Yelp here were  some very highly recommended vets in Yuma.  Ironwood and Dessert were closest. But I’m here 10 minutes from the border I can walk to.  The vets in Yuma were 45 minutes away.  I had a day of my own virtual work and wouldn’t disrupt other’s schedules if I took him to an Algodones vet on my  2 hour lunch break.  Myhealthypet had good reviews too.   

At noon I walked tail wagging happy Madigan across the border  to myhealthypet vet clinic.  It was easy to find as it’s at the intersection along the US Border fence where the cans and people line up to leave 

I entered the new building and  told the male receptionist whose English was  excellent English I didn’t have an appointment but my dog was sick with diarrhea.  He  said ‘that’s okay okay I’ll get the vet’.   He returned and called me from the waiting room into the clean and well organized examining room 

The vet was  beautiful young brunette with a flower tattoo on her forearms.   DMV Maricruz Lona Romeroa. She seemed to understand English but not speak it fluently  The arrangement was that I spoke to the administrator who translated my concerns to her and translated back the  questions she asked.  

I’m a doctor. I know good medical thinking and ;process.   I watched her thorough professional examination of  Madigan.  It  was exactly as excellent Canadian vet Dr. Biernacki would  have done. Madigan who is very anxious and not at all a good patient was very relaxed and trusting with her as he is with only Dr. Biernacki.  Animals sense confidence and experience.  I loved her firm gentle approach and  later he took a pill from her,  something I can only do with ice cream bribery.  He opened his mouth for her no problem and swallowed the pill,   She could have been a lion trainer with the confidence and assurity. she possessed. 

I showed her the zip lock baggie of  his diarrhea I’d brought..  She examined it, seeing the mucous and flecks of red,  but as I’d told her his initial stool were watery she reassuringly showed that this was forming,  “He’s  getting better.” 

I had his list of vaccinations and treatments from Dr. Biernacki in North Road Veterinary Clinic Canada  along with Rabies vaccinations. She checked through that carefully indicating she read English well, especially medical English.  

The administrator assistant, finally  said, “She still  think it’s something mostl likely something he ate or just different e coli bug.” (Traveller’s diarrhea or montesuma for dogs) 

She then said and he translated, “ I”m gave him one pill for ‘coccidia’ a parasite that is common here. l’m also giving him some antibacterial medication for you to give him twice a day for five days that will be good for his gut.”  he’ll need to take for 5 days that will address any bacteria infection in his gut.”   She then showed me how much of the liquid medication to draw up and squirt into his mouth. Again my little Houdini just accepted the ligquid with a grimace.  

That was it. I asked if she needed to do cultures or get liver blood work.  “Not necessary!”  She said ‘2-3 days he’ll be all well.’  She was confident and I was glad.  

$50 was the bill.  My catastrophising about hospitalization, MRI’s. PET Scans, Surgery, ICU’s and  helicopter costs was all for naught. 

They were lovely caring professionals and the cost was like everything else in Los Algadones a third to a fifth what the cost would be in the north.  At the border because we’ve been going back and forth these last couple of weeks and the first time I showed all the papers , they didn’t even ask for his papers this time . 

Last night I barbecued steak and cut him up some very fine . This morning he had a normal poo.  Thank you Jesus. 

At the dog park today another fellow with several dogs told me he’d been coming to Yuma for years and using both the American and Mexican vets. “The only difference is the Mexicans have been a third or quarter of the cost.”   

At Myhappypet  the vet does grooming and dental as well so I’ll definitely be back before I return north.  The administrator said that Dr. Maricruz Lona Romero’s owned the clinic.

I was so thannkful today that by the Grace of God my crazy little companion is back on the mend.  He does insist I give him his medication with ice cream still. Thank you Dr. Maricruz Lona Romero.

Myhealthypetalgodones@gmail, 442 432 7728

St. Thomas Dental Centre, Los Algodones, Mexico

I am so pleased. I finished my dental work today.  Two root canals and crowns, a wisdom tooth pulled and seven crowns on my upper front teeth.  Friday and Saturday they did a half day of preparation each. I was on the couch 3 or 4 hours then back today Tuesday for the extraction and the frontal crowns.  They also made a night guard because they said I was grinding my teeth and this would protect the new crowns.  I didn’t tell them that I thought the wear on the front teeth was as likely from holding flashlights in my teeth at sea when I couldn’t find my headlamp and had to do repairs at night in a blow.  Sailors.  I will get out the headlamps and stop holding flashlights in my teeth and use the very nifty night guard as well.  

