Saturday Saturation

Northwest flank of Tortugas Mountain

It wasn't very crowded when Becca and I got out to the mountain before 7:30 this morning, but it was well packed by the time we finished our hike.  In the interim period we saw one mountain biker and had an encounter with a guy and his two dogs.  All dogs got along well.  The many contrails overhead gave evidence of the heavy air traffic this morning, much of it coming from El Paso International Airport to our south.  Guess a lot of people are traveling this weekend.  The wind blew constantly throughout our trek, indicative of the leading edge of a cold front blowing through our area today.

Same scene, slightly different perspective

Washboard clouds

Trail to the sun

Parry's Agave growing in rock

Rainbow Hedgehog Cactus and shadow

In the high foothills

Lots of contrails this morning

Picacho

What high winds do to contrails

Multi-color Ocotillo in foreground

Let's go--this way!

West side of Tortugas

Hollywood pose

Torrey Yucca (left) and Soaptree Yucca

Becca spots two hounds heading our way

Cotton swab contrails

Peaceful mountain scene