Solitude and Beauty in Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument

We finish our winter 2021 travels in Southern Arizona visiting Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, Tucson Mountain Park, and Picacho Peak State Park.
Videos mentioned:
Picacho Peak State Park: • California to Florida,...
Old Tucson/Sonoran Desert Museum: • Gilbert Ray Campground...
Soberdough Bread Mix: www.amazon.com/dp/B078CXP88J?...
Links to items mentioned in our videos (and my camera gear) can be found on my Amazon Storefront. As a participant in the Amazon Associates Program we earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you, when you shop from this Amazon portal:
www.amazon.com/shop/fromshetome
Music in this video is from a subscription with Epidemic Sound:
Sucker for Hearts
Have You Tried the Keys
The Sneak Up - Leimoti
Family Life - Alexandra Woodward
The Kingdom of Nature - Grant Newman
Ostinato - Vieveri
Into Pieces - Amos Noah
Desert Silhouette - Trevor Kowalski
Those Who Love - Christian Anderson
Desert Winds - Jon Sumner

[@richardskrip6341]

Your videos offer something for everyone…adventure, exploring, scenery, camper-van tips, fashion, cooking, and best of all, making us all laugh with your humor. The expertise in which present all of this is extraordinary. Love it all!

[@FromShetoMe]

Thank you very much!

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Your edits get better every time. Its starting to feel like a production. A bit Slim Potatohead like. And that is a HUGE compliment . It is always fun to watch your adventures. But probably even more fun is seeing you find your own unique style and rhythm. Hard to put my finger on it. I think it has something to do with the pacing of the videos. All this to say THANK YOU for the excellent content. It is very inspiring.

[@FromShetoMe]

You are too kind Drew. I think of you guys often. Hope you are all well.

[@flybyairplane3528]

FSTM, Hello, that was so beautiful, sad that that person did NOT WINTERISE, OH WELL,here is a FYI. ,many years people WERE STEALING THOSE CACTUSES, let’s say your home NEVER HAD ONE, THEN ALLL OF A SUDDEN THERE WAS ONE, Well just cruising the area the PD ,asked questions,so the FINES were really SERIOUS,enough, that it STOPPED !, anyhow,thanks for the trip, stay well& happy trails,,,,CHERIO,🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@bettyjorodgers8552]

Can't wait till your 22 videos. Thank you

[@dickspade7045]

Superb filming, great narration & music well suited, Thank you. Because of "advanced maturity" I may not get there in person, sharing your adventure is the next best thing, Thanks again.

[@FromShetoMe]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@spellmadam2947]

Amazing to run into channel viewers there. Great video. Thanks again.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

With all the cobblers… we’ll bring the ice cream. BTW, not saying why we’re saying this…. But you guys are such a “tease”. 😂. Love you both. Don’t think we can keep up with you hiking and biking but it will be good to find out by George! 👍

[@FromShetoMe]

We’ll go easy on you youngsters.

[@steves524]

That was a some great views 👍

[@alnolan8574]

Debbie, A great video to start the new year! Just keep doing what you are doing . Your video’s are unique ,educational,informative,funny and inspiring!

[@FromShetoMe]

Thanks so much. We’re looking forward to a great year.

[@lynnm635]

Enjoy the photography and historic information in the videos. You have a talent for this. Well done.

[@nancycusumano2776]

We will be there in Feb. thanks for the excellent tour!

[@BillSprague]

Go John! I drive like little old lady for good reason. My Mom taught me to drive, however folks rarely passed her. The American deserts really are magical spaces. Thank you for the tour!

[@Deanna52ish]

I stayed at that campground on January 13th on my way to Rocky Point Mexico. Next month my husband and I will stay 3 nights at that campground to explore and hike as well. We live in Phoenix, so this is a well known (to us), well loved area.

[@AbelHorwitz]

That was a really well produced video! My girlfriend and I went to Organ Pipe and Saguaro National Park at the beginning of January and LOVED it. I was looking for more videos of that area and yours is the best one I've seen so far :) Thanks for bringing me back there.

