23 December ‘08 Tuesday
We really enjoyed our time at Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument but it was time to leave. Our drive took us back up Hwy 85 and then junctioned with Hwy 86. The roadway was pretty flat as we traveled through the Tohono O’Odham Indian Reservation. Their land stretched on and on, in fact we joined it just outside of OPCNM and stayed within it all the way to Casa Grande. The lands bordered the Mexican border and as we traveled the roads we saw signs like “You Are Traveling in a High Surveillance Area”. Now they weren’t kidding, as there were Border Patrol vehicles and towers just about everywhere you looked and every once in awhile you would see 3 or 4 pickups stopped alongside the road with someone in cuffs. The area was mostly scrub grasses with Saguaro Cacti mixed in.
We really enjoyed our time at Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument but it was time to leave. Our drive took us back up Hwy 85 and then junctioned with Hwy 86. The roadway was pretty flat as we traveled through the Tohono O’Odham Indian Reservation. Their land stretched on and on, in fact we joined it just outside of OPCNM and stayed within it all the way to Casa Grande. The lands bordered the Mexican border and as we traveled the roads we saw signs like “You Are Traveling in a High Surveillance Area”. Now they weren’t kidding, as there were Border Patrol vehicles and towers just about everywhere you looked and every once in awhile you would see 3 or 4 pickups stopped alongside the road with someone in cuffs. The area was mostly scrub grasses with Saguaro Cacti mixed in.
This is mostly cattle country although we didn’t see any cattle…Must be the “rustlers”. This is the 2nd time we’ve visited Desert Shadows RV Resort in 2 years so we didn’t have any trouble finding it. Last year I was able to sell 2 kayaks here during one of their “Garage Sale Saturday’s”. This last Saturday I wasn’t so lucky but while trying, I was met by a couple that we had met last year…”Joel, is that you???” It was Sue and Dave…
They are also from the Northwest and are now traveling with their 5th wheel. Louise and I joined them for a glass (or 3) of wine and we also were introduced to some friends of theirs. Pat and Stan, who were also out of the Northwest and are now also traveling in their 5th wheel. Pat, Stan, Sue, and Dave met originally in Yakima where they were working and living at that time living. A little later they decided that they should take some time off of work and bike across the country. It was gutsy but they did it and they still love riding their bicycles once they reach their next campsite. This campground is one of those that seem to have it all together. There is something to do here in the campground all day long if you want and that includes getting up in the morning and having fresh muffins waiting for you at the club house. We also joined them last night for pictures with Santa…
it was sponsored by the local fire department. The $5 proceeds for the picture with Santa goes to the local “Fire Victims Fund” and that was easy to give to. The night before we went up to the clubhouse for an evening with "Whistle Stop". Whistle Stop is a Bluegrass / Gospel band that is made up of Mom, Dad, 2 daughters, and a very good banjo player from "outside" (the family that is...). They were good enough that we were enticed to purchase their CD. Last night we received an email from another couple that we had met last year. Bob and Marlene have now purchased a new “winter home” here in Casa Grande and invited us over. It was really good to see them again. Their new home is really wonderful…what a find!!! They have always been great hosts and today wasn’t any different. Marlene also surprised us with lunch, an incredible Chicken Salad. We will definitely make a return visit…