Encounters

Heading down into the lower desert

Because of a stiff wind it was very cold this morning, even in the sun.  We were astonished to see three hot-air balloons plying the sky; I thought it was unsafe to fly in strong winds.  In the outback we bumped into two women who were jogging with their dogs:  a Schnauzer and a young Pit Bull.  Becca and the Pit Bull smelled noses.  Back near the trailhead we passed a high-school kid who was wearing a Centennial Football sweatshirt, had stereo buds plugged into his ears and was staring into his iPhone.  He didn't realize we were near him until the very last moment; then he smiled and nodded.

Looking back at Tortugas in early-morning light

Computer-enhanced image of Becca

Too close for comfort?

Headed back toward Tortoise Mountain