The Heat is On

Nebula-like clouds over Tortugas Mountain this morning

Becca and I got a very early start west of Tortugas Mountain this morning, but we ran into a few other hikers and bikers who were out there a little earlier than us.  It was a tad chilly when we began our trek, but it quickly warmed up.  It looks like we'll get near the mid- to high-80s today.  It is April in the Chihuahuan Desert; what do I expect?  The Beckster and I did a really long hike, and the number of photos I snapped reflected that fact:  85.  What a great sensation to be exploring a wide arroyo west of Tortugas Mountain in near-ideal spring weather here in the desert.

Ocotillo flowers at dawn

On the upper foothills trail

Squawky Cactus Wren

Shaking out the rug

Backlit Cactus Wren

Strawberry Pitaya Hedgehog Cactus

Some Ocotillos are leafing out

Nice to see the green wands on Ocotillos back again

I always laugh when we come upon Spectaclepod

Not quite fully relaxed

Fully relaxed

Large arroyo west of Tortugas Mountain

Torrey Yucca and the peaks of the Organ Mountains

Plains Blackfoot

Desert Sumac and bugs

Cactus Wren hiding in a Torrey Yucca

Same Cactus Wren

Indian Rushpea (Hoffmannseggia glauca)

Indian Rushpea (aka "Hog Potato")

Littleleaf Ratany

Chihuahuan Flax

Claret Cups

Tackstem

A tall, old Ocotillo with many blossoms

Purple Nama

Purple Nama (aka "Sandbells")