90 Minutes Later

Napping bunny

Becca and I got on the trail an hour-and-a-half later than yesterday, and the warmth factor was significantly different; we did the exact same hike, nonetheless, and we both had a good time despite the heat.  We're supposed to warm up quite a bit in coming days so we might start getting out there earlier.

I was surprised by the number of outdoor enthusiasts on and about the mountain this Wednesday morning, but, perhaps, people were taking advantage of the cooler conditions.  Out on Geothermal Road we encountered a man, a woman and their German Shepherd who we see fairly often; they're very friendly people, and the man commented about the coming heat wave.  Nobody who lives in the desert and loves the out-of-doors is happy about the toasty days of summer.  But we're used to it.

Tree Cholla flowers

Headed to the mountaintop

The way back to the Sunset Area

What else?--Soaptree Yuccas

Rugged foothills west of Tortugas Mountain

Skimpy shade

Shade nonetheless

This and the next 2:  Soaptree Yuccas

Torrey Yucca fruit

Soaptree Yucca

Another break in sparse shade

Soaptree Yucca fruit

Soaptree Yuccas

Little-leaf Sumac