Significant Organ Pipe National Monument Reopening
©Bert Gildart: Here are a few images that tell a story of a very significant place, one we’re been enjoying these past few days.
Most notable is the one of Janie framed by a cave punched by weather into some igneous rock. The cave is one of many and all are adjacent to Dripping Springs in Organ Pipe National Monument. Our visit is notable because this area of the park has been closed for the past 12 years.
One of many small caves near Dripping Springs
In 2002, as reported in blogs over the years, Chris Eggle was shot to death in Organ Pipe National Monument trying to protect visitors from the danger imposed by desperate drug smugglers. Mexico is just five miles to our south and until recently established drug routes have coursed their way through this outstanding area of the Sonoran Desert, representing, therefore, a continuous source of danger.
But the work of park rangers and the Border Patrol has improved conditions. As a result, park officials reopened six miles of the Puerto Blanco Road this past December.
Visitation to Dripping Springs is based on a quota system, and right now only five vehicles can travel the bumpy road at any one time. With a permit, bicyclists, however, can visit anytime.
L TO R: Janie gazing over Sonoran Desert from Dripping Springs; biking to road to Springs, but stopping near compassionate Water Tanks; Janie and Springs.
Park officials say if this experimental opening is successful, they are hoping to reopen the remaining 30-plus miles.
Wouldn’t it be wonderful, they say, if we could open the rest of the park?
Have not talked to anyone who would disagree.
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AIRSTREAM TRAVELS THREE YEARS AGO:
*Are Birds Political Creatures? You Bet
4th ed. Autographed by the Authors
Hiking Shenandoah National Park
Hiking Shenandoah National Park is the 4th edition of a favorite guide book, created by Bert & Janie, a professional husband-wife journalism team. Lots of updates including more waterfall trails, updated descriptions of confusing trail junctions, and new color photographs. New text describes more of the park’s compelling natural history. Often the descriptions are personal as the Gildarts have hiked virtually every single park trail, sometimes repeatedly.
Big Sky Country is beautiful
Montana Icons: 50 Classic Symbols of the Treasure State
Montana Icons is a book for lovers of the western vista. Features photographs of fifty famous landmarks from what many call the “Last Best Place.” The book will make you feel homesick for Montana even if you already live here. Bert Gildart’s varied careers in Montana (Bus driver on an Indian reservation, a teacher, backcountry ranger, as well as a newspaper reporter, and photographer) have given him a special view of Montana, which he shares in this book. Share the view; click here.
$16.95 + Autographed Copy
What makes Glacier, Glacier?
Glacier Icons: 50 Classic Views of the Crown of the Continent
Glacier Icons: What makes Glacier Park so special? In this book you can discover the story behind fifty of this park’s most amazing features. With this entertaining collection of photos, anecdotes and little known facts, Bert Gildart will be your backcountry guide. A former Glacier backcountry ranger turned writer/photographer, his hundreds of stories and images have appeared in literally dozens of periodicals including Time/Life, Smithsonian, and Field & Stream. Take a look at Glacier Icons
$16.95 + Autographed Copy
