Desert Packrat

Tuesday Trekking

2012-01-31T12:56:00.000-08:00

Trail up Tortugas

Becca and I spent part of the morning exploring around Tortugas Mountain. We avoided doing any bushwhacking today. Winter is the best time to bushwhack, though, for several reasons. Of course, it's much cooler, and, therefore, more bearable. You'd be surprised how much heat the desert floor can reflect. And Rattlesnakes are hibernating--always a good thing. Additionally, because of the absence of leaves, you can see all the thorns on desert plants, especially the Ocotillos. It makes eluding the spikes much easier.

Wagging the dog

Pichacho (Spanish for "peak")

Under a boundless sky

Yucca, Tortugas and the Organ Mountains

Monday Fun

2012-01-30T11:44:00.000-08:00

Medusa-like Yucca

Becca and I did a very long hike into the outback surrounding Tortugas Mountain this morning. It was a very warm morning, the kind that gives you spring fever at the end of January. We saw only one other hiker walking with his two dogs at a great distance from us. We discovered an old single-track trail that led us in a long arc to the far outer-loop road. It felt great being out in nature today. Wish we could have lingered longer.

Rarin' to go

Smoke in the basin

Very tall Yucca from another perspective

Barrel Cactus and view

Bushwhacking again

I belive this is Sorrel, aka Wild Rhubarb

Very Cold Start

2012-01-29T14:41:00.000-08:00

Huge Torrey Yucca, city of Las Cruces in background

It was 29 degrees Farenheit when we got rolling this morning, with a really stiff wind that made it downright cold. We were quite surprised at the number of hearty souls who were out on the mountain, enjoying the abundant sunshine. To avoid running into other people, Becca and I did some bushwhacking in an arroyo that runs east/west across the desert from the high foothills of Tortugas (Tortoise) Mountain. It's always amazing to see the wild animal footprints in the sandy arroyo bottom: rabbit, quail, coyote, fox, etcetera. (Ah, yes, the elusive "etcetera.")

Yucca, Tortugas Mountain (left) and Organ Mountains

Cross-country hound

Healthy Barrel Cactus on an arroyo bank

Typical flora in a desert arroyo

Weekend Scramble

2012-01-28T10:20:00.000-08:00

Starting off under a heavy overcast

We were scrambling to avoid people this morning. Despite the chilly, overcast, quite a few outdoor enthusiasts were on the mountain. Becca and I decided to do some bushwhacking again, and were rewarded by discovering some interesting sights. By the time we finished our trek, the sun was trying to break though the clouds.

Set for some bushwhacking

Pale immitation of a sun

Burning in the valley

Desert mountain bikers

Hedgehog Cactus

Barrel Cactus with deep gash (perhaps a fatal wound)

6-foot Torrey Yucca

The happy bushwhacker

Artsy Afterthought

2012-01-27T17:24:00.000-08:00

Time for a Rant

2012-01-27T10:08:00.000-08:00

A fallen Yucca continues to grow

My rant concerns the very last image here, the SUV "idiot" tracks in the desert. I seriously wonder about people's mental health at times. Finding himself (I feel fairly certain about gender) unable to tackle a difficult stretch of dirt road, this clown decided to simply turn around off the beaten track. What the hell--the desert is just dirt and cacti. There are miles of dirt road out here where SUVers and ATVers can drive without resorting to destructive behavior. This is the thing about human beings that makes me fear for preservation of the environment.

The "I-see-something" look

A little Yucca forest

Me and my shadow

Gemelli (twins)

Idiot tracks

Bushwhack Videos

2012-01-26T11:28:00.000-08:00

The Day after the Storm

2012-01-25T12:38:00.000-08:00

Visions of Rin Tin Tin

The storm that blew through yesterday and into last night deposited a lot of rain and left some really cold air in its wake. The stiff breeze fought against the abundant sunshine this morning, making the air feel quite chilly. I don't know if it was the cold, but Ms. Becca had an incredible amount of energy. She did more running than she has in a long while, up and back on every trail, leaving me to trudge behind. It's a lot of fun watching her have a good time.

Moving along the dirt loop road

You can't tell, but the desert is wet

A dusting of snow in the mountains above Talavera

Bushwhacker

An expanse of Chihuahuan Desert

Fox hole (probably a Gray Fox vixen dug it)

Closeup of fox hole

Purple mountains' majesty (and electric poles)

Chihuahuan Desert homes

Cold, Cold Rain

2012-01-24T12:08:00.000-08:00

Potrillo Mountains west of Las Cruces

Becca and I didn't get soaked this morning, but we did get wet in a very cold rain. What else can you expect on a winter's day. (Almost slipped into a refrain of "California Dreamin'" there.) The sun did break through the clouds a few times, but it's been raining again this afternoon. We had a good hike, nonetheless, only running into one other hiker--the elderly engineer and his elderly Lab.

Stormy sky

Canine compass

Rain over the Organ Mountains

Storm over the Franklin Mountains near El Paso

Chihuahuan Desert sky

Tortugas Mountain observatory

Dynamic weather

Smoke in the Valley

2012-01-23T11:51:00.000-08:00

A layer of smoke in the Mesilla Valley

Pecan famers may have been burning debris from trees in the valley today because there was some pretty ugly air down there. It couldn't have been a temperature inversion because it was localized in one area, and we've had sufficient winds yesterday and today to stir the atmosphere up. I wonder at times if mulching wouldn't be a better alternative to burning considering the harm smoke does to the atmosphere. I need to ask around about this issue.

