West Side Hike with Dr. K and Ms. B

Come!

The three of us got a fairly early start on a moderately long hike west of Tortugas Mountain this morning, and we made sure that we dealt with the hot weather conditions properly by stopping frequently to hydrate and to take shade breaks.  Becca took an extra-long respite in the shadow of a giant Ocotillo in a sandy section of the desert that's become one of her favorite resting places.

We didn't have any direct encounters with other outdoor enthusiasts today, though we did wave a distant greeting to a guy trekking with his Border Collie.  Plenty of folks were out and about, however, enjoying the sunshine on this brilliant northern Chihuahuan Desert day.

Dr. K and Ms. B

That strap makes me look like I have quite a gut!

Becca enjoying an extended break

The long view

Velvety Nerisyrenia

Not sure which raptor this is

Immature Red-tailed Hawk?

Tree Cholla, Desert Willow, etc.

Desert Willow (Chilopsis Linearis)

Soaptree Yucca

Southwestern living