Extra-Long Week Ender

On the high foothills trail

Becca and I did a very long trek about two-thirds around Tortugas Mountain this morning looking for blossoms to photograph (me) and critters to spy (Becca and me).  We saw plenty of the former and a few of the latter--mostly packrats, jackrabbits and birds.  I was hoping we'd spot a coyote or two, but no such luck.  We saw a couple of other outdoor enthusiasts near the mountain--men and women hiking and jogging--but there weren't any people in the outback where Becca and I were exploring.

Soaptree Yuccas west of Tortugas Mountain

Soaptree Yucca flowers

Prickly Pear blossoms

Prickly Pear flower

Chihuahuan Desert in bloom

Strawberry Pitaya behind Tortugas Mountain

Far west of the mountain

Rock pollinator

Mesquite Tree flowers

Day at the beach

Desert Broom and Creosote

Yucca with new stalks

Still dusty from yesterday's winds

Best hiking companion

Multi-hued Prickly Pear flowers

New Mexico Evening Primrose

Flower girl

Strawberry Pitaya and Prickly Pear pad