Extra Long Trek

Round mounds of Strawberry Pitaya Cactus

Because we weren't meeting up with JC this morning Becca and I did an extended hike two-thirds of the way around the mountain then back on the far outer loop trail.  We saw absolutely no-one in the outback, and though there were a few cars and trucks in the Sunset Parking lot when we got back we saw nobody around there, either.  Although it was cold when we started off (29 F with a windchill of 21 F) the sun more than made up for the chilly conditions; and there was little wind--always a welcome relief during the beginning of spring.

Cottontail camouflage

Forging ahead behind the mountain

Critter watch

Better check the other way, too

High desert grassland and the Organ Mountains

Becca confronts the rolling desert

Hedgehog Cactus

Hedgehog Cactus beginning to bud

Closeup of the flower buds

Through the yellow grass