JohnTheLuck
Member
Thanks a lot! It is a pleasure to contribute to this forum.
JohnTheLuck's Adventures Thread
- Thread starter JohnTheLuck
- Start date
Thanks a lot! It is a pleasure to contribute to this forum.
JohnTheLuck
Member
Thank you also. And this trip will not be the last since on our way back to the hotel tonight, my wife and I planned for two trips next year!!!
JohnTheLuck
Member
Day 20:
Start point: Ehrenburg AZ
End point: Gila Bend AZ
Distance driven: 366 km
Even today, we went on off-road trails near Quartzsite AZ, although my wife is starting to find that we don't do a lot of hiking these days.
We started with a steep route up to the top of Guadalupe Peak, having numerous communication towers on it.
Then, we drove the New Water Mountain Road climbing on these mountains, then circulating along a long and spectacular ridge. Some passages were a little more technical, but the most difficult was to look only at the road down this very scenic part.
After a short lunch, we went north of Quartzsite to see the Fisherman Intaglios, a drawing on the ground made by removing stones. Here is the panel to help visualize the drawing. Even on site this was not obvious given the size of it.
Then we went onto another trail, the South Plomosa Range Road. This road joins several old mines and some vestiges are still visible in fairly good condition.
Although the mountains were composed of mainly brownish rocks, the sides were tinted with other colors.
We then hit the road to return to Gila Bend for the next two nights. Tomorrow, forecast are for some precipitations and this may disrupt our planned route a little. We will advise tomorrow morning.
.
Start point: Ehrenburg AZ
End point: Gila Bend AZ
Distance driven: 366 km
Even today, we went on off-road trails near Quartzsite AZ, although my wife is starting to find that we don't do a lot of hiking these days.
We started with a steep route up to the top of Guadalupe Peak, having numerous communication towers on it.
Then, we drove the New Water Mountain Road climbing on these mountains, then circulating along a long and spectacular ridge. Some passages were a little more technical, but the most difficult was to look only at the road down this very scenic part.
After a short lunch, we went north of Quartzsite to see the Fisherman Intaglios, a drawing on the ground made by removing stones. Here is the panel to help visualize the drawing. Even on site this was not obvious given the size of it.
Then we went onto another trail, the South Plomosa Range Road. This road joins several old mines and some vestiges are still visible in fairly good condition.
Although the mountains were composed of mainly brownish rocks, the sides were tinted with other colors.
We then hit the road to return to Gila Bend for the next two nights. Tomorrow, forecast are for some precipitations and this may disrupt our planned route a little. We will advise tomorrow morning.
.
JohnTheLuck
Member
Thanks! We stayed almost all day in the 4Runner today because of the rain. Hey, this can happen during any trip. This might be the price to pay to see a wildflower bloom later.
JohnTheLuck
Member
Day 21:
Start point: Gila Bend AZ
End point: Gila Bend AZ
Distance driven: 359 km
We had a rather gloomy temperature today. When we left there were a few clearings. We even saw the sun briefly but it did not persist. Dark clouds appeared and the rain, sometimes quite heavy, started to fall. The temperature reached 16C before plunging to 7C in the mountains.
In order to reach our destination for the day, we took the AZ 85 road south. As we were passing through the Barry M. Goldwater Air Force Range, A-10 Thunderbolt ground attack planes were firing practice shots.
As we entered Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, threatening clouds were visible in the distance.
Although crested saguaro are quite rare, we have seen three distant from less than 250 meters. We then had one of the rare sunny moments of the day.
After a short stop at the Visitor Center to inform us of the general conditions, we began the route of the Puerto Blanco Drive. This approximately 50 km route bypasses Godsend Peak with its band of yellowish rock. It circulates around a region which has been the theater of mining operations in the past.
The place has a lot of vegetation including saguaro, organ pipe cactus, chollas, and others. The shapes of the saguaros' arms often awaken the imagination.
