A Long Slog

Barrel Cactus

Again the Heelers and I ended up doing more bushwhacking than originally planned, but they never really seem to mind.  We saw some interesting sights this morning, many in the arroyo west of Tortugas Mountain which I hadn't explored since Becca died.  Frio and Willow were enchanted by the place.

Our explorations took us even further north than we've gone before, making for a much longer trek back on the long dirt road.  It's that sandy section of the route that makes trekking back to the CR-V a slog, and the rapidly rising temperature didn't help.  All three of us intrepid explorers were happy to climb into our waiting vehicle for the short ride home.

This and the next:  Desert Zinnia

This and the next:  expectant Prickly Pear Cactus

The greening Chihuahuan Desert

All reds:  Claret Cup Cacti

Expecting

This and the next:  Scott's Oriole

This and the next:  Frio and Willow

Ocotillo buds

Soaptree Yucca, Tortugas Mountain and the Organs

Blooming Torrey Yucca

Bend in the road

Thought there were 4 yucca flower stalks until I examined the photo at home

How many Claret Cup Cacti do you see?

Heelers in an arroyo

Torrey Yucca flowers

Scene from an arroyo

Yellow Evening Primrose

Turning point

Trident

Another blooming Torrey Yucca

Potrillo Mountains

Arroyo west of the mountain

Resting after a water break

Interesting pillow, Frio