Crank Up the Cooler

Dropping out of the high foothills

Because it was going to be a scorcher today (and Becca got so hot our on trek yesterday) I got up at 5 a.m. to take her on our regular desert hike.  There were a lot of other outdoor enthusiasts on and about Tortugas Mountain who had the same idea.  It worked out well for the Beckster and me because we were able to take plenty of shade breaks, stayed well hydrated and avoided the merciless force of the late-morning sun.  We were finishing our long trek at 8:30 when other hikers and bikers were just starting off.  We sure didn't envy them.

Looking up the gully at Tortugas Mountain

This peculiar cloud (contrail remnant) stayed much the same all trek long

Because of high temps we took plenty of these during our hike

High winds starting to smudge the cloud

Turning into cloud wisps

Looks like the work of a painter with a palette knife

Cholla on our property blooming again

Large male Grackle at the waterhole