Monday Near Tortugas

A very early start

Becca and I headed out early for a trek west of Tortugas Mountain this morning, and due to intermittent cloud cover we were in shade or shadow for about three-fourths of our hike.  However, when the sun did shine on us the conditions felt uncomfortable because of high humidity.  There's a chance of rain this afternoon, and it looks as if we might luck out and get some more.  We had quite a bit just a few days ago.

Franklin Mountains near El Paso, Texas

Ocotillo flowers like mini Christmas lights

Still hiking in the shadow of Tortugas

That Soaptree Yucca is nearly 20 feet tall

Because of high humidity it felt hot in the sun

North half of Tortugas Mountain

South half of the mountain

Odd-looking cloud over the mountains

More clouds rolled in while we were hiking

We're about to explore that arroyo below us

Into one arroyo tributary

Becca loves the sandy arroyo bottoms

Three-bird kaffeeklatsch

Sunlight in the Organ Mountains

Tortugas and the Organs

Edward Hopper-esque landscape

Darned if I've see these before

Wooly Paperflowers

Paperflowers

Variegated Fritillary