Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument

If I told you that I was on a tour with 18 others and we were being guarded by 4 heavily armed men, where would you think I was.  Afganistan or Yemen come to mind for me.  Actually, the tour was in the Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument.

I was curious about the Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument so I went there for a week.  One reason to go was the tour that I was "lucky enouph" to get on.  The park only conducts the tour 8 times a year to the Quitobaquito  Springs.  The rest of the year the area is closed to all access.  We travelled in two vans with about 18 folks total on the tour.  Actually, there wasn't much to the springs, but the history and more importantly the adventure getting there made the trip very worthwhile.  

Before going we gathered in a conference room where we are told about the tour, including about the 4 law enforcement rangers that would be providing security, i.e. Guarding Us!  Then, off we go into the desert on a very bumpy dirt road that at times runs next to the boarder.  Since I usually don't get sea sick, I was relegated to the back seat in one of the vans.  It was great fun.  

The lady I was sitting with and I were laughing much of the way since we were flying all around the back of the van like we were on a carnival ride.  At times we were only a few yards from the boarder and on the other side of which is a nice super highway.  Unfortunately, it was in Mexico.  Too bad we just didn't cross the boarder, hope onto the highway for a few minutes, pull of the highway, cross back across the boarder by simply leaning under the barrier and walking less than 100 yards to the springs.

The springs feed a man made pond which was created over 100 years ago.  Like I said, it wasn't much to look at.  The history though was really facinating and made the trip worthwhile, along with driving along the boarder with 4 armed guards leading the way.  At the pond and springs, two other rangers had already "swept" the area.  They left and our gaurds fanned out into the brush.  We weren't allowed to take any pictures of them. I should mention that they were heavily armed, with assult rifles at the ready across their chests.  It was a little unnerving when they would appear now and then out of the brush.

This is our little group examining the springs.  It wasn't much more than a trickle, but I suppose if your crossing the desert it was very welcomed.  

In talking with one of the rangers he said they estimate that around 1000 "illegals" cross the border in this area every day.  The border patrol even has installed some beacons several miles in at which an illegal can push a button and get some emergency aid if he or she is in trouble.  Of course they get arrested at the same time, but it's better than dying in the desert.

The next day I went on a motorcycle ride and hike up to "Bull Pasture".  It was quite a climb, but felt really good to get the blood flowing.  

The views at the end of the trail were pretty spectacular.  I was tempted to continue the climb to the summit of Ajo Mountain, but thought the better of it since it would have been more off trail and I was hiking by myself.  

The next day I went on a much easier hike to Alamo Canyon where different settlers tried to make a living off the land.  None were successful.  On the way in, I was passed by 6 law enforcement rangers.  The Border Partol had caugh some smugglers further up the canyon and since they were in the park, the National Park Service had jurisdiction.  I recognized a couple as my guards from the tour.

Just something left by the homestead,

Now this is interesting.  Throughout southern Arizona and California you can run across these formations.  They were used by ancient folks and native americans to pound grain.  I've seen several of them throughout my travels in the area the past several years.

Well, that's it.  Organ Pipes was sure interesting.  I don't think I'm going back soon but it was certainly worth the trip this year.