Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Organ Pipe National Monument


Organ pipe cactus are mostly found in Mexico, but this area is one of the few places where they are found in the U.S.  Actually, the park has lots of types of cactus (28 species according to the brochures).  I can see where organ pipe cactus got its name.

We took two hikes.  The short one was 2+ miles to Arch Canyon.  It’s definitely spring here.  Hiking along the trail we heard bird singing, bees buzzing, and saw lots of wildflowers.  Birds included humming birds and Gambel’s quail.  No pictures of these…they move too fast!  By the way, there are warnings about the bees here.  Some are regular bees, but some are the African “killer bees”.  They actually tell you if you get stung by one of these, the hive is probably going to swarm to sting you.  You should run ¼ - ½ mile to get away from the hive.  Then immediately go to the emergency room to get your stings treated.  Wow!

Our 2nd hike was on a more mountainous 4 mile trail.  It was tough, but absolutely gorgeous!  By the end of the two hikes, we were proud, but ready for the shower!!


We were stopped by border patrol as we headed north from the park.  The border patrol agent looked in the window and jokingly said to John “I know you got a midget in there.”  John looked over to me and said “Right here.”  Me, “Yes, I’m a midget!”  Officially 4’10” and under is a midget so I am a midget.  The agent laughed, shook his head, and was a bit embarrassed.




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