Patagonia

Wow, we had a great ride today! Pat, Charlie, Christina, Rick, Jerry and Vicki went with us to Patagonia, well on the way to Nogales.

We met for breakfast at the Mercedes Cafe, and a great good morning meal and fun conversation.

We unloaded the ATVs near the town park and struck out for an area near Red Mountain, catching magnificent views of the Patagonia Valley. The area seemed unbelievably lush, with all kinds of greenery, streams and trees.

We saw so many mine excavations, with all the slag spilled out from the pits. and trailing down the hill or mountainside. There were signs all around of the danger of the mined area. Jerry said the whole mountain area probably was like Swiss Cheese.

We had a great lunch at the end of a trail in Flux Canyon, along a crystal clear creek. Along that trail we also discovered a small cave on the side of a rocky edifice. Next to the opening was a tile image of the Lady of Guadalupe.

Inside the cave (several of us climbed up there), were about 6 religious statues and the remains of a dozen or so religious candles. So why is this shrine up there on a mountain side, difficult to get to, and full of 'holy' imagery? A safe and religious haven for illegals???

(l-r)Tim, Ellen, Rick, Christina, Pat, Charlie, Vicki and Jerry