The mood is festive rather than somberly religious and all ages are present, including many teenagers who cluster together, banter, and ogle the opposite sex with, I fear, other than virginal thoughts on their mind. The summit of Tortugas Peak encompasses 1-2 acres. It's rocky with many low shrubs, lots of creosote bush and prickly pear, and a few tall yuccas. Between the observatory domes stand two altars with statues of la Virgen. Many people have brought candles to place before the statues, but the wind blows most of them out.
Some people kneel, cross themselves, pray with bowed heads.
A few weep. As a witness, I can only imagine the tragedies that compel this climb and draw these tears. It feels intrusive to watch, so I move away. I note what a Gringo I am. Most of the people around me are heating burritos, wrapped in foil, over their small fires.