Desert Rain

Weather conditions at start

Dr. K, Becca and I started our hike a little later this morning in hopes that the rain would stop before we started out.  It didn't.  As a result we got sprinkled on for much of the first part of the trek; fortunately the precipitation let up by the time we headed back to Whitey.  We saw not a soul during our outing on the Sierra Vista Trail (south), and Whitey was the only vehicle in the parking lot when we got back.  Usually we see (or encounter) a few other outdoor enthusiasts on a Sunday morning, but because the local university isn't back in session yet and the weather conditions were somewhat adverse we concluded that only fools and intrepid hiking dogs gladly suffer the discomfort.

Light rain and a little haze

Some snow in the higher elevations

Becca at work

A look up Achenbach Canyon

Looking back at Soledad Rocks and the Organ Mountains

Heading south, looking west

Potrillo Mountains

Bishop Cap dead ahead

Wider view of the Organs and Bishop Cap

Potrillos #2

Dr. K and Becca

Little Barrel Cactus right next to the trail

Looking down on a larger Barrel Cactus

Becca, me and a Barrel Cactus nearly 3 feet tall

Buggy whips (aka "Ocotillo")

Talavera and Tortugas Mountain

Happy hiking even in a light rain

Mountain arroyo

Becca in the high country

Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument (#1)

OMDPNM #2