I especially like that the crowns are discoloured by coffee.

I’ve the best dentists in Vancouver but I am afraid of getting a URI.  I’ve often had bronchitis follow teeth cleaning because I’m stressed out and overworked in winter and suffering from the rain and snow and cold. I don’t like losing time from work and having to often make several visits.  The cost is prohibitive too as I don’t have insurance.  No pension , no insurance, just a self employed middle class Canadian.  

I’m really happy with the work being done. I was praying when she was taking out the wisdom tooth. I confess I had fears it wasn’t coming and yet she beat the stubborn beast.  She was truly pretty and petite with miraculous little hands made for dental work or obstetrics.  It was all pain free and just tiresome.  Yet now I’m so happy the work is done and I’ve a smile I can be proud of.

Thank you God

Mara is the office administrator and while everyone was pretty bilingual she was fully fluent. This made explanations so easy.  Now after four days of soft food I can eat anything .  I’m about to settle into barbecued chicken because I didn’t think to take the steak out of the freezer.  

Thank you St. Thomas.

Thank you Jesus

Golden Shores RV - Departure, Day 12 to Yuma , Sleep Hollows RV Park and Algadones

LA fires were all the news. Arson and smoke and evacuations. I received an amber alert on my watch.  Decided that I’d travel south rather than head straight west to Salton Lake.

I’d thought to stop in San Diego but the cost of RV Resorts ranged from $150 to $250.  That’s American money and Canadian is only 70 cents to the dollar. I stopped at San Mateo Campgrounds and they were $50 a night. The California campgrounds were reasonable for full service but they required reservations.  I almost stopped but I’d only gone an hour or so and I was enjoying the trip down the coast. I almost stopped at Oceanside again because I’d loved it there but really was enjoying the ride.  

I stopped at Encinitas and took pictures of the SRF meditation centre I visited and meditated at .  I studying Yogananda when I was 20 doing the Kriya Yoga lessons, being initiated and always feeling positive about the learning.

It noted my door lock was broken and stopped at el Centro to see an RV repair man. It was just 5 pm and I couldn’t find anyone so late.  I drove on and stayed the night boon dogging outside Yuma off Fortuna in the desert flats. I’d tried to find an RV park in the dark but the offices were closed at 7 when I was there and I was a bit exhausted and crossed into an oncoming traffic lane. Luckily it was empty but time to pull over.  

Madigan peed . I slept and only once did he bark and wake me. No one was there. I worried it was the police saying you can’t stay here. It wasn’t. I was glad to sleep and wake refreshed.

Foothills RV Supply and Repairs , 11242 S. Foothills Blvd, Yuma, 928 342 1704 were the best.  I got a new lock and some really good advice.  Great people.  

I enjoyed topping up the propane at my old haunt and checking out Walmart for a lounge chair. I drove past the Marine Air Force base and Madigan got his beef paddy and I had Sausage Egger.  All was good as we moseyed out to the Sleepy Hollow RV Park near Algodones.  Great native run RV park with security doing patrols,  Madigan liked it. I paid for a week, reasonable rates.  No pool or laundry or whirlpool but dog walk and store. I just liked it.r.

Once I was set up i walked Madigan to the US Customs and the cutest officer kindly reviewed the paper and said he was good to come and go.  I’d had a virtual meeting which I enjoyed with all the lone time travelling.  Then I walked over to Mexico and enjoyed how they’d fixed up the Mexican side of the border crossing with white paint and X-ray machine.  The guard checked my bag thoroughly and I was in. I’ll be able to come and go this week. They’d put up fencing and changed the town a little to improve security at the crossing.  Lots of building going on.  A prosperous community. I was less harassed on the street but it was late in the day and St Thomas Dental and Sol Optician were closed .I was able to get meds at Trury’s. 

I enjoyed chatting with merchants and  talked to one of the fellows who asked about my ring and shared he was 5 years clean and sober in NA.  Miracles of miracles 

I saw Sandra of Sandra Jewelry with her husband .  I’ve enjoyed them each visit and Laura loved them. So I bought some jewelry for Laura’s birthday.  She’s been wearing the Sandra’s Jewelry all year to praise and comment so I’m glad to gift her some more.