Bad air may come from pecan farmers burning debris

Someone who doesn't give a hoot about smoke

Dry desert arroyo (aka "dry wash")

49-pound desert denizen

Wind!

2012-01-22T11:42:00.000-08:00

Sleek-looking girl

The temperature was moderate enough as Dr. K, Becca and I hiked the trails around Tortugas Mountain, but the wind made it feel much colder. It was a persistent wind, lasting throughout the entire trek. There was lots of dust in the air, and few hikers out enjoying the elements. The only outdoor enthusiasts were those like us--hardcore naturalists.

Dust in the air

Saturday Sunshine

2012-01-21T11:39:00.000-08:00

Sinuous trail

With plenty of sunshine this morning, not a breeze to rustle grass or leaves, and a temperature soaring to 70 Farenheit today, what's not to love about the Chihuahuan Desert here? With these conditions on a weekend morning, it's not surprising that many other outdoor enthusiasts were on the mountain enjoying themselves.

Out of the foothills

On- And Off-Trail

2012-01-20T14:08:00.000-08:00

Bushwhacking Becca

There's nothing wrong with bushwhacking in the desert as long as you're very careful. Getting off of established trails puts you at risk of getting jabbed by any number of sharp things. At least at this time of year those sharp things aren't the fangs of an angry Rattler. Today I had a cactus spike so deeply embedded in my boot I had to remove it with needle-nose pliers.

Finding her way through the desert

A four-inch long rock that looks like a geode

Long view across the desert

Cycle of life: new Barrel Cactus (top) springing from the old

Mission: Find the Lost Glove

2012-01-19T12:00:00.000-08:00

The left glove

Yesterday I managed to lose the right glove from my pair of Outdoor Research underliners. The last I saw the glove it was in the right pocket of my anorak, which I stuffed into my daypack at the end of our hike. The glove was not in the car, nor in the pack, so we set out this morning to retrace our tracks in order to find the missing glove. I put my trusty glovehound, Becca, on the job. But, alas, at the end of our hike today we still hadn't found the missing hand warmer. Guess I'll order another pair. Drat!

Taking the scent

The hunt is on

Becca finds a pair of socks--not a glove

Becca finds a washcloth--not a glove

Another Gorgeous Day

2012-01-18T15:11:00.000-08:00

Tuesday Sunshine

2012-01-17T12:44:00.000-08:00

Not a volcano

The weather was just beautiful this morning as Becca and I trekked along the foothills of Tortugas (Tortoise) Mountain. Not surprisingly, there were a few other hikers and joggers out enjoying the day. It's always nice when the weather, combined with the sheer pleasure of hiking, makes you forget about everything as you meld into the present moment, at one with your immediate surroundings.

Looking for coyotes

The Mesilla Valley and the Potrillo Mountains

Some idiot drove to the middle of nowhere to dump these pallets

Perfect weather (il tempo perfetto)

Rainy Start

2012-01-16T11:38:00.000-08:00

Low-hanging clouds over the Chihuahuan Desert

Becca and I got sprinkled on twice during the morning hike, but it could have been a lot worse. Just look at those threatening skies. Because of the high humidity it felt unseasonably warm out on the trail, and I was a tad overdressed. Becca stuck to her usual fur coat. We ran into Jimmy on the way back to the car and when I told him about my mother's recent death he expressed his condolences. He has an elderly mother in assisted living/hospice care. When we talked about the brutality of old age, I told him of an Italian saying: "La vecchia e bruta." (Old age is ugly.)

Blog star Becca Cardashihound

Clouds vs. blue sky

Road to the mountains

Western flank of Tortugas (Tortoise) Mountain

Clouds descending on the Organ Mountains

Shadow and light

Ominous sky

A bleak-looking landscape

Rainbow over Las Cruces, New Mexico

Sunday Hike

2012-01-15T12:07:00.000-08:00

Still a little snow on top of the Organ Mountains

Becca and I had a good outing around Tortugas Mountain this morning (sans Dr. K, who's in San Francisco. I don't mean to imply we had a good outing because she's in California). The weather was rather dynamic when we started out: clouds, sun and wind. Those are always interesting ingredients for photographic images. The perspective of the very last photo here is skewed because I had to set the camera on the ground, but you get the idea about how tall that Yucca is.

The long view

Guess who spotted two mountain bikers?

Snakelike Soaptree Yucca stalk

Sinewy Soaptree Yucca stalk

A tall Torrey Yucca

Standing beside the Yucca (I'm 5' 11")

Balloon Day

2012-01-14T11:18:00.000-08:00

There was some kind of hot-air balloon rally in the Mesilla Valley this morning, making for some interesting photos. Since it was Saturday, many more hikers were out and about on Tortugas Mountain. We had no direct contact with any of them. Becca is expert at spotting hikers' dogs from a great distance, though, and she saw quite a few in the outback. She usually notices balloons, too, but not this morning. Nose to the grindstone and all that.

Friday Morning Hike

2012-01-13T11:49:00.000-08:00

Behind the mountain

We drove the back way over to Tortugas Mountain this morning because of ongoing construction along Dripping Springs Road. It was a straight shot out Geothermal Drive onto the dirt road leading to the parking lot near the road leading to the top. It took Becca and I ten minutes to get there. We saw Jimmy's Toyota truck out there, but no Jimmy. He was probably atop the mountain by the time we were getting back to the RAV.

Almost no snow left on the Organ Mountains

Leaning into the environment

There's a moon in this photo

Far Side of Tortugas

2012-01-12T13:10:00.000-08:00

We got an earlier start this morning, but the day began with a heavy overcast. It made for some interesting light on the far side of the mountain. We saw one other hiker at a great distance when we were ending our hike. That's the nice thing about going around the mountain from the Monte Vista side--there are even fewer people out there on a weekday morning. Not surprisingly, Becca really enjoyed being in the outback. If I didn't keep telling her "Leave it," she'd smell every bush along the way. Dogs.

