Longer Trek Sans Swarms

This and the next:  Ocotillos in sunlight

The odd title of today's blog stems from this phenomenon:  while Becca and I were driving over to Tortugas Mountain this morning I spotted two huge swarms of bugs, and I figured--after yesterday's rain--that we'd be dealing with gnats and other swarming insects on our hike today.  Au contraire:  we encountered none.  What a pleasant surprise.

We did a longer trek than yesterday's, primarily because Becca indicated that she wanted to go further; and since it didn't feel unbearably warm due to a cooling breeze I decided to accede to her wishes.  By the time we reached our final stop for water, though, the day began really heating up.

I'd just finished stowing the water bottles and slipping into my daypack when we saw our buddy Raymond rounding a corner and heading our way.  It was very nice having his company during our trek back on the final leg of the hike, though I have to admit Becca didn't pay him much attention.

Becca bushwhacking

What time is it?

This and the next:  seed pods of the Twinleaf Senna

Obviously a Legume

Becca enjoying a break

The sand is still damp from yesterday's rain

View to the northwest

The distant Franklin Mountains near El Paso

Foothills west of Tortugas Mountain

Leading the way

Becca is a great hiking companion

Ocotillo tangle

Vista of Tortugas Mountain and the Organs

This and the next:  Mesquite beans

#2

This and the next 3:  Whitethorn Acacia

Becca in an arroyo

This and the next:  stony break

Plenty of leafed-out Ocotillos between here and there

This and the next:  view of the sky over Tortugas Mountain

Ocotillo green

Giant Ocotillo

Abundant Prickly Pear fruit