Fierce Winds

At the quarry

Doppler Dave was calling for "fierce winds" beginning as early as this morning, and, boy, was he right!  Becca and I climbed the trail east of the Sunset Area ramada in order to get some photos of the heavy clouds over the Organ Mountains, but as soon as we got up there and started along the high trail on the north side of Tortugas Mountain we regretted our decision; not only were the wind gusts fierce, but it was as cold as hell up there.  We toughed it out only long enough for me to get some decent images. 

I was surprised to discover several Torrey Yuccas beginning to bloom up there, and their presence added to the scenic beauty.  But we still couldn't bear the merciless winds and decided to call an early halt to our morning trek.  The winds have gotten even worse since our return, and local meteorologists are predicting gusts in the 60-to-70 mph range.  It rained a lot yesterday; I'm hoping that will help to keep the blowing dusty down to reasonable levels.

Heavy blanket over the Organs

A little closer look

Tortugas and the Organs

The high trail

Thick clouds

Doing what dogs do

Do you see what I see?

Yep--Torrey Yucca starting to bloom

Can't get enough of that view

Doña Anas

What am I looking at?

This and the next 2:  another Torrey Yucca beginning to bloom

Playing with exposure

Calling it a morning

Torrey Yucca and its "Redhead"