Post Fog

2012-01-11T13:48:00.000-08:00

Western slope of Tortugas Mountain

We did a nice hike this morning around Tortugas, and we were able to see where we were going--unlike yesterday when there was ample fog. (Ample fog?) We ran into a guy who we've seen out there fairly often, an elderly gentleman who walks with a limp. He carries two hiking poles to maintain balance. He has an older black Lab. When he made me guess the Lab's age, I said, "Ten." He said, "In two months he'll be fourteen." Nice to see an elderly dog still getting out and about.

Part of the City of the Crosses (NM Farm & Ranch Museum in foreground)

Star of the blog

Celestial beauty above Tortoise Mountain

Still snowy Organ Mountains

Blog star

Fog

2012-01-10T13:20:00.000-08:00

Becca and I hiked in a really dense fog this morning. It was really eerie because several times we thought we saw other hikers, but it was an illusion. Then we did run into the guy with two dogs (one named Missy), who said, "It's really strange hiking out here like this when you can't really see where you're going." Toward the end of our hike the fog began to lift.

Pooping in the fog

The fog begins to lift

After a Big Storm

2012-01-09T14:37:00.000-08:00

Yesterday it rained for hours and hours--into and through the night as well. When Becca and I started out around Tortugas this morning it was still sprinkling, so I didn't take my camera. In the afternoon we took a drive out toward the Organ Mountains to take some photos of the snow. It was a beautiful, dynamic afternoon in the still chilly Chihuahuan Desert.

Holy Hike Day

2012-01-08T13:32:00.000-08:00

Looking west from the loop road around Tortugas

Dr. K, Becca and I did a hike on the loop road near Tortugas (Tortoise) Mountain this morning. Dr. K and I did a lot of reminiscing about my mother, who died recently. There's something comforting about being out in the natural world when you're questioning issues of life and death. The natural world--totally apart from the human-made environment--is proof (to me) that something much greater exists than that which our puny imaginations can envision.

Looking back from the loop road

This Coyote at the waterhole hasn't missed many meals

Low Country Morn

2012-01-07T14:36:00.000-08:00

We started out in the lower Chihuahuan Desert this morning, but had to make a quick trip to the High Desert Research Institute in the Sacramento Mountains. Becca loved it because she got to play with her friends Champ, Hailey and Brownie. Becca and Brownie had an especially fun romp.

Friday Free-For-All

2012-01-06T10:00:00.000-08:00

Western flank of Tortugas Mountain

It felt good to get out and exercise this morning. It felt warmer today because the wind wasn't blowing. We ran into a guy with two dogs who we see fairly frequently in the desert. He said, "It's good to see you." I said, "Nice to see you, too."
It reminded me of the recent hikes I took at Thunderbird Conservation Park in Glendale, where almost every hiker I encountered had a pleasant "Good morning" greeting. Funny how simple phatic communion can often make you feel good.

Sand County Canine

Dry arroyo

Looking east from the same arroyo

Back in the Chihuahuan Desert

2012-01-05T11:23:00.000-08:00

A happy dog

It was nice to get back to the Sonoran Desert (wish it had been under different circumstances)--where Dr. K and I once lived--but it was good to return to the Chihuahuan Desert. Returning from a huge metropolis like Phoenix, where the air quality is bad, made me happy and sad. Happy to be back here where the air is still pretty good. Sad that this place will be ruined by careless human beings who use and abuse theirs as well as others' ecosystems.

Running ahead of the old master

Tortugas and the Organ Mountains

In the Conservation Park

2012-01-03T09:01:00.000-08:00

Early morning, Thunderbird Conservation Park

I did another sunrise hike in Thunderbird Conservation Park this morning. It was nice to get out into nature, even though "nature" here is almost completely surrounded by development. It truly makes me sad to see how humankind has almost totally usurped the environment. At least some people had the good sense to preserve this small section of the Sonoran Desert.

Paloverde trees lining a steep arroyo

A subdivision near the park

Two backpackers preparing for a hike?

Large Paloverde

Loop trail around the mountain

Steep mountain slopes

Baby Saguaro Cacti lining the trail

Young, three-section Saguaro

Early Morning Hike (Glendale AZ)

2012-01-02T08:44:00.000-08:00

The trail up the mountain

I did a sunrise hike at Thunderbird Conservation Park this morning in order to avoid the crowds of people enjoying the early-morning solitude of the Sonoran Desert. There is no solitude, however, because the park is loaded even at first light. It's hard for me to get used to sharing a trail with so many people when I run into so few on my Chihuahuan Desert hikes.

Sunrise from the top of the mountain

Brown thread trail

Hikers on the switchbacks

Teenaged Saguaro

Saguaros in the rocky Sonoran foothills

Brer Coyote

Talking camouflage

Thunderbird Conservation Park

2011-12-31T15:23:00.000-08:00

I'm out in Glendale, Arizona because my elderly mother passed away the day after Christmas. Thunderbird Conservation Park is a place she loved, so I've been fortunate enough to do several short hikes since I've been here. It's a gorgeous natural conservation area, but I am not used to hiking with so many other people and sharing the trail with numerous mountain bikers. Nevertheless, it's good to get out into the Sonoran Desert once again.

