GATHERING GOLD IN A GETAWAY TOWN----COLUMBUS, NM

GOLD---- IS-- INFORMATION, EXPERIENCE, INSPIRATION, SURPRISE.

Looks like a crumpled trailer---but isn't!  It' the latest thing out---a camper that folds down-- oragami-like-- for streamlined towing---cost $15,000.  I looked inside--few amenities---bad idea. (weighs 1200 lbs)

Just outside Columbus---this thing reared up out of the desert and threatened to blow me over. (didn't)

Columbus RR Station--now a nice museum.   Once a railway passed through here---connecting El Paso with Douglas, Az.  Gone now.

With the railroad and Army base gone---the town seems inhabited with "getaway people".

A common fantasy to--- "getaway to a tiny town".

I walked the town many times during my week visit---noticing this and that---like this mud wall---looking for interesting people to interview.  Found a few: A sculptor who settled here when his car died---14 years ago.

Poncho Villa brought the town to  National attention---when his troops stormed in---robbing, killing and burning in 1916.

WHY WOULD HE DO THIS??? I interviewed the local historian---his answer: WE STILL DON'T KNOW!!! It made no sense at all---made US mad---we mobilized---chased him all over Mexico--couldn't find him--gave up and came home. Lots of military first in this futile chase: first use of Air planes militarily---first mechanized warfare--first tank use----got us primed for WWI.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Columbus,_New_Mexico

A major surprise---on a back lot---A SHRINE TO MEHER BABA.

http://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Meher_Baba

Can you read this:  says: THE PERFECT MAN SHRINE

This shrine dedicated to the eternal redeemer

AVATAR MEHER BABA

                                                               born 1894-----died 1969

I am the ancient one come to redeem the modern world

THE HUB AND HIGHLIGHT OF THE TOWN---THE LIBRARY.  Lots of computers---books---air conditioned---everyone comes---even teenagers.

You would not guess what's in this building---a water treatment plant---the likes of which--no other city in America enjoys.  Here's the story:  I tasted the city faucet water---and was thrilled---Wow!

like mountain spring water---tracked down the engineer----Turns out this city once had the worst water in the US---health dept shut it down----much thought and dithering---Then---Then--they got a grant for this plant----here's what it does:  IT TREATS THE MUNICIPAL WATER SUPPLY WITH REVERSE OSMOSIS.  You know---the special water you pay .25 cents a gallon for----here, they flush their toilets with RO water.  What does it cost? About $30 a month per household.

Saw this growing wild--don't know what it is--but it spoke to me from an old poem:

"full many a gem of purest ray supreme---the dark unfathomed caves of oceans bear"

full many a flower is born to blush unseen---and waste its sweetness on the desert air"

Outside town a few miles in the desert stands this sentinel---a powerful light and camera--scanning the nearby border for illegals.

Meet Robert--75--a world traveler--backpacked six continents---joyful fellow--I asked him to dance for this pict to see if he was loose enough to play.  He Was---strengthens my theory that travel enhances personality--lowers defensiveness.  That's Linda (a previous story) behind.  He 's a "full-timer" like myself wandering the land. 

Prefers tenting

His gear---lightweight---sufficient---carries it all in a small motorcycle trailer-- that he pulls with that car---has his leisurely lifestyle down to a science.

Engaged this unusual couple in the dental office.  They live in a soon-to-be ghost town---Hachita---very remote--84 buildings--only 20 people.  She's an English teacher--he's a musician and builder.  He makes papercrete--a lightweight construction material.  They've  had it with the desert and are moving next week to Arkansas.  A rattlesnake bit her dog---cost $700 dollars for an anti-venom shot at the vet.  Dog survived.  

RANDY PHILOSOPHIZES: I'm drawn to getaway towns---someday I think I will stop and stay awhile----carefully present my being to the mix---the self I have become-- and embrace the consequences.  (as in the movie---BAGHDAD CAFE) Easy enough to be Brilliant in flashes---wonder if I would wear well in time---find good friends and quiet happiness.

