Wednesday, January 10, 2018

Wind, Rain and a trip to Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument

Wednesday, January 10, 2018 – Location:  Ajo, Arizona

IMG_7888Yesterday afternoon, the winds picked up with gusts over 20 mph.  Around 9 P.M. the rains came down for a solid hour blown by the winds.  I think I got a pretty good cleaning of both the Jeep and the RV or at least the dust is gone for now. 

This morning we had no wind and clear blue skies with the sun coming up over Black Mountain.  Going to be a beautiful day.

As the morning progressed, it warmed up nicely and the sky was full of puffy white cumulus clouds.  Looks to be a day of taking landscape pictures, and that’s what we did.

Around 10 A.M., Yuma and I hopped in the Jeep heading south on 85.  Almost to the Mexican border. We are headed for Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument!

IMG_7890The first place we stopped was Alamo Canyon because they allow dogs on a leash.  That's the thing I hate about Federal and state parks.  They are picky about where you can take a dog.

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IMG_7913After walking one mile into the canyon there was an old corral.

When we got back, we continued down to the headquarters and picked up a few brochures and then went across 85 to take the Ajo Mountain Drive.  It’s a 21 mile circle through the Ajo Mountains.  I must say the clouds and sun didn’t disappoint.  Just beautiful scenery everywhere I looked.

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Then we stopped at Arch Canyon.  It is at the eleven mile marker the half way point in our scenic drive.

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This must be at the exact altitude Saguaros love.  There are thousands of them between me and the mountains.

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IMG_7953On the way home from a long day, I stopped along hwy 85 to get a photo looking to the west at Ajo Peak, North Ajo Peak and Black Mountain.  That’s where we’re headed.  It’s been six hours and we’re both hungry and tired.

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We even had a beautiful sunset tonight.

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See you later.

16 comments:

  1. Beautiful sunrise and sunset! Such wonderful scenic pictures. I hope Yuma didn't race through too many meant cactus patches. Wow! So many saguaros! A really beautiful drive!

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  2. Thanks Dolly. Long day with lots of pictures. Wish I could have put more.

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  3. Stunning picture of the sunset Doug! Also like your sunny pictures, as we live close to Portland Oregon with too much rain!

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    1. Thanks Rawn. My family and I lived in Salem for five years in the 80s. It's beautiful there, but because of the rain.

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  4. What a beautiful day there! It was warm here but wind, damp and not beautiful. Take care Dad. Love you.

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    1. Hi Steve. Dolly mentioned that it is raining now and going to get cold later today. Stay warm. Love you.

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  5. I think that Ajo loop drive is one of the prettiest around and the scenery just never stops getting better with every mile travelled. Nice sunset photo.

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    1. You're right, Al. Dolly and I took it a few years back, but I had forgotten everything. Guess it helps to be old and forgetful. You get to enjoy things more than once.

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  6. That is an awesome drive, we took it earlier this winter. I too was amaze at home cactus are growing in that area. Loved the pics Doug. Thanks for sharing.

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    1. Glad you took the scenic drive. Would be terrible to be so close and miss it. The Monument is a little out of the way.

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  7. Thanks for sharing your drive and beautiful day with us !!

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    1. Thank you Moonfly. My pleasure. It was such a beautiful day for sightseeing.

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  8. First off that bottom picture should be framed and put on a wall! That's gorgeous! Looks like a great day and wonderful 21 mile drive..so beautiful in that area! :)

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  9. Thank you Shirley. It was one of those special days after a nice rainfall.

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  10. We're sure enjoying your pictures Doug. I think the waiting for our getaway time is harder than last year. We know better what we're missing this year, and your pictures are great reminders in case we forget. :-)
    Gord.

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  11. All your pictures today are beautiful. I especially love the sunrise one.
    We took that loop a few years back and we need to do it again it is a nice ride. I like how with the guide we knew what plants and mountains we were looking at...:)...Tom and I need that part.
    Wasn't the rain wonderful. I wish we would get a little more.

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