Chill Out!

First 2:  starting on the north side of the mountain

Becca and I got an early start on our morning trek out of the Monte Vista side of Tortugas Mountain, and for the first time this season there was a slight chill in the air which was bolstered by a strong wind.  It actually felt good to be hiking in the sunshine.

There were three vehicles in the parking lot when we got there, which multiplied to six by the time we finished up; and the requisite number of outdoor enthusiasts were behind the mountain while we were there--several hikers, five mountain bikers and, best of all, a young woman with a 4-month-old Black Lab who was just delighted to see Becca and me.  The doggos played a bit before we all parted company.

I think we're supposed to reach 98F today, with a slight chance of rain in the afternoon.  Beginning about 2:30 this morning we got several hours of fairly steady rain, which is always needed and welcomed here in the northern Chihuahuan Desert.

Southeast of Tortugas now

This and the next:  headed to the lower desert

This and the next 3:  clouds and the Organ Mountains

We still have to climb down through this valley

Organs/clouds

Almost bottoming out

Creosote/clouds/Organs

Some type of raptor

Organ Mountains and low clouds

This and the next 2 of the Doña Ana Mountains came out in reverse order

These two were buzzing each other

Aerial acrobatics

Edge of Tortugas