Friday Foray

Soaptree Yucca and Tortugas Mountain

A long jaunt through the desert was just what I needed this morning.  It took out the kink I had in my back when I got out of bed early today.  Becca could use several long jaunts per day, but she only gets one.

Canine scout

The rugged Organ Mountains (right)

Thursday's Trek

Sun and shadow on the mountains

It was a little cooler this morning, but not cold.  However, a cold front is supposed to blow through later today.  The Beckster and I encountered a sun-dappled landscape, and we enjoyed the contrasting shadows and light.  We saw nobody on our trek.

Brightening sky

Eagle eye Becca

City of Las Cruces and the Dona Ana Mountains



The Lone Yucca



Lower Chihuahuan Desert

Winter in the desert

Back in the low country for a long hike around Tortugas (Tortoise) Mountain.  The weather was fabulous.  Hard to believe it's winter on this kind of day.  Yesterday, we hit 75 degrees F.  Only 68 F today.  The Beckster noticed the hotter temps.  She drank more water today.

Winner in the desert

Winter sun and warmth

Before Heading Down

The Tularosa Basin

We took a last hike on the Grandview Trail--one of our favorites in the Sacramento Mountains of southern New Mexico.  As usual, Becca had a blast.  The sun shone brightly, and the temperature was headed for the mid 60s in the high country.

Land of Enchantment

Trusty Lookout

Reminiscent of Sedona

Grand View

Surveying the Grandview Trail

The weather was beautiful this morning while we did the Grandview Trail.  And the views, as always, were grand.  Didn't see one other person along the way.  Just the way we like it.

Juniper-studded landscape



White Sands National Monument



Dr. K and Jiminy Crickett

Is that a gazebo?

Do you cairn for me?

Then the High

What a bonus:  snow hiking!

We did the Rim Trail along the Sacramento Mountains' western escarpment this morning, and were surprized to find quite a bit of snow lingering in the shadows of the tall pines.

Elk scat



Red-Tail Hawk passing by, quickly



Harris Hawk?

Sierra Blanca, 12,001 ft.

Dr. K and Becca

This way through the snow

The happy mountain hikers

First the Low Country

She loves the low country

Friday morning we did our usual hike around Tortugas Mountain.  The weather was warm and pleasant.  Desert Dog had a good time.  Little did she know things would get even better as we were to head up to the High Country later in the morning.

Nothing better than a desert hike



Our little desert getaway