Midweek Endurance Test

Behind Tortugas

Since I had to cut our previous two hikes short I decided to extend today's hike significantly.  The temperature was not as hot as yesterday, but the wind was much worse.  Good thing I took the time to put the leather drawcord on my wide-brimmed hat not long before a gust tried to snatch it from my head.  Quite a busy day out there this morning; we ran into five joggers--one a woman with a well-behaved dog--and several mountain bikers.  Odd to see so many people in the middle of the week.

Near the foothills

Small stand of Torrey Yuccas

Western Kingbird

The Organ Mountains (right)

Single-track heading east

Packrat and Becca at the mouth of a rock shelter

Cloud-spattered sky