Empty Early, Crowded Late

Flower buds nestled like eggs on a Pincushion Cactus

When Becca and I got out to the Sunset Area of the Tortugas Mountain Trails system early this morning there were only a few people already there; the parking lot was sparsely populated with vehicles.  When we returned about ninety minutes later the whole area was crowded with cars, their occupants out enjoying the early overcast conditions.  Although it felt pretty cool in the desert the humidity was incredibly high, promising to deliver once again on afternoon rainstorms.  We always need the rain, but the weather conditions are starting to wear on us.

Happy to be out in the desert

Interesting sky

Ready to flee

Road around the mountain

Ocotillo synchronized growing team

The desert floor is saturated from recent rains, creating a flash flood threat

This and the next two:  Northern Mockingbird

Dynamic northern Chihuahuan Desert sky

Somewhere along the road leading west

Distant Organ Mountains under a beautiful early-morning sky

Organ Mountains

Can't wait until these Barrel Cactus flower buds bloom

On our way back to the mountain