Change of Plans

2011-12-26T20:49:00.000-08:00

We tried to do the Osha Trail just outside of Cloudcroft this morning, but the snow was so deep we couldn't even get started. Instead, we did the Grandview Trail for the fourth time during this trip to High Rolls.

Due to unforeseen circumstances, we had to cut our Sacramento Mountains vacation short by a week. I'll be traveling to Phoenix tomorrow, so blog postings will be on a temporary hiatus.

Christmas-Day Hike

2011-12-25T13:45:00.000-08:00

A sea of clouds in the Tularosa Basin

From tracking our footprints it seems that in the three times Dr. K, Becca and I have done the Grandview Trail since the big snow nobody else has hiked there; no-one of the human variety, that is. Plenty of elk, deer, canid and rabbit prints prove that many wild hikers have frequented the environs. We don't mind sharing the trail with the ones who truly belong there.

San Andres Mountains in snow

Becca in snow

Clouds rolling up-canyon

Snow melting in the high country

After the Snow Storm

2011-12-24T11:59:00.000-08:00

Still snowy on the Grandview Trail

We did the Grandview Trail this morning even though it was slightly windy and a lot cold. There were snow flurries coming down, but nothing of substance. In sections of the trail where the snow was still pretty deep hiking was pretty slow going. Nonetheless, we got a good bit of exercise in after not being able to get out on the trails at all yesterday because of horrible conditions.

Clouds rolling in from the Tularosa Basin

Ms. Energy

If only I could go over there with impunity

Hiking in the clouds

Abbreviated Osha Trail Hike

2011-12-22T13:58:00.000-08:00

Frosty at the Osha Trail head

We had to cut our Osha Trail hike a little short because the conditions were poor for hiking. After climbing the initial leg--where other hikers had been already--we quickly ran out of footsteps to follow on the loop trail. We managed to hike in an ATV track for about half an hour, but it was tough sledding. Walking in a narrow track is extremely difficult. There was over a foot of snow in the high country, so we decided against trailblazing in the untrammelled sections. We had a good time, nonetheless.

Dr. K and Becca starting off

Over a foot of snow near Cloudcroft

Snow Dog leading the pack

Is that an American Crow?

Wide stance

ATV track

Down the Osha Trail

On the trail near Cloudcroft, New Mexico

The Sacramento Mountains

Mexican Canyon trestle

Snow is Melting, But . . .

2011-12-21T14:31:00.000-08:00

Plenty of snow left in the high countty

The temperature here in High Rolls was about 40 F. today, and the snow has been melting--making for a sloppy environment. However, things will be changing again by Thursday, when another snow storm is supposed to barrel through.

Dr. K moving ahead on the trail

Crazy for snow

Dr. K takes a break

Peaceful scene (with nutty dog)

High Desert Snow

2011-12-20T14:05:00.000-08:00

Images taken after a heavy snow in the Sacramento Mountains of southern New Mexico's Chihuahuan Desert.

Grandview Trail in Snow

2011-12-20T13:45:00.000-08:00

Here in the Sacramento Mountains of southern New Mexico we had a pretty big 24-hour snow event, lasting from Sunday night into Monday night. This morning, Dr. K, Becca and I were the first hikers out on the Grandview Trail outside of High Rolls. The trail was covered in 6 to 8 inches of the white stuff--the wet heavy kind. It made slow going, but we did the entire trail. It was a veritable winter wonderland.

Elk!

2011-12-19T09:02:00.000-08:00

I had to take these photos of two bull elk on our property through an upstairs window in very low light, so the quality is extremely poor. Another bull was in our fenced front yard when we opened the blinds, and he blithely jumped over the four-foot fence. It was the closest look we'd ever had of one of these awesome creatures, who are huge--compact car on legs.

Before the Snow

2011-12-19T08:51:00.000-08:00

Captured these photos of a young Mule Deer buck and a doe with a distinct white throat on our property here in the Sacramento Mountains yesterday late afternoon before the snow started flying.

Snow Play

2011-12-19T08:50:00.000-08:00

Parka and PJs

We awoke to quite a snowfall this morning. It started off as rain late last night, then changed over to snow. Not sure how much more we're supposed to get, but it's been snowing snowing for hours since we've been up. We probably won't venture out for a hike today. The roads are a bit treacherous.

Brrrr

Snowman/Snowdog

Winter wonderland

There's a Commander in there somewhere

Animal Activity in the High Country

2011-12-18T12:56:00.000-08:00

Two Elk cows cross onto our property

We spotted some Elk on our property this morning, three cows and a young bull. They were pretty antsy when they saw us watching. I couldn't get a good image of the bull because he was obscured by trees. Later, we did a slog on the Rim Trail outside of Cloudcroft, New Mexico. It was still a bit snow and ice covered. We're under a winter storm warning for a doozy coming through tomorrow.

Target butts

The Elk cows spot me snapping their picture

A young Elk bull was with them, but I couldn't get a good photo

Young Mule Deer on the grounds right after the Elk

Still snowy in places on the Rim Trail

The shadows of three hikers (woman, dog, man) on the Rim Trail

Section of the Rim Trail where the snow had melted

Low to High

2011-12-17T12:18:00.000-08:00

Down in the low country

Started out in the low desert this morning, and ended up in the high desert near High Rolls in the afternoon. We're spending the holidays in the Sacramento Mountains. As soon as we got up here we noticed the Wild Turkey prints in the muddy grounds at the High Desert Research Institute.

Wild Turkey prints on the grounds of HiDRI

Feeling grand on the Grandview Trail

High desert vista

Meet Mr. Crow (or is that a Raven?)

