A Bit Off-Center

First, we have to tell you about the Yuma Cabaña motel.

As travelers on a budget, we often find ourselves in some pretty substandard places. It seems that the proprietors of most bargain-rate motels don't consider the comfort of their guests to be very important. If we had wanted comfort, they seem to think, we'd have gone somewhere else and paid more, right?

Well, the Yuma Cabaña, in Yuma, Arizona, operates on a different principle. They believe that every traveler wants and needs a clean, comfortable place to spend the night, even if he or she can't or doesn't want to pay a luxury price. The rooms at this establishment are kept impeccably clean, and the furnishings are very comfortable. We think maybe they might be able to keep their rates low because of the age and location of the building, which are inconsequential to wanderers like us. We don't know if you'll ever find yourself in need of an inexpensive place to spend the night in Yuma, Arizona (Perhaps you'll be on your way to the Titan Missile Museum near Tucson?), but we highly recommend the Yuma Cabaña motel.

Ok, endorsement complete. Let's get on with today's narrative.

Our first stop this morning was in Felicity, California, proud location of the officially recognized "Center of the World." The entire population of Felicity (at last count, only four, but there is a sign advertising apartments for rent) leaves town for the summer to escape the desert heat, so we didn't have a guide to show us the museum or take us into the pyramid which houses the exact Center of the World, but we did have fun walking around the deserted little town and checking out long, red marble walls upon which are engraved the Marine Corps Korean War Memorial, the History of French Aviation, and the Registry of Alumni of Stony Brook School in New York. We also checked out the Felicity Sundial, modeled after the arm of God in Michelangelo's painting on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel.

Next, we did some rock climbing and cave exploration at Boulder Park. There, overlooking miles and miles of rock-covered mountains, stands the Desert View Tower. Scattered among the boulders are whimsical carvings of animals, both real and mythological. This attraction made us smile, as it represented a dream come true for its owner. He had loved this park since his childhood and had fond memories of exploring the monster-inhabited nooks and crannies. When he returned as an adult and found it for sale, he purchased it, and now he spends his days enjoying the view and welcoming all who wish to enjoy it with him.

The final leg of today's journey brought us to a very warm, familiar, and welcoming place: the home of Andy's mom and dad. We were thrilled to see them again and immediately felt at home when we arrived. We spent a couple of hours catching up with Mom (Dad was still at work), and then we took in some quality relaxation time out by the pool.

When Dad got home, we went back inside for a long anticipated home-cooked meal. Mom served us generous portions of one of our favorite dishes, "wok stuff." After dinner, we brought out the Upwords board and got down to business. Despite Mom and Dad's claim that the game is more fun played by their own "house rules," Andy was a stickler for the published rules, and so we played by the book. Well, close enough, anyway. After a long, fun game including more than a few unsuccessful attempts at amending the English language, Dad reigned victorious.

Sadly, we cannot stay more than one night here with Andy's folks, as Kala has to be at work on Friday. Tomorrow will be our last day of travel. Stay tuned for the thrilling conclusion!