Leaving Organ Pipe National Monument

I left Organ Pipe National Monument early in the morning. As I drove, I was still feeling the results of yesterday’s van trip. My MCS was kicking me in the head, and the headache and brainfog and grouchiness were really trying to do me in. I should have known better, and I do, but there are times when it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity, or a really IMPORTANT opportunity, when I toss caution to the wind and do what I know will have consequences. Driving in a van with 9 other people, doused with fragrances most of THEM can’t sense, wreaks havoc with my system. On the way out to Quitobaquito, I had to sit next to a very nice man and his wife, whose scented laundry detergent kicked started a reaction. Luckily, there was an hour hike in the middle which gave me time to gulp fresh air and clear my head a bit. And on the way home, I scored the front seat by saying I felt a little carsick. It was just easier than trying to explain MCS. But by the time I got back to camp, I knew I was in a bit of trouble. Even though I had moved into a space where running generators was not allowed, from 4 to 6 pm, I had to shut myself up in my van to escape the fumes and noise, both of which grated on my senses like fingernails on a blackboard. I had a restless night, coughing and aching, and by 5 am, I was ready to get out of there and into some wide open space.  The campground at Organ Pipe is lovely, and would wonderful for anyone with a normal disposition, but all those folks crowded into that small space just spelled trouble for me, and I know I can never camp there again.

But that’s ok, because this is a HUGE country, and I plan on exploring it!  This season, I am focusing on the southwestern part of Arizona, mostly because of the weather. I’m really enjoying this magnificent state!

Another reason I left so early was because I needed COFFEE!!!  When I turned on my Coleman Stove for dinner, the fire didn’t only come out of the burner. The entire bed of the stove caught fire!  Holy SMOKES!  I took out the fitting and discovered that a tiny little O-ring appeared to be the problem. It looked a bit chewed up and since that was the ONLY place propane entered the stove, I figured that had to be the problem.

So I took off at O-dark-thirty, and headed into Ajo, where I knew I’d find hot coffee.  The ranger had told me there was a coffee shop in the plaza, so I stopped there first. They opened at 6:30, so I had a bit of a wait, and while I was waiting I peeked in at their menu.  Coffee prices were twice the amount I paid at Roadrunner Java, so I hopped back in the van and headed up the main strip to Roadrunner, which was open and bustling! 

I asked this nice lady behind the counter, “Who makes all these donuts?” 

She said, “I make all these donuts!”

Dang!  She must get up early!  

And the donuts, though not something I eat often, 

were as good as anything I’d get back home in Portland. 

I had my coffee and a couple of donuts and studied the map, making a decision to head for Saddle Mountain.  The hardware store opened at 8 am, and I was there waiting when the gal opened. She was late, and set off her own alarm in her rush, so I had a chance to check out the shop while I waited for things to calm down. It’s a nice hardware store with pretty much anything a person would need.  There, she helped me find just the right O-ring and voila!  I was back in business!  Price?  $1 for 5 rings (I got extra, just in case)

I decided to wait to buy groceries in Buckeye at the Walmart, and got on the road. On my way out of town, I passed this little shrine to St. Jude. I stopped and said a prayer and left an offering. Can’t hurt to have a few more Saints on your side!

A Little Shrine to St. Jude

The Saints are in YOU

A very old hand carved St. Jude

I believe this is St. James!  See the Shell on his cloak?

In Gila Bend I gassed up the van, put in oil and aired the tires. Leaving town, I passed thi Best Western SPACE AGE LODGE!  Flying Saucers? How far am I from Roswell?

I stopped for groceries in Buckeye, then headed for Saddle Mountain.

I arrived just in time to set up camp before the clouds rolled in.  What a GORGEOUS place!