Let's go, slowpokes

Creative cairn (hikers in background)

Thursday Trek

2011-12-15T11:29:00.000-08:00

Sunny, but chilly

A stiff wind made it quite chilly on the trail this morning despite a lot of sunshine. However, we weren't the only ones treking on the mountain today. We had an encounter with a woman whose dog was overly-exuberant about making friends--to the point of getting Becca's hackles up. We humans were able to calm things down, though, and we all went on our merry ways afterward.

Mysterious shiny object in the Organs

Becca relaxing after the hike

Day After Day-Off Hike

2011-12-14T13:40:00.000-08:00

U-turn

Yesterday Becca and I got on the trail long enough for her to have a BM before the sky burst open. It rained so hard we had to turn back immediately. Since it rained most of the day we were never able to get a hike in. We did a long one today to make up for yesterday. The weather was rather bizarre; a chilly wind made it feel cold at the same time high humidity made it feel warm.

Wintry weather

The Franklin Mountains near El Paso

Bishop's Cap in the Organ Mountains

Over hill over dale

Monday Meandering

2011-12-12T10:03:00.000-08:00

Even pilgrms have to pee

Yesterday was the annual pilgrimage to the top of Tortugas Mountain for the celebration of La Virgen de Guadalupe. Here's a link to a story about it:

http://www.lcsun-news.com/las_cruces-news/ci_19527176

Becca and I did our own daily pilgrimage in the desert around the mountain.

This pilgrim pees wherever she wants

Ocotillo and Yuccas

Storm sky

22 doves on a wire

13 of the doves

Sierra Vista Trail

2011-12-11T11:34:00.000-08:00

Tortugas Mountain from the Sierra Vista Trail head

The Sierra Vista Trail is a high desert trail that stretches from Soledad Canyon Road east of Las Cruces all the way to the Franklin Mountains near El Paso, Texas. It trends to the south along the upper foothills on the west side of the Organ Mountains. Once you are away from nearby urban areas it is not uncommon to encounter wildlife: mule deer, coyotes, foxes and rabbits. This morning we saw only one other hiker, a man with his two dogs: a German Shorthair Pointer and a Vizsla. Becca and the other canines were very respectful of one another.

The rugged Organ Mountains

The area near Achenbach Canyon from the Sierra Vista Trail

Hiker dog on the trail

High desert and the Organ Mountains

Utility road through the desert

Near the trail head at Soledad Canyon Road

The high Chihuahuan Desert

Saturday on the Trail

2011-12-10T11:39:00.000-08:00

Bobsled trail

A relatively warm Saturday (going up to 47 F. today) brings out the fair-weather hikers. The area around Tortugas was filled with them this morning; and at the Sunset Parking area there appeared to be a Search and Rescue practice going on (although we didn't see any dogs). We're on a warming trend this week. Supposed to get into the 60s by Wednesday and Thursday.

One spot

Barren Ocotillo

Tortugas and the distant Organs

Search and Rescue practice?

Still Cold

2011-12-09T13:29:00.000-08:00

Prairie Dog fashion

The 23 degree F. temperature wouldn't have felt so brutal this morning were it not for the gusty wind; I'd guess that put the wind chill temperature into the mid-teens. Toward the end of the hike, though, the wind let up, and the Beckster and I were able to enjoy the warm sun. Again, we saw no other hikers in the outback.

Peace

The Thaw

2011-12-08T11:44:00.000-08:00

Optical illusion

It was chilly when we got on the trail this morning, but not nearly as cold as it's been the last few days. The sun has already taken care of most of the snow, thankfully melting it into the parched earth. Although it was warmer (25 degress F.), there were no fellow hikers on the trails around Tortugas.

Post Storm Hike

2011-12-07T12:47:00.000-08:00

There was still snow clinging to the desert floor this morning, but much of it had melted away. The mountains are quite frosty, but the sun will take care of that soon. We were the only hearty souls out there this morning, but I imagine more people will get out on the mountain as soon as temperatures heat up. When Becca and I hit the trail it was 16 degrees F.

Weather Paralysis

2011-12-06T13:40:00.000-08:00

Backyard at the hacienda

Because the Chihuahuan is a high desert (most of it above 4,000 feet), it's not unusual to see a snowfall or two during the colder months. But yesterday's snow storm packed a tremendous wallop, temporarily paralyzing the region. The morning temperature in Las Cruces, New Mexico was 5 degrees Farenheit (-15 Celsius). For much of the morning I-10 was closed out of Las Cruces all the way to the state lines of Arizona and Texas. Nevertheless, the trusty companion and I had to get out on the trail. 14 degrees F. when we started.

The Organ Mountains outside of Las Cruces, New Mexico

Low-hanging clouds

Peak peeking out

The 9100-foot Organ Mountains

Snow-covered Yucca

Snow on a Soaptree Yucca

Torrey Yuccas in snow

Snow-covered Tortugas (Tortoise) Mountain

Desert dog?

A beautiful Chihuahuan Desert snow

Prickly Pear Cactus on ice

Snow Day

2011-12-05T17:26:00.000-08:00

It's been snowing since about noon today, threatening to leave quite an accumulation. Naturally, I have to drive down the freeway to El Paso tomorrow morning. Right now, the only road that isn't closed out of Las Cruces is the highway south to Texas.

Tortugas and the Organ Mountains in snow

Snow at the homestead

Moderately Miserable Hike

2011-12-05T10:33:00.000-08:00

Frost on the pumpkin

This wasn't the worst weather we've hiked in by any stretch, but it was pretty miserable out there today: cold air, no sun, and a stiff wind to create a barely bearable wind chill. We shortened the hike because it was just too unpleasant to be out in the elements. We did run into one mountain biker who looked as if he wished he'd never got out of bed this morning.

