A Hint of Fall

A very happy hiker

Franklin Mountains near El Paso in the distant background

The breeze this morning had the very slightest tinge of autumn in it, and yellow leaves on the Ocotillos signal a change of season.  The penultimate image here, which I've labeled "Dirt circle," is the impression left by a rattlesnake who had curled up to sleep.  At least that's my theory.  What argues against my theory, though, is the lack of clear tracks to indicate the snake's progression to and away from the circle.  None of the experts I've asked so far have been able to give me a definitive explanation for the phenomenon.

Surprisingly late-blooming Ocotillo (many leaves are already yellow)

A sandy arroyo

Tortugas Mountain behind the Ocotillos

Water in the Chihuahuan Desert

Wind power

Dirt circle:  impression of rattlesnake?

Clear day in the desert