[@FromShetoMe]

Glad you enjoyed it! We hope to go again soon.

[@jeffreyraines4913]

Thank you both for a very informative and entertaining year of travel adventures. Looking forward to your 2022 adventures. Thank you and as always- safe travels 👍

[@marielange9077]

Thank you, once again an interesting, informative, beautiful vlog. Much different than our CNY frigid, white landscape.

[@FromShetoMe]

I don’t envy you guys.

[@barbaracarlson7402]

We stayed at Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument in April, 2019. We loved it. There were quite a few rattlesnakes and they were very disrespectful coming right through our site! 😁 The park ranger told us it was mating season! Thanks for another great video!

[@FromShetoMe]

Thanks for the tip. We’ll avoid it during mating season.

[@wornoutwrench8128]

That was awesome, Thank you. Loved the editing, the choice of music really fit. I'm sorry that it is over and looking forward to see what 2022 brings You are fast becoming my favorite Class B travel channel.

[@FromShetoMe]

Thanks so much. But that’s a lot of pressure. I think I rather be Avis, “We try harder.”

[@hillsga]

I’ve followed you almost since the beginning. Your. Photography has improved video by video until it is today spectacularly professional.

[@FromShetoMe]

Thanks for hanging around while I try to improve my skills.

[@hillsga]

If this Pandemic ever end and you get to Western Canada and the factory in Saskatoon give me a heads up. I can give you some neat places to visit camp and video. I'm certain I can recruit my sister who Lives in Saskatoon to help out. @@FromShetoMe

[@FromShetoMe]

@@hillsga Thanks. We've been hoping to get there ever since our trip to Alaska. Hopefully this summer.

[@sydrabin3685]

Great and fun video for the "rest of us." Thanks much!

[@johnstephansen4866]

Hi Debbie & John (Christine here) - finally got a chance to watch this video. It was so fun seeing you on the trail! We are back in MN and our Travato will be ours soon. Maybe we'll see you on the road/trails again in 2022. Now I've got to watch your "Newbie" video :) Cheers from cold MN John, Christine & Marco (the "pocket" dog -haha)

[@FromShetoMe]

It was a great trip and wonderful meeting you guys.

[@chrisbuchanan1193]

That was a beautiful sunset! Happy 2022 and looking forward to more of your travel videos. Your hair looks pretty longer and easier to pull back! Happy travels

[@FromShetoMe]

Thanks. Hair is such a pain. I thought shorter would be easier but it wasn't. At least with longer hair my ears and neck are warmer in the winter and it's easy to get out of the face.

[@bevn362]

This was fantastic with the chosen music to go with the scenes. Almost was disappointed that there was no funny moves from John, but he came through Way to go, John! The cobbler looked so tasty…well, all the food looked Yummy! Thanks for sharing all your travels in 2021.

[@stanw909]

You may have already been,but may I suggest to your viewers, Chiricahua National Monument. Amazing !

[@FromShetoMe]

Haven’t been since December of 1972. So cold I slept in the restroom. Hoping to go back next year.

[@angpb6176]

My favorite shoe jumped out of the van and ran away!😂 Glad you retrieved yours. I even hung on to the lone remaining shoe for a year(s!) hoping the other would return to me. Great video - empty campground, quiet trails and baked goods - my favorites. I can’t wait to visit this area and will remember to do it in Dec! Thank you for the beautiful video.

[@FromShetoMe]

I would have been so bummed.

[@debbiephillips2013]

Your video made me want to go to Oregon pipe. It wasn't on my list to go to on our western trips. Now it is

[@FromShetoMe]

Just keep an eye on the weather as things can heat up quickly and then it won't be the place to go. And because you have dogs, you might want to avoid during the rattlesnake breeding season which might be in April but you can check on that. Dogs aren't allowed on most trails.