Good dog, bad weather

Middle section of the Organ Mountains

Road into the storm

The opposite direction

The snowy Organs

More snow to come

Sunday Fun Day

2011-12-04T09:58:00.000-08:00

Snow sky

Dr. K, Becca and I did have fun on the trek this morning, but a stiff wind made it really chilly. It seemed the longer we hiked the colder it got. There's snow in the forecast for tonight and tomorrow, and it wouldn't surprise me if we get a dusting. All the signs for wintry precipitation are there.

Becca on the trail

Wintry scene

Misty skies

The old observatory on Tortugas Mountain

Clouds beginning to obscure the Organ Mountains

Snow-capped Organ Mountains

The new observatory atop Tortugas (Organ Mountains behind)

Brutish Weather

2011-12-03T10:38:00.000-08:00

Ice on the car windshield

We've had some really nasty weather the past few days--gale-force winds on Thursday into Friday morning, steady downpour lasting for hours Friday evening, and then snow overnight. Because Becca and I were dressed properly, we didn't feel too cold on our morning hike. But we have snow in the forecast again for Monday, and a low temperature of 20 degrees Farenheit.

Fog in the Mesilla Valley

Trail runner

Snow on the Organ Mountains

Is that a coyote I see in the distance?

Here comes the sun, little darling

Tortugas and the Organ Mountains

Nasty Weather

2011-12-02T11:19:00.000-08:00

We had horrible winds most of the day yesterday and into the wee hours of the morning today. It was still very windy when Becca and I hit the trail this morning; and the overcast made it feel even colder. We shortened our trek slightly because of the weather. Not surprisingly, we saw nobody else in the outback. Who, besides us, would be crazy enough to be out there?

Changes Coming

2011-12-01T11:21:00.000-08:00

The leading edge of a cold front coming through

Toward the end of our hike this morning the wind really picked up, carrying a hint of the cold front that's coming through our area. This is the same storm that pounded California with 97 mph winds. Snow is in the forecast for Friday and Saturday, a somewhat rare event in this part of the desert. Not so rare for the area around the High Desert Research Institute, where 6 to 10 inches are forecasted.

Brilliant sky over Tortugas

Watchdog

Half-and-half

A seriously deep foothills arroyo

One Photo

2011-11-30T13:17:00.000-08:00

One picture is all I took on our abbreviated morning hike today, and, of course, it has to be of our beloved Becca. There's nothing like hiking with a dog to experience the pure joy of canine-ism. It's not always the environmentally right thing to do, but if you can control your animal then that's a big plus. In wilderness areas and the like, it really is a bad idea to have your dog marking territory in wild animal country. On those occasions we make Becca wear Depends. Kidding!

Austere Beauty

2011-11-29T11:13:00.000-08:00

It takes a special eye to see the beauty in the harsh, barren landscape of the Chihuahuan Desert. But there is a special spirit alive in this place that cannot be denied.

Monday in the Low Country

2011-11-28T11:53:00.000-08:00

Becca on the Mid-Mountain Trail

It was 28 degrees F. when we started off around Tortugas Mountain this morning, back in the low country after a Turkey-Day vacation in the high country. It felt good in the sunshine, but the temperature dropped by ten degrees each time we entered the shadows. The only hiker we saw today was Jimmy, who was on his way down from the mountaintop.

Downright cold in the shadow

High Country Hike

2011-11-27T15:58:00.000-08:00

Animals you might see on the Grandview Trail

We did a morning hike on the Grandview Trail before heading down to the low desert this afternoon. It was 22 degrees F. when we started off--a tad chilly. But the sun was bright, there was no wind, and the exertion warmed us up quickly. It's nice to be back in the lower Chihuahuan Desert, but we're always dreaming of the high country.

Grandview vista

A Robin in late November?

Is migration still a possibility?

Down canyon toward White Sands

A happy hiker on the Grandview Trail

Snowy Rim Trail

2011-11-26T12:48:00.000-08:00

View from the High Desert Research Institute

We had a slight dusting of snow in High Rolls yesterday, so we weren't surprised to find snow on the Rim Trail this morning; that's what happens when the trail elevation is 9,000 feet. We did a good, long hike today because we had to abort yesterday's hike because of sleet and heavy rain. Nothing to do now but kick back and relax before heading to the low desert tomorrow.

Becca loves snow

A slight accumulation

Becca and Packrat

Always forging ahead

Mile Post 1

White Sands National Monument in the distance

Threatening to snow again

Becca and Dr. K

What We Got Caught In

2011-11-25T11:18:00.000-08:00

We had to abort our hike less than midway today because we got caught in a driving rainstorm. Dr. K, Becca and I were completely soaked by the time we got back to Commander. It took us an hour to clean ourselves up here at the High Desert Research Institute. Right now it looks as if the rain is turning to snow. Snow levels down to 7,000 feet will find us right at that lower level.

High Country Thanksgiving

2011-11-24T12:02:00.000-08:00

The rolling mountains near High Rolls, New Mexico

Dr. K, Becca, George and I are thankful for the yet-untrammeled natural areas we are fortunate enough to visit.

Becca and Dr. K

Little-Leaf Sumac

Dr. K on the gazebo

Becca, Dr K and Packrat along the Grandview Trail

A happy duo

Becca at work

White Sands Natonal Monument from the Grandview Trail

At the trail head

Low Country Morning

2011-11-23T11:48:00.000-08:00

We started out in the low country yesterday morning, and ended up in the high country by lunchtime.

