Desert Packrat

Friday, Forsooth

2012-03-02T13:59:00.000-08:00

Torrey Yucca putting up its flower stalk

Becca and I were able to get in a moderately-long hike before the wind really got started. But now it's horrible. Dr. K and I had to drive down to El Paso in the late morning, and the trip was hellacious--even worse on the way back. It seemed as if half the sand in the Chihuahuan Desert was in the air, and the gusts of wind made keeping the Jeep Commander on the road quite the task.

Dog with a "pregunta"

Soaptree Yucca and dog at work

Rocky outcropping, city of Las Cruces in background

Thursday Outing

2012-03-01T13:40:00.000-08:00

Rough trail

We got a nice long hike in before the winds picked up today, and, man, are they gusting now! We also ran into Jimmy and talked to him for about twenty minutes. Well, I talked to him; Becca was chasing flies. Becca HATES flies. Jimmy had just returned from Ojo Caliente in northern New Mexico, where he did a lot of hiking. I've never been there; it sounded very nice. I also want to go to Chaco Canyon, another place I haven't been.

Noble dog

Over hill and dale on a dusty trail

Blue sky and desert (and dog)

Tortugas Mountain and the Organ Mountains

Never like to see spent shell casings

Faint single-track trail

Very bad air in the Mesilla Valley

Google Earth Check 2

2012-02-29T13:18:00.000-08:00

Let's get it started

We did a little more experimentation with our GPS track and the accuracy of Google Earth. The ground-level extrapolation is pretty accurate. The Garmin GPS appears to be within about five feet of actual position; can't ask for better than that. We did a fairly long hike while utilizing the GPS device, and much of the fun is seeing the track displayed on Google Earth, where you can play with all types of different perspectives. The final image is a Google Earth aerial overview of our progress along and then down through an arroyo.

Giant Yuccas in the outback

Google Earth view west of Tortugas Mountain

Google Earth view of outer loop road

Compare this photo of the outer loop road

Google Earth extrapolation of outer loop road

Photo of outer loop road

Google Earth image heading north from Tortugas

Google Earth perspective from Waypoint #8

Photo from Waypoint #8

An overview of our hike from the north using Google Earth

How Accurate is Google Earth?

2012-02-28T13:27:00.004-08:00

Setting off through the desert

Just out of curiosity I opened our GPS track on Google Earth, then monkeyed around with various perspectives (including "Ground Level View") to test how accurate Google Earth is. I came away from the experiment pretty impressed. Even when I went down to ground level, the computer-generated image of the landscape was fairly accurate. Even though I was impressed with Google Earth's capabilities, Becca could care less.

Giant Yucca on the foothills trail

Garmin GPS track on Google Earth

Out of the foothills into the lower desert

Google Earth view: Tortugas (left) and Organ Mountains

Bushwhacking from right, then on dirt road

Back up into the foothills (centerline) then down (foreground)

Google Earth view of the dirt road to-and-from the mountain

Resupply Day Hike

2012-02-27T14:50:00.000-08:00

We had an abbreviated outing this morning because I had to go grocery shopping--one of my favorite activities. Becca and I had a good time nonetheless because the weather was fantastic. I'm getting spring fever even though I know there's more winter to come.

Sunday Scramble

2012-02-26T14:37:00.003-08:00

Always at the ready

Dr. K, Becca and I did a moderately-long hike around Tortugas Mountain this morning. It was somewhat breezy and chilly when we started off, but the weather soon turned nice. We put a few miles on our paws before heading back to the car, which we parked near the Sunset recreation area. Not surprisingly, it was pretty jam-packed with outdoor enthusiasts taking advantage of the springlike day. As of this writing it is 70 degrees Farenheit, headed for a high of 73. We're supposed to be 75 tomorrow. Hard to believe it's still February.

West of Tortugas

2012-02-25T12:23:00.000-08:00

At the head of the Crosscut Trail

Owing to the strenuousness of our hike yesterday, and the fact that my old knees cannot handle the stress they used to take, we did a shorter hike west of Tortugas (Tortoise) Mountain this morning. She didn't have to say anything, but I know Becca was protesting the shorter trek vociferously. We had a good time nonetheless. The last image is a Google earth screen shot that clearly shows one of the large arroyos we hiked through.

In an arroyo west of the mountain

Heading back

Claret Cup Cactus beginning to bud

Becca and the mountain

Section of our track superimposed over a Google earth screen capture

Atop Tortugas

2012-02-24T13:01:00.001-08:00

Starting up the mountain

It had been quite a while since we hiked to the top of Tortugas Mountain, so we set off on a west-side ascent this morning. Although the mountain is 4,931 feet in elevation, the prominence from where we started is only about 600 feet. Nevertheless, the way we go is a butt-kicking 600 feet, and I have to stop several times enroute. Becca, of course, only stops because I do. Tortugas Mountain is sacred to the Native Americans of nearby Tortugas Pueblo. It is also the site of several observatories from New Mexico State University. The initial image here is our GPS track overlayed on Google Earth.

One-eighth of the way up

Agave lechuguilla (aka shin dagger)

Large round mounds of Strawberry Pitaya Cactus

One-fourth of the way up

Three-fourths of the way up

Up. The old observatory atop Tortugas Mountain

Looking east toward the Organ Mountains from atop Tortugas

Tortugas Pueblo shrine at the mountain crest

Ceremonial votif candles

Looking down to the west from the summit

Sun rising above the old observatory

The steep northern flank of Tortugas

Vast stretch of desert, Organ Mountains on the horizon

Heading down

The new Centennial High School from altitude

Extra Long Hike

2012-02-23T13:30:00.000-08:00

The western flank of Tortugas and the Organ Mountains

Becca and I started off at the parking area near the road to the top of Tortugas Mountain, took the Crosscut Trail to the far outer loop road, then followed a dirt road for miles away from the mountain. Along the way we discovered an intricate rock cross and a silly stick figure on a rise. For those who think the desert is a flat plane punctuated now and again by mountain ranges, take a look at some of the rolling terrain. Makes for a great workout.

