Ajo, Arizona

We are parked in the Shadow Ridge RV Park in Ajo. It is the location of one of the largest copper mines in Arizona and scene of a major, sometimes violent, strike by the United Mine Workers after Phelps-Dodge fired all the Union miners and brought in scabs and armed security. The strike lasted several years until the mine shut down due to declining world copper prices and the costs of the strike. The abandoned mine site sits idle right next to the town which is now populated mostly by Border Patrol agents and retirees from all over. Not many businesses are operating in Ajo these days. Most gas stations and restaurants are shut down and the Mexican style square downtown is almost deserted. The temperature today is a pleasant 77F.

The RV park. Nice showers, great WIFI and $60 for three nights after my Passport America Discount.