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Friday, January 29, 2016 - Lesson learned - checking in at the Visitor Center before taking off for the day might be a good idea. When we got here yesterday, we tried to sign up for a shuttle ride to and Ranger talk at the Quitobaquito Springs. The shuttle was full, but the 14 mile graded, gravel road is accessible by car.

When we left the campground this morning, the shuttle was at the pick-up location. When we arrived at the Springs, a couple asked if we had seen the van - they were waiting, too. Liz and I took off down the trail, but we kept listening and looking for the van. Yes, she went off the trail!!

We were at the Mexico border - you know, by the fence. We could see the traffic on their Highway 2.

The van never did come, but we had a nice walk and exploration. When we returned to the park, we stopped at the visitor center and asked what happened. The ranger was there who was to take the shuttle out. He asked if we saw the helicopters - yes, we heard them very early.

Seems there was some disturbance on the Mexico side of the border and the National Park didn't think their shuttle should go today. That well-marked van could be a target for taking hostages. The park is not allowed to close an area because of such information. They consider their standard warning enough for individuals to make a decision.

There were two separate Border Patrol agents driving along the fence on our way to the Springs - I thought if they didn't stop us, we were fine. We'll be out on a trail tomorrow!

We also had a nice SS ride up to Ajo to pick up Liz's mail and have dinner!

Sure glad you all got out of that little escapade ok !! And now you have a great story to tell around the camp fire, so glad you're able to Beautiful country you all are in down there, but it is a wee unsettled, make sure you don't have hitch hikers wanting you to take them north. Loving the pictures you two are sending our way on FB. Have you in my prayers, explore on

CArol

Glad you are both ok, what an adventure!! Drive the SS, you won't have room for hitch hikers

Certainly glad you didn't become part of the fiasco. I certainly did enjoy the pictures.

Redetotry wrote:Glad you are both ok, what an adventure!! Drive the SS, you won't have room for hitch hikers

hmmm I think that would be a real calling card...glad they didn't take it
sheila

I wonder if the raid described in the article below is what happened during your adventure. Pretty scary if it was. I hope you two are being extremely careful. This is the big time.

24 Sinaloa cartel members arrested in U.S.-Mexico border raid
http://www.cnn.com/2016/01/31/us/mexico ... index.html
Sandi

That is scary, but fortunately it all took place in Mexico. We saw nor heard anything where we were except the helicopters flying over and a couple of Border Patrol trucks along the fence. The presence of Border Patrol along the border seemed normal. All was quiet and beautiful where we were in our ignorance. Had we been told, of course we would not have gone. So, it's a good idea to check with rangers just before leaving, not just the day before.

Thanks, Sandi! Story gets even better.

Sheila, I am pretty sure she keeps that wheel lock on except when she is in it. If they steal cars out at the Mexican check in post, you can bet that sweetie would be there one minute and at its new home 20 mins later. My friends pickup was stolen from the Phoenix airport and recovered in the desert after a high speed chase 10 weeks later all jacked up, new big tires, and a paint job, only ID'd by VIN.

OP is a gorgeous park with lots of interesting trails and many historic sites where the the wanders would stay before moving on way back in the day. So glad they are having fun and getting lots of exercise.

I know you guys are careful, but you don't think like crazies or people who really, really, really want to get their "product" (people/drugs) over here. Just keep up a heads up. The office should be able to tell you how safe any given area is any given day. BP probably won't do that because they don't know you or what your agenda is. They will rescue you but won't tell you to stay away or what's going on or so that is the way they used to operate. But then you guys know I am a scaredy Kat!!! Guess I lived there too long!