I’ve totally set up the camper and even unloaded the Vespa myself without too much difficulty. I’d had a hard time with the HD Nightster Specail.  This is 100 lbs lighter and makes all the difference. There was a terrific guy at the Foothills RV who showed me the Vespa’s he was working on restoring.  We sung their praises together .  I’m looking forward to riding into town to church on Sunday assuming the weather remains so splendid,

It’s hot in the afternoon,  Sunshine and blue skies.  Such a healthy relief from Vancouver right now.  I feel my joints enjoying the dry and hot and I’m uplifted by the sun,  What a blessing to be able to do this.

Thank you Jesus,  Thank you God. Thank you Creator.

It’s cooled off with the sun going down. I ‘ve turned on my electric heater and it’s heaven. I’ ve hot dogs to barbecue and potato’s salad. I phoned the patients that texted me and took care of prescriptions and concerns so I’m caught up.  I will enjoy watching TV tonight.  I finished the see history and started a western I’m reading.

I’ll have to walk him again.  He pooped in the office and I had to clean it up checking in. I felt so badly. He’d not had a walk of any merit so it was my fault. He walked for an hour or two with me crossing the border and such. He’s tuckered out whereas when we camped at night I didn’t walked him concerned about traffic and night and dependent on flash light.  I’d then focused on fixing the lock and until that was done I wasn’t  able to leave the camper .  He’s such a good boy and no harm done as I cleaned it up with Clorox towels, Poor guy. The woes of travel as a dog.

I made up for it taking him with me and he loved all the smells and everyone friendly.  He likes it here.  So do it.

Thank God!!!

Larry and Peter, Bella and Luka

Golden Shores view of the docks at sunset

Encinatus

Boon docking

Fabulous Foothills RV Supply and Repairs. Yuma

Sandra Jewelry

Yuma another day in the dessert

We slept in but it was a wonderful sleep with great dreams.  I awoke once at 2 am and went right back to sleep.  My back feels better every day I’m here especially when I get to the hot tub in the day.  

The horse shoe players are out across from me.  Normally I face into the Camper but today I moved to the other side of the table and am enjoying the more scenic view of the outdoors.  Madigan shifted to the other side and is now sleeping after our walk in the dessert.  A man walked by wearing pyjama bottoms.  I like this place.  Casually old folk winter escape.

I am more often seeing the jets that fly over,  I have learned to look ahead of the noise and saw four today along with a helicopter.

I’ve seen the doves and road runners and this longer bodied larger humming bird. 

I’ve enjoyed the week of work and need to take a trip to the post office to send paper work to the clinics.  I’m faced with one left to do and may do it after my coffee so they’re all on the way to the clinics. Anna and Kevin received the Portable toilet I sent them for a New Year’s present.  

It’ssnowing in Vancouver coupled with ice freezing and icey rain.  Laura keeps me abreast of the conditions.  Their clinic was closed and patients have had trouble driving in so here’s been many cancellations,  I remember this time last year my black water take pipes were clogged and frozen.  The suction truck came twice,  Kelvin was there a couple of times.  Finally as it thawed he was able to remove the offending blockage.  I had the second toilet so wasn’t inconvenienced n that regard but having the interruptions and transit and concern about would it be fixable before spring was just an added stress at a stressful cold miserable time. I also slipped and feared breaking something. I feel stronger now. I really do feel like I’m already recovering from the sick time of Covid.  I don’t have the anxiety I had and I’m relaxing. The pleasant dreams are an indication of that. 

The despair of patients and their depression gets through the barriers like chronic pain. I do the best I can.  I feel I’m being of service .  

I’m looking forward to the ride to the post office. I enquired about horse back riding but so far no luck finding some place to ride. I expect I’ll take a ride with the motorcycle and Madigan to the airport to see the Marine base and there’s a lack to see. It’s a pretty laid back weekend.  That’s good.  The day is overcast and I expect to do some calls to patients and hope to make my Friday meeting with IDAA.  