QUEST FOR COMMUNITY UPDATE--- We are loving it here on this mountain AND---we will move on tomorrow to the vicinity of Springerville, Az.  

ADDITIONAL COMMUNITY UPDATE: 3 of us---Laurie, Peg and myself moved on to experience a community of RVers who have purchased cheap land in a failed development---close to each other--settled in for the summer at a relatively cool 7,000 ft--- built a few conveniences--(water tanks etc) and enjoy the PRIVACY & PROXIMITY the world dreams of.  It's a cake-and-eat-it-too community.

Some of us in the caravan are considering buying a lot (3-5 thousand for an acre plus) as a sanctuary whenever we wish to just sit for a long while. We envision a reciprocity agreement with other communities throughout the West---so we get to meet interesting visitors and get to enjoy visiting other "sanctuaries".

TRIBE GATHERS ON A MOUNTAINTOP

BOLD EXPERIMENT GAINS MOMENTUM

Standing at cliff's edge are 4 of my companions-- strong personalities----often solitary travelers who have agreed to connect in spirit and in person to wander the West this summer as a tribe----connecting here and there---blending our being/ideas/intents for the joy of it and to see if we can learn/create something new/useful. More on this later.

Our pathfinder/Scout Boonie has wowed us again ---leading us to the mountaintop---8,200 ft elevation---where we each settle into a spot that suits us---as close to or as far from others as we choose. 

Lynn chooses the cliffs edge for a 40 mile view. 

Boonie --a hardcore boondocker---settles back a ways to avoid stiff winds.

Peg's rig is a marvel of intelligent design--drafted by herself---and executed by the Nation's foremost

custom interior wizards at www.Sportsmobile.com  . Boonie and I  were very impressed.

I situate myself in a small clearing facing west---for lots of good reasons---(satellite and solar reception etc)  

Laurie is also particular about where she parks her marvelous "Casbah".

Wanna see inside?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gfy_AitP3Fc&feature=plcp

Laurie is not camera shy or afraid of heights.  Here helping me show you our view and the terrible forest fire raging in the distance---yes. it's the one you've been hearing about.  The smoke from which will likely trouble Albuquerque and Denver.  I just stepped outside (it's now 12:20 mst) to look at the fiery inferno lighting up the night.

Peg, (second from right) this afternoon,  initiated a tradition---a BYOF---bring your own food--and let's eat together.---A great success we agreed because we all have distinct food preferences--and find pot lucks troublesome and unsatisfying.

RANDY PHILOSOPHIZES: It's delightful to be here enjoying the cool forest with such bright and amiable people.  I will remind my readers of my personal vision for this experiment:

1. TO DISCOVER NEW POSSIBILITIES FOR FRIENDSHIP CLUSTERS . (How other personalities can inspire, inform, comfort, amuse)

2. TO EXPERIENCE THE AMAZING POWER OF ALLIGNED INTENTIONS.

3. TO SET IN MOTION AN ORGANIZATION THAT INVENTS ITSELF--THAT EVOLVES--LEARNS TO REPLICATE ITSELF.

4. TO RELATE IN WAYS THAT ALLOW EACH OF US TO SEE OURSELVES MORE CLEARLY---APPRECIATE OURSELVES AND EXPRESS OUR TALENTS.

5. TO BE A SOURCE OF KINDNESS AND ACCOUNTABILITY.

6. TO ENJOY THE EXTRAVAGANT BONUS OF HUMAN ASSOCIATION. (one unit of giving to the group can result in many units of getting---e.g. build a fire or locate a campsite or solve a problem)

7. TO GRADUALLY BUILD A FUN NEW RV CULTURE OF IMAGINATIVE TRADITIONS, DEVOID OF "PECKING", THAT SATISFIES OUR TWIN NEEDS OF SOLITUDE AND SOCIETY.

