A Humid Hike

When Research Associate Becca and I hiked along the outskirts of Tortugas Mountain this morning it was so humid we both were panting. It seemed as if I had to mop my sweaty face every thirty seconds, even with the pleasant cooling breeze. The hike was worth the discomfort, though, as the desert was as beautiful as ever. For example, there was this distant view of El Paso's Franklin Mountains beyond some leafy buggy whips.
A jet flies along the route that usually leads to Dallas or Houston.
This is a close-up of the desert floor--a natural gravel that helps retain precious moisture.
A medium-size arroyo has dried out after the heavy rains.

Here are a couple of healthy barrel cacti that may call Dolly Parton to mind.