Truncated Hike

Waiting in the shade

We shortened our hike this morning so I could later go to get supplies for the Chihuahuan Observation Center.  Because there was no wind--not even a breeze--it felt significantly hotter on our trek.  We saw no other hikers, bikers or joggers.  It almost seemed as if we had the place to ourselves.

Becca amongst the Ocotillos

Soaptree Yucca

Dove in a Mesquite tree

The rolling desert

Desert flora in a dry arroyo

Desperately Seeking Precipitation

Yucca silhouetted against the early sun

It's been 75 days since we've had any rain.  Even though trees are leafing out and flowers are blooming, the desert is bone dry.  We are already experiencing the fourth longest dry spell on record.  This is one of the unpleasant parts of living in a desert--that and the spring winds, which carry a lot of particulate matter into the air.

Ocotillo blossom

Ocotillo (Ok-oh-tee-yo) flower

Spiny Norman

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Dog at rest

Monday, Pre-Wind

West of Tortugas

Today will be another incredibly windy one.  Fortunately, Becca and I got in a long hike before the torment.  We ran into one serious mountain biker and one serious jogger.  The jogger was carrying a large backpack to make his effort even harder.  Becca was really well behaved with both intruders of her desert world.

Tail on the trail



Jet fighter near Ocotillo blossom



Ain't I cute?



What moved this boulder?



Mesquite in dry arroyo

Same mesquite, different angle

Monte Vista Trek

The Organ Mountains, southern branch of the Rockies

The trail from east to west around Tortugas (Tortoise) Mountain starts at the Monte Vista parking area off Dripping Springs Road.  If you don't want to make a complete circuit of the mountain you can find many dirt roads and trails around the south and west sides of the mountain to extend your hike.  You can even climb to the top (4,931 feet/ 1503 m) if you so desire. In beautiful spring weather you don't have to search hard to find excuses to stay outdoors in the Land of Enchantment (state of New Mexico's nickname).

Trail to the south of Tortugas (Tortoise) Mountain

Tortugas Mountain and the Organ Mountains

Torrey Yuccas in the mountain foothills

Why it's called Tortoise Mountain

Sparsely-populated Chihuahuan Desert

The rugged Organ Mountains

Saturday Stroll

Becca at the outer loop road

We started at the Sunset parking lot (which was crowded) on the westside of Tortugas, hiked out past the shack along the road that leads to the top of the mountain, and followed the New Trail to the loop road around the mountain.  We turned west on the outer loop road, took the Crosscut Trail until it intersected the northern section of the outer loop road, then headed back to the Sunset parking lot.  A good, long hike.

By the way, Turkey Vultures are incredible aviators.

Soaptree Yucca with two heads missing



The Crosscut Trail



The distant Franklin Mountains through bad haze

One of two Turkey Vultures flying overhead (gulp)



#2 of 2



After the Wind

Bad air after heavy winds yesterday

Since we haven't had rain in 71 days, yesterday's wind put a lot of particulate matter into the air, which still looks bad today.  Despite the lack of precipitation, there were still some encouraging signs of spring.


I smell bad air



Arroyo on Tortugas's west side

Ocotillo read to bloom

Ocotillo buds at tip of buggy-whip arms



Ocotillo buds blooming out



Mesquites in a westside arroyo

Thursday Wind

Tortugas Mountain from the outer loop

It was extremely windy on the outer loop trail this morning, and by the time we got home there was blowing dust in the air.  It's looking quite ugly outside now.  Glad we're safe in the Chihuahuan Observation Center.

Dry arroyo on the mountain's west side



Becca in the arroyo



Becca and Tortugas Mountain

Soaptree Yuccas not yet in bloom

Care for a bite of Prickly Pear Cactus pad?