What Is It About A Desert?

The foothills trail around Tortugas (Tortoise) Mountain

For me, it's the austerity of the desert landscape, the ability to see the very essence of things.  Desert plants do not obscure, but enhance geological formations--a thin veneer of life on a rocky substrate.

The naturalist Joseph Wood Krutch wrote in The Voice of the Desert:  "The nude mountains reveal their contours, or veil them as lightly as the late Greek sculptors veiled their nudes, because only near the summits of the mountains can anything tall enough to obscure the outlines grow."

Hills like tan elephants

Darkness looms on the eastern horizon

The southwestern flank of Tortugas Mountain



Clouds partially obscure the rugged Organ Mountains






An arroyo at the base of the mountain

The rolling desert foothills

Special Monday

Ocotillos on Tortugas's western flank

Becca and I had the added pleasure of Dr. K's company this morning, as she accompanied us on a rare Monday hike.  The weather was beautiful, dynamic.  We put quite a few miles on our feet, but Becca, with double the number of feet, was undeterred by the distance.

Desert Dog in her element

Moody scene

The distant Potrillo Mountains

The noble canine

Looking back toward Tortugas

The mighty Organ Mountains

Some plants will be blossoming soon

Holy Day

Balloon in the desert

God, it was crowded out there today, holy rollers rolling all over the mountain.  Why weren't they in church instead of clogging up the desert trails?  I'm referring, of course, to the mountain bikers who worship in the church of nature.  There were also many joggers and hikers out and about.  One group of three hikers had five dogs, the littlest of which, Napoleon, made the most noise.  Napoleon complex, I guess.


Becca spots a jogger with dogs



A haze nearly obscures the Organ Mountains

One of the Beckster's favorite resting spots

Saturday Jamboree

A Roadrunner at the Chihuahuan Observation Center

The first three photos are of our neighbor the Roadrunner, who lives on the grounds.

Around Tortugas Mountain this morning we had to avoid people.  Can't blame folks for getting out in the beautiful spring-like weather to exercise, but they could stay off our damned mountain.  Tomorrow we'll do the Monte Vista side of Tortugas in hopes there'll be less humans in the outback.

Roadrunner emerges from shadow



Beep Beep



Tortugas from mid-range

On the long outer loop



Tortugas Mountain from the outer loop



Pensive canine

Becca searching for Jackrabbits

Friday Freak Show

A toppled Yucca (snapped at the base of the trunk)

It was a regular hiker convention out around the mountain this morning.  We bumped into (not literally) mountain bikers, joggers and hikers.  Some of those hikers had dogs, but Becca was well behaved with all.  I was overdressed with a long-sleeve shirt and long trousers.  Headed for 81 F. today.  Spring is just around the corner, as are the spring winds.  Yuck.

Natty Bumpo?  No, Becca Bumpo

On the outer loop road

Tortugas Mountain from the outer loop road

Thursday Tussle

Jet over Tortugas

We had one encounter with a mountain biker this morning, then saw nobody else the rest of our long hike.  The weather was excellent--warm with a slight breeze.  We're heading for 83 F. today.  Too much like Spring.  Wouldn't mind a return to cooler weather for a spell.


Trail to the observatory



Squiggly foothills trail

Becca in shadow

Tortugas means "Tortoise," as you can see

Wednesday Hike

Purple Prickly Pear cactus

A moderately-long hike around Tortugas Mountain this morning was extremely relaxing.  It seemed as if we had the entire area to ourselves; there were no other hikers, joggers or mountain bikers.  Unfortunately, I had to cut the hike a bit short so that I could go grocery shopping before Albertsons got overrun with zombies.

Shadow of Tortugas

Trail through the shade

The noble hound

Franklin Mountains near El Paso

Trail out of the foothills

Down the trail

Wait a sec--something's caught her attention

Tortugas Mountain in the early morning