Just Beyond the Hump

Picacho "Peak", Las Cruces, New Mexico

Becca and I did a moderately-long hike west of Tortugas Mountain early this morning, and we ran into two other hikers and a biker getting in their exercise routines.  We exchanged greetings with all three.  I say "we," but Becca only wagged her tail at them.  It felt cooler for us even though there were fewer clouds and a lighter breeze than yesterday.  Because we had light rain last night the humidity felt pretty high.  All in all, though, not an uncomfortable trek in the northern Chihuahuan Desert.

Happy to be on an early-morning desert hike

Long view across the Chihuahuan Desert to the Organ Mountains

Typical Chihuahuan Desert plants:  Ocotillos, Soaptree Yucca, Creosote Bush

Millipede in a partial defensive curl

500 of the Millipede's 1,000 feet :)

Steep flank of Tortugas Mountain against an Organ Mountain backdrop