Very Early Start

Odd place to leave a gallon water cache

Even though it's supposed to heat up only to 93F today, Becca and I got an early start out of the Monte Vista area this morning.  Not surprisingly the Sunset side was already crowded.  We ran into a few runners and several mountain bikers during our trek, and there were six vehicles in the parking lot by the time we finished our hike.  Obviously people are trying to beat the heat by exercising in the early morning hours.  We took sufficient shade and water breaks, and we felt pretty good upon returning to our car.

On Tortugas Mountain's north side

Boulders

That look

Here we are again

Behind the mountain

Closeup of a Torrey Yucca (many more of the same kind in the distance)

Heading west behind Tortugas

Rugged Chihuahuan Desert terrain

You could do it, but bushwhacking here would be problematic

Raising up for a better look

In front of a small cave (left)

Above the cave

Becca in front of the cave

Rugged southern foothills of Tortugas (Organ Mountains in the distance)

Desert Willow (Chilopsis linearis) is not a true willow

The Desert Willow is related to the catalpa family, Bignoniaceae)

Flower color ranges from white to deep purple

Desert Willow on our property

Desert Willow south of our house

Desert landscaping