We've moved on to Tucson now. We pulled in here this afternoon, and we'll be staying here for a week. Mike is still working on some documentation for his previous employer (he works on contract). I'm going to spend the week getting some sewing done and visiting quilt shops. There are several in Tucson. I'll tell you about them as I see them. We've spent quite a lot of time in Tucson in the past. We have considered living here someday, but we have no plans at this time. We've seen some of the sights and visited the University of Arizona. I'd like to visit the Mission San Xavier del Bac this time. We've planned to visit in the past, and then never made time. This time around, I think we'll get it done.
I didn't want to leave Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument without telling you about our hike on the Victoria Mine Trail. It was a fairly easy hike in and out, 4.5 miles round-trip. It was relatively flat with a few ups and downs through the washes. The part that made it difficult was that it was a very rocky trail, and at times it was like walking on beach sand. It required a lot of our ankles to keep our footing stable. We were out in the hottest part of the day, although the temperature was comfortable. Still, it was hot in the sun. We were grateful for the three benches chained in the shade of some of the mesquite bushes.
The Ocotillo have been in bloom everywhere since we came south. Some are bloomed out, and some are still just getting ready to open. It's been a treat to be able to see them.
The hike itself was nothing different from what we've been seeing all over the park. Cactus, cactus, and more cactus.
There's something about the surrounding hillsides that is very beautiful, even though they are dry in appearance. We talked with some people who have visited this park every year for 15 years. They told us that it is not as green as usual. The ranger informed us that this is the "wet" part of the desert, and that they've been in a drought this year.
We noted on our way out how clean the trail was without a speck of trash anywhere. Then we met a man with a bicycle and a few plastic bags full of trash. He said he and his wife came out there weekly and picked up the trash left behind in the washes by undocumented people coming across the border. The bicycle he had with him had been left behind, presumably. Either that, or he had just confiscated it from someone who was going to be returning for it. It was spray painted black to avoid any glints of sunlight that might give away one's position. Also, the water jugs they left behind were painted black for the same reason. While I don't condone illegal immigration, I feel sympathetic to the trials these people face as they look for a better life. Who among us might not do the same thing if we were in their place?
I always like when I reach the spot a hike is named for. They mined for gold, silver, lead, and copper at the Victoria Mine, and a structure can still be seen there. I always imagine people going about their business, going in and out of the remains of these old structures, and wonder what they were like . . . what their days were liked, how they lived. I think one of the things that is so magical about the desert is that everything there is old. Some of these cactus have been growing since well before our country was founded.
This was a good place to see the view of the surrounding countryside too. There were fires burning in the distance--we don't know why--and it was also possible to see dust trailing behind a moving vehicle far in the distance.
We thoroughly enjoyed our time at this national monument, and I expect we will return at some point in the future. The campground was very nice, and the people very friendly. It was also extremely quiet. Mike and I laid out in our lounge chairs after dark looking up at the sky. The stars were incredible. We like to lie out looking at them and discussing the "big" questions of life. Last night we set up the telescope. As is always the case, we had trouble getting it pointed where we wanted it, but we were still able to see the nebula in Orion, the Beehive Cluster, and the planet Jupiter. There was (fortunately or unfortunately, depending on your point of view) a sliver of moon that lit up the sky some. Still, there were plenty of stars, and we do love the stars. We've owned three homes during our marriage, and we've never purchased one without visiting after dark to look at the sky. If we can't see the stars, it can't be our home.
So it's getting close to dinner. Tomorrow will be a day for grocery shopping and laundry. We always get behind when we've been in a national park. After that . . . quilt shops!! So, stay tuned.
I didn't want to leave Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument without telling you about our hike on the Victoria Mine Trail. It was a fairly easy hike in and out, 4.5 miles round-trip. It was relatively flat with a few ups and downs through the washes. The part that made it difficult was that it was a very rocky trail, and at times it was like walking on beach sand. It required a lot of our ankles to keep our footing stable. We were out in the hottest part of the day, although the temperature was comfortable. Still, it was hot in the sun. We were grateful for the three benches chained in the shade of some of the mesquite bushes.
The Ocotillo have been in bloom everywhere since we came south. Some are bloomed out, and some are still just getting ready to open. It's been a treat to be able to see them.
The hike itself was nothing different from what we've been seeing all over the park. Cactus, cactus, and more cactus.
There's something about the surrounding hillsides that is very beautiful, even though they are dry in appearance. We talked with some people who have visited this park every year for 15 years. They told us that it is not as green as usual. The ranger informed us that this is the "wet" part of the desert, and that they've been in a drought this year.
We noted on our way out how clean the trail was without a speck of trash anywhere. Then we met a man with a bicycle and a few plastic bags full of trash. He said he and his wife came out there weekly and picked up the trash left behind in the washes by undocumented people coming across the border. The bicycle he had with him had been left behind, presumably. Either that, or he had just confiscated it from someone who was going to be returning for it. It was spray painted black to avoid any glints of sunlight that might give away one's position. Also, the water jugs they left behind were painted black for the same reason. While I don't condone illegal immigration, I feel sympathetic to the trials these people face as they look for a better life. Who among us might not do the same thing if we were in their place?
I always like when I reach the spot a hike is named for. They mined for gold, silver, lead, and copper at the Victoria Mine, and a structure can still be seen there. I always imagine people going about their business, going in and out of the remains of these old structures, and wonder what they were like . . . what their days were liked, how they lived. I think one of the things that is so magical about the desert is that everything there is old. Some of these cactus have been growing since well before our country was founded.
This was a good place to see the view of the surrounding countryside too. There were fires burning in the distance--we don't know why--and it was also possible to see dust trailing behind a moving vehicle far in the distance.
We thoroughly enjoyed our time at this national monument, and I expect we will return at some point in the future. The campground was very nice, and the people very friendly. It was also extremely quiet. Mike and I laid out in our lounge chairs after dark looking up at the sky. The stars were incredible. We like to lie out looking at them and discussing the "big" questions of life. Last night we set up the telescope. As is always the case, we had trouble getting it pointed where we wanted it, but we were still able to see the nebula in Orion, the Beehive Cluster, and the planet Jupiter. There was (fortunately or unfortunately, depending on your point of view) a sliver of moon that lit up the sky some. Still, there were plenty of stars, and we do love the stars. We've owned three homes during our marriage, and we've never purchased one without visiting after dark to look at the sky. If we can't see the stars, it can't be our home.
So it's getting close to dinner. Tomorrow will be a day for grocery shopping and laundry. We always get behind when we've been in a national park. After that . . . quilt shops!! So, stay tuned.
2 comments:
Your photography skills are wonderful. I am really enjoying the pictures! Thank you. Maybe that is why your quilts are so nice.. you have a good eye.
I can't decide which is my favorite picture - the Ocotillo? No, the tumble-down building with the rusted piece of machinery - no, wait! the shot through the windows, in one & out the other!
I give up. I just like them ALL - thanks for sharing with us Barbara.
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