Over the Border and Into the Cacti

Coffee'd up, we departed San Carlos/Guaymas as the sun was just peeking over the horizon.
Though not as long a trek as yesterday, we were road weary and anxious to get across the border as smoothly as possible. Onward North to Hermosillo; then Santa Ana; turning Northwest toward Caborca and finally to Sonoyta. The new cuota (toll road) from Santa Ana was almost complete, so we had smooth sailing. Not so for the truck drivers, who lined up for FOUR miles, awaiting inspection South of Santa Ana. We drove by a sad situation - a truck which had been destroyed by fire. Help was there to assist - a benefit of traveling on a toll road.
The border crossing was the easiest we had ever experienced! After showing our passports to the US Immigration officer on gate duty and answering a few questions, we were sent on our way with a wave and a smile.
We headed through Lukeville and ten miles up the road, to Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, where we enjoyed a peacefully quiet evening, with a midnight-blue sky freckled with stars. Coffee mugs in hand, we walked the park at dawn, studying the cactus blooms and spying on wildlife - birds and rabbits - all more active in the cool of the day - - before departing for Yuma about 10 AM.

Once in Yuma, we connected with friends Jim and Joyce EWeathers for a yummy Italian dinner.

Today (Satrurday, April 10), we will head to Joshua Tree National Monument.

We're going to be happy to get home!