From Yuma to the rainforest
An Arizona author talks about the highlights of her book and her hometown.
For avid RVer and Yuma-based author JoAnne Mowczko, the best part of hopping into her Winnebago View with her husband every summer is visiting camping sites, national parks and points of interest along their route to fully experience new places.
But after the couple decided to park their mobile home and fly to the Galapagos Islands and the Ecuadorian Amazon rainforest two years ago, the retired 64-year-old biologist and teacher said she returned home feeling as though she lacked a full understanding of the indigenous culture of the native Achuar people.
“After we got home, I started contacting the people at the Kapawi Ecolodge that we had stayed at and other foundations that are involved with some of the native populations,” said Mowczko. “A year and a half later, I was able to submit a proposal to the Achuar. They were receptive to my idea, which was to write an ecotourism book about their culture for tourists, with all proceeds from book sales going to the tribe.”
Mowczko said she felt compelled to complete the project.
“I’m volunteering all of my time and costs involved in this because I think it’s so worthwhile and it will benefit the Achuar so much,” she said.
To research the book, Mowczko personally funded a return trip to the Kapawi Ecolodge in January and February of 2011 to conduct field research. For two months she lived among the Achuar, examining medicinal plants and the ecosystem, meeting with the shaman and participating in their cultural traditions and celebrations.
“There are no roads leading to the home of the Achuar people, who have only been exposed to the western world for 50 years,” said Mowczko. “They have been the stewards of the rainforest for eons and have been able to live in balance. Contact with the West has impacted that.”
Mowczko said the Achuar people were in favour of her project.
“The reason they have embraced ecotourism is that oil companies are encroaching on their territory and threatening to destroy the rainforest,” she said.
Once the ecotourism book is complete, Mowczko said, it will be available online at www.kapawi.com, with all proceeds from book purchases going towards the preservation of the Achuar homeland and way of life.
She is currently editing the book in its rough form from her home in Yuma, where she said “the weather is beautiful this time of year” and there are enough upcoming block parties, festivals and attractions to bear out a second tourism book.
For snowbirds looking to experience Yuma the way the locals do this winter, Mowczko recommends a stop at Lutes Casino, a historic building in the heart of downtown Yuma.
“It’s not really a casino,” said Mowczko. “Now it’s a historic restaurant with unique decor. Their specialty is the especial, a hotdog and hamburger combination.”
Originally built in 1901 as a general store with a hotel located on the second floor, the building once played host to illegal gambling that took place in the basement.
Though the function of the building may have changed, Mowczko said that to this day, for those in the know, Lutes is where the elite meet in Yuma.
Key Yuma contacts
-
Yuma, AZRelax and unwind at a first-class resort
Westwind RV & Golf Resort offers its guests the very best that adult RV resort life affords. Whether it's inspiration or relaxation that you seek, Westwind has what you're looking for. Simply relax and spoil yourself with our luxurious comforts, or discover some of the many activities that Westwind and its surrounding area have to offer. Meticulously landscaped sites, first-class facilities, a consistently pleasing climate and good old-fashioned western hospitality make Westwind RV & Golf Resort a clear choice for RV resort living.
West Wind RV & Golf Resortwww.westwindrvgolfresort.com -
Florence, ArizonaRoom To Roam - Super Size Sites
Desert Gardens is a 55-plus Arizona RV park set amongst a beautiful and ancient cactus forest; an oasis in the pristine Sonoran Desert. We have many exciting amenities such as a pool and spa, game room with a big screen TV and game tables, a fitness centre and meditation garden. Our restrooms are exceptionally clean, and we have on-site showers. We also have internet access and a large club house. If you enjoy outdoor activities, you will love our nearby hiking trails, boating at Canyon and Saguaro Lakes, golfing, ATVing, exploring the Casa Grande ruins and the numerous rodeos, samborees and other events hosted in the area.
