A Different Route

Route just north of the Tellbrook Arroyo

Dr. K, Willow and I headed down LDR-A arroyo this morning, pretty much planning to do our regular hike; but when we started toward the Organ Mountains on the east/west cross trail, we decided to ford the Tellbrook Arroyo and head north across the desert.

We explored side arroyos, climbed a hill for a good view of the Organs to the east and then continued toward the northwest before turning around.  We considered trekking all the way to First Arroyo, but decided against it.

The weather was beautiful for the daily trek:  sun shining through a cloudless sky, no wind.  It made for a very pleasant outing.

Willow on early break

Organ Mountains

Tortugas and the Organs

Willow leading the way again

Heading northwest

Hedgehog Cactus

Yuccas from here to the ridge

This & next:  Soaptree Yucca, Torrey Yuccas and ocotillos

Torrey Yucca and ocotillos

A large Soaptree Yucca

How many barrel cacti?

Soaptree Yucca and the long view

 

Second Trek

Hikers and hounds west of the Organ Mountains

34F when we started our hike on this second day of the new year; fortunately there was no wind to further chill the air.

Dr. K, Willow and I did the usual trek, spotting the Basset people and their hounds on the ridge far east of us while we descended LDR-A; there was little chance of encountering them, so we didn't hurry along the east/west cross trail before heading up the left branch arroyo.

We also saw Two-White-Dogs-Lady on LDR far to the north, but she was bushwhacking westward through the desert and we soon lost sight of her.

Those were the only other outdoor enthusiasts we noticed enjoying the early morning chill.

A bit of the western flank of Tortugas Mountain

Wils taking a break already

Barrel cactus and Tortugas Mountain

Same barrel cactus

Soaptree Yucca and the mountains

Willow leading the way

Soaptree Yuccas southwest of Tortugas Mountain

Looking northward from the right branch arroyo

Distant view of Tortugas and the Organs

 

First Hike 2025

Picacho and environs

Dr. K, Willow and I did the first hike of the new year this morning.  Just as we got started we spotted the Basset people and their hounds heading down LDR.  We also saw Two-White-Dogs-Lady just north of the Tellbrook Arroyo.

The temperature was just below 40F when we headed out, but a cold wind made conditions feel much worse; we shortened the trek a bit because of it.

Dr. K went shopping at Target after we got home.

This & next:  barrel cactus and the mountains

Willow beside an ancient Soaptree Yucca

Barrel cactus

Willow and barrel

Contrail casting a shadow

Willow in repose