KOFA/AJO/KINO/CERRO PINACATE Nov. 26-29, 1987 Private Trip

As Barbara Raab and I drove home, we reminisced about what an enjoyable Thanksgiving holiday we had. Prior to meeting our companions fort he Ajo/Pinacate/Kino trek, Barbara & I did Kofa via the 2nd class route rather than to brave the 4th class Palm Canyon route. For this, we followed Ron Jones' write-up deriving from the pioneering efforts of Wes Shelberg and headed up the Kofa Queen Canyon. All autos can make it to the large parking area described by Ron at the mouth of the Canyon. Barb had been on Ron's trip therefore knew the route Igor had previously lead. I, however, like loop trips and decided to go up one way and come down Igor's route. We spotted three beautiful Rams as we reached the summits for this - my Emblem. I believe Igor's route is the best. Takes 4-5 hours RT plus 45 minutes to drive in. That night we had turkey dinner at the intersection of Hwy 8 and SR-95. This place has nightly buffets for $5.50. The food is decent, and it's the only restaurant close to the freeway. We drove to Organ Pipe that night to be in position for Ajo and where we met Vi Grasso's group. In the morning, we began to see the appearance of familiar faces while waiting for Doug Mantle and Don Sparks to arrive. (They had flown into Phoenix and rented a car. Doug is the only peakbagger who has earned enough bonus miles to qualify him for an around-the-world trip.) In drove Bobby DuBeau with Caroline West and several others. The trails sure are getting crowded when you run into friends 500-700 miles from home. Doug and Don arrived to join Vi, Mary Sue Miller, Barb and me and away we drove to Ajo. In Bull Pasture, we saw a critter, about the size of a baby deer but with a large floppy cottontail, large ears and it hopped. We figured it was a jackalope. We ascended close to the traditional route so for the descent we chose a brushy class 3ish fun route. As we hit the Bull Pasture trail again, a couple in their early 50's came up the trail. There were no children around but the man was carrying an "Alf" doll. Doug asked him how much it cost and he softly responded, "It's priceless." (Note: $19.87 at Target Stores.) Vi grumbled something about stupid men who never grow up and we chuckled down the trail to the cars.
Next up was Cerro Pinacate. Don left the rental car in a Lukeville trailer park and we followed Gene Olson's instructions about the drive in. At about 8 miles there is a very high rock in the middle of the road that has been chipped from the underbellies of every car that passes. The camping area by the wooden cross is superb. Mary Sue put her covered spare tire down in the middle of the chairs to act as a tray and a "campfire" focal point. Out came Vi's turkey and dressing after the appetizers were gone. This was washed down with wine and champagne.
I had heard that Gene Olson was going to appear with his group (more crowded peaks!), but the next day we left without seeing him. Was the wooden cross in Gene's honor we wondered? After five minutes on the trail someone approached
 
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