Gorgeous Sunday

On the trail southeast of Tortugas Mountain

The weather was absolutely beautiful for Dr. K, Becca and me this morning.  We did a long hike south and east of Tortugas Mountain, running into only a woman and her dog, although we did see three bikers in the distance.  I wish the weather could stay like this all summer--mid-40s for lows, mid- to upper-70s for highs--but it won't last.  We'll soon be frying like hamburger patties on a charcoal-briquette-fired grill.  Drat! 

Becca in the lead as always

Torrey Yuccas in the eastern foothills

I was hoping that Becca had spotted deer

Artsy hummer image

Desert Sumac

Desert Sumac is also called "Littleleaf Sumac"

Closeup of the delicate flowers

Becca sees something in the remote distance

At max camera range (65X telephoto) I see what Becca spotted

The trail we're following away from Tortugas

Heading north at this point

The trail soon curves eastward

It's fun following a single-track through the desert

Mountain biking in the Land of Enchantment

Is there nothing people won't graffiti?