Midweek Trek

Doves in a dead Palo Verde at Las Alturas Ranch

It was incredibly hot and steamy this morning as Becca and I made our way around Tortugas Mountain.  Regardless, we did a long hike as we just are unable to resist the desert's many charms.  We saw one mountain biker in the outback, but that was it.  Most people who have good sense avoid being out in the punishing heat.  After our hike I did some research on the Devil's Head Cactus, but couldn't discover whether the purpose of its cotton top is to carry seeds.  It seems  likely, though.  

West side of Tortugas Mountain

Dinosaur hip bone (just kidding)

Devil's Head, after blossoming

The fruit of the Devil's Head turns into a cottony top, perhaps to carry seeds



Clouds over Tortugas



Quite a canine specimen