Feeling Hotter

Yellow Bird of Paradise (Erythrostemon gilliesii)

Becca and I headed out early for a morning trek on the west side of Tortugas Mountain.  For some reason the temperature seemed unusually warm even though it was only 60F.  We could tell it was going to feel much hotter, and Becca took several extended shade breaks during our trek.

There were a few other outdoor enthusiasts on and about the mountain, and we ran into two of them on Geothermal Road; they were hiking with one of the guy's 5-year-old Bull Terrier who wanted to play with Becca.  She obliged him for a few minutes while the men and I talked about overly energetic dogs.

After we parted company we spotted our good friend Jimmy waiting for us on the road to the mountaintop; he was headed up, we were headed back.  We all went our separate ways after he and I chatted for a few minutes.  It was a good hike in our section of the northern Chihuahuan Desert this Friday morning.

Yellow Bird of Paradise originates from Argentina and Uruguay

This and the rest of this color are Strawberry Hedgehog Cacti

The cactus completely encircles the small Mesquite Tree

Prickly Pear

Black-tailed Jackrabbit (aka "American Desert Hare")

This and the next 2:  Cactus Wren

A Cactus Wren butt is pointed at you in the center of this photo

Break time

These Soaptree Yuccas will look spectacular in a week or so

A look across the vast Chihuahuan Desert

Another break in a different location

Respite from the trek

Mormon Tea flowers

Why does this Cactus Wren look worried?

Same Cactus Wren

Prickly Pear blossom

This and the next:  Becca contemplating the way forward

This and the next 3:  Prickly Pear flowers

Soaptree Yucca flower stalks

Yellow (or Desert) Bird of Paradise

This and the rest:  Opuntia Microdasys (aka "Bunny Ears Cactus")