Van Adventures

 Oct 27-Nov 1 We spent three nights camping in Why, Arizona, so we could visit Organpipe Cactus National Monument.   Why is an itty-bitty town on the border of the Tohono O’odham Indian Reservation and the Mexican border.   There’s really nothing there except a gas station/casino.   Our desert campground was very small and in front of the owner’s home.   She was lovely and still had her Scottish brogue after 20 years. We were the only ones there.   Why is about 10 miles south of Ajo, where there is a small, thriving community. We drove 20 miles south of Why to the National Monument, on the Mexican border.  Nothing in the park was open due to the shutdown, but we could drive through and hike the trails.  Border Patrol was everywhere!  We drove the 21 mile scenic loop (dirt) road and hiked a short nature trail near the visitor center. There were also ocotillo, cholla, saguaro and prickly pear cacti amongst the Organpipes. It was a very hot da...

 Oct 19-26 One of the things we’ve realized is that we learn a lot not just at the places we visit, but on our travel days, too. From Yosemite, on our way to Death Valley, we crossed the San Joaquin Valley again but in the southern part.   Here is where the almond groves are, again as far as the eye can see.   They also grow pistachios and grapes. We stayed overnight in a little town called Tahachapi on the edge of the Mohave Desert.   Crops don’t grow very well here so they’ve turned to producing kilowatts.   Ridge after ridge of wind turbines and solar fields across the entire valley floor.   It was pretty impressive. We also had great BBQ there, where we ordered off the "elders" menu!😂 Our Death Valley accommodations were in a town called Panamint Springs.   Is it really a town, though??   Combo gas station/general store and hotel/restaurant.   Campground was across the street.   That’s it...the whole town.   Great selection...