Another Near Sider

Between here and the Doña Ana Mountains, Centennial High School

Becca and I got a bit earlier start this morning in anticipation of the brutal weather conditions we were likely to encounter.  Oddly, even though we're slated to be hotter than yesterday, it didn't feel as bad.  The humidity might have been down a skosh, and there was a very light breeze.  Also, because we were there before the sun broke completely over the mountain, we got to hike in the shade for a good stretch before breaking into the sunlight.  We weren't the only outdoor enthusiasts braving the hot weather; we had three separate encounters with other hikers who were getting in their early morning workouts before it got too uncomfortable.

Leaving civilization behind

Creosote Bush (Larrea tridentata), aka "Greasewood"

A tangle

Cuatro cabezas son mejores que dos

I saw only one Strawberry Hedgehog flower this morning

This is it

Can't get over the color of these beauties

Partial look inside

Thorny beauty

Thorns

A look across the Ocotillo forest to Tortugas and the Organ Mountains

Prickly Pears