Amberbilly or Billy Amber continues as a project I’m enjoying. Cowboy Bill is another project.  I love the camper and travel.  I couldn’t ride at one place because they had a weight restriction of 200 lbs and I’m at least 220.  I think of travelling to Europe and worry about Laura’s stamina and weight.  These days she’s negative about anything that involves exercise and I just want to see everything and walk and exercise as much as possible. I’m pleased her sister walks her.  I don’t want to lose her and her weight I is killing her. I talked to a patient about their knees going and how they can’t keep up with their girlfriends going to art galleries.  There’s no real reason for the cost of travel to these places of culture if you’re not going to anything different than you do cheaply at home.  I have three projects on the bucket list, south Ireland (I really liked renting a car and seeing that with Laura) , New York, and the Berlin, Vienna Venice trip (this is the walking one and perhaps rent another Vespa, Laura doesn’t like to ride motorcycles anymore, on her own or as a passenger and the same with boats - she seems most to like reading on the couch and obviously can do that cheaply at home …I figure that ‘s what’s happening 10 years from now through no choice of ours so I don’t want to be an old man with her old lady issues when there’s a decade of youthful engaging gung-ho Carpe diem life….tat’s what happens with overheating addictions and other addictions , sloth and gluttony…..personally I prefer lust as it at least loses calories…I can’t believe I’m too fat for the pony ride place but my ideal weight of 6 feet would only be 200 lbs. not a lot of wiggle room.  I’d also Ike to go to  Thailand but that’s for the beach’s and something I can do older when I’m less capable of active tourist life. I see classmates doing Perus and Antarctica but it’s not that I want to but I’m part of a physically fitter section of my age range.  Obesity is the limiting factor. I certainly see that with the men and women here. There’s something with the grandparent thing too. I believe they’re more sedate and happy like our friends mom ‘to watch the children like tv’.  I remember Dad and Mom active together into there 80’s with Mom really happy to explore and got on cruise and road trips and visit new places and Dad active into his 90’s .  I don’t like addiction either. There’s a mind set that occurs with the food aholics and the alcoholics.  I ‘ve had my life with the ex and her cocaine and negativity. I’ve done my time and want to be free but thiss is my own addiction thinking, not focusing on my side of the street and doing what I can. I could be doing so much more exercise . I want to see a chiropracter this weeken and will drop by the one I’ve seen to see if I can make an appointment. Chronic pain is an issue but it’s better with exercise and I’m not doing enough. More reason for me to fear any lack of enthusiasm with activity. I too would rather suck the despair of sloth and gluttony. But I have had an addiction to nicotine and probably alcohol so I don’t want to go back to that materialism. My goal is to know god and that means less negativity myself. Less judgement and more serenity.  But I think I’m showering and others like the smell of my clean body but don’t reciprocate.  There’s that issue of self pity and takers and givers and entitlement.  I like the people in the program because we are constantly reminded and call each other and Im constantly reminded in my group. It’s the group that uplifts me.  

  I wonder about camping and hunting and fishing this year.  I do enjoy her and madigan in the Camper. I don’t know about overseas travel leaving Madigan because he’s a difficult dog and every year older he becomes better. I think of Ron maybe taking him. I have to go to Napanee before Adell sell’s her and Ron’s place . I meet resistance trying to sell the boat and wonder about seeking crew to take it down the inside passage or up the st Lawrence for a last adventure.  I prefer the camper and the immediate plan is to learn to pull the Fifth Wheel immediately I get back. I’ve a sense I’ve done my ocean travel and would first like to sell the sailboat.  

That’s a fair depiction of a slice of my insaniety.  I am here in the present with God and when I slip into the past or future I’m in the world of anxiety. Today I can find God. God is here and now. I’m blessed in this miracle of life I’m living, grateful for all of what I’m experiencing now.  A couple of years of planning and saving and here I am living the life. Thanks for the gifts of recovery,  Thank you Jesus.  Thank you for Laura, Madigan, my family, for this camper and Yuma, the sunshine and warmth. Thank you for my work and my ability to be of service.  

Yuma, Sunsets and Sunrises, another day in paradise

I woke feeling good from a dream of adventure. I was with my sailboat and travelling over rocky trails.  All was going well and I awoke.  

Last night was a glorious sunset with some mauve and peach in the eastern sky with the blazing orange in the west.  This morning I took a picture of the sunrise and cactus.  

I’ve prayed this morning and asked god’s guidance. “My sweet lord. I really want to know you.”  I’m loving life so i want to know the god within and more of this life. I enjoyed my clinic yesterday and the meeting.  Virtual is working well.  Today I’m hoping for a swim and sauna . All I have to do is send a triplicate hard copy in the mail this week.  That means a trip to the post office during the day. Good excuse for a motorcycle ride. 

