The Century Mark

Ocotillos leafing out after recent rains

We were taking a break in the shade of a Yucca when we saw our friend Joe jogging down from the mountaintop.  We greeted each other from a distance.  When he asked how I was I said, "Hot."  He said, "That's the way I like it." A few days ago we hit our first 100-degree day, and we're all set to duplicate the mark over the next few days.  This morning it felt pretty bad out there, primarily because there was no wind to ameliorate the heat.  Because of the high temperature Becca and I did only a moderately-long hike.

Becca spots Joe, a guy we know who's jogging on the mountain road

On the road around Tortugas

Rain Lily

Tarantula Hawk (North American wasp)

Side view of the wasp

While I photograph the wasp Becca finds a spot in the shade

Ocotillo (oh-ko-TEA-yo)

Skillet-hot desert floor

Becca's relaxing in the shade until . . .

. . . she spots a mountain biker headed our way