A Smidge of Humidity

Prickly Pear fruit is ripening

If you want to make a baking hot northern Chihuahuan Desert even more uncomfortable throw in a splash of humidity; just 20% on a 100-plus-degree day is enough to boost the discomfort level to near unbearable.  That's how it's been the last few days here, and I've got to tell you it robs our morning hikes of nearly all the fun.  Shortened our trek for that reason and two others:  I had to go up on our roof at home to see why the evaporate cooler wasn't working efficiently (the water in the reservoir was too low) and I had to go to the store to replenish supplies after a week in the Sacramento Mountains.

How hot is it?  Check out that tongue

Black-and-white desert

Much-needed shade break

Five slightly different views of the Organ Mountains