Marsha Smith

I tend to make observations when we are exploring new areas in the “Puddle Jumper” (our motor home) and many times those are spurred by either hot topics at home or my pet peeve, the effect of big box stores on local business.

Ron and I usually celebrate our anniversary with a road trip and because we couldn’t stray to far this trip we threw a dart and it landed on Yuma, Ariz. We are open to exploring anywhere at least once, and there is so much of the United States to explore, we never know what jewels we may discover. Yuma is a Mecca for snowbirds and getting reservations at an RV park this time of year was in itself a challenge, but we struck pay dirt on the Colorado River near the Laguna Dam about 25 miles outside Yuma. Our site wasn’t on the river, but actually even better – backed up to the desert hills with hiking and off road trails at our back door and away from the boating/party crowd. We hiked daily and enjoyed off road trails as well and not one time did I find that either one interfered with the other. Wow, what a concept that there was room for everyone to enjoy one or the other, or both activities and not offend anyone. It was a great experience and one we have encountered many times in Arizona as well as many other states we have visited; mutual respect. Off road vehicles obeyed the rules of their designated area’s and didn’t infringe on hiking trails and hikers didn’t try to claim the off road territory. You think maybe they have figured out everyone has a right to enjoy our wonderful country’s activities and being selfish only breeds animosity. I am sure there are plenty of you who would love to argue my point, but I guess I am naive enough to believe in diversity and sharing, but I like having that mind set.

Room for everyone is another story when it comes to “big-box stores” I observe when on the road. I don’t have to tell you which one, it is the one many locals would like to see come to our valley for their own selfish reasons of saving a buck and could care less if the rest of the community died in its wake. Yuma has a very nice walkable “Old Town” area where a street faire was being held while we were there. Nice event, but what I noticed was a large portion of the shops on the street were empty. I didn’t have to be told why, but I asked how many of this particular big box-store were in the Yuma area - three - enough said. Traveling the last few years I have noticed more and more shopping centers going by the wayside, and every time big-box is within the immediate vicinity. How sad to see quaint and even historical communities eaten alive by big-box. It drives me crazy when on the road and we inquire as to where we might find a grocery store and the answer is always the same, “big-box.” Personally I want to buy groceries in a grocery store and my clothing in a department store or specialty shop, preferably with ‘made in the USA label’ and I practice what I gripe about, you will not run into me in big-box. I envision one day big-box will be our only option and the ambiance of our communities will go by the wayside, how sad.