Hike Sans Wind

An early start on Tortugas's west side

Although it was somewhat cold when we started off this morning--28F--the abundant sunshine quickly took the chill off; though I'm not sure Becca ever gets cold.  She and I did an extra-long trek west of Tortugas Mountain.  The high point of the hike was running into all our hiking buddies on the way back in:  Jimmy, who was headed for the mountaintop; JC and his wife, Olivia, both down from Fairbanks, Alaska for a prolonged visit; and Gregg, who was also striking for the top of Tortugas.  It was great seeing them.  Even Becca was excited about the big pow wow we had in the desert.

Spotting something back up the mountain

Crossing a wide arroyo

Extra-tall Ocotillo

Tiny pineapple-like fruit of the Barrel Cactus

Dancing in the sand

Desert Marigolds still hanging on in mid-November

Climbing a high hill northwest of the Organs

Yellow-to-brown Ocotillo leaves

Way ahead of the pack heading back

Soon the Ocotillos will be leafless