My boy will recognize the famous stepmothers ottomans and their needles in the shape of very stubborn hooks.
Given the rather gloomy weather, we had the place practically all for ourselves.
About halfway down, the rain started to fall quite hard but the dry soil managed to absorb the water without it dripping to the surface. Even the washes were still dry.
Towards the end, the road runs along the Mexican border. Work in progress was intended to replace the current small fence with the now famous and controversial wall.
Then we travelled the other road in the park, the Ajo Scenic Drive forming a loop going up into the mountains. The rain was still falling and the clouds were very low.
We then returned to Gila Bend. Tomorrow, we will approach even more Phoenix hoping that the rain leaves us because it is much more pleasant under the sun.
.
Start point: Gila Bend AZ
End point: Gila Bend AZ
Distance driven: 359 km
We had a rather gloomy temperature today. When we left there were a few clearings. We even saw the sun briefly but it did not persist. Dark clouds appeared and the rain, sometimes quite heavy, started to fall. The temperature reached 16C before plunging to 7C in the mountains.
In order to reach our destination for the day, we took the AZ 85 road south. As we were passing through the Barry M. Goldwater Air Force Range, A-10 Thunderbolt ground attack planes were firing practice shots.
As we entered Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, threatening clouds were visible in the distance.
Although crested saguaro are quite rare, we have seen three distant from less than 250 meters. We then had one of the rare sunny moments of the day.
After a short stop at the Visitor Center to inform us of the general conditions, we began the route of the Puerto Blanco Drive. This approximately 50 km route bypasses Godsend Peak with its band of yellowish rock. It circulates around a region which has been the theater of mining operations in the past.
The place has a lot of vegetation including saguaro, organ pipe cactus, chollas, and others. The shapes of the saguaros' arms often awaken the imagination.
My boy will recognize the famous stepmothers ottomans and their needles in the shape of very stubborn hooks.
Given the rather gloomy weather, we had the place practically all for ourselves.
About halfway down, the rain started to fall quite hard but the dry soil managed to absorb the water without it dripping to the surface. Even the washes were still dry.
Towards the end, the road runs along the Mexican border. Work in progress was intended to replace the current small fence with the now famous and controversial wall.
Then we travelled the other road in the park, the Ajo Scenic Drive forming a loop going up into the mountains. The rain was still falling and the clouds were very low.
We then returned to Gila Bend. Tomorrow, we will approach even more Phoenix hoping that the rain leaves us because it is much more pleasant under the sun.
.
MAST4R
New member
Fantastic pictures, as always! It is raining here right now. It has been raining since around 5. I am sure you are aware about flash floods and will plan for tomorrow accordingly.
Which of the two trails was more scenic? It is funny that we have driven 90 trails in AZ but 0 in the southernmost region.
EDIT: the forecast is 70% chance of rain for tomorrow.
Which of the two trails was more scenic? It is funny that we have driven 90 trails in AZ but 0 in the southernmost region.
EDIT: the forecast is 70% chance of rain for tomorrow.
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JohnTheLuck
Member
While it rained almost all day, there was no water in washes. I hope that will not affect upcoming trails. I am aware and pretty scared about flash floods.
These two trails are quite different. Puerto Blanco Drive is more remote and more of a trail than Ajo Scenic Drive which has better scenery in my opinion but have some section paved. Both allow access to hiking trails but of course with the rain, we did none.
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JohnTheLuck
Member
Day 22:
Start point: Gila Bend AZ
End point: Goodyear AZ
Distance driven: 361 km
Distance hiked: 1.8 km
The good news of the day was the sky gradual clearing, beginning this morning. This is much better for our activities.
Our first destination of the day was supposed to be the Butterfield Pass Road in the Sonoran Desert National Monument, described in Peter Massey's book. Unfortunately, what I read on the Internet during my preparation was true. The area is now closed for 2-3 years to allow the vegetation to recover for past abuse.
