On our fourth trip to the Southwest, we find ourselves returning to the same parks. This morning, as we hiked through the desert, we laughed at ourselves for photographing the same scenery that we have numerous times in the past. Carol and I have walked the same beach at Myrtle Beach a thousand times, yet we still pick up the same beautiful seashells and put them in our pockets. Why? A memory. Excuse me, I have to take another picture of this mountain.
Monday, Jan. 23
Cloudy, breezy, and cold at McDowell Mountain but Christy doesn’t allow us to miss a morning hike. We bundled up in our winter gear and hit the trails. A trail that goes down into a deep, dried-up riverbed is always passed by, but this morning I convinced Carol to give it a try. The seemingly steep trail was actually a long, gradual decline. At the bottom was a sandy bed with green vegetation. I took Christy off leash and allowed her to run between Carol and me, getting a treat when she reached each of us. Lucy thought the game looked fun and wanted to participate. We almost never let Lucy off-leash, but there was no one around and Lucy likes treats too. With a treat in my hand, Lucy, with a big smile on her face, came speeding towards me with a purpose. Her purpose was to run right past me. Not sure where she was going but she sure was getting there fast. I started chasing our 14-year-old dog that rarely runs anymore, while Carol hysterically yelled for me to catch her little baby. Seeing how much fun Lucy was having, I initially didn’t run very fast until Carol’s voice got very firm with me. Lucy had an afternoon that she will remember for a long time.
Tuesday, Jan. 24
A day of driving, collecting supplies, and filling up with gas and propane got us back to our favorite place, Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument again for the next 6 days.
We were fully involved in watching one of our favorite TV shows, The Rookie, when there was an enormous explosion outside. The force from the powerful explosion rocked our RV from side to side. My first thought was that a 747 had crashed into the side of the Ham. With no apparent damage, I then thought that a propane tank of a nearby camper had exploded. When I rushed outside, all I found was a campground full of people with flashlights scurrying around and asking, “What the hell was that?” The most popular answer was Barry Goldwater.
To get to Organ Pipe, you have to travel through a part of Barry F. Goldwater Air Force Range -1.9 million acres. In years past, we would hear jet engines, but we never saw a jet. Our research tonight informed us that they test bombs there. Evidently, big bombs!
Wednesday, Jan. 25
The camp host told me this morning that the event last night was a sonic boom. It sure wasn’t like the ones that we remember as kids.
The freezing morning temperatures moderated enough for all of us to enjoy the sun’s warmth this afternoon. My afternoon bike ride was cut short because of the increasing winds.
No electricity and/or TV signal keeps us from watching our TV in bed about 50 percent of the time. My phone is then used to stream shows. It’s uncomfortable and cold on our arms to hold the phone outside of the bedcovers. I finally solved the problem.
Thursday, Jan. 26
The winds picked up during the night and made for a cold morning dog walk. By afternoon, the winds had gotten so strong that it was safer to stay seated in our tossed-around RV than try to move about.
Friday, Jan. 27
A perfect weather day! I didn’t want to spend the afternoon relaxing in the sun with the ladies, so I jumped on Carol’s e-bike and headed towards the same 21-mile Ajo Mountain Loop that I biked last year. I didn’t have plans to climb the 1300 feet to the top, I just wanted to test her bike’s electric power capabilities. Well, the mountain kept telling me to come closer. 8.5 miles later I was at the top, mesmerized by the beauty around me.
Click on this link to view more pictures. https://photos.app.goo.gl/y13K58oG9vmqSgY97
Saturday, Jan. 28
Before moving to our new site today, we drove down to the visitor’s center. There was a short, brick nature trail that Lois, Carol, the girls and I got to enjoy. Back at the new site, it was a day of rest in the sunshine with all of the girls.
Sunday, Jan. 29
Our last day here at Organ Pipe was 60’s, sunny and windy. We sat outside for a while, but it just wasn’t enjoyable. Electronic devices and NFL games were today’s activities.