June 17, 2016, Yuma- This citrus capital of the West has become my go-to pit stop, en route to San Diego and Chula Vista, as I-8 is a less perplexing route to my son’s street, than CA 15 was.

Yuma has been known to hit 120 during this hottest of desert summer months. That puts it in the same league as Phoenix and Palm Springs. Nonetheless, a brief stop here is a pleasure. There are enough diverse attractions in the area to keep my camera and I busy, over the next two drives out to see my pride and joy. Besides the Algodones Dunes and the Colorado River Wetlands Trail, which I visited the last time I was here, there are the Territorial Prison, Martinez Lake, Santillan House and the area that occupied me this afternoon: Historic Downtown. It’s a small area, but Main Street, even in the 102 degree heat, is worth weaving in and out of the air-conditioned buildings. There is much to be said for a town with two theaters within a two-block radius of one another. Then, there is Lutes Casino, a family-friendly restaurant-bric-a-brac palace that offers a full range of old-fashioned fountain treats, as well as diner food and a full bar.

So, here’s a look at Main Street, Yuma:

For those heading in earnest, between Phoenix and San Diego, Yuma has done a fine job of offering a safe haven-even in the sizzling summer.