While in route to our second destination, we saw the Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station near Gila Bend from afar. This plant, the largest producer of electricity in the United States, has the distinction of not being located near a watercourse like other nuclear power plants. Water is normally used to cool the reactor. Here, wastewater from nearby cities is used for this purpose. This plant alone evaporates more than 20 billion US gallons (76 million m3) each year. This is kind of strange in such an arid region.
Our second destination consisted of a return to Saddle Mountain for a short hike on the eastern flank, a find from my wife.
Yesterday's heavy rain greatly improves the chances of wild flowers blooming. Some species were already open while others really don't care about the rain.
Then we continued north to reach Box Canyon of the Hassayampa located near the charming little town of Wickenburg. The Hassayampa river, generally with very low flow, has dug the rock into a narrow canyon which can be crossed by vehicle.
We were concerned that yesterday's heavy rain would make access impossible. To tell the truth, it was rather the gravel and dirt roads that were almost impassable because the mud made them slippery. As we did not think we could go into the canyon, we started with a road leading to various points of view over it.
Having reached the access point of the canyon, we noticed several tracks of vehicle going in the riverbed. Near the access, people with their all-terrain vehicle reassured us that the canyon was passable without problem, the bottom being mainly rocky covered with a thin layer of coarse sand. So we got in the riverbed for fun, er ... truck wash ... !!!
Near the access, we walked a very short canyon slot ending in a now dry fall. The place must have been a lot less peaceful yesterday during the rain.
We then went upstream in the river a short distance as the canyon became narrower as we progressed.
We then returned to the paved road. Wickenburg is a city with several ornaments in the form of sculptures. Even some private homes are decorated with sheet metal sculptures like this fine example near the canyon.
We are in Goodyear AZ in the southwest suburbs of Phoenix. Tomorrow, we will reconnect with long hikes, to my wife's great pleasure.
.
Start point: Gila Bend AZ
End point: Goodyear AZ
Distance driven: 361 km
Distance hiked: 1.8 km
The good news of the day was the sky gradual clearing, beginning this morning. This is much better for our activities.
Our first destination of the day was supposed to be the Butterfield Pass Road in the Sonoran Desert National Monument, described in Peter Massey's book. Unfortunately, what I read on the Internet during my preparation was true. The area is now closed for 2-3 years to allow the vegetation to recover for past abuse.
While in route to our second destination, we saw the Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station near Gila Bend from afar. This plant, the largest producer of electricity in the United States, has the distinction of not being located near a watercourse like other nuclear power plants. Water is normally used to cool the reactor. Here, wastewater from nearby cities is used for this purpose. This plant alone evaporates more than 20 billion US gallons (76 million m3) each year. This is kind of strange in such an arid region.
Our second destination consisted of a return to Saddle Mountain for a short hike on the eastern flank, a find from my wife.
Yesterday's heavy rain greatly improves the chances of wild flowers blooming. Some species were already open while others really don't care about the rain.
Then we continued north to reach Box Canyon of the Hassayampa located near the charming little town of Wickenburg. The Hassayampa river, generally with very low flow, has dug the rock into a narrow canyon which can be crossed by vehicle.
We were concerned that yesterday's heavy rain would make access impossible. To tell the truth, it was rather the gravel and dirt roads that were almost impassable because the mud made them slippery. As we did not think we could go into the canyon, we started with a road leading to various points of view over it.
Having reached the access point of the canyon, we noticed several tracks of vehicle going in the riverbed. Near the access, people with their all-terrain vehicle reassured us that the canyon was passable without problem, the bottom being mainly rocky covered with a thin layer of coarse sand. So we got in the riverbed for fun, er ... truck wash ... !!!
Near the access, we walked a very short canyon slot ending in a now dry fall. The place must have been a lot less peaceful yesterday during the rain.
We then went upstream in the river a short distance as the canyon became narrower as we progressed.
