The Yuma sand dunes are beautiful

We did the second half of our journey to Tucson Arizona today. This was our first experience of driving in an area that borders Mexico. I found it quite strange to see a ramp off the freeway that just said "Mexico".

Soon after we entered Arizona, we were a little taken aback that all vehicles on the freeway were being stopped by border control officers with sniffer dogs. We were asked if we were U.S. citizens, and when we said Canadian, and I went to pull out our passports, we were just waived through. I wanted to take a photo for the blog, but I didn't want to get in trouble!

Sand dunes near Yuma, contrasting with the dark mountains behind

We stopped at the information centre in Yuma, Arizona. The volunteer there was very informative and you could see her love of her winter home. Take a look at the photo below, and specifically the low fencing in the foreground (looks like white xxx). She explained that this fencing was built at a height to stop vehicles from Mexico entering with illegal drugs. She never made mention of stopping people coming in, but rather just kept referring to the importation of drugs. I had so many questions, but it wasn't the time or the place.

She also told us that she'd recently crossed dune buggying off her bucket list. She was older than us, and she'd done it with her grandchildren. Her eyes lit up when she talked of the experience; she just LOVED it. She encouraged us to do it, but we continued on with our journey for today at least. The sand dunes there are remarkable though; just beautiful. The photo below is of a postcard; unfortunately we didn't see them in this light.

In a Google search I also learned that the Star Wars film, Return of the Jedi, was filmed at these dunes. There's some trivia for our Trekky friends!

Based on a Tripadvisor search, we stopped in at the Little Italy restaurant in Gila Bend for lunch. As well as great reviews of the food, one comment mentioned that Prince Harry had frequented this restaurant when he was on helicopter training on the dunes. Evidence of his visit was framed on the wall, including his handwritten notes to the restaurant.

Hey, if it's good enough for royalty, it's good enough for us!