Meet Mr. Trickster

2011-11-22T12:29:00.000-08:00

Smoke from a fire near Mesquite, New Mexico

We had an encounter with a Coyote in the Tortugas Mountain foothills this morning--commonly referred to as "the Trickster" in many Native American myths because of its uncanny intelligence. We were about fifty yards away from this one when Becca spotted him. Of course, the Coyote had spotted us already. At that distance he was totally unperturbed by our presence, walking away at a slow, steady pace.

Mr. Coyote could use a good brushing

The Trickster saunters away after seeing us

One guess what Becca's looking at

Something Rainy This Way Comes

2011-11-21T11:27:00.000-08:00

The old observatory atop Tortugas Mountain

It was primarily sunny when we hit the trail this morning, but things soon clouded up. We could literally feel the humidity rise as a cold front blew in a mass of moist air. By the time we got home it had begun to rain. It's rained on and off ever since. We never complain about getting rain in the desert, although the floods of 2006 were a skosh too much.

Leader of the pack

Dark skies on the western horizon

Changing cloud pattern above Tortugas

Dark skies over a desert oasis

Bar Canyon Trail

2011-11-20T11:58:00.000-08:00

Soledad Canyon

Soledad Canyon is a twenty-minute drive from our place; it's often a very popular weekend hike. We were fortunate that only a few cars occupied the parking lot when we arrived, and we only encountered two other hikers: a woman with two well-trained dogs, and a man who was birdwatching. The weather was outstanding for a late-November morning, and we had to take our windbreakers off after a short stint on the trail. Becca, of course, took nothing off.

Counter-clockwise on the loop trail

Back toward Las Cruces. Tortugas Mountain near the horizon line

Section of the loop trail

I call it Casita Grande (after Big Bend's Casa Grande)

The old rock house homestead in Soledad Canyon

Another view of Casita Grande

Adrift in a sea of grass

Sotol (aka Desert Spoon) in the foreground

Move it, people!

Ancient windmill

Trusty Commander waits patiently

Striding Out on Saturday

2011-11-19T09:46:00.000-08:00

Tortugas and the Organs

There were lots of people out this morning because the day was beautiful. We ran into a few joggers and two mountain bikers. Who can blame folks for wanting to be outside? I just wish they were outside on the other side of the mountain.

In the arroyo bottom

The huntress

On the lookout

Trail through the Chihuahuan Desert

At Week's End

2011-11-18T10:19:00.000-08:00

Starting down the mountain

A beautiful Friday morning in the Chihuahuan Desert. It was a bit chilly with a stiff wind, but the wind had died before our hike was done. We're headed for 70 degrees F. today--not bad for November 18th. We saw a few New Mexico State employees who were driving to the top of Tortugas Mountain, but nobody else was out and about.

Sun and Yuccas

What's this?

Ocotillo jail

Resting in Ocotillo shade

Vacant Outback

2011-11-17T09:53:00.000-08:00

Power to the mountain

There wasn't a soul in the outback while we were there this morning. That kind of solitude is great for reflection. Becca spends most of the time pondering the complexities of life.

Western face of Tortugas

Try to keep up, will you?

Vigilance

One trail up the mountain

Short Hike

2011-11-16T13:11:00.000-08:00

A rocky break

Because of various chores/tasks Packrat had to do this morning, the Beckster and I took a short hike. Wish it could have been longer because the weather was absolutely beautiful. It was actually a tad warm, as the photo of Becca taking a shade break will attest.

Let's Talk Becca

2011-11-15T11:41:00.000-08:00

When we adopted Becca from the animal shelter four years ago we were told she was a Border Collie/Australian Cattle Dog mix. The American Kennel Club describes the Border Collie as "the workaholic of the dog world." TerrificPets.com says of the Australian Cattle Dog (aka Queensland Heeler): "This breed was developed in the 1800's in Australia because stockmen needed a dog with the stamina to handle the harsh conditions in their country." One of the dogs used in the original breeding of the Australian Cattle Dog was the Dingo.

The word "stamina" doesn't begin to describe Becca's endurance level; she can do an extra-long hike in the morning and do another in the afternoon, then run up and down the arroyo beside our house without tiring. She is also very sturdy--a desirable quality to have in a desert dog.

Border Collie image from bcrescue.org

Australian Cattle Dog image from TerrificPets.com

Dark Start in the Desert

2011-11-14T10:05:00.000-08:00

Clouds loom over the Tortugas Mountain foothills

It rained last night and into the morning, but when Becca and I got started on the trail the precipitation had subsided. Because of high humidity, it didn't feel at all chilly. It's rare to see such a cloudy day here in the sunny Chihuahuan Desert, but it's a welcome relief. And we always need the rain.

I wish I was a pointer

Heavy cloud cover over the mountains

Cloud-shrouded Organ Mountains

Glimmer of light

Things are brightening up

Downright sunny

The Church of Nature

2011-11-13T10:26:00.000-08:00

Tortugas loop road

Dr. K, Becca and I were worshipping in the Church of Nature this morning, thankful that we ran into no other members of the flock. (By that I mean "birds"). Oh, we saw several mountain bikers in the distance; Becca spotted them a mile away. And we briefly crossed paths with Jorge, the most dedicated biker out there. But it was a quiet Sunday in the Chihuahuan Desert. Just how we like it.