The rolling Chihuahuan Desert

Looking back the way we came

Small Mesquite Tree and the Organ Mountains

Somebody took the trouble to fashion an intricate rock cross

Even further west of Tortugas Mountain

A funny stick figure somebody made

Beautiful sky

Homes at the edge of the desert in the Las Alturas neighborhood

Camera shy? I don't think so

Discouraging Hike

2012-02-22T13:34:00.000-08:00

Desert dumping

From a distance of over a mile I couldn't make out the large objects to the left and right of the car, so I took a telephoto shot to magnify when I got home. Somebody (not the driver of the vehicle pictured) felt comfortable dumping their entire living-room set: large brown couch (left) and large brown and white chairs (right). Astonishing.

Pictured behind Becca in the second photo is the new Centennial High School, slated to open August 2012.

Becca goes to school

Tuesday Trek

2012-02-21T12:38:00.000-08:00

Water in the desert (storage tank on NMSU land)

Becca and I did an extra long hike near Tortugas Mountain this morning, and we saw only two other hikers: a woman with a dog, and a man with a tall hiking stick. If it weren't for a substantial breeze the temperature might have felt a bit warm; we're headed up to 66 F. today. If we were just starting off now I have no doubt I'd be wearing a short-sleeve shirt and shorts. Becca refuses to wear shorts because of her skinny legs.

Becca and a Barrel

Healthy Torrey Yuccas on the bank of a broad arroyo

Chihuahuan Desert vista (Organ Mountains on horizon)

Fallen old Yucca looks like bended knee

Soaptree Yuccas in large arroyo

Our Old Digs

2012-02-20T12:47:00.000-08:00

Becca on the outer loop road, west side of Tortugas Mountain

I didn't take too many photos on our trek around Tortugas Mountain this morning, so I included a few from yesterday's hike on the Sierra Vista Trail North.

Interesting rock formation, Sierra Vista Trail North

Ocotillo and Sotal growing in the same spot

Pile of rocks outcropping, Sierra Vista Trail North

Rocks demanding to be climbed, Sierra Vista Trail North

Sierra Vista Trail North

2012-02-19T14:12:00.000-08:00

For the first time since its dedication in early November, Dr. K, Becca and I hiked the new section of the Sierra Vista Trail in the Organ Mountains east of Las Cruces. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) did a fantastic job blazing the trail, which begins off Soledad Canyon Road across from the parking area for the old trail. The trail is clearly marked and easy to follow.

Getting an early start on the Sierra Vista Trail North

The trail is 2.5-miles in one direction, and it runs north/south between Soledad Canyon Road and Dripping Springs Road. If you hike from south to north as we did there's a constant, but gradual, descent for the entire distance. There are some incredible rock formations at the southernmost section.

Rocky outcroppings near Soledad Canyon Road

Rock spires in the Organ Mountains

There were some stunning vistas along the way, making for a very enjoyable hike in the very high desert.

Sotol (aka Desert Spoon) at the side of the Sierra Vista Trail North

The views back toward the city were splendid, and we marveled again at how very much like a tortoise Tortugas Mountain looks.

Tortugas Mountain from the Sierra Vista Trail North

I would rank this a 9 out of 10-star trail, the slight demerit coming from the proximity to expensive homes high in the nearby Talavera community. The trail passes within a few hundred yards of one ritzy home, making this hiker wonder whether the residents were opposed to the opening of the new section of trail.

The nearby home of some lucky residents

A more luxurious home in the higher reaches of the mountains

We were pleased with the aerobic workout we got on the new trail, especially on the return leg when the climb was entirely uphill. Becca, of course, was never winded.

Happy hound on a new trail

Some serious ups-and-downs on the new trail

The Sierra Vista Trail North, with its stunning vistas and rewarding aerobic workout, has definitely been added to our repetoire of hikes in the vicinity of the Organ Mountains National Recreation Area.

A drabble of snow in a high-mountain crevasse

The breathtakingly-rugged Organ Mountains

Foggy Start

2012-02-18T15:02:00.000-08:00

Because of all the moisture in the atmosphere here there was quite a bit of fog when we started off this morning. In the foothills near Tortugas (Tortoise) Mountain we were above the cloudline, but the foggy conditions didn't last long--partly because of a rather stiff breeze. I remember once when Dr. K, Sara and I were hiking in a fog near the Arizona-Sonora Museum outside of Tucson, and when we climbed to the top of Brown Mountain we emerged slightly above a sea of fog that stretched out in all directions. I have a photo of that scene somewhere.

Change of Weather

2012-02-17T11:54:00.000-08:00

Ready to rock and roll

It rained on and off all during the night, and conditions looked very iffy this morning; we weren't sure we could squeeze in a hike. But we were lucky. The weather cooperated as Becca and I did a very long hike in the cool desert air. We even ended up bushwhacking again even though we hadn't planned on it. However, after a rain the desert has a unique fragrance all of its own, and we wanted to get intimate with it.

Military chopper

Soaptree Yuccas

Cloudy Organ Mountains

Wonder dog

Taking the long view

Mule Deer scat

Clouds clearing over the Organs

Becca Loves Bushwhacking

2012-02-15T10:31:00.000-08:00

OK, so she lies down on the job at times

Bushwhacking lets us explore more intimately our particular expanse of Chihuahuan Desert, the 8th largest desert in the world. The Chihuahuan Desert stretches from southeastern Arizona across southern New Mexico and West Texas and down into the states of Chihuahua, Coahuila and Durango, Mexico and is bounded by the Sierra Madre Occidental and the Sierra Madre Oriental. It is a high desert, with elevations ranging from 1900 to 5500 feet. Because of elevation it has a milder climate than the Sonoran Desert to its west.