[@edframbes5296]

Thank You! Be Safe and Stay Healthy! God Bless America!

[@stan3497]

Simply outstanding

[@tdadventures]

Very nice. We hope to visit those places as we make our way toward the West Coast.

[@MrSawdust85222]

Those aren’t Chola! Those are what I call “The Devils Pickle”. 🤣🤣🤣

[@nealamesbury1480]

There’s an agency for everyone !

[@pattyk8594]

Great video, looks like a great trip. I’d be scared hiking on that trail with all the cactus 🌵 that I’d fall over and prick myself, I usually fall at least once on the trail :o)

[@FromShetoMe]

Trekking poles really help. Otherwise I’d be falling all the time thanks to those gremlins.

[@camperab]

Thanks a lot for sharing your state park hikes in this video. I also love such remote quiet places. I see the OMNIA is a hard working gadget in your "survival" adventures!

[@FromShetoMe]

I love that oven and have you to thank for many delicious meals baked in it.

[@comicsgrinder]

Hello fellow Casey classmate! I am so impressed with your videos. This inspires me to take off on the road too.

[@FromShetoMe]

Do it; don’t wait until you’re a senior like us.

[@educateddogcenter]

Before you hit the road in 2022 can you do a review of how you set up your house to be empty for awhile? I’m thinking about getting a water leak detection system and/or a security system. I also worry about my sprinklers. Okay yes I’m a worrier 🤣😂🤣

[@TravelSmallLiveBig]

I think John wants to be a pipe major 😂 We are starting to miss the desert and will be diving through this area in the next few months - will hopefully be able to visit these places!

[@FromShetoMe]

I was wondering how you were liking it back east.

[@TravelSmallLiveBig]

@@FromShetoMe we are enjoying it - quite different from our last several years of RVing (we had been to NC, SC & FL before but not camping), but it has been cold! Outside dog water bowl was frozen solid a few days ago & we had snow flurries and those both happened in the panhandle of Florida 🥺🥶

[@walshjoy51]

We have been camping at Organ Pipes for 5 years. We go in March and have had a wide range of weather conditions. Before Covid the park offered amazing volunteer run van tours of the park. We wonder if they will ever be continued?

[@FromShetoMe]

I hope so. That sounds cool.

[@darlenestout7548]

Very cool. I love the desert 🏜

[@daveholte7658]

Great video and sound Hope you got to see a Gila Monster and possibly a Sonoran Pronghorn We used to live in Ajo 2010 Captured Pronghorns and radio collared and airlifted them back into Mexico Amazing the smuggling and illegal activity But thy never bothered us just wanted to work their way north… The desert bloom was incredible each spring Friendly town. Christmas was very peaceful and beautiful Lived for Tuesdays as Mexicans would bring up and sell homemade tamales. And then wash cars for cash. Amazing people and tasted so great

[@FromShetoMe]

That sounds amazing. What a great experience. Once in Utah, we had Pronghorn run along side our van for what seemed like miles. It was incredible. May be slightly different from the Sonoran variety, but spectacular nonetheless.

[@daveholte7658]

@@FromShetoMe You do an outstanding job in your video presentation. The camera work the music the microphone. Well done Really like your van rig. safe travels and enjoy life with each other

[@garygus5966]

Beautiful video, now I want to go visit this area !!!

[@kevnrob1]

Just stumbled upon your channel. Glad I did! Beautiful photography. Really enjoyed the music. We did Picacho Peak in '93. What an adventure. Hope to do it again this winter. Wish my knees good luck! We are currently deep into the back country outside Ajo. Great boondocking out here. A tip regarding DEF: Go to the truck islands. DEF is available via a hose just like fuel. Get only what you need and the price is quite a bit less than the box. Plus no trash nor expensive excess to deal with if you don't need a full box. Just subscribed. Will binge your previous stuff and be watching more.

[@FromShetoMe]

Thanks and welcome. I cringe at my early vids but we all have to start somewhere. We tried a def fuel island once but the nozzle was too large. I should do some research to see if there is an adapter.

