Monday Jan 30, 2023 - Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument (Day 1)

 

The wind died down and it was a bit cloudy. Forecast is for rain late tonight but it was dry all day and we were able to hike. 

Breakfast at Deb and Dave’s (eggs, bacon, empanadas, coffee). First hike was to the visitor center (1.5 miles each way). Carmen ran into an old co-worker from her Yuma days (they worked at a college in Yuma). I met a man from Oregon and had a long chat with him. He comes here every year and knows all the roads and places to drive and hike.

I forgot to mention the most important members of our crew, Bennie & Cote, the two dogs Deb N and Dave have. They add a lot of fun to the hikes and meals of course.

For a late lunch we had leftover chili and Deb N made grilled salami & cheese sandwiches, barbecue chips as is tradition (mostly Carmen’s). A little quiet (nap?) time after lunch and then a hike all the way around the campground (1 mile). 

We set up at Carmen’s site and Deb V made a big pot of chicken orzo soup on our propane stove, with salad, rolls, and cookies, and we spent the evening around the propane fire ring. I am guessing everybody was asleep by 8pm. 

Day 26