West of Tortugas Mountain

A small Barrel Cactus, probably killed by last winter's deep freeze

When I heard the learn'd astronomer

Claret Cup Hedgehog Cactus

Desert Pilgrims

2012-02-14T10:42:00.000-08:00

Across the wide Chihuahuan Desert

There's nothing quite like the solitude found in an expansive stretch of desert, especially when nobody else is about. Such was the case when Becca and I made our pilgrimage in search of sacred places this morning. We found no burning bushes, no stone-carved tablets nor papyrus scrolls in obscure caves. But we were in touch with the spirit that animates this special place, and that's all we needed.

In the foothills of Tortugas (Tortoise) Mountain

The rolling desert near Tortugas

Soaptree Yuccas in winter dress

One way to cross the desert

Bushwhacking across the rolling desert floor

Tortugas Mountain (left) and the Organ Mountains

Photos Only

2012-02-13T14:56:00.000-08:00

Along the Sierra Vista Trail

2012-02-12T11:34:00.000-08:00

Dr. K, Becca and I took a long hike on the Sierra Vista Trail in the high foothills of the Organ Mountains. It rained before we started off, but we were fortunate to only get spat upon with a few sprinkles during our trek. The weather was quite chilly, with a consistent, stiff breeze. We saw nobody else along the entire length of trail we did. When we got back to the parking lot, though, three middled-aged women with three happy dogs were about to set off on the northern section of the trail, which was just dedicated on November 6th, and which we haven't hiked yet.

Sabado

2012-02-11T14:16:00.000-08:00

Let's do this thing

The weather is supposed to change by tomorrow; rain is expected. But today was wonderful on the mountain. I started out with a light PolarPlus vest under my anorak, but I soon had to shed that. After one-fourth of the hike, I had no need for the gloves I was wearing. By the time we were finishing up we were encountering joggers in tee shirts and shorts. As I write this it's 64 F outside. Last February around this time we had a brutal freeze.

In the foothills

The large arroyo directly next to our house

Looking east toward Tortugas Mountain

Facing west down the arroyo

Tortugas Mountain (aka "A" Mountain). Drain channels under roadway

Far Outer Loop

2012-02-10T12:04:00.000-08:00

Getting started

Becca and I finally found the end (or beginning, depending on your perspective) of a single-track trail that intersects the most distant loop road around Tortugas. This adds another trail to our repertoire of hikes around the mountain and foothill areas. Our only concern revolves around the number of spent shotgun cartridges we found at the far western end of the trek.

Hiking away from Tortugas

Somebody's getting read for spring

Heading upslope

Distant view of Tortugas (left) and the Organ Mountains

Dynamic Day

2012-02-09T11:48:00.000-08:00

When there is a proper distribution of sun and clouds in the arid desert--as there was this morning--the light and shadows make for some very dynamic vistas. What more can be said?

My Dog

2012-02-08T10:25:00.000-08:00

Becca may well be the most-photographed dog in the Chihuahuan Desert.

The Hawk

2012-02-07T15:17:00.000-08:00

Heading out of the foothills

The Hawk was out this morning, and I'm not referring to a raptor. Back in the Midwest where I come from people often called a biting cold wind, "the hawk." This morning's wind was brutal. Even though the ambient temperature was just under forty degrees, the wind chill seemed closer to twenty. Brrr!

A marred image of spectacular clouds

Slog for the Blog

2012-02-06T11:14:00.000-08:00

Looking fit

Becca and I did a lot of bushwhacking this morning, staying off the well-trodden trails as much as possible. We saw only one other human being--at a great distance--a guy who was driving his SUV along a road on the south mesa. After he parked in the middle of nowhere we heard the retorts from the high-powered rifle he was shooting. Gives one pause for thought.

Prickly Pear on a gravelly slope

Bushwhacking to the west of Tortugas Mountain

Wide expanse of desert, residential area on the ridgeline

Small arroyo

Becca (center top) on a high slope

Scouting the territory

Sunday Trek

2012-02-05T12:56:00.000-08:00

About a mile from Tortugas

Dr. K, Becca and I did a Sunday hike on the west side of Tortugas. We did a lot of bushwhacking in the outback. The stiff wind made it feel quite chilly, but the sun was pretty warm. We ran into a few other people--one young couple with a dog they called a "mutt." "Best kind," I said. Becca didn't appreciate the insinuation.

I see people . . .

with a dog!

A little hazy because of high winds

Interesting cloud formation

Anatomy of an arroyo

Clouds rolling in over the Organ Mountains

Saturday Outing

2012-02-04T09:55:00.000-08:00

Becca pausing on the foothills trail

Rather chilly this morning after a cold front blew through last night. Adding to the chill: milky sunlight filtered through a light overcast. Fortunately, it wasn't windy. It's the weekend, so quite a few hikers, bikers, joggers were out on the mountain today.

A milky sky above the Franklin Mountains

Getting a little impatient with the photographer

Don't know why, but I took a shot through my sunglasses' lens

End of the Week Trek

2012-02-03T11:32:00.000-08:00

The high foothills of Tortugas Mountain

The temperature had cooled significantly from yesterday, and it was 28 F. when we started out this morning. I was dressed appropriately, and Becca never seems to mind the cold. One thing we had going for us: steady sunshine. When the wind is low, that desert sun can really heat things up, making below-freezing temps more bearable. We put quite a few miles on our feet/paws, even doing a little bushwhacking in the far western outback.