[@kevnrob1]

@@FromShetoMe That may have been unique to that nozzle for some reason. We have a 2017 Sprinter (Agile RIP, KO2s, Aluminess, etc) I tried the boxes a couple times but now use truck islands exclusively. We have 100k miles - many DEF fills. Never experienced a nozzle issue. The DEF nozzle is usually covered by a flap and not visible. Perhaps you grabbed the wrong nozzle?? Good Luck!!

[@FromShetoMe]

@@kevnrob1 Thanks. We'll give it another try.

[@doncates2954]

My beautiful home state. Your video and music was wonderful. I have many pleasant memories of the area as I worked in the area after graduation from Arizona state university some years ago. Keep the videos coming, they are always beautiful and informative. The interaction between you and John is always an added and welcome bonus.

[@FromShetoMe]

Thanks Don. You might also know that it is John's home state as well.

[@doncates2954]

@@FromShetoMe I think I remember that. I was raised in Mesa and I believe John was raised on the the other side of the valley.

[@jackies1597]

John has quite the sweet tooth! That omni oven is really cool.

[@FromShetoMe]

Yes, but at home I rarely have sweets in the house.

[@garywernick7950]

Beautiful video. Thanks for sharing.

[@joanmcerlean7158]

Ministry of weird walks had a hitch in his giddy-up that was decidedly John Wayne-esque. Must have been inspired by the Suaros.

[@FromShetoMe]

Or John Cleese.

[@joanmcerlean7158]

@@FromShetoMe I think it started out John Wayne and evolved into John Cleese.

[@smais0219]

Wonderful photography. Have you been to Mt. Lemon Observatory near Tucson? They have a program where you can go and see the night sky thru the telescope. I’m hoping to do it one day soon. It is kind of expensive, but hopefully worth the money!! Thanks for the great job you do!

[@FromShetoMe]

Thanks for the tip. That would be fun.

[@WhereToLillian]

Nice desert footage…..you two get all your energy from cakes, that looks good to me!

[@FromShetoMe]

Especially when we are on the road.

[@dporper6390]

thanks for the extensive snake bite info. We might need cowboy boots!

[@FromShetoMe]

Someone else pointed out that mating season is in April so might want to avoid then but long loose pants and perhaps gaiters are a good idea.

[@craftytraveler9238]

Thanks for the video. I am going to Twin Peaks campground in Feb. I have a generator sight. Can I drive my car on that loop? Love the music.

[@FromShetoMe]

Probably unless they have had some flooding. The visitor center will know. We are hoping to go back this winter ourselves and do the hike on that loop.

[@bobandmarthahenson4909]

Great video! We just spent four weeks in Arizona, including Picacho Peak State Park, and are sad to have to head back to Texas.

[@FromShetoMe]

If you have time on your way back, you might like Rockhound State Park in New Mexico.

[@timsmith7625]

Enjoyed the trip and the places you were at this time. Have to get back to the SW and maybe after Alaska or the following winter….So, John got the senior pass for his errant stop, just like those senior pass campsites, can’t beat that.

[@FromShetoMe]

Come next December and we’ll meet up.

[@timsmith7625]

@@FromShetoMe sounds like a plan. Will be in touch

[@fabiomalheiro8152]

What a wonderful video! Thanks for sharing your journey. Now you got me thinking... Was that last piece in the video a teaser? Are you going to build your next van? Cheers!

[@FromShetoMe]

Gotta love George. That would be a dream to have a Humble Van.

[@shirjoin]

I have been meaning to tell you that I have made your 3-quart InstantPot cheesecake several times and it is a winner.

[@FromShetoMe]

So glad you like it.

[@lloyddorsey3744]

very nice time lapse piece with the sky & clouds. You also have such a way with using background music, I wonder if you've thought of (or already done) videos without voice narration? Some of your pieces transcend travel logs.

