A Cold, Blustery Morn

On a deeply rutted road west of Tortugas Mountain

It was just under 40F when Becca and I started off west of Tortugas Mountain this morning, but it felt much colder because of persistent wind with strong gusts.  I kept my gloves on during most of the hike, only removing them to take photos; and I didn't shoot many images because of the cold.  We did see some hearty outdoor types in the desert despite the weather:  a few mountain bikers and a couple of runners.  One runner was wearing only shorts and a t-shirt, and I did not envy him, though I did recall from when I was running years ago that it's possible to become overheated even in cold weather.  Despite the adverse conditions Becca and I spent ninety minutes trekking around the desert.

Hiking on the west side of the mountain

Torrey Yucca and Ocotillos

A look west down Geothermal Road

A little closer look

Soaptree Yucca and distant Picacho Peak

A different Soaptree Yucca

Ninja mountain biker?

Soaptree Yucca with old, fallen trunks

Dirt road out of the arroyo

Closer look at the road

Becca headed south on the road out of the arroyo

Shooting for perspective in a relatively flat landscape

Taking a shortcut between dirt roads

Two mountain bikers tackling the steep road to the top of Tortugas