Sunday Sojourn

It was hot this morning, with very little breeze. But Research Associate Becca, Dr. K and I soldiered on. The views were worth the trouble, like this cactus garden on the side of a steep slope.

Dr. K tried to keep cool in the shade of a leafy Ocotillo.

Packrat looks bizarre in his Sunday-go-to-nature outfit; check out the gaiters.

Chihuahuan Wind

No explanation necessary.

Saturday Around Tortugas

Here's a little cactus garden on the west side of the mountain; Barrel Cactus, Prickly Pear, Ocotillo (though not a cactus) and Strawberry Pitaya (late-blooming flower).

Closeup of the Strawberry Pitaya.

A Devil's Claw growing in a sandy arroyo.

Beat the Heat Hike

Becca and I got out early this morning to get a jump on the 100-degree heat we'll be experiencing later today. The Waning Gibbous moon (90% of full) was setting behind Tortugas Mountain.

I haven't yet identified this plant which sports distinctive, five-petalled flowers, but I had to photograph it for later identification.

Ocotillos growing on a rocky slope.

Yucca, Ocotillos, and a rocky mountain.

The rugged Chihuahuan Desert.

One-Hour Hike

We had to take an abbreviated hike this morning because it's provision resupply day here at the Chihuahuan Observation Center. Here's what the desert looked like before the sun rose on the west side of Tortugas Mountain.

The sun was just about to break above the mountain.

Sunrise is just getting started here.

The sun has gained a foothold on the west side.

The Organ Mountains on the left, the Franklin Mountains on the right.

After the Thunderstorm

Another severe thunderstorm blasted our area last night, and the results were evident. This arroyo ran over its banks during the deluge.

This is a seep, a small pool of water left in a rock depression.

The desert is especially green after the downpours.

How green is my Ocotillo?

This arroyo south of Tortugas far overan its banks.

After the 4th

Research Associate Becca, Dr. K and I were greeted by a sunny, muggy morning as we set out from the Sunset Side of Tortugas Mountain. Because of the recent rains, everything seemed pretty green--like these Ocotillos, which appear to be spelling something out.

Bishop's Cap, Ocotillos in the foreground.

Desert greenery, Franklin Mountains near El Paso in the background.

Road through the desert.

The long view.