[@FromShetoMe]

I’m always striving to do less narration because it adds work. But it is tough to do as you never know what the week’s journey will look like. It doesn’t appear until you are in the edit.

[@Judgementcomingsoon]

Love all your beautiful adventures. May I ask which bag you have hanging from the spare tire,,I think I did this!! Thanks

[@FromShetoMe]

It’s in my Amazon store: www.amazon.com/dp/B01IUAWS5Q?ref=exp_fromshetome_dp_vv_mw

[@kxrv6629]

Another super video. Just passed by the turn to Organ Pipe the other day. Went there a couple of years ago. Did you stop in Ajo? It is an interesting town built around s central square. There were Mexican dancers practicing when we were there. We did the one-way loop in our View. Did you happen to see the crested organ pipe along the way? Crested cacti are one of my new favorite plant oddities of recent years. Once you know what to look for you’ll start to see them everywhere. Have stayed at Gilbert Ray a couple times and tried a couple more. Either we were last to get a campsite or first NOT to get one. Only place we’ve stayed where it felt like a race to get in line… and worth it. Safe and healthy travels.

[@FromShetoMe]

We decided to save Ajo for our next visit. Love crested cacti and succulents. Saw one at the park and have some crested succulents in my own garden. Have you been to Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge? Would also like to visit there but probably not alone as it is so remote.

[@linnlarson3055]

Debbie, what is the brand name of the straw hat you are wearing in this video and where did you buy it? Love the video and hope to get to the Organ Pipe Cactus NM some day.

[@FromShetoMe]

It’s in my Amazon Storefront: www.amazon.com/dp/B07L44PSZC?ref=exp_fromshetome_dp_vv_mw

[@linnlarson3055]

@@FromShetoMe Good to know, thank you! Happy Trails!

[@robingoldsmith2491]

Cactus are beautiful. What away to end 2021. Debbie what are you shooting video on? The quality is great. Thank you I enjoyed

[@FromShetoMe]

That was my iPhone 12 Pro but now I have the 13.

[@mysticalmisfit1332]

🙋🏽‍♀️🙌🏽🙌🏽😊

[@virginiagillert9423]

Are they electric bike. I am going to twin peak campground next week. How do you lock up your bikes when taking hikes. Thanks for your videos. I enjoy them a lot.

[@FromShetoMe]

We use an ABus chain lock. But all locks can be broken.

[@debbiephillips2013]

We will be at picacho peak state park in 2 days. What trail did you hike? I can't hike the mountain. Last time the dogs and I just walked up the road and admired the sunset and made lots of photos

[@FromShetoMe]

It was the trail that goes to the peak. But there are some other shorter hikes that might be more appropriate for the dogs.

[@jeffreythompson9843]

Deb and John, great video we were there in January at Gilbert and Joshua tree. Was Organ Pipe first come first serve. Also we bought the Omnia oven because of you and are curious if you use the wire rack with the silicone liner. Your cobbler looked like you had both liners in the oven. We bought a Navion 2018 in Florida and drove it back to Bend Oregon. Since it’s a sprinter chassis would your window cover fit and are they still available? Happy Trails. Jeff and Liz Bend Oregon.

[@FromShetoMe]

Organ pipe is first come except between January and April. I use both liners in the Omnia but don’t know about any wire rack. Email me for details on the cover: [e-mail]

[@DLL1970]

Do you double up the silicone liners in your omnia oven to prevent burnt bottoms?

[@FromShetoMe]

Yes. Seems to do the trick.

[@jeep4dirt]

Hi Deb, do your e-bikes suffer any damage from rocks or other road debris thrown up while driving? Jim

[@FromShetoMe]

No, the only damage they suffer is when we fall and break a mirror. We now carry spares. I think you'd have to run over them with a truck to damage them.

[@NelloCambelli]

How many extra steps are you & John taking in staging your walk filming.

[@FromShetoMe]

Not that many and it means more exercise which is a good thing.

