A Fun Jaunt

Rocky trail behind the mountain

Dr. K, Becca and I did a long jaunt around Tortugas Mountain this morning, leaving from the Monte Vista side.  Although we encountered only one woman jogging during our extended trek we saw other outdoor enthusiasts around the mountain:  three bikers and four hikers on the outer loop road.  We heard a pack of Coyotes making a racket when we first started off in the 25F weather, but we never got a glimpse of them.  Neither did we see hide nor hair of the javelinas Becca and I encountered the other day.  Can't blame me for wanting to see them, but Dr. K didn't share my enthusiasm for a sighting.

Two tiny birds at the top of the Yucca at right

I'm guessing they are Lesser Goldfinches

Dangerous way up Tortugas

Ocotillos behind the mountain

Some are still holding the color

Tall Ocotillo on a flat expanse of desert

We found this specimen after a little bushwhacking

What has Becca spotted?

Becca sees three mountain bikers chatting in the distance

YellowOcotillo and the Organ Mountains

Starting the long journey back