Sunday's Crowd

Hiking along the west side of Tortugas Mountain

It was pretty crowded on the west side of Tortugas Mountain when Becca and I got out there this morning a little after 7:00.  It was even more packed when we got back to the trailhead about 90 minutes later.  Since the day started off cool, with an almost chilly breeze, those outdoor enthusiasts who didn't get hammered last night were taking advantage of the pleasant weather.  One guy who had soured on the whole experience was the biker we encountered within the first quarter mile; he approached us carrying his mountain bike draped over a shoulder.  When I said, "Shouldn't it be the other way round" he grumbled something about getting a flat tire right off the bat.  Though he did say to Becca and me, "Have a nice hike."

We three kings (and bird)

How tall is a Torrey Yucca?  Becca is 5' 11"

Cresting a ridge

Is he looking askance at us?

Distant Organ Mountains

Northern Mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos)

Same Mockingbird

Flank of Tortugas and the Organs

Soaptree Yucca flower stalks becoming skeletal