[@jmonserrat2018]

Great video, 👍... can you tell us what the baking pan is called ?? I gotta have that.... Thank you !!!

[@FromShetoMe]

Here is the link:. www.amazon.com/dp/B000YLJQ5U?ref=exp_fromshetome_dp_vv_mat I recommend getting the silicone liners. They are in my amazon storefront which you can find here: Http://www.Amazon.com/shop/fromshetome.

[@jmonserrat2018]

@@FromShetoMe thanks !

[@betsyc5123]

Do you share somewhere all the packaged mixes (bread, cobbler, etc) you use and where to get them?

[@FromShetoMe]

I just put a few in my Amazon storefront but here is the link to the Soberdough bread mix: www.amazon.com/dp/B078CXP88J?ref=exp_fromshetome_dp_vv_d Some markets carry the Louisiana Cobbler Mix which we make quite frequently in our Omnia Oven.

[@educateddogcenter]

Don’t know if you receive comments on old videos? Anyway we are thinking of going down to Organ Pipes in Dec 22 but they say Ajo Mtn Drive is closed. Should we go another time or is it no big deal? Thanks ✌️

[@FromShetoMe]

All comments go to the same spot for me to see so feel free to comment on older videos. They must have gotten torrential rains if they closed the road. I guess it depends on what you like to do. There are still some hikes you can access and the campground is quite nice with beautiful vistas. So I would say go for a few days. You'll likely get some great sunrise/sunsets.

[@educateddogcenter]

@@FromShetoMe thanks so much! Happy Holidays ✌️

[@juanitasellshouses]

Debbie, I'm not knowledgeable of the desert...so was wondering...do you take a snake bite kit with you when you hike? (Like we take bear spray in bear country.) BTW great video of various desert plants!

[@FromShetoMe]

No we don’t. Here is an article that might interest you. www.snakebitefoundation.org/blog/2019/1/20/the-truth-about-commercial-snakebite-kits-and-venom-extractors

[@etheleklund3946]

Thank you so much for your article on the snake bites. I’ve often worried about you two walking through the deserts.

[@FromShetoMe]

@@etheleklund3946 Alligators I worry about, but not snakes. They really don’t want to mess with you.

[@FromShetoMe]

My brothers and father were all Eagle Scouts and I remember they were taught the same. I think research has proven they don't work. But here is what doctors say: www.ucihealth.org/blog/2017/07/snake-bites These snakes don't always inject venom and young snakes have less venom to inject.

[@etheleklund3946]

Good to know and I will take out the commercial snake bite kit to lighten my load in my back pack too! Thank you again for your excellent research and advice!

[@davec9244]

Hardened criminals, desperado, rooming the west, running stop signs, tormenting the law. Sounds like a Willie Nelson song to me! Try to not get caught, and stay safe, thank you

[@FromShetoMe]

I love Willie.

[@mwrenchkrw]

How has the Mercedes part of your van been? You’ve had it long enough for issues to show up. Some people say the Mercedes is not that reliable and very difficult and expensive to get serviced. What has been your experience?

[@FromShetoMe]

We have mixed feelings about the Mercedes side but not because of reliability. It's been reliable. But we're just not fans of the Mercedes "attitude/culture" or whatever you want to call it. If you remember the old Kinkos stores, you might know what I mean. But we don't have service done at the dealership; we have found some good mechanics who are closer and charge half the amount. The power of the engine can't be beat but dealing with DEF is a pain and now that they have settled the class action lawsuit and "fixed" the emissions issue, we have to fill DEF more frequently. And then the last thing we don't like is that finding fuel stations that aren't selling B20 has become harder. Some states like Minnesota only sell B20. We'll avoid driving through Minnesota on our trip east this summer.

[@mwrenchkrw]

@@FromShetoMe Thanks for the reply. Just about what I thought. Really enjoy your videos. Keep up the good work.

[@alphpup3281]

did you meet up with the Pandamonium tribe?

[@FromShetoMe]

Had to Google that one.