Forced March

At start

It didn't feel overly hot when Becca and I started off on the west side of Tortugas Mountain, but then the sun started beating down on us and the humidity seemed to rise.  To make matters even worse there was very little wind.  So instead of cutting the hike short I extended it instead, primarily because I started to find flowers I wanted to photograph.  The images were worth it, but both Becca and I suffered a bit for the effort.  Still we took plenty of shade and water breaks to cool off and keep ourselves hydrated, and we were fine by the time we reached home after an air-conditioned ride back in RAV4.

Becca on the  new trail (which isn't that new any longer)

On the new trail

This way through the Ocotillos

Back already?

Large mound of Hedgehog Cactus

Barrel Cactus and buds

Closeup of buds

One of the most risque plants in the Chihuahuan Desert

Nipple Beehive Cactus (Coryphantha macromeris)

Closer look at the Nipple Beehive Cactus flower

Different perspective

New leaves on an Ocotillo

Our little Ocotillo buddy

New leaves from a different perspective

Another Barrel Cactus

Closer look at the Barrel Cactus buds

An even closer look

Different Barrel Cactus buds

Dayflower (Commelina erecta)

Dayflower

Desert Unicorn Plant (aka "Devil's Claw")

More Barrel Cactus buds

Dragonfly

Dayflower

Getting close to blossoming

Fishhook Barrel Cactus (Ferocactus wislizenii)

Same Barrel Cactus, slightly different perspective

Closeup of one bud beginning to flower

Heading out of a deep arroyo

Who's that on the far side of the trellis?

Meep Meep