The Cold Wind

It was bright and sunny this morning, but the forceful wind made it chilly. For some reason, Becca looks especially noble in this photo.

The southeastern flank of Tortugas Mountain is evident in this pic.

The distant Portrillo Mountains.

Heading east toward the Organs.

One of the many dirt roads near Tortugas, the Portrillo Mountains barely visible on the western horizon.

Organs and a Dog

A closeup of the Organ Mountains east of Dripping Springs.

A few puffs of smoky clouds coming off the frosty Organs.

Hedgehog Cacti, Ocotillos, and the cloudy Organs.

Two Yuccas basking in the morning sun.

The Beckster enjoying an early hike.

The Desert in Snow

Don't know if we brought the weather down from the Sacramento Mountains with us yesterday, but we woke up to a few inches of the white stuff this morning. Here's Tortugas under a mantle of snow.

Snow Dog couldn't be happier.

Desert flora crave the moisture, but this is ridiculous.

We think there's a road under there.

The Chihuahuan Desert blanketed in snow.

Last High Country Day

We got back to the low desert before noon, but these three images are from the research center in High Rolls. Shady areas between pine trees still hold the snow.

High muckety-mucks on the higher rolls in High Rolls.

Another winter storm is due to arrive tonight; glad we're out of there.

Frigid High Rolls Morning

It was 13 degrees this morning when I took Becca out for her constitutional; with the wind chill it felt like 2. Here's a few photos of the treacherous road down to the High Desert Research Institute. And one idyllic shot of the valley below the institute.

High Rolls Holiday

1) A young Mule Deer buck on the grounds of the High Desert Research Institute.

2) "Kiss my white butt," he said.

3) Full speed on the Grandview Trail.

4) A look down from the frosty high country to White Sands National Monument.

5) Who you callin' Guernsey?

The Canines of Deer Haven Road

Hey, the gang's all here.

If it weren't for these black patches I'd blend in perfectly.

Don't call me Yellow Dog.
Hey, Butthole!

Geez I love the snow!

Canine Heaven

1) A snowy Christmas Eve in High Rolls, New Mexico. 2) Nothing but blue skies--after a day-and-a-half of snow. 3) Becca's two favorite buddies. 4) Becca and her best beau. 5) Tres amigos.

Let It Snow

1)The treacherous road down to the High Desert Research Institute in High Rolls.

2)Research Associate Becca running on high gear. 3)Dr. K and some of the local yokels who've adopted Becca into the pack. 4)A snowy high desert scene. 5)Action photo of the dog wonder.

Sunday Stroll

Yucca and Hedgehog Cactus on Tortugas's west side.

In the foreground, Tortugas Mountain foothills; the Organ Mountains in the rear.

The rugged western face of the Organs.

Fancy desert shot.

Mountain bikers enjoying a sunny late, late Fall day.

Scenes from a Hike II

Tortugas's rolling Chihuahuan Desert foothills.

Do you cairn for me?

Thorny nest.

Enter with care.

The long road back.