Another Cold, Drizzly Day

Coyote in the snow (Mesilla purchase)

I was hoping for a look at the Christmas Comet last night, but no such luck; for the past few days we've had heavy overcast and cool, drizzly weather.  With the exception of a few breaks in the clouds this morning we're in for similar conditions today.  In fact, it was quite wet when Becca and I first went out, indicating we'd received some precipitation overnight.  She and I had a good long trek on the west side of Tortugas Mountain, and we only saw a few people out there.  One funny incident happened toward the end of our hike; Becca mistook a guy walking in our direction for our buddy Jimmy, and she ran up to greet him.  Of course it wasn't Jimmy, and Becca balked when she realized it.  I told the man she had mistaken him for a friend of ours, and he was very gracious, saying, "Nice looking dog."  I don't know whether Becca was flattered by his comment or not.

This kind of morning

Loggerhead Shrike

Cactus Wren

Becca likes the cooler weather

Both sides of the Mesilla Valley

Gloomy

Trail leading out of the upper foothills

Organ Mountains in New Mexico (left) and the Franklin Mountains (Texas)

Longer view of the gap between the Organs and Franklins

A pause on our way to the lower desert

Bishop Cap

Blue sky on the horizon

Not my idea of a wholesome breakfast

Franklin Mountains near El Paso, Texas

Move it, will you?

Long way to the mountains

Trail passes through here

Heading back

Part of the Organ Mountains