Back in the Lower Desert

1st 3:  weather conditions this morning

It was completely overcast during our trek this morning, but at 56F with slightly high humidity it didn't feel cold.

We did our usual route, seeing nobody while we were out there.  After the excursion we drove over to our local Circle K to gas up the CR-V, and then we did a semi-long drive while listening to Matt Jones and Myron Medcalf on the Sunday Morning show.

Lil' Wils

Headed down LDR-A arroyo

Pack rats have nearly pulverized that Prickly Pear

Swainsy is back (Swainson's Hawk)

Hedgehog buds popping

This & next:  Dr. K, Willow and Claret Cup Cactus

Last 2:  Claret Cup Cactus

 

Down From the High Country

This & next:  Western Scrub Jay

We did a hike in the forest behind the cabin before packing up for a return to the lower desert.

Prior to leaving I had to do a few things around the pumphouse, and while Dr. K, Willow and I were out there "the boys" from next door showed up to say hello.

We had a very nice visit to our place in the Sacramentos this time, and we're looking forward to get back up there soon.

Moon

This & next:  view from our property

Willow staring down our drive

Forest behind our cabin

Where I want to put the guest quarters

Willow hoping to see "the boys"

On a hike behind the cabin

I didn't do it

Lace-spine pincushion?

Hedgehog with buds at 7,000 feet

White Sands in the distance

Living at altitude

White Sands National Park in the distance

A large Hedgehog Cactus

This & next:  same vista bushwhacking in the forest

Crow

Willow on our property waiting for us to catch up

 

Bridal Veil Falls Trail

In the forest behind the cabin

Dr. K, Willow and I did a long hike on the Bridal Veil Falls Trail this morning, adding on a section of the Calico Peak Road Trail for good measure.

When we were headed back we bumped into a hiker from Montana who stopped to talk for us a bit before resuming his trek.

When we got back to the cabin the boys from Fabian's place came over to say hello to Willow; she didn't seem quite as excited to see them today as she was yesterday.  I spent more time interacting with them after Dr. K went inside with Willow than Willow did.  Coop and Cowboy we know from before, but Blackie is a new acquaintance;  I need to discover his real name.

View from the Bridal Veil Falls Trail

The trail

Vista from the trail

White Sands NP from the trail

The grotto

Tree

This & next:  elk bull losing his winter coat

This & next:  heading down the trail

The gorge

This & next 2:  Willow heading up the Calico Peak Trail

From altitude

A bit of blue

Blackie loves Willow

The boys from next door

Coop in the lead, Blackie and Cowboy near the CR-V

I don't know Blackie's real name.  Socks?

Coop