Friends at Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument

Hi Blog!

On Thursday, March 9, 2017, we left Anza-Borrego State Park in Borrego Springs, California and headed back to Arizona. We planned to meet up with our friends for a little boondocking in Gunsight Wash just outside Why, Arizona. Why, you ask? Well, Why not, it's free camping. It's also right next door to Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument.

Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument is a U.S. National Monument and UNESCO biosphere reserve located in extreme southern Arizona which shares a border with the Mexican state of Sonora. The park is the only place in the United States where the Organ Pipe Cactus grow wild.

On Friday, March 10, 2017, we loaded the girls in one car and the boys in the other and drove down to the Organ Pipe Visitor's Center. Here we are next to a typical organ pipe cactus. From left to right: Kathy, Dave, George, Nan, Dick and Gaila.

After watching the park video, we took a stroll along a short nature trail where we learned all about mistletoe and it's various uses. Here we are putting it to its best use!

It is spring in Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument and the cactus are showing off their finery.

We jumped back into the cars and drove the self-guided 21 mile Ajo Mountain loop. Several years ago, Gaila had taken this drive with a park ranger. She remembered they spotted a crested saguaro. We kept our eyes out and were lucky enough to find it again.

As we drove further up into the mountains, the wild flowers were popping out everywhere.

These short little photo stops gave us a chance to stretch our legs.

The ocotillo certainly put on a show for us.

Arch Canyon is a popular day hike in the park.

Just past the halfway point of our drive, we found a nice shady spot for lunch.

The boys decided to take a hike, while the girls headed back to camp. The boys hiked up Estes Canyon Trail and then down Bull Pasture Trail. The girls found another crested saguaro on the ride home.

On Saturday, March 11, 2017, the Unusual Suspects decided to head into Ajo for their weekly Farmer's Market. After filling up on breakfast burritos, muffins and coffee, the gang settled in to watch some traditional Mexican dancing.

That evening, we feasted on shrimp from the Sea of Cortez, wild spinach squares, rice salad, caesar salad and fresh bread.

This was our farewell dinner, because the others were due to leave the next morning.  We were sad to see our friends go, but we know that our paths will cross again. Safe travels!