Lizard Eating

Here's a lizard having breakfast.

Severe Thunderstorm

Last night we got blasted by a huge thunderstorm, and the results of the massive deluge were evident this morning. Here an arroyo has eroded a cross section of a dirt road.

There were Rain Lillies all over the area.

More Rain Lillies.

Rainwater ran heavily along this road west of Tortugas.

Becca takes a shade break on the wet desert sand.

Bird Nest

A nest in an Acacia.

Mountains and Clouds

A cool humid morning provided a respite from the heat for Becca and me. This photo gives you an idea of the cloud cover over the mountains.

A break in the cloud cover shows a patch of blue.
Strawberry Pitaya cacti, Ocotillos, and the Organs looming in the background.

Bird nest in an Acacia.

Brutal but Beautiful Hike III

A few more images from today's hike. Bishop's Cap, in the southern reaches of the Organ Mountains.

The new observatory on Tortugas.

Closeup of a leafy Ocotillo.

Brutal but Beautiful Hike II

Today we saw our first Rain Lily of the rainy season.

A long view of the flank of Tortugas Mountain with the Organ Mountains in the background.

A distant view of Tortugas.

Ocotillo and a late-blooming Yucca.

Closeup of the Yucca flowers.

Brutal but Beautiful Hike

This morning was hot AND humid, and Becca and I suffered a little on the hike. But it was worth it for the scenery. Here's an example: A Barrel Cactus and its buddy, a Devil's Head (aka Horse Crippler) about to bloom.

The new observatory on the top of Tortugas Mountain, ominous clouds overhead.

A late-blooming Ocotillo adds vibrant color to the desert.

A tall Ocotillo in front of Tortugas.

An Ocotillo stand in the mountain foothills.