After the Rainstorm

A big storm last night left behind a lot of hazy humidity.

Bug's-eye view.

Bug.

A university class (botany?) in the desert.

A real bug: the Tarantula Hawk.

New Week, Same Humidity

Sacred Datura, east side of Tortugas Mountain.

On the trail through the desert.

A fine morning, though slightly humid.

The Four Sisters.

The multi-faceted Organ Mountains.

A Day on the Trail

Moon over the mountain.
You know who is enjoying the Monte Vista side of Tortugas.

Our favorite shady spot.

Dr. K loves it here.

Looking south toward the Franklin Mountains.

Saturday Near Tortugas

It rained quite a bit yesterday evening, so it was quite humid on the trail this morning.

Barrel Cactus blossoms.

A content hiker dog.

Still quite cloudy early on.

Patches of blue.

Back at the Research Center

Mama Quail and her chicks.

Papa hangs around nearby.

Parents and offspring.

Friday Frolic

Not a coyote.

Becca's good side (one spot).

Soaptree Yuccas on Tortugas's west side.

This is the way through the desert.

Cool Daze

A Variegated Agave has collected rainwater during a storm.
The desert floor is pockmarked after the rain.

The pears of the Prickly Pear are beginning to wither.

The Beckster is enjoying the cool morning.

West of Tortugas Mountain on a beautiful day.

Heat Respite

A healthy cloud cover gave us a respite from the heat this morning.

The Beckster wasn't constantly looking for shade.

The desert didn't feel like an inferno.

You didn't have to squint to see your way forward.

No real shadow and light.

Monday Madness

The road that hugs the side of Tortugas Mountain.

Same road from a distance.

Yellowing Ocotillo leaves prove the season is changing.

If the season's changing, then why is it still so hot?

Sunday's Best

Spineless so-and-so.

Geologic formation known as a "saddle."

Contemplative Dr. K.

Two hikers and their dog on a high ridgeline.

Another Hot Morning

Here's Miss Becca, already taking a shady break.

A mountain biker beginning the arduous ride to the top of Tortugas Mountain.

The red arrow indicates where the mountain biker is.

Ocotillos are still green.

What's that smell?