Sunset Side Surprise

This and the next:  Banded Gecko trying to find a way inside

The surprise had nothing to do with the hot air balloon hanging over the Mesilla Valley this morning, but rather the fact that the Sunset Area side of the mountain was just normally crowded.  Becca and I usually go to the far side of Tortugas on Saturdays, but since we'd hiked out of the Monte Vista Area the past two days we decided on the west side.

We did a normal trek today, but it felt anything but pleasant out there:  76F when we started out--humid with little wind--and 87F when we were wrapping up the hike.  That eleven-degree difference may not seem like much, but it sure didn't feel good to The Beckster and me.  A little breeze would have created some evaporative cooling, but, sadly, it was not to be.

Sky at start

This and all balloon shots:  hot air balloon over the Mesilla Valley

This and the next 3:  sky over the west side of Tortugas Mountain

Prickly Pear fruit

♫ Everybody have you heard . . . ♫

Break time!

Becca's resting at the base of this large Ocotillo

Couldn't decide which of these two images I like best

#2