Heavy overcast over the Organs

C? Research area off the Crosscut Trail

Tortugas and the Organs

Looking to the right

Looking to the left

Could be a painting of mythical proportions

Fall scene in the Chihuahuan Desert

Another Overcast Day

2011-11-12T11:17:00.000-08:00

Purple Prickly Pear Cactus

The overcast kept the temperature up this morning; and the atmosphere felt oddly humid, though rain is not in the forecast. We came upon a troubling scene west of Tortugas Mountain this morning. Somebody (or bodies) used a sharp machete or sword to cleanly sever the wands of four or five different Ocotillos. I've never understood this kind of wanton destruction for destruction's sake.

Always scouting the territory

Unfathomable act of vandalsim

Ocotillo wands hacked off with a machete?

Bishop's Cap

Thirteen Ways of Looking at a Coyote

2011-11-11T11:54:00.000-08:00

Well, eleven ways, really, but I was paying tribute to the great Wallace Stevens. At any rate, this handsome Coyote was roaming around our Chihuahuan Desert property around noon (rather late for a Trickster to be out and about). He was after a drink from the waterhole, and any other tasty tidbit of wildlife he could get his teeth into.

End of the Week Hike

2011-11-11T11:45:00.000-08:00

Heading down the foothills trail

A dense overcast acted as a blanket to keep temperatures from dropping too low overnight, but it was still 30 degress Farenheit when we started off this morning. Except for Jimmy, who we saw near the end of our hike, nobody else was out braving the elements. The fauna wasn't out in abundance, either. Other than the omnipresent birds, we saw no other animals.

Closeup of an Ocotillo wand

Overcast sky

Between here and the Organ Mountains

Becca at work

Back up to the foothills

All Dog

2011-11-10T09:50:00.000-08:00

We ran into not a soul on our morning walkabout in the outback this morning. That's an aboriginal thought.

Hurrah for Hump Day

2011-11-09T13:59:00.000-08:00

Short post for a short hike. Had to cut it short in order to shop for supplies for the Chihuahuan Observation Center. Becca is the fortunate one in this situation; she gets to stay home while I fight the mob at the store.

Chilly Start

2011-11-08T11:55:00.000-08:00

Yuccas in the Tortugas Mountain foothills

The thermometer read 32 degrees Farenheit when we set off this morning, but halfway into the hike I was able to remove my gloves. Plenty of sunshine and little wind always makes it feel warmer than it actually is in the desert. We saw a few ardent hikers out there, but we had no direct encounters. All in all a beautiful day in the Chihuahuan Desert.

Winning profile

Tortugas (left) and the Organ Mountains

The rolling desert

Fall in the Desert

2011-11-07T11:38:00.000-08:00

Devil's Head, aka Horse Crippler (Echinocactus horizonthalonius)

It didn't feel like a Fall day this morning out on the trail; because of abundant sunshine, it was actually kind of warm. Things look to be changing, though, as another cold front is blowing in this afternoon. Nighttime temperatures will be in the low 30s the rest of the week. Not surprisingly the trails were uncrowded early today. We only encountered one other person, a woman jogger who was running at a snail's pace.

A large mass of Strawberry Pitaya Cactus

Are we being followed?

Lonely road

Not a crop circle, but a bike circle

Sunday Morning

2011-11-06T11:40:00.000-08:00

On the trail around Tortugas

It was remarkably clear today despite the dust in the air all day yesterday. And even though it was 36 degrees Farenheit when Dr. K, Becca and I started out, the abundant sunshine kept us very warm. We only encountered one mountain biker and two hikers with dogs during our extended hike around Tortugas, but when we got back to the Sunset Parking Area, the place was packed. Search and Rescue members were out training their dogs.

Hikers and dogs on Tortugas Mountain Trail

Becca and Packrat

The lovely Dr. K

Mr. Coyote scopes us out

The Organ Mountains

Saturday WInd

2011-11-05T11:34:00.000-07:00

Old-timer Yucca

The wind was really bad this morning, making for a disappointing hike. On the way back we saw a huge cloud of sand blow across I-25--visibility 0%. I was glad we weren't on the highway. The wind has been howling all day, dirtying up the atmosphere big time. This is a good day to stay indoors.

Waiting patiently

Clouds coming in over the mountain

The new Centennial High School

Friday Fun

2011-11-04T11:54:00.000-07:00

All 51.7 lbs of her

It was cold this morning, but not as cold as yesterday. We're supposed to reach the mid-70s today, but another cold front blows in tomorrow. The last one left the air rather dusty, as can be seen in two of these photos.

Becca had a trip to the vet yesterday afternoon. She got her three-year rabbies booster and had a wellness exam. She's dropped a few more pounds, and is down to a maintenance weight of 51.7 pounds. Her massive chest comes from her Queensland Heeler pedigree, not from Dolly Parton genes.

Hazy day

Result of the wind

Thursday Walkabout

2011-11-03T11:04:00.000-07:00

28 degrees Farenheit when we hit the trail this morning. Even though I wore light gloves I kept my hands in my pockets most of the time. That's why I took so few pictures. Had to get the daily shot of Becca staring intently into the distance, though.

We ran into the woman who jogs with her two dogs, the male a black-and-white version of Becca. Today they chased each other around in the desert until I called the Beckster off.

Three-Canid Day

2011-11-01T10:06:00.000-07:00

A vine's reproductive strategy

We spotted three canids in the desert this morning, a coyote and two stray dogs. One of the dogs was white and furry. They were out there alone. I whistled at them twice, but they ran. I've rescued several dogs before--one, a young Rottweiler, from the Aguirre Springs National Recreation Area in the Organ Mountains. After I pulled cactus spikes from his legs, I took him to the Animal Shelter and paid the $35 adoption fee. The other dog had a phone number on its collar, and I was able to reunite it with its owner.

Happy Soaptree Yuccas in a large arroyo

Blown to smithereens

On the lookout