Just Past Hump Day

Headed west down the mountain

33 degrees Fahrenheit when we headed out this morning, but the day heated up quickly.  Becca and I did a long circuit of Tortugas's west side, and we saw absolutely nobody in the outback.  At one point, as we both appreciated the solitude, we looked at each other and nodded knowingly; no words had to be spoken.  We were both thinking, "This is what it's all about."  Back at the trailhead Jimmy's truck was parked next to our RAV4.  That gave me the chance to return the book he loaned me on the CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps) in New Mexico.

Telephoto view of New Mexico State's football stadium (left)

Sandy section of northern Chihuahuan Desert

The noble canine

Tortugas Mountain (left) and the Organ Mountains, Ocotillo (front)

A tangle of Ocotillo wands