Hiking Before Breakfast

Well before the sun breaks over Tortugas Mountain

Because yesterday's hike was so miserable I decided that Becca and I should head out to the west side of Tortugas Mountain before breakfast this morning.  We've done it before, and I never really feel particularly hungry during a 70-to-90-minute trek.  Nor do I feel desperate for the cup of coffee I always have.

The clear upside to leaving so early is that Becca definitely has more energy trekking in the shadow of the mountain, and she seems more resilient after arriving home than when we hike in the full sunshine.  Nevertheless, it's hard to break old habits and do a pre-breakfast hike every day.  But now that we're into the heat and humidity of monsoon season here in the Desert Southwest I'll have to alter our routine in a significant way.

Becca leading the way up the ridge

Looking down into a small valley

One trail that switchbacks up the mountain

Bosom buddies--Hedgehog Cactus and Ocotillo

Part of Las Cruces, New Mexico and Picacho Peak

Becca on the upper foothills trail

Flank of Tortugas and the Organ Mountains

Becca kind of leading the way

Sunlight across the desert

Prickly Pear pears

Another look at Tortugas and the Organs

Doña Ana Mountains

An extra large Ocotillo west of the mountain