Sunset Side Jaunt

I think this is Golden Crownbeard

Becca and I got a fairly early start on our morning jaunt west of Tortugas Mountain.  There weren't many people out there when we arrived nor when we left.  Not sure why; it was quite cool and comfortable in the early hours.  We ran into not one soul during our hour-long trek, though partly because we did some bushwhacking away from the main trails.  Saw some birds and rabbits in their desert environs, but I've been hoping to spot a Coyote or two in the outback.  I've heard them howling at Coyote conventions at night, but no sightings in the mornings.

If you're bagging dog poo don't leave it behind for someone else to pick up

Road to the west-side ramada

In a north/south arroyo west of Tortugas Mountain

Same arroyo

Heading away from Tortugas

Yucca and Ocotillos on the rocky west side

Further west

An idea about the terrain

Loggerhead Shrike

Same Loggerhead Shrike

The nail prints give it away:  large dog rather than something else

Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats

Childhood friends

Polehenge

For those who think the Chihuahuan Desert is barren

Looking for a shady spot

Found it!

The Ocotillo providing shade for Becca