“Where are you staying for Christmas?”
“The desert in Southwestern Arizona.”
“Why?”
“Exactly.”
We arrived in Why, Arizona on the winter solstice and were greeted by a beautiful sunset. We are here to visit Organ Pipe National Monument and its surrounding desert.
This is the only place in the U.S. where organ pipe, a cactus that is common in Mexico, grows. This large cactus can grow to over twenty feet tall, and its multiple stems together can reach a width of twelve feet. Spectacular!
In fact, 28 species of cacti live in this lush part of the Sonoran Desert, including my favorites, the saguaros. There are many species of animals here as well.
Along with the gorgeous mountain views, the stands of organ pipe and saguaro and other desert plants make this a stunning place!
Today while relaxing on a peaceful Christmas day in this desert garden, we had a surprise visit by a coyote right next to our campsite.
This remote and beautiful place is just what the doctor ordered.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays everyone!
~ Brenda, Hector and Angel
It has been years since I have been to Organ Pipe. Thanks for taking me back there with your amazing photography! Merry Christmas to you both! 🙂
It’s beautiful here. Hope you’re having a wonderful Christmas!
Nice to see you got some down-time & relaxation in Why. One of our fav spots from earlier this year!
Nina
Yes, it’s beautiful here!
Great photos! All three of you look healthy and relaxed. Sending Merry Christmas wishes from Nova Scotia!
Thank you! Merry Christmas to you!
Merry Christmas, sweet friends. Love your beautiful Christmas tree, the little stockings, and most of all the darling photos of you both with Angel. Thank you for sharing your lovely family, and your treasured friendship. : )
Love and warm hugs,
Rebecca
Hope you’re having a wonderful Christmas, we had a lovely one. We are grateful for your friendship!
Much love.
Beautiful photos.
Merry Christmas to you all. I am glad that Angel is feeling good these days and that you are getting a chance to relax in beautiful surroundings.
Thank you and Merry Christmas to you and Hans. We’re loving it here.
After so many Christmases together I still miss spending time with you both, but I am glad you found a quiet peaceful little spot to enjoy each other and your Angel together with nature. Glad you had a good one! We both wish you a Happy and Healthy New Year. David and Sharon
We are so glad we are in this beautiful desert! Hope you and Sharon had a wonderful Christmas! Love to you both.
What a lovely place to spend Christmas! So nice to see you are quietly relaxing in a beautiful desert. Someday we need to get there. I would really love to see the organ pipe. Angel looks so adorable in the Santa hat:) Happy Holidays!
I think you’d love it here. Angel says thank you! Happy holidays to you!
Everyone is looking great and looked very relaxed and rested. We have never been to Organ Pipe and planned to swing by there one day.
Gorgeous sunset especially the first one.
Thanks, Mona Liza. This is beautiful, hope you make it here.
Merry Christmas to my dear friends.
Hope you had a wonderful Christmas. Miss you!
Looks like a fabulous spot to spend Christmas and can’t wait to see what you think about the Park.
The park is very interesting, will write a little about it in the next post, but if you have further questions, don’t hesitate to ask.