Desert Gardens RV Parkwww.desertgardensrvpark.com -
Western CanadaTake it with you ... Take FlightTM Snowbird Travel Insurance
You’ve been working your whole life so you can enjoy retirement! Going on a well-deserved vacation this winter? You deserve protection that’s right for you. Take FlightTM Snowbird Travel Insurance is an ideal travel insurance policy for Canadians aged 50 and older travelling anywhere in the world. Whether you’re one of the thousands of Canadians who spend winter in the sunny south or planning an extended escape, make sure you’re protected. To get more information visit your local Western Financial Group office today, call 1-866-THE-WEST (843-9378) or send us an email at info@westerngf.ca
Western Financial Groupwww.westernfinancialgroup.ca 
Arizona, USAEverything you want in a Resort
Come to Arizona and choose from 9 luxury RV Resorts and over 10,000 sites. With so much to do and see, our biggest complaint is that there is not enough time in the day to do it all. We have full hookup and pull-through sites for motorhomes, Travel Trailers and 5th Wheels. Vacation Rentals are available for you or your visiting friends. All of our resorts have many amenities such as Pools, Whirlpool-Spas, State-of-the-Art Fitness Centers, Computer Centers, Sporting Facilities and more. Enjoy hundreds of weekly activities, events, classes and clubs planned just for you.
Daily, Weekly and monthly Rates. No membership required.
Cal-am Propertieswww.cal-am.com/resorts
Casa Grande, AZA luxurious way of life
Whether you are searching for a vacation full of fun activities or a relaxing holiday, Palm Creek Golf and RV Resort has just what you need. Situated in Casa Grande, Arizona, this beautiful community brings you the charm of country living with the amenities of the city. Enjoy shopping, dining and entertainment, golfing, hiking and the many natural wonders surrounding the resort. With Phoenix and Tucson located less than an hour away, there are plenty of attractions to delight everyone. Palm Creek is a desert oasis; the best place to relax and enjoy the good times. Our resort can be your retreat for weekends and vacations, or a permanent place to call home.
Palm Creek Golf & RV Resortwww.palmcreekgolf.com
Lake Havasu City, AZVoted top three resorts in Arizona by RVwest Readers
Enjoy luxurious country club living at Havasu RV Resort. Located two miles from the brilliant blue waters of Lake Havasu, this resort offers spacious, big-rig friendly sites with full hook-ups, 100-amp electrical service and outdoor heated pools and jacuzzis. Ride your off-road toys right off the property into the desert, or enjoy boating, fishing and other water sports on Lake Havasu and the Colorado River. Explore the natural beauty of the Mojave & Sonoran deserts, or play the numerous area golf courses. Whatever your passion, there is something for you here at this spectacular RV paradise.
Havasu RV Resortwww.havasurvresort.com
Mesa, ArizonaMesa, Arizona: Close, convenient, smart.
In the Valley of the Sun, Mesa boasts an assortment of lifestyle and leisure pursuits in high demand by visitors. Embraced by the Sonoran Desert, a playground for sought-after outdoor recreation, here you will find the largest arts and cultural complex in the southwest, unique shopping at every turn, delectable dining options and a renowned collection of golf courses and premier accommodations. As the third largest city in Arizona, Mesa shines as a modern day desert urban retreat where landscapes are legendary and tradition and heritage still shine.
Mesa Convention & Visitors Bureauwww.VisitMesa.com
Mesa, AZPalm Gardens 55+ active living community
Welcome to Palm Gardens! We provide the highest quality community and the finest accommodations for 55+ retirement living in the entire Arizona region. We believe that you should have options in your living arrangements. We provide active retirees with RV sites, as well as both manufactured homes for sale and mobile home rentals in a beautiful Mesa gated community. We also provide you with several options and opportunities to choose from many different Cavco manufactured homes. Located in an area conveniently close to medical facilities, shopping, sporting events and facilities, cultural events and so much more, we strive to be the place for Mesa's active 55+ community.
Palm Gardens Manufactured Housing Communitywww.palmgardensonline.com
Festivals and events in Yuma
January: Gunfighter and Civil War re-enactments, Bluegrass in the Park, Wood Carving Expo
February: Renaissance Faire, Silver Spur Rodeo
March: Midnight on the Oasis, Yuma Lettuce Days Festival, Marine Corps Air Station Air Show
April: Yuma Birding and Nature Festival
September: Dove hunting season
Latest Comments