The White Stuff

Before heading out

It snowed heavily while Becca and I were hiking west of Tortugas Mountain this morning, the heaviest, wettest snow I've ever experienced here in the northern Chihuahuan Desert.  For much of our trek we were the only lunatics who had ventured out into the snowy conditions.  On the way back we did see one guy heading for the mountaintop.  Although the hike was rather intense--owing to the tricky footing--we had a good time out there.  Becca especially likes hiking in the now. 

The ramada at the Sunset Parking Area

On the trail west of Tortugas Mountain

Becca in a winter wonderland

Frozen Packrat

The scene ahead

Spanish Bayonet in snow

Up a slippery hill

Snow-encrusted Ocotillo

3" to 4" deep out here

A trail off the main one

Buggy whips

Becca loves snow

Chihuahuan Desert winter

Brrr

Climbing back into the foothills

Frosted flora

Torrey Yuccas in the high foothills

Another Torrey Yucca on the mountain's western flank

This is how much it snowed while we were hiking

At the hacienda