Get Cereus

Hard to find

Even though I knew the area where I'd chanced upon the Night-Blooming Cereus flowers yesterday it took me a full ten minutes to locate the plant sans blossoms (first image).  Talk about inconspicuous.  It was a beautiful morning in the Chihuahuan Desert, though the area got progressively more crowded with outdoor enthusiasts as we headed back to our car.  One outdoor enthusiast we were happy to see was our good buddy, Jimmy, who we bumped into on the trail beneath the road to the mountaintop.  He had parked on the east side of Tortugas and was circumnavigating the mountain for a change of pace.  He usually climbs to the crest.  We talked for a good fifteen/twenty minutes before parting company.  Always a pleasure speaking with Jimmy.

Jet over the Tortoise

Odd bank of clouds east of the mountain

Torrey Yucca in the foothills

Becca's first shade break

Looking west just off the outer loop road

Enjoy shade where you can find it in the desert

New Soaptree Yucca flowers already covered with bugs

Far west of the Tortoise

Somebody who really appreciates an extra long hike

Tortugas and the Organs

Almost ready to bloom

Getting back to the trailhead

How's this for camo?  (Large Collared Lizard in our backyard)