Trekking Out of Monte Vista

Cholla flower

The temperature dropped to the mid-30s last night, and it was still only 38F when Dr. K, Becca and I left for the far side of Tortugas Mountain.  As soon as we looped around to the south side we encountered a woman with a Brown Lab named Maggie.  The woman asked if Maggie and Becca could meet, and we said, "Sure."  It was a very nice meeting because Maggie was a sweet 7-year-old canine.  Maggie and her guardian were the only outdoor enthusiasts we saw during a nearly two-hour hike, which is unusual for a Sunday morning.  Perhaps everyone else was in church praying to God that Trump doesn't start a nuclear war.

Cholla flower

Blind Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia rufida)

Becca enjoying the view

Trail to the saddle

Doesn't look it, but it's a single-track

Becca and Dr. K forging ahead

Scaled Quail

I've looked at Scaled Quail from both sides now

Leader of the pack

Round rock house ruins and Becca

This and the next two:  Ash-throated Flycatcher

Beautiful bird with a sweet song

Ocotillo and the Organ Mountains

Prickly Pear

Becca and Dr. K (notice Dr. K's winter wear)

Dinner-plate-size Prickly Pear pad

Chihuahuan Desert west of the Organ Mountains