Long Interval

Striped-bear-head rock

I did a shortened hike west of Tortugas Mountain this morning in order to return home early and pack for a trip of several days to our place in the Sacramento Mountains, where we are now.  A little chillier up here, but not by much; the sun is shining brightly at present.

A slight warming trend is expected over the next few days, which will allow us to do some mid-mountain treks; i.e. mid-elevation hikes around the 7,000-foot level.  We'll stay away from Cloudcroft in all likelihood, unless we decide to drive up for supplies.  Temperatures undoubtedly will be much colder up there.

Southwest across the desert

High-elevation cactus garden

About the size of a tennis ball, but spinier

This and the next:  west side of Tortugas Mountain

Further west of the mountain

Even further west of Tortugas

This and the next:  heading back to the trailhead

Up in the Sacramento Mountains now

Haynes Canyon

Sky over the pumphouse

This and the rest:  early afternoon sky over the Sacramentos