Striding Out on Saturday

Tortugas and the Organs

There were lots of people out this morning because the day was beautiful.  We ran into a few joggers and two mountain bikers.  Who can blame folks for wanting to be outside?  I just wish they were outside on the other side of the mountain.

In the arroyo bottom

The huntress

On the lookout

Trail through the Chihuahuan Desert

At Week's End

Starting down the mountain

A beautiful Friday morning in the Chihuahuan Desert.  It was a bit chilly with a stiff wind, but the wind had died before our hike was done.  We're headed for 70 degrees F. today--not bad for November 18th.  We saw a few New Mexico State employees who were driving to the top of Tortugas Mountain, but nobody else was out and about.


Sun and Yuccas



What's this?

Ocotillo jail

Resting in Ocotillo shade

Vacant Outback

Power to the mountain

There wasn't a soul in the outback while we were there this morning.  That kind of solitude is great for reflection.  Becca spends most of the time pondering the complexities of life.

Western face of Tortugas

Try to keep up, will you?

Vigilance

One trail up the mountain

Short Hike

A rocky break

Because of various chores/tasks Packrat had to do this morning, the Beckster and I took a short hike.  Wish it could have been longer because the weather was absolutely beautiful.  It was actually a tad warm, as the photo of Becca taking a shade break will attest.

Let's Talk Becca

When we adopted Becca from the animal shelter four years ago we were told she was a Border Collie/Australian Cattle Dog mix.  The American Kennel Club describes the Border Collie as "the workaholic of the dog world."  TerrificPets.com says of the Australian Cattle Dog (aka Queensland Heeler):  "This breed was developed in the 1800's in Australia because stockmen needed a dog with the stamina to handle the harsh conditions in their country."  One of the dogs used in the original breeding of the Australian Cattle Dog was the Dingo.

The word "stamina" doesn't begin to describe Becca's endurance level; she can do an extra-long hike in the morning and do another in the afternoon, then run up and down the arroyo beside our house without tiring.  She is also very sturdy--a desirable quality to have in a desert dog.



Border Collie image from bcrescue.org

























Australian Cattle Dog image from TerrificPets.com



Dark Start in the Desert

Clouds loom over the Tortugas Mountain foothills

It rained last night and into the morning, but when Becca and I got started on the trail the precipitation had subsided.  Because of high humidity, it didn't feel at all chilly.  It's rare to see such a cloudy day here in the sunny Chihuahuan Desert, but it's a welcome relief.  And we always need the rain.

I wish I was a pointer

Heavy cloud cover over the mountains

Cloud-shrouded Organ Mountains

Glimmer of light

Things are brightening up

Downright sunny

The Church of Nature

Tortugas loop road

Dr. K, Becca and I were worshipping in the Church of Nature this morning, thankful that we ran into no other members of the flock.  (By that I mean "birds").  Oh, we saw several mountain bikers in the distance; Becca spotted them a mile away. And we briefly crossed paths with Jorge, the most dedicated biker out there.  But it was a quiet Sunday in the Chihuahuan Desert.  Just how we like it.

Heavy overcast over the Organs

C?  Research area off the Crosscut Trail

Tortugas and the Organs

Looking to the right



Looking to the left



Could be a painting of mythical proportions

Fall scene in the Chihuahuan Desert