The better half

Deep chasm caused by heavy mountain runoff

Large mass of Hedgehog Cactus

We Five

Looking Greyhoundish

Across the Chihuahuan Desert to the Organ Mountains

Outback Thursday

2012-02-02T11:55:00.000-08:00

Becca sees another dog

We did a long hike in the outback this morning, and we saw quite a few other hikers on our way. Once we got out there, though, we only saw one other sign of human presence--an SUV sitting on the south mesa. We had lots of fun exploring in the washes and basins. The weather cooperated fully; it felt like an early spring day.

Becca in the outback

New growth from old

An off-roader in the middle of nowhere

Beccaleo Beccalei

Devil's Claw

Through a leafless Ocotillo

Hump Day Bushwhack

2012-02-01T10:03:00.000-08:00

Becca is in this photo

We haven't been able to resist the urge to bushwhack of late, getting an up-close and intimate encounter with the Chihuahuan Desert. It's always a lot of fun to get into some of these really huge arroyos in the outback; the sandy bottoms hold the footprints of desert denizens well, and we can see just how much traffic there is out there. Of course, walking in sandy arroyos is difficult, akin to walking along an ocean beach.

Desert Broom, Prickly Pear and Ocotillo at the edge of deep, narrow wash

There she is

A very wide wash (arroyo) in the outback

Large Barrel Cactus in wide wash

Tuesday Trekking

2012-01-31T12:56:00.000-08:00

Trail up Tortugas

Becca and I spent part of the morning exploring around Tortugas Mountain. We avoided doing any bushwhacking today. Winter is the best time to bushwhack, though, for several reasons. Of course, it's much cooler, and, therefore, more bearable. You'd be surprised how much heat the desert floor can reflect. And Rattlesnakes are hibernating--always a good thing. Additionally, because of the absence of leaves, you can see all the thorns on desert plants, especially the Ocotillos. It makes eluding the spikes much easier.

Wagging the dog

Pichacho (Spanish for "peak")

Under a boundless sky

Yucca, Tortugas and the Organ Mountains

Monday Fun

2012-01-30T11:44:00.000-08:00

Medusa-like Yucca

Becca and I did a very long hike into the outback surrounding Tortugas Mountain this morning. It was a very warm morning, the kind that gives you spring fever at the end of January. We saw only one other hiker walking with his two dogs at a great distance from us. We discovered an old single-track trail that led us in a long arc to the far outer-loop road. It felt great being out in nature today. Wish we could have lingered longer.

Rarin' to go

Smoke in the basin

Very tall Yucca from another perspective

Barrel Cactus and view

Bushwhacking again

I belive this is Sorrel, aka Wild Rhubarb

Very Cold Start

2012-01-29T14:41:00.000-08:00

Huge Torrey Yucca, city of Las Cruces in background

It was 29 degrees Farenheit when we got rolling this morning, with a really stiff wind that made it downright cold. We were quite surprised at the number of hearty souls who were out on the mountain, enjoying the abundant sunshine. To avoid running into other people, Becca and I did some bushwhacking in an arroyo that runs east/west across the desert from the high foothills of Tortugas (Tortoise) Mountain. It's always amazing to see the wild animal footprints in the sandy arroyo bottom: rabbit, quail, coyote, fox, etcetera. (Ah, yes, the elusive "etcetera.")

Yucca, Tortugas Mountain (left) and Organ Mountains

Cross-country hound

Healthy Barrel Cactus on an arroyo bank

Typical flora in a desert arroyo

Weekend Scramble

2012-01-28T10:20:00.000-08:00

Starting off under a heavy overcast

We were scrambling to avoid people this morning. Despite the chilly, overcast, quite a few outdoor enthusiasts were on the mountain. Becca and I decided to do some bushwhacking again, and were rewarded by discovering some interesting sights. By the time we finished our trek, the sun was trying to break though the clouds.

Set for some bushwhacking

Pale immitation of a sun

Burning in the valley

Desert mountain bikers

Hedgehog Cactus

Barrel Cactus with deep gash (perhaps a fatal wound)

6-foot Torrey Yucca

The happy bushwhacker

Artsy Afterthought

2012-01-27T17:24:00.000-08:00

Time for a Rant

2012-01-27T10:08:00.000-08:00

A fallen Yucca continues to grow

My rant concerns the very last image here, the SUV "idiot" tracks in the desert. I seriously wonder about people's mental health at times. Finding himself (I feel fairly certain about gender) unable to tackle a difficult stretch of dirt road, this clown decided to simply turn around off the beaten track. What the hell--the desert is just dirt and cacti. There are miles of dirt road out here where SUVers and ATVers can drive without resorting to destructive behavior. This is the thing about human beings that makes me fear for preservation of the environment.

The "I-see-something" look

A little Yucca forest

Me and my shadow

Gemelli (twins)

Idiot tracks

Bushwhack Videos

2012-01-26T11:28:00.000-08:00

The Day after the Storm

2012-01-25T12:38:00.000-08:00

Visions of Rin Tin Tin

The storm that blew through yesterday and into last night deposited a lot of rain and left some really cold air in its wake. The stiff breeze fought against the abundant sunshine this morning, making the air feel quite chilly. I don't know if it was the cold, but Ms. Becca had an incredible amount of energy. She did more running than she has in a long while, up and back on every trail, leaving me to trudge behind. It's a lot of fun watching her have a good time.

