Jan. 27, 2007

We departed Ajo after church on Jan. 14 and motored down to Organ Pipe National Monument. We spent a week there hikiing to several old mines and one canyon, which was a little terrifying for Nancy. It's pretty desolate country, and it's hard to imagine all the hardships the miners suffered. We did one 8 mile hike that really pushed our limits. It wasn't a difficult hike, in that it wasn't a lot of uphill, but we hiked in washes that were about 6" deep with fine gravel and sand. Each step took a lot of effort. Those last 3 miles got to be pretty long. We managed to get to most of the evening ranger talks on various topics regarding the park.

On January 21 we headed down to PuertoPenasco, MX. We had done a scouting trip to check out some RV parks and found one right on the beach. Purchased our Mexican insurance and were on our way. Life on the beach was very good with beautiful sunsets and great margaritas. (A special "thank you" to Susan for the magic bullet - it makes great margaritas). We walked the beach, and I collected some shells. Got into town a few times for a little local color. We bought fresh shrimp and fish at the open air fish markets and enjoyed both. John and I both fed the seagulls, but John actually got two of them to eat from his hand. More later.

John and I arrived in Ajo, AZ on January11 after having solar panels and a catalytic heater installed in the coach in Glendale. Since we got a late start out of Glendale, we decided to spend the night in Ajo, and then motor on to Organ Pipe National Monument the following morning. After discovering the beautiful old plaza here, and taking a look at the HUGE copper mine, we decided to stay a few days and explore. One of the places we explored was the Cabeza Prieta Wildlife Preserve. After driving in about 17 miles on a dirt road we did some hiking around the area. Found some pronghorn antlers, but didn't see so much as a rabbit. However, the following morning we encountered a Javelina when leaving the RV park. You just never know when the wildlife is going to appear.

Tomorrow we will leave for Organ Pipe after attending an old mission style church which is currently pastored by a Methodist. We were planning on attending the Presbyterian church, but met the organist for the Methodist church when we did a preview of Organ Pipe. She agreed to play my favorite hymn , so we decided to be Methodists for a day. After a week at our next destination, it's on to Rocky Point, Mexico where we have reserved a spot right on the Sea of Cortez. I can't begin to imagine how beautiful it's going to be watching the sunset while sitting on the beach in front of the coach.

After Rocky Point we will probably head for Yuma AZ and then on to CA. We will update the blog when we get to Yuma and have internet connection again.

Love to you all.

Hi all, we fled the snow and are in beautiful sunny (and no snow) AZ. Would you believe we decided to leave Tues AM to beat the snow, and were on the road by 2 PM. Good trip down High lite was a stop at the Boscque del Apache wildlife reserve in NM. It is a major wintering spot for Snow geese and Sand Hill cranes. We got there in the late PM to see them coming back to their watering spot. Then the next AM we got there to see the watering spot looking like a snow field. Shortly after we arrived they took off in mass. What a sight. Attached are a couple of photos.

We will be here till next Tuesday (after the Bucs win the BCS bowl) then off to Organ Pipe AZ then points west. Will keep you posted.

Nancy & John (Mom & Dad)