At the National Monument

Just getting started west of the Organ Mountains

Dr. K, Becca and I headed out to Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument early this morning with the intention of doing a moderately long hike.  We wanted to make sure we didn't go too far because of Becca's recent leg problem; it's easy to lose track of distance in such a beautiful setting.  But we successfully managed a reasonable trek, and we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves in the process.  When we got back to the parking lot there was a small group of people working with search-and-rescue dogs.  One guy asked what type of dog Becca was, and then he said she'd probably make a good rescue dog.  He was very curious about the ramp we use to get Becca in and out of the Commander and he asked where we'd bought it.  He was thinking ahead to the day when his dog might have trouble jumping in and out of his vehicle.

Fall color in OMDPNM

Yuccas and mountains

Tortugas Mountain from OMDPNM

Becca on the single-track

The rugged Organ Mountains

In the direction of Soledad Canyon

Through the high grassland

Barrel Cactus and the Organs

Long-distance shot of a Loggerhead Shrike

Heading toward the Organ Mountains along a single-track

Closer look at the Loggerhead Shrike

Rugged mountains

Small Torrey Yucca forest

Becca almost always leads the pack

Torrey Yuccas on a high plateau

Line of yuccas and the Organ Mountains

A very happy hiker