Millennium Tour

Getting away from it all... We decided that it would be a good idea to get away from everything to celebrate the arrival of the new millennium. I know, in the strict sense, it wasn't the "real" new millennium, but it was good enough reason for us. Let everybody else worry whether they get a reservation at one of the fancy hotels in Scottsdale, we're going on El Camino del Diablo, the Devil's Highway. No phones, computers, or any other electronics, therefore no Y2K worries, and the resemblance of a computer in our truck probably can't even count that far anyway. We had taken the trip on the Camino del Diablo the year before and were absolutely thrilled by the beautiful scenery, the solitude, the stillness, and the uncountable number of stars one can see down there. In other words, the perfect cure for a hectic schedule.
	Heading south on the west side of the Gila mountains Dec. 30, 1999. El Camino del Diablo is typically driven east to west, the same direction many people took when word of the California gold of 1849 reached northern Sonora. Unfortunately for many poor souls, that word came at the beginning of summer. The lure of the gold combined with the unforgivig summer heat earned the trail its infamous name. Having driven east to west the year before on a Christmas trip, we decided to try the opposite direction. We left Yuma fully loaded with gas and water for ten days and a cooler for the champagne. The trail heads south between the flanks of the Gila mountains and the Laser Training Range almost all the way to the U.S.-Mexican border and then heads east. Please, nobody make the mistake and underestimate this trip - one can die out there! Go prepared, you are far away from help, bring water to last you twice the time you intend to stay, and take all the advice and warnings that are available from the governing agencies very seriously!
Tinajas Altas - the High Tank Mountains Tinajas Altas - the High Tank Mountains contained one of the few sources for water on the entire trail. A deeply cut crevasse contains a few naturally formed rock tanks that may contain water - good luck! The desert on the west side is rather barren, and only a few ocotillos appear to make a living there.
	The first sun of the new Millennium! January 1, 2000. We had enjoyed New Year's Eve in the solitude of the Sonoran desert. I can report that French champagne, when cooled properly, is an excellent companion for trailside desert camping. The dawn of the new Millennium began splendidly with the first rays of the eastern sun. Our disregard for the Y2K issue was well justified - in the early afternoon, the first airplane contrails were again visible. So, it looked like not only we, but also all the computers had made a good transition into the new Millennium.
Pinnacate The route crosses the norther extent of the Pinnacate lava flow, a desolate region with pitchblack lava cones, bright sand drifts, pebbles sharp enough to cut your boots (but not tires, remember we only drive on the main trail!), and exceptional beauty.
	Mired in the deep sand... Certain modes of transportation, even if used solely for immigration purposes, are NOT adequate. Note to self: a string on the front bumper is not suitable to tow a two-ton vehicle...
One of my favorite views Deep sand, creosote, a few saguaros, mountains on the horizon, and an endless sky mark the scenery as we cross the Pinta Sands and head towards Papago Well. [Note: the Con-Ferr roof rack, rated at 250 lbs. capacity, easily managed a 400 lb. test for this picture!]
	Thriving in the desert Cactus are the specialists for eking out a living in the Sonoran desert. This one grows at the top of Charlie Bell Pass in the Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge.