Sunday's Long Trek

On the trail behind the mountain

Starting out at the Monte Vista area on the east side of Tortugas Mountain, Dr. K, Becca and I hiked about two-thirds of the way around the mountain, explored an arroyo that runs between the inner and outer loop roads, then headed back.  There were quite a few outdoor enthusiasts on and near the Tortoise, but we didn't bump into any; we did exchange a wave with a woman who was hiking the inner loop road when we were about to emerge from the arroyo.  In the distance on the east side of the mountain we saw a guy trekking up the steep eastern face of Tortugas.

A break before serious arroyo exploration

Becca and Dr. K

Packrat and Becca

Probably a Kit Fox den

Have to photograph as many as these as possible before they vanish

Claret Cup Cactus flowers

On a dirt road heading toward the Organ Mountains

Telephoto shot of a hiker starting up the steep eastern slope of Tortugas

Red circle indicates where the hiker is in relation to us

A tiny nest, probably a hummingbird's