Midweek Rambling

Where the trail crosses the dirt road to the mountaintop

Another lonely hike without my favorite trekking pup.  It was an interesting morning out on the trail, though, overcast for much of the way.  I saw the Border Patrol recruits running along Geothermal Road at a distance, and I had a close encounter of the third kind with two young women mountain bikers.  I immediately thought "Mountain Biking Babes," but realized how sexist that would undoubtedly sound to people so I was glad I kept it to myself.  (I'll be hearing about this one from Dr. K, I'm sure.)  :)

The trail continues into the high foothills

A half mile later the trail drops down to the lower desert

The flank of Tortugas and the Organ Mountains

Dappled sky over the Organs

Industry on the far west mesa

I believe this is a Dune Evening Primrose

Facing south

Looking north to the Doña Ana Mountains

Flowers buds of the Ocotillo (Oh-ko-TEA-yo)

Doña Ana Mountains

Bishop Cap

Southern Organ Mountains

Your choice

A lusher section of the desert

Mesquite tree leafing out

Claret Cup Cactus

The first Scott's Oriole of the season

Curve-billed Thrasher on Ocotillo

Somebody's been chomping on Prick Pear pads

Heading back to the trailhead

The "Plume" becomes evident later in its life cycle

Becca finally gets an afternoon ride