BLM not a dull moment

Much like the land surrounding it, the BLM is an oasis for every type of person and motor home imaginable, each with it’s own color and personality. Camping off the grid or “Boon-docking” as we say is it, not for everyone and the people that boon-dock are as unique as the surroundings. They are a social people but they do not want to be too close to their neighbor. It’s not uncommon to see a RV worth half a million dollars sitting near an old beater or home made rig. Some simply sleep in a van or tent and pull a trailer, often with their worldly positions. It is not uncommon the see people, including family’s with children that have lost their jobs, lost their homes or lost their businesses in this difficult time. But it is a community, and everyone looks out for the people around them.

We learned in our first day that a rig directly behind us that is home to a couple in their 80 had a serious emergency. The husband had a heart attack. The wife walked a few steps out her door over to Bobbie’s (a volunteer) for help. He had medical assistance from within the camp to the rig within 3 minutes and a medical team from the YPG (Yuma Proving Groups) on site with an ambulance within 10. While he was in the hospital the community watched his rig, running his generator to keep his frig loaded with food cold and ready for his return. The husband was back in his rig within 3 days and feeling great. This is common place with a large population of people that are 70 plus. But there are other stories that also touch the heart about those that are younger and in need of help. Like the women who’s rig broke down and had only $7, a collection was taken and even though many do not have much to give, when a large number of people pitch in even a little, they had enough to by her a better rig with the $4000 they collected.

We were lucky to land in a group known as the foodies, go figure, and have enjoyed several tasty treats and eats in our time here. But there are other groups and unique places like those on music row, or the book heads down in Skunk Hallow that take care of the Liberry (no Librarian, hence the name) or those out in the Northwest Territory or Snowbird Mesa and Herman’s Horse path... you get the picture. There is no end to the creative ways people deal with a no power situation, from wind to solar, you see it all in the BLM.