Chillin' on the patio

After making a run to town for bread and cheese I cruised back through the camping area south of Ajo to see which sites were now available. My number one favorite spot was occupied, but my second favorite—one I call the Patio—was available.

The Patio is the former slab foundation of what I’m guess was once a mine related building. Though it’s a bit busted up in places, it’s level and I don’t need to worry about tracking in dirt. And the view is nice.

Wind the clock back a bit. When I came out of the grocery the Rolling Steel Tent wouldn’t start. The engine wouldn’t turn over. Sigh. The cheap seven year old battery had finally slipped into a coma. Lead-acid batteries have a typical lifespan of three to five years, so I had gotten my money’s worth.

I got out the jumper cables and connected them to the house battery. I turned the key. Click. Click. (Come on babe) Click. Vroom. There we go.

The only place in Ajo that might have batteries is the NAPA store. I drove over and discovered it was closed, it being Sunday and such. So I turned around and discovered the Patio was available.

Now it’s Monday morning. I could jumpstart the van again and go get a battery. But I don’t need to go today. I’m not ready to leave the area. So I’ll just sit here another few days. Then, if NAPA doesn’t have my particular battery, I’ll go to a larger town with more options. Tucson? Phoenix? We’ll see.