Ku Ku KaChew: Phoenix

On the way to Phoenix from Brawley, CA, I came across this extremely unattended US/Mexico border point on Highway 8. This was the closest spot along the highway to Mexico and I got off to snag a picture. Much to my surprise, there was absolutely NO ONE here. As a relatively law-abiding citizen, I did not go past this bridge as I would be trespassing on irrigation land or something or other. Regardless, I was quite surprised at how unattended this area was.

It was straight up DESERT in south California. Check out those sand dunes! I would have stopped off to sand board if I had the option. But since I didn't have my own equipment or anything, I kept on my merry way. Damnit, I shoulda bought that $25 "snowboard" I saw at Target in Palo Alto!!

Saaaaaaaaannnnddddd duuuuunnnneeesss

Hello again, Arizona!

Bahhhhhhh

Camel farm!

Look out, now!

They weren't kidding.

Posing camel

This is a mara. These animals are large relatives of guinea pigs, native to South America. Never seen one of these before!

Comin atcha

NOMS!!

Alright Mr. DeMille, I'm ready for my close-up.

NO clue what kind of animal this was. His right horn was down and his left horn was up.

Hee-hawwwwww

Check out that beard!

Another beard

Hey, beautiful!

Awwww, little one

Close up

Check out the eyes on these animals. They have horizontal slits.

Poor little kanga. While I appreciate the opportunity to discover new animals, I do feel bad for them. They have so little space to roam :(

Pretty little fawn. Bambi!

That's a picture of a nice ass ;)

This was the border crossing between California and Arizona (although I had been in Arizona for probably at least 20 miles). First off, this speed limit sign was always wrong. We were at a stand still and it said we were going 29 mph. Nope. Second off, I go up to the front and there is a guy with a dog sniffing only the left side of the car. I moved up to another guy who simply asked, "Are you a US citizen?" to which I replied, "Yep" and he said, "Have a nice day!" and that was that. Easy peasy, lemon squeezy.

Date trees in Dateville, AZ

I had no idea there were this many kinds of dates. I only knew of Deglet and Medjool. Note: they are ALL yummy.

Date milkshake!! This was super tasty. Nice and creamy with chunks of datey goodness. However, I could only drink half of it. Not sure if it was cuz I am not used to a lot of dairy, or cuz I had just eaten lunch hah.

Yummmmmmmoooo

FINALLY!! I have been wondering where the hell these kinds of cacti grew! I hadn't seen them anywhere on my travels until southern Arizona. I'm super glad to have finally come across them :)