No Moon Today

This and the next 3:  small (2 1/2') Gopher Snake

Although there was a slight breeze when Dr. K, Willow, Frio and I started off this morning it soon abated; and conditions immediately felt hot.  Didn't get any better during the duration of our trek, which was down LDR-A to LDR and up the latter all the way to the Second Arroyo.  We popped in there for a shade and water break, a few photos and an exit back to LDR.

Two people were coming up behind us on the outbound leg, but they never caught up nor passed while we were in the arroyo; they must have decided to turn back before they reached the entrance to Second Arroyo.

The only interesting encounter we had was with a small Gopher Snake that decided not to move out of our way as we approached.  I took a few photos before we all had to go around it.  The GS seemed entirely unperturbed by our presence.

Sun through Ocotillo

This and the next 2:  Allthorn budding out

Frio and Willow

Prickly Pearette

This and the next:  still smoky in our desert

An expanse of Chihuahuan Desert

Desert Marigold

Crooked stalk

Dr. K and the Heelers

Dead Tree in Second Arroyo

House Finches

This and the next:  Stingleaf

This and the next:  Golden Crownbeard (Verbesina encelioides)