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| Not as isolated as it looks |
It had rained overnight, and it was raining again this morning when we got up. It began to clear afterwards, and we decided we could get in a hike before the precipitation came again. So Dr. K, Becca and I set off for the far side of Tortugas Mountain for a trek two-thirds around and back. Along the way we had one interesting encounter with a woman runner who, seeing me taking photographs, said, "It's a good morning for photos." Turning to continue her run she pulled up short, pointed to the rear flank of the mountain and said, "Do you see the Coyote? There's a little one, too." When I looked in the direction she was pointing all I could see were several Jackrabbits. I said so. She then realized she had mistaken the hares for Coyotes, something I have done before as well. I told her so. She didn't seem overly embarrassed, though, and that was good.
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| Hiking south on the east side of Tortugas |
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| Morning moon |
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| Couldn't decide if I liked this one . . . |
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| . . . or this one better |
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| Watching La Luna dip in the west |
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| Franklin Mountains, El Paso, Texas |
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| About to disappear on this side of the mountain |
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| But on this side of Tortugas the moon is visible once again |
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| Becca doesn't care about the moon |
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| Stormy sky |
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| Looking south |
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| Silverleaf Nighshade (aka "White Horse Nettle") |
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| Dr. K and Becca |
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| The trail begins to bend west |
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| Behind Tortugas Mountain |
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| Foothills trail behind the mountain |
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| Rugged territory on the southern slope |
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| Dr. K climbing to higher ground |
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| Haven't identified this plant |
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| Stingleaf flower beyond its prime |
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| Stingleaf flower (Loasa family) |
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| Organ Mountains from behind Tortugas |
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| Tortugas |
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| Barrel Cactus |
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| Same Barrel |
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| Waiting patiently while I take photos |
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| Flank of Tortugas and the Organ Mountains |
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| Closer view |
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| Positioning Torrey Yuccas to the right or . . . |
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| . . . to the left |
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| This view of the yuccas or . . . |
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| . . . this? |
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| Starting back after a long trek |
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| 40% chance of more rain today |
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| Banana Yucca and Prickly Pear Cactus |
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| Heading back around Tortugas the long way |
3 comments:
Beautiful photos, Packrat. My favorites are the ones with different views of the moon.
Love the atmospheric, dramatic shots of the mountains.
Thanks, Jacqui. You do seem to like those mountains. :)
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