Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument (OPCNM)

Crested

         Organ Pipe Cactus 

                                                            Hedge Hog Cactus

                                                                Dessert Sunrise

                                         Desert View-Saguaro, Ocotillo, Brittle Bush

                                      

                                           Saguaro Hugging an Ocotillo

                                            Gary, John & Crested Organ Pipe Cactus

                                                Crested Organ Pipe Cactus Up Close

Hello Everyone,

Well, here I go again. I had this all done two days ago and didn't save it and lost it, O' well. We decided to go by OPCNM for 3 nights on our way back to WA, so we loaded the MH and summerized the house and away we went. We were accompanied by Gary & Cheryl Cyphers in their MH. Gary's brother Glen and wife Carolyn had gone ahead on Sunday. We arrived about 11:20 a.m. and got all set up (no hookups here but toilet and potable water at spigots around the park) in the same area as Glen. We all had lunch and then sat around and socialized. They even talked me into digging my 3 harmonicas out and accompanying Glen as he played the guitar. I managed to get a few notes right as we tried several songs. We sat around until it started getting dark and people started getting hungry again. It's amazing how sunshine, fresh air and good company can make you hungry.

TUESDAY: Everyone wanted to take the 21 mile scenic loop to view the various blossoms. Glen invited the 4 of us to go with him and Carolyn in his pickup that could seat 6. There were 5 of us taking pictures so with all the stopping and driving slow it took us about 4 hours to complete the loop. The scenery was beautiful with lots of blooms. There were more Hedge Hog Cacti blooming than any other cactus. I will try and post a few pictures with this post. All that picture taking got us all hungry so we headed for the Mexican boarder and the "Gringo Pass" restaurant. We all enjoyed a good Mexican lunch. After lunch we headed back to the park to rest and more socializing. We all did our own thing at meal time. There were 2 other couples in their RV's that were friends of Gary and Cheryl. They also joined in the socializing.

WEDNESDAY: We all went up to the Visitor Center and watched a movie about the park and then walked through a short nature trail. Margie found some items in the shop area that she just couldn't live without so we purchased them. After lunch Gary & Cheryl and Margie & I went in our Honda CRV on a 5 mile scenic drive. Not as many blooms on this drive but lots of great scenery. Carolyn had developed a migraine headache Tuesday so they left for home after lunch.

THURSDAY: This was the day we were leaving for the Blue Water Casino in Parker. We got up, had breakfast, got the MH said goodbye to Gary & Cheryl and headed for Parker, AZ.

We had a great time. Margie said this was the best RV trip she had had for a long time. No TV so I was willing to play games. Margie & I and Gary & Cheryl played Sequence and Margie taught us a new game, 3-13. Everyone really liked 3-13. You play 11 hands starting by dealing 3 cards and then 4, 5, 6, etc. up to a 13 card hand. I won't try to explain it all. Suffice it to say it was fun.

Friday we made it to the Sommerville Almond Tree RV Park, Coalinga, CA. Tonight (SAT) we are are at the Yreka RV Park, in Yreka, CA. Sunday we should make it home to Camas, WA around 1 or 2 o'clock.