Finally, I want to invite you to visit us as we make our way around NM.  And if you are self sustainedly mobile and think you could contribute to--enjoy---benefit from this group---come and find your place in this bold experiment. (write me personally:  randythepoet@yahoo.com and I will tell you where we are) (We plan to expand our numbers until--we feel we have reached a functional optimum)  We expect people to come and go---hopefully maintaining a critical mass core. 

LINDA'S WAY---LEAN LIVING LADY LOVES LIBERTY

A MESSAGE TO THE GRANDMOTHERS OF AMERICA:  You too can go a-roaming! CHEAPLY

                                    I met her here---in Poncho Villa St Park---Columbus, NM

It's lovely---stretches about a quarter mile south---hot though, this time of year. This pict of me was taken during recent eclipse.

Saw her van---knew there was a story

So I sidled over----friendly Hi---I'm your neighbor Randy etc---feel my way slowly and easily---toward THE STORY. (actually, I enjoy the process---story or no story)

AAH but there's a story here---an interesting one.  In the next few days I came to visit often.  She's from NC--living on savings---one day got exasperated at the waste of rent--began to camp out---decided to come see the west.  Amuses herself reading---heavy stuff--history etc. She relished a conversation we had on metaphysics---knows how to converse:  talk a little---listen a little. (surprising how rare that skill is)

Soon Social security will kick in and she  feels secure.  It takes so little to live this lifestyle --she cannot starve.  She's saving for a new truck.  This van is 24 yrs old--has 170,000 miles---but runs good.  Accomodations (bed/storage etc are modest---I made some suggestions.)  I believe that van living is the quickest---most efficient way to live on the road. 

Her cook stove---cleverly shielded from the wind and a box of accessories .

Here's the  $80,000 alternative to simple van living---$70,000 of that unnecessary--$10,00 will buy an adequate van and you'll have a great time making it comfortable.

RANDY PHILOSOPHIZES;  Linda leads a happy life---travels veeeery slowly from park to park--moving to higher elevations as the summer progresses. Has a few friends that do the same and frequently cross paths with her.  American grandmothers too often live to please their children and not themselves.  HIT THE ROAD GRAMMA ---you can do it---Let linda inspire you---It's cheap--cheap--cheap----and wonderful out here.  Long lazy days of reading in the local library (where this was written) chatting with new and interesting people, seeing amazing sights.  Your kids, perhaps, are exploiting you.  Live your final years with gusto. 

MAN WHO AIMED LOW----HIT HIS TARGET---BEAUTIFULLY

HIS AIM: TO LIVE CHEAP---BUILD A SMALL NEST TO FOREVER FEATHER---GET A CAT TO LOVE----A FRIEND OR TWO TO CONNECT WITH---AND ENOUGH BEER TO STAY EVER BUZZED.

Meet Crow a man who has what he wants---built his tiny home---has appointed it with his favorite things---is improving it constantly. Take note of the slight bulge at the rear--will show you what it contains.

Interior shot worthy of some study---a masterwork of design--note the skylight for illumination (adjustable) --a host of electronic gadgets ---cubicles that contain a conglomeration of comforts.  The cat has  separate quarters up front in the cab---and an access door for visits.

Remember the rear bulge?  It contains this amazing stove--made of two cans.  Insulated area for safety--burns charcoal--one lump at a time--helps heat the place--safely vents out the top---ash removal door at the bottom.

His workspace is that of a busy man with many projects going.  I think he is a genuine AUTOTELIC personality. (self motivator--)

That's the face of contentment.  AAh --but the beer---this early---his breath--suggest he has a outsized fondness for it.

RANDY PHILOSOPHIZES:  I like this guy's adjustment to life---he is a kind of visionary---that made his vision real---he manages his resources with great care---has many projects brewing in his head---has located himself in a community of extremely low rent--($80-$100 a month)--with accepting friends.  Micro living such as this--could solve many of the world's problems. Aiming low has its advantages.

DENTAL WORK IN MEXICO------HOW EXPENSIVE?---HOW GOOD?

