A Hot Wind

Dwarf Chin Cactus (Gymnocalycium baldianum), an Argentine native

Although it was cooler this morning it felt hotter on the trail for some reason.  I'm guessing the humidity might have been a little higher than the previous two days.  We're supposed to hit the mid-90s today, and then it's supposed to cool down a bit.  The tradeoff, however, is the return of the awful desert wind which is supposed to fill our air with blowing dust and sand later this afternoon.  Becca and I did a hike of approximately 80 minutes this morning, and it was pretty successful--photographically speaking.

Ms. Becca sunbathing

A quaff

American Kestrel

American Kestrel

American Kestrel

American Kestrel butt

The same American Kestrel in a different location

The same American Kestrel (Falco sparverius)

One trail to the mountaintop

West side of Tortugas Mountain

West side of Tortugas Mountain

Becca hurrying to a morning business appointment

A watchful eye

Just another plant growing here

♫ Sunshine through my ears makes me happy ♫

Junction

From a distance:  first Soaptree Yucca I've seen blooming

West of Tortugas

A little closer up

Interesting clouds

Becca on break

On break, but still alert

Clouds over Tortugas

Second Soaptree Yucca I've seen blooming

Closer look at the flowers

Soaptree Yucca

Same Soaptree Yucca

Loggerhead Shrike (Lanius ludovicianus)

Loggerhead Shrike noticing Becca

Loggerhead Shrike