Partly Overcast

Near the Sunset Parking area

A pleasant morning greeted us as we hit the desert west of Tortoise (Tortugas) Mountain.  I kept Becca on lead for about half the hike, until she had settled down more.  She was very excited about hiking today, probably, in part, due to the cooler temperature.  Though there were a few cars in the parking lot on the Sunset side of the mountain, we saw nobody on the trail.  Many people like to jog up Tortugas Mountain for an immediate cardiovascular workout.  Becca and I are more into endurance treks.

Pretty heavy overcast to the south

Heading west down the foothills trail

Who you calling "needle beak"?

The foothills trail has its ups and downs

The foothills trail (barely visible in right lower quadrant)

The largest Hedgehog Cactus I've seen (some sections 2' tall)

Nearly back to the Sunset Parking area

Tarantula Hawk (giant wasp) feeding on nectar