Yuma Arizona

We spent January 21 to February 4 in Yuma, AZ. Yuma is the "Lettuce Capitol" of the states. It is also the "Winter vegetable capitol" as well. If it wasn't for the water from the Colorado River, it would be just a plain desert. On average, Yuma gets less than 3" of rain a year. We enjoyed visiting the Yuma Indian Reservation where the Quechan tribe resides. This is the only Indian tribe that had not been removed from its original lands. They lease farm lands to Indian and non-Indian farmers. They operate a casino and 5 campgrounds. It is amazing what irrigation does for farming. The landscape, without irrigation, is sand, cacti and sagebrush. There was a Yuma State Prison which operated from 1876 to 1913 which was very interesting to visit. The prisoners had to learn a trade in order to survive. The desert temperatures range from 30's in the night time to the 70's during the day now. In June through Sept. the temperatures range from 65 to 110 degrees. These are average temperatures in this area and you can see up to 115 degrees. With all of the dams on the Colorado River and irrigation water taken from it, it is not a mighty river as it meets the Gulf of Mexico. We did enjoy having fresh lettuce and vegetables at our disposal which were inexpensive at the local markets. On February 4th we moved to Salome, AZ which is out in the desert and we will visit Quartzsite, AZ which has a large number of flea markets in January and February featuring many of the local minerals and gems. Will write more later.