THINKING OF GOING TO MEXICO FOR DENTAL WORK?  Here's my experience and costs.
3 weeks ago a root canal treated tooth went bad. It was done in Santa Fe 5 yrs ago.  I checked prices here---was outraged----decided to go to Mexico---100 miles away.

The closest Mexican town is Palomas---3 miles from Columbus, NM.  So down I went---trailer and all to this end-of-the-world town. (residents say it themselves) It's unique in many ways and I will report later.

Settled into Poncho Villa St Park.  (my permit from last year is still valid so I camp free---if you need electricity add $4 a night) Turns out Lynn (caravan member) needs treatment too so she joined me here.

Together we cross this border in search of a good dentist.

This is about all ther is to the town---perhaps 5 blocks long and 4 wide. It depends on tourism and medical work for its life.  Word is--It's safe.

THE FAMOUS PINK STORE-----biggest one here---restaurant, gifts etc.

Optics and dental are the mainstays of their economy.

FIERO DENTAL CLINIC ----(6 chairs) lots of dentist--The biggest--most impressive clinic here---clean---well run--friendly. www.info@fierodental.com

I needed an APICOECTOMY (  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apicoectomy) for any hope of saving the tooth.  Needed an oral surgeon---he came on monday--and here he is doing the deed. Cutting off the top 5 mm of the infected tooth---removing the bad stuff---filling in the hole with goo that integrates with bone.  A translator stood by the whole time-----easy peasy. (also took the picts---they seemed surprised and flattered that I wanted them)  I'm sparing you the gory ones.

Operation's over--felt no pain---he shows off his stitchery.

I'm very impressed with this surgeon/doctor---he worked with confidence and sensitivity---doing a difficult operation.  Total charge: $350. (Dr Alonzo Ramirez--tel# 915-497-6884 )

Since I'm here--will wrap up three more dental loose ends---a crown ---  a root canal with post and replace an old filling.  meet Maria---an excellent--english speaking young dentist with great chair-side manners.  Lynn and I both selected her.  Lynn had extensive work done and had priced her work before leaving NC.  -----Shocking comparison: Same work done in the US: $7,500.  In Mexico she paid $1,400.  Savings $6.100

Meet our hero dentist: Maria.  She understands both sides of dentistry--technical expertise and patient relationship.  (Tel# 505-220-5798 ) Now I will make good on my title question:
Root canal Mexico:    280        root canal US:   900
Post:                              75        Post                   150
Crown:                        190        Crown               550
filling:                           60        Filling                95--250
Apicoectomy               350       Apicoectomy     750
total                             955                                 2,445                             difference 1,490
RANDY PHILOSOPHIZES:  Permit me to rant about the outrageous discrepancy in dental prices.  You would expect slightly higher prices---but this is ridiculous.  Why can't American dentist be happy with a really good living ($100,000 plus)?  Why do they shoot for a million?  Capitalism is not working in the dental business---because of protectionist trade associations. I guess it won't be competitive till more people do as I do.  Our whole nation suffers incredibly ---real pain--they postpone preventive treatment because Dentist charge so G--Dammed much.

  COLLECTIVELY-------, DENTIST,LAWYERS, UNDERTAKERS ARE GREEDY AND EVIL  THAT IS WHY THE PROBLEM MUST BE SOLVED COLLECTIVELY----BY LEGISLATION.
Individually they may not be evil.  But hear me dentist of America---your pricing structure is unfair and you participate in a world of needless pain and ill health. 

The deeper truth is that high priced dentistry, like high priced funerals, and high priced legal service is a CULTURAL DISTORTION we have "slipped into"--We need to vote ourselves out of it.
Meanwhile, I will vote with my wheels and go to Mexico.

Wonder how the most enlightened country in the world---Norway deals with dentistry?

http://www.mndental.org/features/2009/08/18/147/sitting_in_someone_elses_chair_dentistry_in_norway

Further reading: http://www.slate.com/articles/life/the_american_way_of_dentistry/2009/09/the_american_way_of_dentistry_2.html