Extended Ridge Hike

1st 5:  the "O"s

We added Basset Ridge to our usual hike this morning, bushwhacking out of the left branch arroyo to the base of the hill southwest of Tortugas Mountain.

Heading south we scaled the hill and then trekked along the ridge to a point from which we descended into a new arroyo; from there we went north until we found a route back over to the left branch arroyo.

Finished the hike by following our normal route the rest of the way.  The "O"s were satisfied with the extra mileage as was Dr. K.  Fortunately, even though it was cold--32F at start--the sun was shining brightly and, even more importantly, there was no wind.

Soaptrees and the mountain

This & next:  barrel cacti

"O"s again

Lone Soaptree and the mountains

Tortugas and the Organs

This & next:  Frio and Willow

View from a different arroyo

"O"s and Dr. K

This & next: Tortugas & the Organs (San Augustin Peak)