Feb 3 - Organ Pipe Cactus Memorial & Brrrrrrrrrr.....

Storm coming on way to National Park

Agave Cactus in storm

Outside of Bisbee, AZ (old copper, silver & lead mining town)

Ocotilla Cactus in National Park

The mighty Saguaro

 Organ Pipe Cactus

We are revisiting one of my favorite places - Organ Pipe Cactus Memorial National Park in the extreme southwestern part of Arizona - Also 4 miles from the border of Mexico.  Our drive here from Sierra Vista appeared to be the same as last year except for the Border Patrol signs we passed about 50 miles from the park.  One stated "Proceed at your own risk" - Another said - "Highly secured area".  Richard and I looked at each other, raised our eyebrows and wondered out loud -"What is that all about?"  We decided to call ahead to the park to make sure they had room for our camper.  "Come on in we have lots of room!"  was the answer.  Last year when we arrived the park was a bustling hum of activity- people out setting up camps; walking, visiting. It was also filled to about 80% of capacity.  This year it is stretching it to say it is 20% filled.  I would think the weather has something to do with the low numbers of campers as it has been unseasonably windy and cold with hard freeze warnings for last night and again for tonight.  However, we also learned that several of the longer hiking trails have been closed indefinitely because of the problems with security at the border.  Also the scenic 21 mile loop that we had planned on touring on our bikes has been closed by the Border Patrol.

 The above issue  is not  stopping either of us from braving the cold and getting out there and attempting to capture  with the camera,  the essence that is the southwestern desert.  (However, a slight flu bug has sidelined me but I hope to be back out there, bundled up with camera in hand by tomorrow).

  This park is so beautifully designed with plantings of several varieties of cactus placed around  each site. Even when the campsites are filled there is a feeling of openness and nature all around.  It is very sad to think that the drug cartels are causing these beautiful national parks that our taxes pay for to be slowly closed down and  areas made off limits because of the danger of the activities of the cartels.

Meanwhile back in the camper - Richard has stayed busy and warm making cookies a couple of days ago and bread today!!!  Yummy