On the Grand View Trail

Long view across the Tularosa Basin

Dr. K, Becca and I got an early start for a 90-minute trek on the Grand View Trail just outside of High Rolls, New Mexico.  Friday morning--the start of the long Memorial Day weekend--and we ran into absolutely nobody.  It was a bit toasty in the high desert, and we're headed for a high of 82F.  In anticipation of warmer days Dr. K and I took the tarp off the air conditioner and got it ready for operation; we may test it later this afternoon.  For two days in a row now Becca's buddies Champ and Cowboy have shown up for a play date.  They're a couple of wonderful dogs who live with our nearest neighbors.

Grand View Trail

Unripened fruit of Mexican Barberry (Mahonia haematocarpa)

Snake skin left behind for others to view

White Sands

Black-headed Grosbeak (Pheucticus melanocephalus)

Black-headed Grosbeak

Soaptree Yucca

Turkey Vulture

Lousy shot of some type of flycatcher

The Happy Hiker

Sign on the Grand View

Becca and Dr. K at the halfway ramada

High desert

View of White Sands from the ramada

Me and Becca McGee

We've bushwhacked through there before

Sotols

Cactus in rock

The Commander awaits