We then returned to the paved road. Wickenburg is a city with several ornaments in the form of sculptures. Even some private homes are decorated with sheet metal sculptures like this fine example near the canyon.
We are in Goodyear AZ in the southwest suburbs of Phoenix. Tomorrow, we will reconnect with long hikes, to my wife's great pleasure.
.
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JohnTheLuck
Member
Day 23:
Start point: Goodyear AZ
End point: ChamblersGoodyear AZ
Distance driven: 133 km
Distance hiked: 8.9 km
Our only activity of the day was a long hike made up of two trails, that of Piestewa Peak as well as the Freedom Loop in the Phoenix Mountains Park. This mountain range, located in the Phoenix metropolitan area, offers superb views of the city.
Although the total distance is not so high, it is the endless series of steps to reach the summit of Piestawa Peak which is very exhausting. It is so popular that steps made of rocks have been built in the past to reduce erosion. However, rains devastated many of them and it sometimes takes long strides.
After almost descending to the starting point, we headed onto the Freedom Loop around the massif. Generally, this path runs along the base of the massif, but in some places it goes up to go from one valley to another.
We completed these two 8.9 km trails in just under five hours of walking. Fatigue had settled well.
We took advantage of our proximity to downtown Phoenix to pick up the famous but little-known Arizona Trust Land Recreation Permit, allowing us to cross and stop on public lands belonging to the state of Arizona.
Next, we went to the REI sporting goods store to replace my trekking poles because, while we were on the hike from the Atascosa Peak, one of mine sagged as I made a misstep. I had managed to straighten it out as best I could, but it was no longer telescopic and had a significant weakness.
We arrived early at the hotel in Chandler AZ to rest as we will have another long hike tomorrow.
.
Start point: Goodyear AZ
End point: ChamblersGoodyear AZ
Distance driven: 133 km
Distance hiked: 8.9 km
Our only activity of the day was a long hike made up of two trails, that of Piestewa Peak as well as the Freedom Loop in the Phoenix Mountains Park. This mountain range, located in the Phoenix metropolitan area, offers superb views of the city.
Although the total distance is not so high, it is the endless series of steps to reach the summit of Piestawa Peak which is very exhausting. It is so popular that steps made of rocks have been built in the past to reduce erosion. However, rains devastated many of them and it sometimes takes long strides.
After almost descending to the starting point, we headed onto the Freedom Loop around the massif. Generally, this path runs along the base of the massif, but in some places it goes up to go from one valley to another.
We completed these two 8.9 km trails in just under five hours of walking. Fatigue had settled well.
We took advantage of our proximity to downtown Phoenix to pick up the famous but little-known Arizona Trust Land Recreation Permit, allowing us to cross and stop on public lands belonging to the state of Arizona.
Next, we went to the REI sporting goods store to replace my trekking poles because, while we were on the hike from the Atascosa Peak, one of mine sagged as I made a misstep. I had managed to straighten it out as best I could, but it was no longer telescopic and had a significant weakness.
We arrived early at the hotel in Chandler AZ to rest as we will have another long hike tomorrow.
.
JohnTheLuck
Member
Yes, the schedule is pretty congested these days. You know, while travelling as in real life, time is money. We like to make sure we get great memory for the time we spend at a place. But sometimes, like today, a small rest is needed!
JohnTheLuck
Member
Day 24:
Start point: Chandler AZ
End point: Globe AZ
Distance driven: 242 km
Distance hiked: 8.5 km
Again today, we started the day with a hike, this time in the Phoenix South Mountains Preserve. We hiked a loop composed of the Kiwanis, National, Ranger, and the Las Lomitas Trails.
At the beginning, the path goes up along a canyon to reach a rustic stone shelter offering a beautiful view of the surroundings.
Then, the path continues slightly upwards to reach a long ridge offering constant panoramas on both sides.
This crest also seems suitable for wild flowers which are starting to become more frequent. The ones we have seen are still quite small, only about a few centimeters of height.