I called another yacht broker

I watched Days of Wine and Roses with the story of AA.  The DT’s and detox brought back memories for me with patients.  It was pretty true.  Lee Remick was beautiful but tragic.  I most liked the line , there are two worlds , the sober and the world of alcohol.  It summed up the spiritual journey I had .  Caused to be wonder about monks and stoicism.  

I’m enjoying hedonism now with my pleasant existence, I’m healing too trying to address the chronic back pain and instability.  I don’t feel manly with such limitations, Aging seems feminine for me but I think of my Dad caring for my mom till the end.  She was such a giving soul and today the women are not nearly as sacrificial as her generation.  I see feminism has killed chilvarlry.  All I see now is men giving and sacrificing a nd women taking and complaining.  That may be FB though. I’ve enjoyed the couples here and in my group who’ve lived a good life together raising families and now are living like buddies in old age, like mom and dad and their good same club.

Alone I’m not sure what my future is.  Laura is certainly my buddy with Madigan but she has her whole family, sister and children.  I’ve lost family and friends and don’t feel connected to the ones in the east or north. I’m connected but don’t really enjoy the company of others.  I cross dress and write and read.  I don’t fit in the social lives of others. I look forward to more travel. I admire Donny now in Brazil visiting the falls.  I know men in Thailand and Roger is travelling.  I can enjoy that but guess I could have a base in Burnaby but the cost of living there is devastating.  I’m okay now but the future seems bleak. Here the cost of living is remarkable with $50,000 to $100,000 houses. Belinda posts property in Nova Scotia and I’ve been attracted to that.  City living appeals to the elderly with more service . I think of the city having done so much country and liking dressing up for the symphony and walks in galleries. I like the ‘gentile’.  I especially like sitting outside and people watching and writing. Commercial street was good for that.  I might need a cafe somewhere.  Ireland appeals.  

It’s a rabbit hole whenever i think of the future so one day at a time. I do the next right thing. Now that seems selling my boat and enjoying this camper .  I’m enjoying this Good Sam resort with electricity water etc,  No off the grid living though I’m ready for that. I think of returning to Canada over 2 weeks with working continuing till that last week of major travel up the coast. I’d like to decrease the days of driving and get more down time on the way back.  I’m here a few more weeks then will head to San Diego and LA to reduce the length of journey. I could even go up more north and get the cold as I will have had the sun and heat .  

I really ought to be thinking more of God when I write this. The Creator. All is God. I’m the son of God .  The death of Jesus permeated the world with the idea.  The idea of Christ is here today. Lazarus.  Resurrection,  Direct communion with God. Jesus the portal .  Love as the language.  I will endeavour to do my best today and be kind and understanding.  It’s a good day.  Thank you Jesus.

Yuma morning

I drove over to the Cactus storage locker and picked up my other bag of clothing.  The Amber bag.  Enjoying the lightness of being. Thinking of hedonism and stoicism.  Liked reading Kirk Prem talk of ‘connection’ with the supreme.  I work and am busy in the chaotic details of individual disease and become anxious myself.  It’s like a little soot on the walls when being a St. Francis channel.  I wonder when I’ll make more time for meditation and exercise. I remember Dad at 90 doing his Air Force exercises. I always remember him frying up eggs for his breakfast that last year in Winnipeg before we went to visit Mom in the hospital.  I like the memory of him growing tomato plants on the balcony in the old folks home.  Sweetest little tomato I ever ate.

 Going to Mexico tomorrow for meds.  I cut my heal slipping on steps and did’t even notice until Madigan kept licking there. I’m so cautious about feet yet there I was and I didn’t get iodine on it for a day.  I have to thank him.  It’s healing. I put more iodine on in but I’d like more fucidin.  I have doxycycline but would like more of that and estrogen.  The mixed path of discovery.  

I’m at home and safe in the conservative world but just like I found a Christian community in recovery I believe there’s a Christian inclusive world. Certainly my church is but it’s my own issues of shame and self doubt.  I would like to be integrated.  I like the south because there’s just less clothing.  I loved living in shorts sailing in the tropics.  I don’t like ‘pants’ . I’m rarely wearing jeans here and mostly in shorts or sweats. I like the short skirts and would have done well in Roman world. I can’t say togas appeal.  I must get to more fashion shows. One of things I most enjoy in galleries and museums is the period fashion.  I love the models on Facebook.  Part of the difficulty with going out is the whole ‘dressing’ thing. I could live in flannel pyjamas and go to the symphony in them.  It’s the stress of getting from place to place.  Like this virtual work reality I’m in with the short sleeved work shirt and shorts. I still change to a t shirt when I go out in the back ‘yard’, a little place behind my camper, where I sit on a chair and Madigan who did this with Laura sits on my lap. He actually sits still. I read and listen to the doves,

