Low Desert to Mountains

Early start west of the Tortoise

Becca and I did a quick hike west of Tortugas Mountain this morning before returning home to finish packing for our trip to the high country.  Dr. K, Becca and I got here just after noon, and we immediately noticed the change in temperature.  It was chilly in the lower Chihuahuan Desert, but it feels pretty cold up here.  The major contributing factor to that temperature change--besides altitude, of course (7,000 feet vs. 4500)--is the lack of sunshine.  It's been overcast up here all day so far.  Brrr.

Slaloming through the high foothills

Organ Mountains

Plumed Crinklemat

Hangers-on

Bishop Cap (left) and the Franklin Mountains

Heading northwest

Who's eating the Prickly Pear pads?

View from our place in High Rolls

Haynes Canyon, Sacramento Mountains

In our driveway

Becca tells a "knock knock" joke

Maroon-colored oak leaves