Wind Shift

A little over a mile in

When Becca and I set off this morning west of Tortugas Mountain a warm breeze greeted us.  I thought, "This breeze is a harbinger of an uncomfortable day in the desert."  Shortly thereafter the breeze was replaced by a zephyr out of the east, which soon became a stiff wind.  The wind was cooler and carried a noticeable increase in humidity, so much moisture that it soon felt like a morning in the midst of monsoon season.  Cumulus clouds began to form, leaving the distinct impression that we might be in for some rain later today.

New flower buds on a small Barrel Cactus

A little closer look at the Barrel Cactus buds

On the western flank of Tortugas Mountain

Trail to the sky

Hiking south along the western flank of the mountain

Tortugas's flank and the Organ Mountains

Influx of humidity this morning carries the promise of rain

Desert and sky

Much needed break

Chihuahuan Desert terrain

Still-green Ocotillos

Lesser Nighthawk

Lesser Nighthawk (Chordeiles minor)

Becca on a hill above an arroyo