We then drove along the Summit Road circulating towards the summit and giving access to some points of view. The Visitor Center and the various shelters are made of stones which allow them to blend in the landscape.
At the end of the road on the summit, the Gila Valley Lookout once again offers a very pretty view. A para-motor enthusiast amused himself with the ascending air currents generated by the mountain.
We then went to the Casa Grande Ruins National Monument. This park preserves the ruins of an agglomeration built by the ancestors of the Hopi Indians over 700 years ago. Impressive is the central construction which originally had four levels. When the Spanish arrived, the inhabitants had already abandoned the premises and no one knows exactly why.
It should be noted that this place was the very first archaeological site protected by the American government in 1892 and was then converted into a national monument.
We then drove the Gila-Pinal Scenic Road, a portion of US 60 running through the Tonto National Forest mountains and crossing deep gorges and even a tunnel. During the next few days, we will travel this route several times.
We are in Globe AZ for the next three nights. Tomorrow we are going to split our time between off-road tracks and hiking.
.
Start point: Chandler AZ
End point: Globe AZ
Distance driven: 242 km
Distance hiked: 8.5 km
Again today, we started the day with a hike, this time in the Phoenix South Mountains Preserve. We hiked a loop composed of the Kiwanis, National, Ranger, and the Las Lomitas Trails.
At the beginning, the path goes up along a canyon to reach a rustic stone shelter offering a beautiful view of the surroundings.
Then, the path continues slightly upwards to reach a long ridge offering constant panoramas on both sides.
This crest also seems suitable for wild flowers which are starting to become more frequent. The ones we have seen are still quite small, only about a few centimeters of height.
We then drove along the Summit Road circulating towards the summit and giving access to some points of view. The Visitor Center and the various shelters are made of stones which allow them to blend in the landscape.
At the end of the road on the summit, the Gila Valley Lookout once again offers a very pretty view. A para-motor enthusiast amused himself with the ascending air currents generated by the mountain.
We then went to the Casa Grande Ruins National Monument. This park preserves the ruins of an agglomeration built by the ancestors of the Hopi Indians over 700 years ago. Impressive is the central construction which originally had four levels. When the Spanish arrived, the inhabitants had already abandoned the premises and no one knows exactly why.
It should be noted that this place was the very first archaeological site protected by the American government in 1892 and was then converted into a national monument.
We then drove the Gila-Pinal Scenic Road, a portion of US 60 running through the Tonto National Forest mountains and crossing deep gorges and even a tunnel. During the next few days, we will travel this route several times.
We are in Globe AZ for the next three nights. Tomorrow we are going to split our time between off-road tracks and hiking.
.
Ray Dunakin
Senior Member
Wow! Wow!! Wow!!! Great photos, gorgeous scenery, and amazing wildlife! You were really lucky to get such a good shot of that roadrunner. The roadrunners I've seen rarely stick around long enough for even a poor photo from a distance, much less such as nice portrait as you got.
I've been too busy to get on the forum lately, so I'm just now getting caught up on your great adventure. Thanks for posting!
I've been too busy to get on the forum lately, so I'm just now getting caught up on your great adventure. Thanks for posting!
JohnTheLuck
Member
Thanks!
Yes, this roadrunner seems used to human because there were two person nearby also taking pictures at this trailhead. The roadrunner stayed around for more than a minute.
Yes, this roadrunner seems used to human because there were two person nearby also taking pictures at this trailhead. The roadrunner stayed around for more than a minute.
JohnTheLuck
Member
Day 25:
Start point: Globe AZ
End point: Globe AZ
Distance driven: 180 km
Distance hiked: 3.5 km
Contrary to our habits, we started the day by travelling a superb route in Tonto National Forest, the Montana Mountain Loop. We have reversed our activities in order to make the most of the lighting by the sun.
Montana Mountains Loop begins in a wide valley, slowly going up towards the mountains.
Further on, as our ascent continued, the colorful cliffs shone in the early morning sun.