I like that this camper has everything almost within reach but very convenient like the sailboat.  I loved those Japanese apartments with everything built into the walls and walls that moved to alter the space,  

I am reducing the extraneous ‘stuff’ here.  I have two brooms and 2 electric heaters. I bought an expresso maker and it sits on the counter.  I miss the microwave. It’s these ‘utlilities’ I used daily that create clutter but I have plates for a dozen and only need enough for two.  I gathered up all the little creams that were taking up space in the limited bathroom, I really need to put barriers in the mirrored cabinet case so I can use that space. Only a little can be used because the rest falls out. A bit of netting perhaps.  I ‘m pleased I put up the hooks for the serving spoons,  I enjoy being here and using it. In the past it was just a base camp for weeks of hunting and weekends of camping so there was no need for efficiency or design.  The spice rack that Kelvin installed is a Godsend. I now just have to sor what spices I actually need and have them out. There’s also a mess in the drawers.  I loved off shore sailing when I had my boat shipshape.  This is getting there.  My home is a mess and I look forward to de cluttering that when I return.

Laura says it’s snowing and everyone has the flu. I’m thankful here for the light. Lovely dawn this morning.  Madigan met a 9 month old poodle named Sasha.  His mom was so pleased that Madigan played with him

Another day of God’s grace. Thank you God for the sun and warmth. Thank you God for this body. Thank you for Family and Friends.  Adell said the second parcel arrived at the po in Napanee. Thank you for Laura. Thank you for Madigan. Thank you for the clinics and work. thank you for technology Thank you for Yuma.  Thank you for the doves.  Thank you for all your blessings.

Yuma morning

Good morning God. It’s a beautiful morning with clear blue sky and the temperature is warmer.  I’ll walk the dog soon. I’m wearing my blue flannel shirt and sweaters but already think I’ll look for my shorts. I am thankful for all your blessings.   

I have meditated and thought of the second mail package I sent to the nephews and haven’t heard from. So I found the receipt and tracking number and sent it to them.  I also sorted my receipts too. I’ve made a coffee and am drinking it. I told Laura I’m planning a run to Mexico on Friday.

I’ve a plan today to run to the storage locker. Maybe right now.

Thank you God for my work. May I serve you well and do my duty to the best of my ability and have your help and guidance.  Thank you for this mobile camper home in the desert. Thank you for my motorcycle .  Thank you for my truck.

Thank you for family and friends. Please be with them.  

I phoned the Marina and asked for help again with a yacht broker. I’d like to sell my sailboat and yet it may mean I have a trip to make in the summer. I would like to see the great nephews and say good bye to my brother again. His place is planned to be sold and I certainly understand Adell as it was their dream and way too much for one person to manage.  The kids continue in Ottawa and it’s too far to go. I’d thought to move there to be closer to Ron but now I’m back to enjoying being near Laura.  I’m a bit of Gypsy.  I enjoy the clinics and staff and patients so for now I muddle on.  

My mind ipad died but my Canada apple care couldn’t get it replaced till I returned to Canada so I packed it and bought a new one. I’ve been using it to read kindle and fb and enjoy it more for recreation than the big iPad I’m using mostly now for Doxy me.  The thing is I’m working and the $500 cost now didn’t bother me and I’ll be recouped the cost in a few months .  If I wasn’t working and living off savings I’d feel that. I’d feel I’d have to budget and be concern but working with an income I just take it in stride.  I would find a lot of other savings though as much of what I have is related to work and the costs of maintaining a practice are high. I certainly would do the work , I’m a major handyman, but I hire people because I would rather focus on my speciality.  Retired I’d enjoy cleaning and I installed the cellular booster with pleasure and would get back into working on engines even if need be though more likely I’d have less need for ‘speed’ and simplify my life with days of fishing and hiking.  I would pray more and exercise more. 

I’ve been looking into chiropractors but may just go to the fellow in Mexico when I’m there since they’re so much more accommodating.  I don’t want to plan my time off at this point.  

I love the sunsets.  It rained here one day this week and was cool but it’s now back to the routine. I’m thankful.  

