Sunset Side Sunday

This Parry's Agave is on its last leg

Because it was another hot, steamy morning here in the northern Chihuahuan Desert Dr. K, Becca and I decided not to drive too far for our Sunday trek.  We chose the Sunset side of Tortugas Mountain, getting in a 90-minute hike before heading home.  There were a lot of other outdoor enthusiasts on and about the mountain, and we had one very interesting encounter:  three dogs appeared on the trail ahead of us and rapidly came over to greet Becca.  There was a Pug, a Basset Hound, and a Husky mix.  They were all very friendly, and all canines got along.  The man and woman with the dogs were friendly, too, and we all exchanged pleasant greetings before going our separate ways.

Three other Parry's Agaves on Tortugas's western flank

A little closer look at the two on the left

Rock break

View with Ocotillo

View without Ocotillo

Black-throated Sparrow in a Creosote Bush

Ocotillo greenery

Along the dirt road west of the mountain

Sand break

West of Tortugas

Rain Lily casting a long shadow

Rain Lily (Zephyranthes longifolia)

Long shadow from the other perspective

Soaptree Yuccas with fruit

There's a Texas Horned Lizard in there

Texas Horned Lizard (Phrynosoma cornutum)