SWFeral Loc: SWNM

I have been making trips to Las Cruces, two hours to the southeast of where I live, to have various damaged veins in my legs treated (killed off). I dreaded having to lie around in a hotel and so was thrilled to learn that the post-procedure instructions included walking for fifteen minutes every hour. For this last round of treatments my sister from Houston decided to join me (she paid for a much nicer hotel than I would have) and so of course we needed to do some sightseeing, and I needed nicer places to walk than the parking lots I'd been frequenting.

We visited both sides of the knife-edged range known as the Organ Mountains east of Las Cruces, and to my infinite delight the area had just received a rare snow. This was likely a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for me. These mountains are more well known for their warmth, jutting up from the desert as they do, than any resemblance to the Alps; in fact one trailhead features a sign reminding hikers that people routinely die doing stupid things out there, and also to leave rattlesnakes alone because that is their home.

On this particular day, one would be more in danger of dying from hypothermia than heat or dehydration (if they weren't talked to death by my sis first). We visited both sides of the range and I found a place to camp during my next stay--no more parking lots for me! I hope you enjoy these rare views of a truly striking mountain range. Please forgive the redundancy, and the somewhat iffy focus. My camera is getting old.

Oh, and for those of you who know my photography and are shocked to see a human figure in the last image, that's my sister. She was not interested in joining me for my hourly walks, plus she's from Houston and not used to elevation of any sort.

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luvmypets Loc: Born & raised Texan living in Fayetteville NC

Very nice!! I really like #1, #7 and #8!! (A little reminder of home!)

Dodie

rwm283main Loc: Terryville, CT

Very nice photos. Exceptionally sharp.
Keep walking!

UTMike Loc: South Jordan, UT

Excellent set!

SWFeral Loc: SWNM

Not all that far from where you once lived. If I lived in Las Cruces I'd be out there all the time. Thanks for looking.

SWFeral Loc: SWNM

Oh, don't worry. If anything I am walking too much after those treatments. I'm glad you liked this set.

SWFeral Loc: SWNM

Isn't that a great area? It's beautiful enough without the snow, but this was beyond.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

Great set!

Sinewsworn Loc: Port Orchard, WA

Great set! Stationed at Holloman in the late 1970s. Thanx for sharing.

SWFeral Loc: SWNM

Hard to go wrong in this case (though I did--I lost my polarizing filter). Thank you for looking.

SWFeral Loc: SWNM

So you are quite familiar with the area, probably way more than I am. I'm glad you liked them.

NMGal Loc: NE NM

Very nice set. Really rugged country.

rlv567 Loc: Baguio City, Philippines

Very nice! I like number 1, but number 8 really is special!!!

Loren - in Beautiful Baguio City

SWFeral Loc: SWNM

It is indeed, and under different circumstances I'd like to do more hiking in those mountains, being mindful of rattlesnakes and of doing stupid things. If I do, you'll see my photos here.

Cany143 Loc: SE Utah

Most excellent, Feral. All of 'em.