Back in the Oven

Beetle (?) on a window

Because we're slated to reach 96F today Becca and I got an extra-early start on our morning trek.  Oddly, though, it felt almost chilly for the first two-thirds of our hike; the temperature seemed pretty low and there was a stiff breeze.  By the time we broke out of the shadow west of Tortugas Mountain and into the sunlight it began to feel slightly warmer.  Needless to say, both The Beckster and I enjoyed an early respite from the coming heat.

There were a few people on and around the mountain, but we didn't run into anybody.  By the time we got back to Whitey the CR-V the Sunset Area parking lot was, perhaps, a quarter full.  Several vehicles were driving in and heading out when we left.

James Rushpea (Pomaria jamesii)

Sun through Ocotillo

Grassland

This and the next:  sun shining on nearly unpopulated slope

Becca ahead of the pack

Early morning look at Tortugas and the Organs

This and the next:  2 views across the northern Chihuahuan Desert

Desert Marigold

This and the next:  in the western foothills

Doesn't look as if the Night Blooming Cereus will bloom this year