Gila Bend to Casa Grande

Magnificent desert fauna, especially the Saguaro cactus.

Dome Valley

We rode 70 miles from Yuma, AZ to Dateland, AZ, passing through the Dome Valley.  This area receives irrigation from the Colorado River, and is unaffected by the drought in Northern California.  So, this is our primary domestic source of fresh lettuce.  The fields were planted in serveral different varieties of lettuce, and we saw workers harvesting romaine.

Center of the World

On the way between Calexico and Yuma, We stopped at a very unusual museum in Felicity, CA, named Center of the World museum.  It was built by Jacques-Andre Istel in 1986 (Wikipedia link http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Felicity,_California).

It contains several granite monuments, still under construction.  Each of the granite ranks is on a separate historical topic.

No one in our group had any opinion other than the museum was uniquie, and a little bizarre.

As a part of our $5 admission, each of each were invited to stand on brass emblem, that marked the "center of the world".  We received a certificate as evidence of our visit.

Overnight at the Calexico Mission School

Our accomodations in Calexico are at the Calexico Mission School.  This school is admisinstered by the 7th Day Adventists.  This is a picture of the junior class members that prepared and served our evening meal.  Breakfast will be served by a different group of students.
Most of the students come from Mexicali, and cross the border each day to attend the school.  English is mandated in all the classes in order to improve the students' English.  Apparently, English proficiency is a drawing card for the school.

Route between Alpine and Calexico, CA

This was payback day for the previous 8000 ft of climb on day 1 and day 2. We had a 10 mi downhill of mostly 6% grade. I hit 42 on with my touring bike. A rider on a recumbent did 49. 

Border Fence

This is the border fence,  about 10 mi west of Alpine, CA. 

US Customs Office

The route from Alpine mostly was on old Highway 8, which parallels the Mexican border.  Saw an unbelievable number of Border Patrol cars on the road.