Moving along the dirt loop road

You can't tell, but the desert is wet

A dusting of snow in the mountains above Talavera

Bushwhacker

An expanse of Chihuahuan Desert

Fox hole (probably a Gray Fox vixen dug it)

Closeup of fox hole

Purple mountains' majesty (and electric poles)

Chihuahuan Desert homes

Cold, Cold Rain

2012-01-24T12:08:00.000-08:00

Potrillo Mountains west of Las Cruces

Becca and I didn't get soaked this morning, but we did get wet in a very cold rain. What else can you expect on a winter's day. (Almost slipped into a refrain of "California Dreamin'" there.) The sun did break through the clouds a few times, but it's been raining again this afternoon. We had a good hike, nonetheless, only running into one other hiker--the elderly engineer and his elderly Lab.

Stormy sky

Canine compass

Rain over the Organ Mountains

Storm over the Franklin Mountains near El Paso

Chihuahuan Desert sky

Tortugas Mountain observatory

Dynamic weather

Smoke in the Valley

2012-01-23T11:51:00.000-08:00

A layer of smoke in the Mesilla Valley

Pecan famers may have been burning debris from trees in the valley today because there was some pretty ugly air down there. It couldn't have been a temperature inversion because it was localized in one area, and we've had sufficient winds yesterday and today to stir the atmosphere up. I wonder at times if mulching wouldn't be a better alternative to burning considering the harm smoke does to the atmosphere. I need to ask around about this issue.

Bad air may come from pecan farmers burning debris

Someone who doesn't give a hoot about smoke

Dry desert arroyo (aka "dry wash")

49-pound desert denizen

Wind!

2012-01-22T11:42:00.000-08:00

Sleek-looking girl

The temperature was moderate enough as Dr. K, Becca and I hiked the trails around Tortugas Mountain, but the wind made it feel much colder. It was a persistent wind, lasting throughout the entire trek. There was lots of dust in the air, and few hikers out enjoying the elements. The only outdoor enthusiasts were those like us--hardcore naturalists.

Dust in the air

Saturday Sunshine

2012-01-21T11:39:00.000-08:00

Sinuous trail

With plenty of sunshine this morning, not a breeze to rustle grass or leaves, and a temperature soaring to 70 Farenheit today, what's not to love about the Chihuahuan Desert here? With these conditions on a weekend morning, it's not surprising that many other outdoor enthusiasts were on the mountain enjoying themselves.

Out of the foothills

On- And Off-Trail

2012-01-20T14:08:00.000-08:00

Bushwhacking Becca

There's nothing wrong with bushwhacking in the desert as long as you're very careful. Getting off of established trails puts you at risk of getting jabbed by any number of sharp things. At least at this time of year those sharp things aren't the fangs of an angry Rattler. Today I had a cactus spike so deeply embedded in my boot I had to remove it with needle-nose pliers.

Finding her way through the desert

A four-inch long rock that looks like a geode

Long view across the desert

Cycle of life: new Barrel Cactus (top) springing from the old

Mission: Find the Lost Glove

2012-01-19T12:00:00.000-08:00

The left glove

Yesterday I managed to lose the right glove from my pair of Outdoor Research underliners. The last I saw the glove it was in the right pocket of my anorak, which I stuffed into my daypack at the end of our hike. The glove was not in the car, nor in the pack, so we set out this morning to retrace our tracks in order to find the missing glove. I put my trusty glovehound, Becca, on the job. But, alas, at the end of our hike today we still hadn't found the missing hand warmer. Guess I'll order another pair. Drat!

Taking the scent

The hunt is on

Becca finds a pair of socks--not a glove

Becca finds a washcloth--not a glove

Another Gorgeous Day

2012-01-18T15:11:00.000-08:00

Tuesday Sunshine

2012-01-17T12:44:00.000-08:00

Not a volcano

The weather was just beautiful this morning as Becca and I trekked along the foothills of Tortugas (Tortoise) Mountain. Not surprisingly, there were a few other hikers and joggers out enjoying the day. It's always nice when the weather, combined with the sheer pleasure of hiking, makes you forget about everything as you meld into the present moment, at one with your immediate surroundings.

Looking for coyotes

The Mesilla Valley and the Potrillo Mountains

Some idiot drove to the middle of nowhere to dump these pallets

Perfect weather (il tempo perfetto)

Rainy Start

2012-01-16T11:38:00.000-08:00

Low-hanging clouds over the Chihuahuan Desert

Becca and I got sprinkled on twice during the morning hike, but it could have been a lot worse. Just look at those threatening skies. Because of the high humidity it felt unseasonably warm out on the trail, and I was a tad overdressed. Becca stuck to her usual fur coat. We ran into Jimmy on the way back to the car and when I told him about my mother's recent death he expressed his condolences. He has an elderly mother in assisted living/hospice care. When we talked about the brutality of old age, I told him of an Italian saying: "La vecchia e bruta." (Old age is ugly.)

Blog star Becca Cardashihound

Clouds vs. blue sky

Road to the mountains

Western flank of Tortugas (Tortoise) Mountain

Clouds descending on the Organ Mountains

Shadow and light

Ominous sky

A bleak-looking landscape

Rainbow over Las Cruces, New Mexico

Sunday Hike

2012-01-15T12:07:00.000-08:00

Still a little snow on top of the Organ Mountains

Becca and I had a good outing around Tortugas Mountain this morning (sans Dr. K, who's in San Francisco. I don't mean to imply we had a good outing because she's in California). The weather was rather dynamic when we started out: clouds, sun and wind. Those are always interesting ingredients for photographic images. The perspective of the very last photo here is skewed because I had to set the camera on the ground, but you get the idea about how tall that Yucca is.

The long view

Guess who spotted two mountain bikers?

