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!