An Early Start

Sun trying to crest the mountain through clouds

Becca and I had two things going for us this morning:  first, I awoke at 4:45 a.m. and couldn't go back to sleep; and, second, the day dawned quite overcast so the temperature, though 77F, felt cooler than it actually was.

She and I headed over to the Sunset Area side of Tortugas Mountain extra early today and did a short hike that included bushwhacking to her favorite shady spot in the sand; however, because the sun wasn't beating down upon us she didn't feel inclined to lie in the shade.  We headed across to Geothermal Road and followed it a short distance eastward to the intersection of the road leading to the mountaintop.  We headed the opposite way--north along the road to the intersection of the trail that leads back to the Sunset Area.  Halfway along the final leg of the trek our buddy Jimmy appeared; a rare two-day-in-a-row sighting for us.  Becca was more than pleased.  He and I talked a short while before saying so long.

This area of the mountain was crowded again, and I can't figure out why it's suddenly attracted so many outdoor enthusiasts.  Can't blame people for getting out to enjoy nature, though.  I just wish they'd find somewhere else to go. :-)

Dynamic sky

To the west

One way up the mountain

Abundance

Potrillos

Across the Rio Grande valley

Cottontail

Mockingbird

Confuse a Mockingbird by having it listen to Flight of the Bumblebee

Experiment #1

Experiment #2

Becca bushwhacking

Tall Ocotillos and the Organ Mountains

Another way up the mountain

This and the next:  2 sections of Las Cruces, New Mexico