Aloha Everyone,
Located in Ajo, Arizona, Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument encompasses 516 square miles of Sonoran Desert, one of the harshest ecosystems in the United States. Ajo has a charming little town center with a beautiful church. We liked the Spanish colonial-style buildings housing Chamber of Commerce, US Post Office and shops. It reminds you of a traditional town plaza.
We also saw several businesses offering Mexico Trip Insurance. Once a rich copper mining hub, tailings on both sides of the road were poignant reminders of residue left by then not so environmentally conscious mining operations.
At Kris Eggle Visitor Center, Ranger Willie was knowledgeable and helpful in answering my questions.
The Organ Pipe is the namesake of a cactus distinguished from the Saguaro. They branch mainly from the base of the plant instead of higher up the trunk like arms.
Today's visit to the Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument was a 120 miles round trip. After seeing sign postings in the park asking visitors to report any smuggling or illegal immigrants, I was relieved to pass through two border patrol checkpoints.
Tonight we are staying at the KOA camping ground in Gila Bend which is about 70 miles from Phoenix. With so much inexpensive available lands in this part of Arizona, Honu is given a very spacious site -- big enough for 6 similar size motor homes.
My Mother always expresses her concerns whether or not J.J. and I are eating healthy meals. So here are a few meals we recently prepared in Honu.
Aloha -- Cathi