Cool Respite

Early overcast

It was 65F when Becca and I left home at 6:45 this morning, and it actually felt cool out due to the lack of sun and partial overcast.  The clouds persisted for much of our hike, providing a real respite from the oppressive desert conditions of late.  Seven-eights of the way through our trek we ran into our friend Jimmy, a person Becca is genuinely delighted to see.  He always sets his hiking stick down and gives her a good scratching behind both of her ears.  He and I palavered for fifteen or twenty minutes before parting company.

Trudging up the mountain

Rewarded with this view

Sun hasn't reached here yet

Heading west up this road

Ocotillo sky

Sky to the northwest

Why so prickly?

Robledo Mountains

Tortugas and the Organs

Northeast past Tortugas Mountain

The long view

Closing in

Steep ride up the mountain

Dynamic sky

Barrel Cactus

Crown of future flowers