On the short drive south to Organ Pipes National Monument today we saw much evidence of our proximity to the Mexican border. The few small towns we passed through had many establishments offering Mexican auto insurance, many other signs were in Spanish, and in the space of 80 miles we passed two Border Patrol checkpoints.

Organ Pipes NM is situated in the Puerto Blanco and Ajo Ranges of mountains and in addition to a visitors center, and a well appointed campground offers some rough tracks east and west into these mountains. We occupied ourselves for the middle of the day by taking the 22 mile loop track to the west. It was very picturesque and while the road was narrow it was an easy and relaxing drive. We got (what I think) are some nice photos of the Saguaro Cactus (tall, and column like - Images 6,7,8), Organ Pipe Cactus (multiple column from one plant - Image 1,4) and Cholla Cactus (short bush like with fuzzy top - Image 3)

The weather was just what we expected from winter in the desert, lots of sun and mild temperatures (55-60°F).