Trip to the Mexican Wall

A few days ago, Ted and I led a group of WIN friends south to the border wall with Mexico. We had to travel 37 miles at 5-10 miles an hour. As you view the following pictures, you'll get some idea of the rough desert terrain, and understand why only 4 wheel drive-high clearance vehicles will make the trip. This is the first sign you see soon after crossing into the Barry M. Goldwater Bombing Range. This trip is not for the faint of heart!

Soon, you see this sign designating a bombing target. We also saw several marked crosses on the ground quite close to the main "road." We are supposed to call the Marine base the morning of a trip, to see if the bombing range is "in use" that day. Hum...

We hadn't gone very far when a Border Patrol truck stopped us and asked for our destination. That prompted a consultation between Tom and Ted, as to what exactly our route would be.

This is the most significant sign, in my humble opinion. "You are in danger of dying..." This sign is about 25 miles south of any civilization and from I8. Too many illegal aliens have died trying to cross the desert. Too many miles, too little water and "coyotes" who abandon their clients contribute to the tragic deaths. (Click to enlarge the photo, or use Ctrl +)


Here's the gang, minus ME!

This was our first view of the wall.

Interestingly, the wall is open on the sides

Another group made the same trip, but they were using ATVs. It must have been a dusty ride.

Joyce is posing here so you can see the height of the wall. Notice that there are gaps under the wall as well. Legally, the builders must allow animals to move across the border following their natural migration or feeding habits. So, the Border Patrol puts special sensors and cameras focused on these areas where illegals could also gain access to the USA.

Along the way I took pictures of saquaro cactus that caught my eye. I wonder how this one could possibly live.

This cactus is unique. Every other saquaro I've seen has vertical rows of spines, with the occasional addition of a new row as the cactus expands and grows. Enlarge this picture and see what pattern these spines take. VERY unusual.

Hum...what force of nature caused this?

Or this?

That's all folks!