Castle Dome Mine Museum and Ghost Town, Yuma, Arizona

I first rode out from Yuma 40 miles on my street Harley only to stop after fishtailing and thumping over the lose gravel and corrugating of the last 8 miles of gravel road before the Museum.  I turned around and returned with my Ford truck and dog, Madigan.  The last stretch of gravel road would be fine for cars and enduro motorcycles.  I would have liked the glory of riding into the old town on a motorcycle considering it began as a horse and stage place in 1871   Since cowboys and miners had trucks in later years my Ford was fine.  I had my black leather cowboy hat from Mexico and the black bart leather vest and riding boots.

The ladies at the entrance were beautiful and endearing sharing all manner of information about the history of the town. I bought a piece of galena, the silver lead rock and suggested I’d buy sparkling galina jewelry for my girlfriend if they had it.

“Not if you liked her. The mine was known for the silver but during the wars it was the lead in the galena silver that kept it going.” 

“It’s a pretty metal but of course lead wouldn’t be healthy for earrings.”  I laughed and settled for a local fridge magnet. This bright and vivacious lady told me about the Spanish searching for Gold in the south west in early 1700 but the silver here only being found in the early 1850.  She talked of extraction and transportation.  A stage line would come through the town linking with other mines. 

They have guided tours but I’d just missed the last one.  Given the story telling and knowledge of the guide I’d go again with my girlfriend. I took the self guided tour and was told the dog was welcome on that. He loved it.  An excellent walk for the two of us because beyond the town there was a series of mines and outlying buildings that made for a good hike. I think I was there for over 2 hours enjoying everything but only seeing a fraction of what was displayed. 

I loved how there was the stage and saloon display from the earliest years and how each building represented an era with the later ones having vintage sports cars from the 60’s.  I enjoyed seeing the ‘ringer washing’ machine that I remember my homemaker mom getting and how it reduced her weekly laundry day from all day to a half day.  I couldn’t help think of my engineer father who would have loved to see the progress of machinery. The early mines were literally holes dug in the ground with advancing years bringing more and more elaborate pullets and lifting machines for the extraction.  

I loved the ‘3:10 to Yuma’ sign at the stage coach depot. Laura and I had watched the famous western movie when she was here on the holidays. I couldn’t help but think how she’d enjoy it, the milliner exhibit and the 19th century hats.  The church was lovely and a vintage organ that church organist Barry would have been fascinated by.  My geologist nephew would have loved the assayer’s office had samples of ore, weights  and the chemicals used for testing.  I couldn’t help but think of my childhood friend Kirk who loves natural wonder and would have enjoyed this quintessential western setting with  surreal mountains and extraordinary cacti.  In someways the distinctive Castle Dome mountain looked like something left by space ship.  I imagined it having a mystery interior yet to be explored.  

The whole town which once had 3000 people is on the outside of the Proving Grounds for the American Army. This is where they test all the new artillery and have the longest range in the US. There’s a stationary blimp high in the sky looking over the area and en route from Yuma I passed a turn off with a couple of mobile howitzers at the entrance.  I loved the trip with the south west scenery, the spectacular skies,views and fauna.  

I took countless pictures and would go again.  I’d read comments and worried about rattle snakes as one expressed worry but neither Madigan, my cockapoo, or I encountered any and I expect there’s no greater fear of them here that any where else in the south. Certainly if one stayed on the well marked trails there’d be no fear. I kept Madigan on my leash and was ready to clean up after him if he chose to poop rather than pee on every stone.  We were respectful in the buildings though something about the smells of the bunk house had him starting to lift his leg in a corner.  I liked the cabin on the first site where the early miner had encountered native marauders.  Then to come across vintage sports cars at far of the trail  from where the stage coach had been at the beginning.   Just an amazing exhibit and so well presented.  I really did feel I was walking through time and got a sense of early miners and the work entailed in extracting the silver. Man and his love of shiny things.  

It was all a different era and yet here it was once alive with people and industry now a ghost town.  The rusting old cars from the turn of the century and some of the rusting machinery speak to how little an impression we make in the reality of the earth time. I like that people have done the work to ensure that the era is not forgotten.  This was truly the west even though it was a brief period, in which the change in a hundred years,  was still amazing.  It speaks so highly of man’s ingenuity. Progress and industry.  I loved Caste Dome Mine and Ghost town. I look forward to coming back again. .

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