No Camel's Involved

Trekking across Tortugas's western flank

Becca and I did our midweek Hump Day hike west of Tortugas Mountain this morning, sticking to well-established trails rather than doing any bushwhacking.  Got a chance to take some closeup photos of a Scott's Oriole that landed in several different Ocotillos while we ambled along after it, and I took full advantage of the opportunity--as you can see.  It's starting to get toasty in the northern Chihuahuan Desert, and I'm beginning to think seriously about switching over to our evaporative cooling system in order to bear the persistent heat that's only a few weeks away.

In the high foothills

Heading across the Cross Cut Trail

Looking up an arroyo at Tortugas Mountain and the Organs

Inside a Prickly Pear Cactus pad

Becca and her favorite Marigold

This and all others:  the same Scott's Oriole in different Ocotillos

Prickly Pear Cactus

Cholla west of Tortugas Mountain

Small Mesquite Tree west of Tortugas