Desert Rambling

Part of Las Cruces, New Mexico

Dr. K, Becca and I stayed on the near side of Tortugas this morning, exploring several different arroyos both close in and further away from the mountain.  We spent nearly two hours rambling around in the Chihuahuan Desert inspecting plants and insects on plants.  Afterward we stopped at McDonald's on the way home, picking up some Egg McMuffins (with American bacon) and a couple of small coffees.  We don't usually eat fast food, but we decided a brunch was in order after such a long hike.

Shades of Roswell

Centennial High School and the Doña Ana Mountains

The trail down

Becca spots a guy and his German Shepherd

Out of the upper foothills

Soaptree Yucca (left) and Ocotillo

Stand of Torrey Yuccas

Enormous Torrey Yucca west of the mountain

Multi-headed Torrey Yucca

Enjoying a break

Exploring a different arroyo west of Tortugas

Checking things out ahead of the pack

Large Ocotillos and small Soaptree Yuccas

Gigantic Ocotillo

Blackfoot Daisies

Stumbled across this rock (not literally) again today

Long view far west of Tortugas and the Organ Mountains

I keep thinking this is a type of buckwheat, but I can't prove it

Becca and I near a medium-size Torrey Yucca

Becca in the shadow of the yucca

Me and my pal Li'l Soapy Yucca