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Monday, August 13, 2012

Break From the Heat

Tortugas Mountain from the west
Every once in a while in summertime the weather offers a nice respite from the desert heat.  Today was such a day.  During our entire hike the sky was predominantly overcast, at times looking quite threatening.  With a steady breeze the conditions felt quite bearable, even though the humidity was slightly high.  I found myself wishing there'd be more days like this here in the desert Southwest.
Algerita (Berberis haematocarpa)

White-Winged Dove on Ocotillo wand

Scouting for interesting wildlife

Too much fiber in this Coyote's diet

Large arroyo west of Tortugas

Threatening sky

The way forward

Tortugas (left) and the Organ Mountains


Tiny tinaja (Spanish for "large earthenware jar"):  a rock hole with water


3 comments:

Dr. K said...

I like the algerita photo. I've never heard of this plant before.

Scott said...

Algerita looks like a tomato, but the genus says barberry. Neat plant; nice photo.

packrat said...

Scott: Yes, the Algerita looks like a cherry tomato. I've never tasted it, but apparently it's safe to eat, and very sweet. Critters love them.

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