Snakelike Soaptree Yucca stalk

Sinewy Soaptree Yucca stalk

A tall Torrey Yucca

Standing beside the Yucca (I'm 5' 11")

Balloon Day

2012-01-14T11:18:00.000-08:00

There was some kind of hot-air balloon rally in the Mesilla Valley this morning, making for some interesting photos. Since it was Saturday, many more hikers were out and about on Tortugas Mountain. We had no direct contact with any of them. Becca is expert at spotting hikers' dogs from a great distance, though, and she saw quite a few in the outback. She usually notices balloons, too, but not this morning. Nose to the grindstone and all that.

Friday Morning Hike

2012-01-13T11:49:00.000-08:00

Behind the mountain

We drove the back way over to Tortugas Mountain this morning because of ongoing construction along Dripping Springs Road. It was a straight shot out Geothermal Drive onto the dirt road leading to the parking lot near the road leading to the top. It took Becca and I ten minutes to get there. We saw Jimmy's Toyota truck out there, but no Jimmy. He was probably atop the mountain by the time we were getting back to the RAV.

Almost no snow left on the Organ Mountains

Leaning into the environment

There's a moon in this photo

Far Side of Tortugas

2012-01-12T13:10:00.000-08:00

We got an earlier start this morning, but the day began with a heavy overcast. It made for some interesting light on the far side of the mountain. We saw one other hiker at a great distance when we were ending our hike. That's the nice thing about going around the mountain from the Monte Vista side--there are even fewer people out there on a weekday morning. Not surprisingly, Becca really enjoyed being in the outback. If I didn't keep telling her "Leave it," she'd smell every bush along the way. Dogs.

Post Fog

2012-01-11T13:48:00.000-08:00

Western slope of Tortugas Mountain

We did a nice hike this morning around Tortugas, and we were able to see where we were going--unlike yesterday when there was ample fog. (Ample fog?) We ran into a guy who we've seen out there fairly often, an elderly gentleman who walks with a limp. He carries two hiking poles to maintain balance. He has an older black Lab. When he made me guess the Lab's age, I said, "Ten." He said, "In two months he'll be fourteen." Nice to see an elderly dog still getting out and about.

Part of the City of the Crosses (NM Farm & Ranch Museum in foreground)

Star of the blog

Celestial beauty above Tortoise Mountain

Still snowy Organ Mountains

Blog star

Fog

2012-01-10T13:20:00.000-08:00

Becca and I hiked in a really dense fog this morning. It was really eerie because several times we thought we saw other hikers, but it was an illusion. Then we did run into the guy with two dogs (one named Missy), who said, "It's really strange hiking out here like this when you can't really see where you're going." Toward the end of our hike the fog began to lift.

Pooping in the fog

The fog begins to lift

After a Big Storm

2012-01-09T14:37:00.000-08:00

Yesterday it rained for hours and hours--into and through the night as well. When Becca and I started out around Tortugas this morning it was still sprinkling, so I didn't take my camera. In the afternoon we took a drive out toward the Organ Mountains to take some photos of the snow. It was a beautiful, dynamic afternoon in the still chilly Chihuahuan Desert.

Holy Hike Day

2012-01-08T13:32:00.000-08:00

Looking west from the loop road around Tortugas

Dr. K, Becca and I did a hike on the loop road near Tortugas (Tortoise) Mountain this morning. Dr. K and I did a lot of reminiscing about my mother, who died recently. There's something comforting about being out in the natural world when you're questioning issues of life and death. The natural world--totally apart from the human-made environment--is proof (to me) that something much greater exists than that which our puny imaginations can envision.

Looking back from the loop road

This Coyote at the waterhole hasn't missed many meals

Low Country Morn

2012-01-07T14:36:00.000-08:00

We started out in the lower Chihuahuan Desert this morning, but had to make a quick trip to the High Desert Research Institute in the Sacramento Mountains. Becca loved it because she got to play with her friends Champ, Hailey and Brownie. Becca and Brownie had an especially fun romp.

Friday Free-For-All

2012-01-06T10:00:00.000-08:00

Western flank of Tortugas Mountain

It felt good to get out and exercise this morning. It felt warmer today because the wind wasn't blowing. We ran into a guy with two dogs who we see fairly frequently in the desert. He said, "It's good to see you." I said, "Nice to see you, too."
It reminded me of the recent hikes I took at Thunderbird Conservation Park in Glendale, where almost every hiker I encountered had a pleasant "Good morning" greeting. Funny how simple phatic communion can often make you feel good.

Sand County Canine

Dry arroyo

Looking east from the same arroyo

Back in the Chihuahuan Desert

2012-01-05T11:23:00.000-08:00

A happy dog

It was nice to get back to the Sonoran Desert (wish it had been under different circumstances)--where Dr. K and I once lived--but it was good to return to the Chihuahuan Desert. Returning from a huge metropolis like Phoenix, where the air quality is bad, made me happy and sad. Happy to be back here where the air is still pretty good. Sad that this place will be ruined by careless human beings who use and abuse theirs as well as others' ecosystems.

Running ahead of the old master

Tortugas and the Organ Mountains

In the Conservation Park

2012-01-03T09:01:00.000-08:00

Early morning, Thunderbird Conservation Park

I did another sunrise hike in Thunderbird Conservation Park this morning. It was nice to get out into nature, even though "nature" here is almost completely surrounded by development. It truly makes me sad to see how humankind has almost totally usurped the environment. At least some people had the good sense to preserve this small section of the Sonoran Desert.

Paloverde trees lining a steep arroyo

A subdivision near the park

Two backpackers preparing for a hike?

Large Paloverde

Loop trail around the mountain

Steep mountain slopes

Baby Saguaro Cacti lining the trail

Young, three-section Saguaro

Early Morning Hike (Glendale AZ)

2012-01-02T08:44:00.000-08:00

The trail up the mountain

I did a sunrise hike at Thunderbird Conservation Park this morning in order to avoid the crowds of people enjoying the early-morning solitude of the Sonoran Desert. There is no solitude, however, because the park is loaded even at first light. It's hard for me to get used to sharing a trail with so many people when I run into so few on my Chihuahuan Desert hikes.

