Thanks to El Niño

A little down before heading up

Even though the temperature was higher according to the thermometer this morning the ambient temperature felt colder because of a heavy cloud cover and stiff wind.  Nevertheless, Becca and I did a long hike from the west side of Tortugas two-thirds of the way around the mountain.  We did this because I wanted to get some photos of the west face of the Organ Mountains, which is still covered in snow.  There were a few other hearty nature lovers out there, too, including our pal, Jimmy, who we talked to for a short while before heading separate ways.

Unlike yesterday's similar photo, today there is no sun

Along the high foothills trail

Franklin Mountains, El Paso, Texas

Gap between Organ Mountains (left) and the Franklins

Snow remnants on the desert floor

Tortugas and the snowy Organs

"Mars face" in the middle of the photo

Torrey Yuccas

Rugged west face of the Organs

Bishop Cap

South section of the Organs

Snow emphasizes how craggy the Organs are

Taking days to melt off