Extra-Long Trek

The first Strawberry Pitaya Cactus flowers I've seen

Because the weather was so nice, Becca and I did a really long hike into the outback west of Tortugas Mountain.  Our reward:  we got to see Strawberry Pitaya flowers and a Scott's Oriole.  Also, there were no other hikers or bikers about.  In fact, we didn't see anybody until we got back to the parking area where a young couple was just heading off up the mountain.

Looking back up a familiar trail

In the rolling hills west of Tortugas Mountain

A distant look back at Tortugas Mounatin (left) and the Organ Mts.

Scott's Oriole

Usually pretty shy, this Scott's Oriole let us get pretty close



The beautiful desert



Resting, but keeping an eye on flies

The new observatory atop Tortugas