Just Another Resupply Day

Ocotillos on the side of the mountain

Becca and I had to get an early start on our morning hike today because I needed to get back home to shower and head to Target and Albertsons for my weekly shopping responsibilities,  I lucked out because it wasn't too packed at either store.  I wanted to avoid shopping tomorrow at Albertsons at all costs because it's senior citizens discount day, and if you've ever survived that experience you know why it's best to avoid the grocery on the first Wednesday of the month.

Ocotillos in B&W

Yuccas in B&W

Through the grassland

In the upper foothills

On the road around the mountain

Coming when called

Starting the steep climb

Expending energy

Going all out

South From Alaska

Just starting out

Becca and I got an early start on our explorations west of Tortugas Mountain this morning, but our trek was devoid of any interesting encounters with denizens of the northern Chihuahuan Desert.  Just as we were about to finish our hike, though, we bumped into JC and Olivia, a pair of snowbirds from way up north in Alaska.  We talked briefly about the Superbowl and the mental well-being of our current president before going our separate ways.

Checking the area ahead

Getting far out in front

There's no sneaking up on Becca

Extra tall Soaptree Yucca

Follow that trail

Way out west of the mountains

Torrey Yuccas

Sky over the Sunset Area parking lot

JC and Olivia preparing for their morning hike

Sierra Vista Trail South

This and the next three:  this morning's moon

Dr. K, Becca and I got an early start this morning, opting to drive out through Talavera along Soledad Canyon Road to the upper Sierra Vista Trail parking area.  We chose the trail that heads south, and during our two-hour trek we only ran into one other outdoor enthusiast, a mountain biker who was just starting off as we were finishing up.  The weather was beautiful:  mid-50s to low-60s with a light breeze.  We only started to feel slightly warm when we were nearly back to the Jeep.  Wonderful way to spend a Sunday morning.

In the high foothills of the Organ Mountains

The land actually slopes this much

The rugged Organs

Dr. K and Becca on the trail

Distant look into the canyon

Soledad Rocks and the Organ Mountains

Heading south toward Bishop Cap

Lay of the land

High-elevation arroyo

Long way to Bishop Cap

Crissal Thrasher (Toxostoma crissale)

Crissal Thrasher

Becca and Dr. K on the trail

Look back

Ah, Wilderness!

Happiest of hikers

Trail ahead

Trail behind (several miles out)

Folds in the mountain

Ouch!

Heading back

Double-take stick

The rugged Organ Mountains

Sotols and an Ocotillo

One more

Becca napping in the patio enclosure after a long hike