Sunrise from the top of the mountain

Brown thread trail

Hikers on the switchbacks

Teenaged Saguaro

Saguaros in the rocky Sonoran foothills

Brer Coyote

Talking camouflage

Thunderbird Conservation Park

2011-12-31T15:23:00.000-08:00

I'm out in Glendale, Arizona because my elderly mother passed away the day after Christmas. Thunderbird Conservation Park is a place she loved, so I've been fortunate enough to do several short hikes since I've been here. It's a gorgeous natural conservation area, but I am not used to hiking with so many other people and sharing the trail with numerous mountain bikers. Nevertheless, it's good to get out into the Sonoran Desert once again.

Change of Plans

2011-12-26T20:49:00.000-08:00

We tried to do the Osha Trail just outside of Cloudcroft this morning, but the snow was so deep we couldn't even get started. Instead, we did the Grandview Trail for the fourth time during this trip to High Rolls.

Due to unforeseen circumstances, we had to cut our Sacramento Mountains vacation short by a week. I'll be traveling to Phoenix tomorrow, so blog postings will be on a temporary hiatus.

Christmas-Day Hike

2011-12-25T13:45:00.000-08:00

A sea of clouds in the Tularosa Basin

From tracking our footprints it seems that in the three times Dr. K, Becca and I have done the Grandview Trail since the big snow nobody else has hiked there; no-one of the human variety, that is. Plenty of elk, deer, canid and rabbit prints prove that many wild hikers have frequented the environs. We don't mind sharing the trail with the ones who truly belong there.

San Andres Mountains in snow

Becca in snow

Clouds rolling up-canyon

Snow melting in the high country

After the Snow Storm

2011-12-24T11:59:00.000-08:00

Still snowy on the Grandview Trail

We did the Grandview Trail this morning even though it was slightly windy and a lot cold. There were snow flurries coming down, but nothing of substance. In sections of the trail where the snow was still pretty deep hiking was pretty slow going. Nonetheless, we got a good bit of exercise in after not being able to get out on the trails at all yesterday because of horrible conditions.

Clouds rolling in from the Tularosa Basin

Ms. Energy

If only I could go over there with impunity

Hiking in the clouds

Abbreviated Osha Trail Hike

2011-12-22T13:58:00.000-08:00

Frosty at the Osha Trail head

We had to cut our Osha Trail hike a little short because the conditions were poor for hiking. After climbing the initial leg--where other hikers had been already--we quickly ran out of footsteps to follow on the loop trail. We managed to hike in an ATV track for about half an hour, but it was tough sledding. Walking in a narrow track is extremely difficult. There was over a foot of snow in the high country, so we decided against trailblazing in the untrammelled sections. We had a good time, nonetheless.

Dr. K and Becca starting off

Over a foot of snow near Cloudcroft

Snow Dog leading the pack

Is that an American Crow?

Wide stance

ATV track

Down the Osha Trail

On the trail near Cloudcroft, New Mexico

The Sacramento Mountains

Mexican Canyon trestle

Snow is Melting, But . . .

2011-12-21T14:31:00.000-08:00

Plenty of snow left in the high countty

The temperature here in High Rolls was about 40 F. today, and the snow has been melting--making for a sloppy environment. However, things will be changing again by Thursday, when another snow storm is supposed to barrel through.

Dr. K moving ahead on the trail

Crazy for snow

Dr. K takes a break

Peaceful scene (with nutty dog)

High Desert Snow

2011-12-20T14:05:00.000-08:00

Images taken after a heavy snow in the Sacramento Mountains of southern New Mexico's Chihuahuan Desert.

Grandview Trail in Snow

2011-12-20T13:45:00.000-08:00

Here in the Sacramento Mountains of southern New Mexico we had a pretty big 24-hour snow event, lasting from Sunday night into Monday night. This morning, Dr. K, Becca and I were the first hikers out on the Grandview Trail outside of High Rolls. The trail was covered in 6 to 8 inches of the white stuff--the wet heavy kind. It made slow going, but we did the entire trail. It was a veritable winter wonderland.

Elk!

2011-12-19T09:02:00.000-08:00

I had to take these photos of two bull elk on our property through an upstairs window in very low light, so the quality is extremely poor. Another bull was in our fenced front yard when we opened the blinds, and he blithely jumped over the four-foot fence. It was the closest look we'd ever had of one of these awesome creatures, who are huge--compact car on legs.

Before the Snow

2011-12-19T08:51:00.000-08:00

Captured these photos of a young Mule Deer buck and a doe with a distinct white throat on our property here in the Sacramento Mountains yesterday late afternoon before the snow started flying.

Snow Play

2011-12-19T08:50:00.000-08:00

Parka and PJs

We awoke to quite a snowfall this morning. It started off as rain late last night, then changed over to snow. Not sure how much more we're supposed to get, but it's been snowing snowing for hours since we've been up. We probably won't venture out for a hike today. The roads are a bit treacherous.

Brrrr

Snowman/Snowdog

Winter wonderland

There's a Commander in there somewhere

Animal Activity in the High Country

2011-12-18T12:56:00.000-08:00

Two Elk cows cross onto our property

We spotted some Elk on our property this morning, three cows and a young bull. They were pretty antsy when they saw us watching. I couldn't get a good image of the bull because he was obscured by trees. Later, we did a slog on the Rim Trail outside of Cloudcroft, New Mexico. It was still a bit snow and ice covered. We're under a winter storm warning for a doozy coming through tomorrow.

