Moments in Dirt and Ink

Las Cruces District BLM (map link) I meant to park at Rainbow Wash, but instead found my backup parking at a road beside a benchmark. It was tempting to leave Lightning Dock Mountain to the end of the hike when there was actually a chance of some lightning. Poetic. Exciting. It seemed more sensible to go up it first, since it was likely to be dark by the time I got to it at the end. I walked a few steps along the road then turned cross country to the lumpy peak that looked so delightful on my way to (North) Pyramid Peak . The light this day wasn't giving it quite so nice a showing. I encountered the first range fence of the day almost immediately. I ducked under it at a wash, let a couple steer run off in unnecessary fear, and strode on. The little used road of my start with Lightning Dock Mountain a short way off. South Pyramid Peak might be the point on the right. Cotton City for a bit of civilization. There was a laundromat once. The ocotillo haven't leaved ou...

Las Cruces District BLM (map link) I arrived back at the Continental Divide Trail kiosk along NM-9, this time directing my attention to the south of the highway. Multiple people were moving around and it looked like someone was resupplying the water in the cache box. I passed three hikers before I'd even felt properly on the trail, which weaves a little with a dirt road before heading south. It was fairly distinct for a lot of the way. A kiosk on the other side of the fence marks the spot where the CDT crosses NM-9. The tiny, but eye catching plains flax was the first flower of the day. The feathered dalea presented likely the most flowers overall. I passed a few more people as I crossed the not-quite-flat flats. There's actually a small hill down and then I gradually found myself to be in washes of varying frequency of water occupation. The trail traverses a few ditches before dropping into the wash-like area. Turquoise Mountain is part of the short stuff...