Location: Darby Well Road near Ajo, Arizona
It was a beautiful night sleeping with the window open. Last night's sunset turned out to be another pretty one and I published too soon. It's too pretty not to show you.
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| Last night's sunset. |
Woke at 7 o'clock and got up and took Yuma for a walk around 8. He has been a lazy one lately.
It looks to be a beautiful day, so decided today would be the day we take the 21 mile loop in Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument. The park is about 25 miles south just a few miles from the Mexican border.
So, after my usual long breakfast and another visit from my friend,
I booted Yuma off the comfy couch and off we went down Darby Well Road towards hwy 85. Just before getting to the highway, I had to swerve quickly to keep from running over a snake in the road. Almost lost control while fish-tailing as I came to a halt! Wasn't sure if I missed it or not, so backed up and got out leaving Yuma in the Jeep.
Thank goodness I missed it! Started looking off the side of the road and there it was. A young two foot Western Diamondback Rattlesnake. If you are squeamish looking at snakes roll through the next five pictures fast.
The most deadly part was me fish-tailing all over the road trying to miss running over it. I would have been upset if I wrecked the Jeep. Hard to control on gravel when you swerve quickly.
After that excitement, we headed south on hwy 85. I am only going to show you pictures of the Ajo Mountains on the drive down and save the actual loop pictures for the next few posts.
We turned left across from the entrance to the Visitors Center and soon the loop will begin into the Ajo Mountains. That's enough for one day. Time to get some dinner and hit the hay.
See you later.
That Yuma is getting pretty lazy. 😀 I'm glad you didn't run over the little snake - or wreck the jeep! Beautiful pictures. Love all the cacti around.
ReplyDeleteOh, and the sunset was gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad too. I'll have to be a little more careful. Funny how those sunsets sneak up on me. Didn't think there would be one and then there it is.
DeleteGreat pictures of the scenery and sunset.
ReplyDeletegood you didn't hurt the snake or yourself for that matter.
Looking forward to pictures of the rest of your day.
Be Safe and Enjoy!
It's about time.
Thanks Rick. Lucked out with this guy. Glad it worked out 👌. I overdid the mountain climbing so will be resting my feet for a few days.
DeleteI guess the snakes are beginning to get more active. Yuma will have to be careful.
ReplyDeleteGreat pictures of the Ajo Mountains. I love the cactus.
Thanks Dave. It is warming up and they are out now. Have to really watch out. That one was a wakeup call.
DeleteNice pictures of those western diamondbacks. And glad you didn't get too close!lol. Sounds like you had a good day. Take care, Rawn
ReplyDeleteNice day for getting out. It looked like it could take care of itself.
DeleteVery cool pictures of the snake. Good thing you were able to keep control while avoiding it! Very beautiful sunset. Looks like the weather couldn't be better! 🌄
ReplyDeleteThanks Steve. I wasn't expecting it to be in the road so I was surprised. Over reacted. The weather is definitely warming up.
DeleteWhat a beautiful sunset picture! I'm glad your dangerous encounter ended okay. What gorgeous pictures of the desert. I hope we can go back to Arizona and spend more time there someday. It is a beautiful state. I'm looking forward to more pictures.
ReplyDeleteThanks Cheri. You can spend a whole winter here and not see everything. Lots to see and do.
DeleteSnakes are definitely out and about. Good thing you kept Yuma in the Jeep. Gorgeous sunset pictures. We haven't had any here much at all this year.
ReplyDeleteYes they are. Will have to keep Yuma close and be vigilant. We've been lucky and had quite a few nice 🌇
DeleteWhat a gorgeous sunset! Ohhh that snake! No way would I have gotten out of the Jeep!! That 21 mile loop is incredible, can't wait to see your pictures!
ReplyDeleteThanks Shirley. I couldn't leave the area without a drive through the loop. Done a number of times but still love it.
DeleteYikes! That would not be fun but I know it is reaction but a dead snake is better than a wrecked Jeep and hurt driver and passenger. None of us want to kill critters but you would have been forgiven!
ReplyDeleteAre you heading home soon?
I'm glad all worked out okay. Had a great day. I haven't thought about when I will leave for home but it's getting closer. Probably mid April.
DeleteIs the VC still closed? They would have ideas for trails and where the crested cactus can be found. Glad no snakes, and especially no Jeep and passengers were harmed in your encounter
ReplyDeleteThanks Jeff. I didn't stop by the VC so don't know if it is open. One of these times I will have to find that crested saguaro:))
DeleteThis is probably a silly comment but I think Yuma looks depressed. Do you think he got used to having neighbors and happy hour? Don't laugh....lol.
ReplyDeleteYou may be right Elva. He does love being around people. I'll be heading home soon and he'll be happy.
DeleteThat is a wonderful area...except for the snakes. Not sure I woud have gone that far to avoid it.
ReplyDeleteGood morning. Nice to hear you 😊 The weather is great here in January and February when the snakes hibernate. That would be a good time to visit Arizona.
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