Grand Views on the Grand View Trail

At the start

A morning hike on the Grand View Trail outside of High Rolls, New Mexico is always worthwhile.  Clouds and high winds made for dynamic vistas and temperatures in the low 50s F.  We saw crows and Turkey Vultures sailing the treacherous sky; and yesterday we saw Wild Turkeys flying expertly along the mountain slope.  Wild Turkeys are surprisingly good aviators.

Looking out toward White Sands National Monument



High desert vista



Juniper-studded landscape

Shadow and light

The happiest hiker

Sacramento Mountain vista

Hedgehog Cactus growing in rock

Down through the canyon

Crow profile?

Low Country Morn

Bridge and ramada on the Sunset side of Tortugas

We did an abbreviated hike in the low country this morning because we had to pack for our trip to the Sacramento Mountains, where we are now.  It's much cooler up here--something we all like.  Well, everyone except Dr. K, who's already complaining that it's chilly.  I'll take chilly over hot any day.

Tortoise icon



Explorer dog



Weird cloud



Celestial dog



Heat's Back

Ever attentive Becca

After a cooler respite--we hit only 66 F. yesterday--the heat is on again.  Fortunately, the wind will desist most of today; but it's supposed to return with force tomorrow.  We'll be up in the high country domani, so we'll be feeling the effects of the wind up there.

Desert grassland

Windy and Cold

Jeep in the desert

As predicted, the cold front came in, lowering the temps significantly.  I appreciate this, even though I felt a little chilly this morning.  The wind was a tad too brisk on our long hike, but we enjoyed ourselves nevertheless.

A happy dog

Preoccupied dog

Sunday Scramble

Back side of Tortugas Mountain

A hike out of the Monte Vista side of Tortugas Mountain this morning, Dr. K, Becca and me.  We spent much of the time dodging mountain bikers who were having something of a convention out on the mountain.  We had a good time, nevertheless, getting in a long trek before the bad wind started.

High winds aloft make for odd clouds

What is that?

UFO over the Organ Mountains



Rocky desert



Blooming Yucca

That mountain biker's not coming this way, is he?

A Crowded Field

Yucca on the western slope of Tortugas Mountain

Many hikers, bikers, and joggers were out on Tortugas Mountain this morning.  Who can blame them for wanting to revel in the warm spring morning?  We're supposed to hit 88 F. today, with really bad winds coming tomorrow preceding a cold front.  Can't wait for the cooler temperatures, though.  When you live in a desert you don't want to rush the heat.

Soon-to-be flower-covered Ocotillos



Denizen of the desert



A particularly lush section of desert

End of the Week

Slope of the mountain

A long, relaxing hike was just what the doctor ordered this morning.  We saw nobody in the outback, but on the return leg two women and their dogs were hiking down the road from the top of Tortugas Mountain.  They were yapping so much (the dogs) that Becca and I went unnoticed.  Just as well; we like it like that.

Ocotillo and Tortugas Mountain

Lie down here?

Very comfy

Watch out for the vulture