Busy Day on the Mountain

Cloudy skies over Tortugas Mountain

This morning was probably the most crowded we've ever seen it at Tortugas Mountain.  There was a running event as well as a Search and Rescue exercise.  We saw people in organge vests with dogs, and we ran into runners on the trail, some of whom had dogs, as well.  Becca had a friendly encounter with a Pit Bull-mix as well as an Akita.  Once we were in the outback area we didn't see anybody else.  It was rather chilly, with an inconsistently stiff wind.  I removed my gloves about a mile from the trailhead on the inbound leg.

Run this way

The Franklin Mountains near El Paso



Scouting the territory ahead



A dusting of snow on the Organ Mountains

This way to clearer skies

The sun's breaking through

A full lot at the Sunset Parking area

Overflow parking beyond the gate

Search and Rescue vehicle

Search and Rescue supervisor vehicle