Saturday's Screwy Weather

Mesquite Tree on Tortugas's western flank

We started our hike in excellent weather--sunny with no breeze.  About two-thirds of the way into our trek the wind picked up, carrying in a few clouds.  Shortly thereafter the cloud cover got heavier, and the sun disappeared.  The temperature dropped by at least ten degrees.  The wind got stiffer, and we were glad to get back to the car at the trailhead.  There were quite a few other people out, though; the Sunset Parking lot was almost completely full.

Heading for the lower desert

Clouds show high winds aloft

A little snow on the Organ peaks (left) from yesterday's storm

Heavier cloud cover rolling in

Completely cloudy on the way back