No Escaping the Wind

Somebody took time to write Jesus's name in white pebbles

We had planned to hike the high foothills along the western escarpment of the Organ Mountains this morning, but the wind--the kind that blew so hard last night it woke us up at times--hadn't died significantly.  So we hiked around Tortugas Mountain, starting on the Monte Vista parking area (east side), in hopes that the mountain would shield us in part from the wind.  It didn't.  The wind was coming at us from all directions.  Fortunately, we were dressed properly for what seemed like the return of winter.

Waiting on the trail behind the mountain

Becca spots two hikers on the trail ahead

Two men hiking south of the mountain

Torrey Yucca in bloom

A large Torrey Yucca behind Tortugas

Another Torrey Yucca, the Organ Mountains as backdrop

Yet another Torrey Yucca, Tortugas Mountain behind

Closer shot of its flower stalk

Tortugas (left) and the Organ Mountains in the background