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Sunday, August 18, 2013

No Sunday in the Park

Tortugas Mountain Trail System
No two ways about it:  it was hot out there this morning, with only a sporadic, wimpy breeze to provide evaporative cooling.  Nevertheless, Dr. K, Becca and I did a moderately-long hike around the south side of Tortugas Mountain.  There were quite a few other outdoor enthusiasts in the desert, and we had close encounters of the 3rd kind with three mountain bikers and two hikers, the latter on the north side of the mountain.  The woman half of the couple said of Becca, "What a pretty dog."  I was hoping Becca would bare her fangs and growl.  (Kidding.)
The rocky foothills on Tortugas's east side

Around back of the mountain (Becca center left)

Summer greenery in the desert

Desert Zinnia

An arroyo rutted by heavy storms

One trail to the top of Tortugas (center)

Becca at home in the patio enclosure

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3 comments:

Dr. K said...

The desert was lush and green this morning.

August 18, 2013 at 12:59 PM
Scott said...

Who "owns" the mountain, Packrat? Who maintains the trail system? Is it BLM land, or UNM land, or something else?

August 19, 2013 at 9:09 AM
packrat said...

Historically, the Native Americans from Tortugas Pueblo lay claim to the mountain, Scott, but it is managed jointly by NMSU (New Mexico State University) and the BLM. Interestingly, NMSU's property runs up the western side of the mountain and the BLM "owns" the eastern, northern and southern sections. NMSU has two observatories atop the mountain, and there is also a huge communications tower there. The sign in the first photo in this post is next to the ramada on the Monte Vista (BLM) side of the mountain.

August 19, 2013 at 12:54 PM

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