Hooking Around the Mountain

Sun breaking over the mountain

Becca and I took an extra long hike this morning, starting at the Sunset Parking area, trekking alongside Tortugas's western slope, curving around the mountain on the outer loop road about a quarter way back.  Then we retraced our steps.  The only person we saw was the guy I call Mr. Tacoma. I know his real name now; learned it from my friend, Jimmy.  Mr. Tacoma is a retired geology professor who hikes frequently on Tortugas Mountain.  Beautiful weather made our hike a real pleasure today.  

Sunlight highlights a Strawberry Pitaya Cactus

Heading behind the mountain

Where Tortugas seems to intersect with the Organ Mountains

A Barrel Cactus seems to have sprouted a Prickly Pear pad

The rugged Organ Mountain

Looking back at the way we came

Becca seems to be looking for the owner of this truck, Mr. Toyota

The vast stretch of desert behind the mountain