Trip to Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument

Here is Sandy getting ready to jump into the truck so we can head down to the Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument. This park is about 150 miles south of Phoenix on the Mexican border.




As we were getting ready to leave on our small adventure, several dozen people were taking off on their high adventure in 5 hot air balloons. They were taking off at a launch site about 1 mile south of the park, so pulled over and took a few pictures. We have never been in a hot air balloon, but pehaps we should put it on our “Bucket List”.










When we stopped at McDonald's for a quick breakfast this old relic was sitting out front. It’s a 1928 Ford. Sandy got it right when she said “this should be kept just as it is and not be restored”. It was called "The Old Ratter".










At the Park entrance there was another couple , so we did the you take ours and we’ll take yours routine.


At the south end of the park is a border crossing. This is the same crossing our friends from Quartzsite crossed going to Puerto Penasco, Mexico.




Here is the road map of the 22 mile road called Ajo Mountain Drive. This is the only drive open at this time. The other road bordering Mexico is closed indefinitely.


This is a picture of the fence that is being built along the border.


This Saguaro seems to be saying "come here and let me give you a hug".


Most of the road is one way, thankfully. About 2/3 is dirt and the rest is paved.


Here are a couple of Chain-Fruit Cholla pictures.





Another thing you see are Touristos, AKA as my wife.


Now HERE is a Organ Pipe Cactus


Here are several photos taken along the road.














This picture shows a Saguaro Cactus skeleton with a "shoe" sticking out the right side. A "shoe" is where a bird has hollowed out a nest and the cactus has healed itself by forming a cork-like scare tissue.


Here is a photo of a young Saguaro Cactus growing in a young Organ Pipe Cactus.


Now why would you name a town Why?









Bye for now,
Dave and Sandy