Target butts

The Elk cows spot me snapping their picture

A young Elk bull was with them, but I couldn't get a good photo

Young Mule Deer on the grounds right after the Elk

Still snowy in places on the Rim Trail

The shadows of three hikers (woman, dog, man) on the Rim Trail

Section of the Rim Trail where the snow had melted

Low to High

2011-12-17T12:18:00.000-08:00

Down in the low country

Started out in the low desert this morning, and ended up in the high desert near High Rolls in the afternoon. We're spending the holidays in the Sacramento Mountains. As soon as we got up here we noticed the Wild Turkey prints in the muddy grounds at the High Desert Research Institute.

Wild Turkey prints on the grounds of HiDRI

Feeling grand on the Grandview Trail

High desert vista

Meet Mr. Crow (or is that a Raven?)

Let's go, slowpokes

Creative cairn (hikers in background)

Thursday Trek

2011-12-15T11:29:00.000-08:00

Sunny, but chilly

A stiff wind made it quite chilly on the trail this morning despite a lot of sunshine. However, we weren't the only ones treking on the mountain today. We had an encounter with a woman whose dog was overly-exuberant about making friends--to the point of getting Becca's hackles up. We humans were able to calm things down, though, and we all went on our merry ways afterward.

Mysterious shiny object in the Organs

Becca relaxing after the hike

Day After Day-Off Hike

2011-12-14T13:40:00.000-08:00

U-turn

Yesterday Becca and I got on the trail long enough for her to have a BM before the sky burst open. It rained so hard we had to turn back immediately. Since it rained most of the day we were never able to get a hike in. We did a long one today to make up for yesterday. The weather was rather bizarre; a chilly wind made it feel cold at the same time high humidity made it feel warm.

Wintry weather

The Franklin Mountains near El Paso

Bishop's Cap in the Organ Mountains

Over hill over dale

Monday Meandering

2011-12-12T10:03:00.000-08:00

Even pilgrms have to pee

Yesterday was the annual pilgrimage to the top of Tortugas Mountain for the celebration of La Virgen de Guadalupe. Here's a link to a story about it:

http://www.lcsun-news.com/las_cruces-news/ci_19527176

Becca and I did our own daily pilgrimage in the desert around the mountain.

This pilgrim pees wherever she wants

Ocotillo and Yuccas

Storm sky

22 doves on a wire

13 of the doves

Sierra Vista Trail

2011-12-11T11:34:00.000-08:00

Tortugas Mountain from the Sierra Vista Trail head

The Sierra Vista Trail is a high desert trail that stretches from Soledad Canyon Road east of Las Cruces all the way to the Franklin Mountains near El Paso, Texas. It trends to the south along the upper foothills on the west side of the Organ Mountains. Once you are away from nearby urban areas it is not uncommon to encounter wildlife: mule deer, coyotes, foxes and rabbits. This morning we saw only one other hiker, a man with his two dogs: a German Shorthair Pointer and a Vizsla. Becca and the other canines were very respectful of one another.

The rugged Organ Mountains

The area near Achenbach Canyon from the Sierra Vista Trail

Hiker dog on the trail

High desert and the Organ Mountains

Utility road through the desert

Near the trail head at Soledad Canyon Road

The high Chihuahuan Desert

Saturday on the Trail

2011-12-10T11:39:00.000-08:00

Bobsled trail

A relatively warm Saturday (going up to 47 F. today) brings out the fair-weather hikers. The area around Tortugas was filled with them this morning; and at the Sunset Parking area there appeared to be a Search and Rescue practice going on (although we didn't see any dogs). We're on a warming trend this week. Supposed to get into the 60s by Wednesday and Thursday.

One spot

Barren Ocotillo

Tortugas and the distant Organs

Search and Rescue practice?

Still Cold

2011-12-09T13:29:00.000-08:00

Prairie Dog fashion

The 23 degree F. temperature wouldn't have felt so brutal this morning were it not for the gusty wind; I'd guess that put the wind chill temperature into the mid-teens. Toward the end of the hike, though, the wind let up, and the Beckster and I were able to enjoy the warm sun. Again, we saw no other hikers in the outback.

Peace

The Thaw

2011-12-08T11:44:00.000-08:00

Optical illusion

It was chilly when we got on the trail this morning, but not nearly as cold as it's been the last few days. The sun has already taken care of most of the snow, thankfully melting it into the parched earth. Although it was warmer (25 degress F.), there were no fellow hikers on the trails around Tortugas.

Post Storm Hike

2011-12-07T12:47:00.000-08:00

There was still snow clinging to the desert floor this morning, but much of it had melted away. The mountains are quite frosty, but the sun will take care of that soon. We were the only hearty souls out there this morning, but I imagine more people will get out on the mountain as soon as temperatures heat up. When Becca and I hit the trail it was 16 degrees F.

Weather Paralysis

2011-12-06T13:40:00.000-08:00

Backyard at the hacienda

Because the Chihuahuan is a high desert (most of it above 4,000 feet), it's not unusual to see a snowfall or two during the colder months. But yesterday's snow storm packed a tremendous wallop, temporarily paralyzing the region. The morning temperature in Las Cruces, New Mexico was 5 degrees Farenheit (-15 Celsius). For much of the morning I-10 was closed out of Las Cruces all the way to the state lines of Arizona and Texas. Nevertheless, the trusty companion and I had to get out on the trail. 14 degrees F. when we started.

The Organ Mountains outside of Las Cruces, New Mexico

Low-hanging clouds

Peak peeking out

The 9100-foot Organ Mountains

Snow-covered Yucca

Snow on a Soaptree Yucca

Torrey Yuccas in snow

Snow-covered Tortugas (Tortoise) Mountain

Desert dog?

A beautiful Chihuahuan Desert snow

Prickly Pear Cactus on ice