Deceptive Start

Creosote Bushes in bloom, west flank of Tortugas Mountain

When Becca and I got out of the car near the Sunset Parking area this morning a cool breeze greeted us.  "What's this?" we said, marveling at how it felt more comfortable here than in the high desert on the Grand View Trail yesterday.  That soon changed, however, as the sun beat down upon our heads, and the cool breeze vanished.  Before we knew it we were sweating and panting like the desert dwellers we are.  Gosh it's great to be back in the low country.

Closeup of Creosote flowers

Littleleaf Ratany in blossom

Closeup of Littleleaf Ratany flower

Littleleaf Ratany is also called Range Ratany

Acacia were blooming all over the mountain

Rocky respite

The Marlboro Man

House Finch on a Buggy Whip (aka Ocotillo)

Ocotillo wands take many peculiar twists

Flowers of a mustard plant

Part of the north side of Las Cruces, New Mexico

The Dona Ana Mountains north of Las Cruces