Long Walkabout

Weather conditions at start

It looked as if we might get wet this morning when Dr. K, Becca and I set off for the Monte Vista area on the far side of Tortugas Mountain; we lucked out, however.  Although the weather stayed pretty much the same during our entire trek--cloudy, cool and humid--the sky never even sprinkled on us.  We saw a few other nature enthusiasts out behind the mountain, including a large group of runners who were on a dirt road that crosses a small mesa on the south side of the Tellbrook Arroyo; they were several miles away from us, though.  We did a satisfyingly long hike that burned many calories, returning home in time to catch the start of the Steelers/Jets football game.

Mountains blanketed by clouds

Scouting territory behind Tortugas

Eager to get started again

Leading the way down the trail

Heavy cloud cover not lifting

At the base of the Organ Mountains lies the village of Talavera

Clouds spilling over the Organs

Cool with high humidity

Around back of the mountain

Aliens searching for life forms to beam up

Clouds dividing the mountains

Having come this way

Runners on a distant mesa

Weather has stayed the same throughout our trek

Nearly at the far point of the hike

Flank of Tortugas and the Organ Mountains

Multiple sunbeams

A hiking fool

Torrey Yuccas and the Organs

Ocotillos and the Organs

A few patches of blue over Tortugas (dog at center of photo)

Between giant yucca legs

Knock it off

Mountain bikers pausing to take in the view

Closing in on the trail around the mountain

Becca simply has to forge ahead

Ocotillo flower

Clouds over the Organs

Tall Torrey Yucca

Long road around Tortugas