A few times we have seen arches, like this one near the middle of the next picture.
Still progressing, we were constantly gaining altitude and the views became always better.
The road reached the summits before crossing high wooded valleys. The road then became a little more rugged by the presence of numerous gullies caused by recent precipitation.
After a bend of the road on a crest, a long descent with switchbacks appeared to us.
After completing the descent, we made a slight detour to go see an old miners' cabin. Although the roof did not resist, the walls did. The decor was enchanting.
While we were almost at the end, we made another detour to go to the Historic Pinal Cemetery, having used it until 1926. Time and the elements erased many tombs but some were still in fairly good condition.
Having completed the off-road part of the day, we headed for the Pricketpost Mountain hiking trail. This very difficult trail climbs over 613m to reach the summit. Having suffered during the ascent of Piestawa Peak and according to some comments seen on the Internet, we decided to go only part of it.
Finally, on the Gila-Pinal Scenic Road, we stopped at the Gonzales Pass to admire the high cliffs. A mountaineer practiced his sport below us.
The plan is not clear yet about what we will do tomorrow, but for sure, there are plenty of things to do in the region.
.
Start point: Globe AZ
End point: Globe AZ
Distance driven: 180 km
Distance hiked: 3.5 km
Contrary to our habits, we started the day by travelling a superb route in Tonto National Forest, the Montana Mountain Loop. We have reversed our activities in order to make the most of the lighting by the sun.
Montana Mountains Loop begins in a wide valley, slowly going up towards the mountains.
Further on, as our ascent continued, the colorful cliffs shone in the early morning sun.
A few times we have seen arches, like this one near the middle of the next picture.
Still progressing, we were constantly gaining altitude and the views became always better.
The road reached the summits before crossing high wooded valleys. The road then became a little more rugged by the presence of numerous gullies caused by recent precipitation.
After a bend of the road on a crest, a long descent with switchbacks appeared to us.
After completing the descent, we made a slight detour to go see an old miners' cabin. Although the roof did not resist, the walls did. The decor was enchanting.
While we were almost at the end, we made another detour to go to the Historic Pinal Cemetery, having used it until 1926. Time and the elements erased many tombs but some were still in fairly good condition.
Having completed the off-road part of the day, we headed for the Pricketpost Mountain hiking trail. This very difficult trail climbs over 613m to reach the summit. Having suffered during the ascent of Piestawa Peak and according to some comments seen on the Internet, we decided to go only part of it.
Finally, on the Gila-Pinal Scenic Road, we stopped at the Gonzales Pass to admire the high cliffs. A mountaineer practiced his sport below us.
The plan is not clear yet about what we will do tomorrow, but for sure, there are plenty of things to do in the region.
.
JohnTheLuck
Member
Day 26:
Start point: Globe AZ
End point: Globe AZ
Distance driven: 370 km
Distance hiked: 6.5 km
To start this beautiful day again, we tried to get a better view of the huge copper mines surrounding the city of Globe, where we live. The mines are located in the mountains while the cities are obviously in the valleys. Somehow, we were able to see two satisfactorily. For a better appreciation of the dimensions, it is easier to use the satellite view of Google Map.
Then, for my wife's greatest pleasure, we went to visit the Boyce Thompson Arboretum. This park offers gardens made up of plants from desert environments from all regions of the globe. The decor is sumptuous and the plants really interesting and diverses.
Then, we planned to drive the famous Apache Trail crossing splendid mountains of the Tonto National Forest. When starting the road near Mesa AZ, a sign indicated that the road was closed after the small village of Tortilla Flat. We still travelled this segment because the landscapes are simply magical.
Further, we reached Apache Lake, formed following the construction of the Horse Mesa Dam in 1927 on the Salt River.
Arrived at Tortilla Flat, the road was effectively blocked for work made necessary following the recent rains. We then decided to reach the other end of the road near Theodore Roosevelt Dam and try to get as close as possible to the closed area.
