Holy Daze II

Behind Tortugas Mountain

Dr. K, Becca and I headed to the east side of Tortugas Mountain early this morning, starting our trek from the Monte Vista area.  There were only two vehicles in the parking lot there, and one belonged to the German woman we often see behind the mountain on the weekends.  In fact, we frequently bump into her--as we did today--stopping to chat for a few minutes.  We encountered my friend Raymond, too, who was out early to beat the heat.  Although it seemed quite humid, and the sun beat down on us, the 70-degree temperature didn't feel hot because of a steady wind.  

The bend we've just come around

Happy but hot dog

Leading the way south

After the bend the trail heads south

Deep arroyo on the south side of the mountain

Becca's pointed eastward on the westbound leg

We've just crossed the southern flank

Too rugged to bushwhack through here

Ocotillos, Hedgehog Cacti and a Torrey Yucca

The depression from which we just emerged

The precarious trail (center) we just followed to here

Along the outer loop road

Headed back

Torrey Yuccas and the Organ Mountains

Becca spots the German woman