Cold Till the End

First 2:  clouds and the Organ Mountains

29F when we hit the trail this morning; and even though it warmed up to 37F by the end, conditions felt cold throughout the entire trek.  I didn't remove my gloves and ear band until we were ready to climb the steep hill to exit Right Branch Arroyo.

Frio and Willow didn't mind the weather at all, and even though they were energized by the cold they were very well behaved today; in fact I'd call their canine behavior "excellent."  This is a trend I'd like to keep up.

There were a few outdoor enthusiasts whose vehicles were parked in the corner lot at Tellbrook and Sonoma Ranch, but we didn't run into anybody during our outing.  We did see a lot of birds up near the source of Right Branch Arroyo, and I even took a few photos of them.  Good hike this morning.

Soaptree and the Organs

Looking south up LDR-A

Frio and Willow on LDR-A

Clouds over the mountains

This & next 2:  Organ Mountains

Torrey Yucca in Middle Branch Arroyo

Triple Barrel Cactus

One type of Prickly Pear

A different type of Prickly Pear

Banana Yucca

Soaptree Yuccas

Willow and Frio on break in Right Branch Arroyo

Artsy Black-throated Sparrow

The same Black-throated Sparrow