With the big detour that we took, the sun was already very low on the horizon and the mountains surrounding Salt River and its reservoirs were already plunged in their shadow. We decided to turn around and postpone our visit until another time.
We are on our last night at Globe. Tomorrow will be another day devoted solely to off-road trails in the company of our friend MAST4R.
.
Start point: Globe AZ
End point: Globe AZ
Distance driven: 370 km
Distance hiked: 6.5 km
To start this beautiful day again, we tried to get a better view of the huge copper mines surrounding the city of Globe, where we live. The mines are located in the mountains while the cities are obviously in the valleys. Somehow, we were able to see two satisfactorily. For a better appreciation of the dimensions, it is easier to use the satellite view of Google Map.
Then, for my wife's greatest pleasure, we went to visit the Boyce Thompson Arboretum. This park offers gardens made up of plants from desert environments from all regions of the globe. The decor is sumptuous and the plants really interesting and diverses.
Then, we planned to drive the famous Apache Trail crossing splendid mountains of the Tonto National Forest. When starting the road near Mesa AZ, a sign indicated that the road was closed after the small village of Tortilla Flat. We still travelled this segment because the landscapes are simply magical.
Further, we reached Apache Lake, formed following the construction of the Horse Mesa Dam in 1927 on the Salt River.
Arrived at Tortilla Flat, the road was effectively blocked for work made necessary following the recent rains. We then decided to reach the other end of the road near Theodore Roosevelt Dam and try to get as close as possible to the closed area.
With the big detour that we took, the sun was already very low on the horizon and the mountains surrounding Salt River and its reservoirs were already plunged in their shadow. We decided to turn around and postpone our visit until another time.
We are on our last night at Globe. Tomorrow will be another day devoted solely to off-road trails in the company of our friend MAST4R.
.
RichinRidgewood
New member
Day 21:
Start point: Gila Bend AZ
End point: Gila Bend AZ
Distance driven: 359 km
We had a rather gloomy temperature today. When we left there were a few clearings. We even saw the sun briefly but it did not persist. Dark clouds appeared and the rain, sometimes quite heavy, started to fall. The temperature reached 16C before plunging to 7C in the mountains.
In order to reach our destination for the day, we took the AZ 85 road south. As we were passing through the Barry M. Goldwater Air Force Range, A-10 Thunderbolt ground attack planes were firing practice shots.
As we entered Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, threatening clouds were visible in the distance.
Although crested saguaro are quite rare, we have seen three distant from less than 250 meters. We then had one of the rare sunny moments of the day.
After a short stop at the Visitor Center to inform us of the general conditions, we began the route of the Puerto Blanco Drive. This approximately 50 km route bypasses Godsend Peak with its band of yellowish rock. It circulates around a region which has been the theater of mining operations in the past.
The place has a lot of vegetation including saguaro, organ pipe cactus, chollas, and others. The shapes of the saguaros' arms often awaken the imagination.
My boy will recognize the famous stepmothers ottomans and their needles in the shape of very stubborn hooks.
Given the rather gloomy weather, we had the place practically all for ourselves.
About halfway down, the rain started to fall quite hard but the dry soil managed to absorb the water without it dripping to the surface. Even the washes were still dry.
Towards the end, the road runs along the Mexican border. Work in progress was intended to replace the current small fence with the now famous and controversial wall.
Then we travelled the other road in the park, the Ajo Scenic Drive forming a loop going up into the mountains. The rain was still falling and the clouds were very low.
We then returned to Gila Bend. Tomorrow, we will approach even more Phoenix hoping that the rain leaves us because it is much more pleasant under the sun.
.
Beautiful. It wont take much convincing for my wife and I to take a trip out there.
JohnTheLuck
Member
You are welcome. Its my pleasure.
Yes, these trips add considerably to the 4Runner mileage. But it is solely used for trips. Today, during its 6th trip, the odometer turned to 95000 km.
