Warm in the Forest

Very early cloud

This is the second morning that felt kind of hot in the forest; an occasional breeze cooled things down a bit, but the air circulation was scant.  We followed a regular route up to the top of the mountain behind the cabin and then began a gradual descent heading in a counter clockwise direction.  No critter encounters today so no photos of forest inhabitants.  After the trek Dr. K and drove down to Lowe's Signature Market in Alamogordo to pick up some supplies.

Sun breaking over the mountains

Back 40

Three-leaf Sumac

Climbing through here

Dead tree

At the top

This & next:  Golden Crownbeard

Forest internet

 

Ear worm prompt

In the back

Taking a break post hike

Forest Exploration

Lincoln National Forest

Because a small herd of mule deer was stopped along our upper driveway browsing we reversed course and left through the back 40 for the morning trek.  We did a nice extended hike in a clockwise loop, climbing the mountain behind the cabin, returning to the junction at our road.  By then there was no sign of the deer. 

Willow, sit

Sunflower

Hello there

One of several mule deer does

Jay

Mule deer head, another's butt

Heading up

Karr Canyon

White Sands National Park from 7,000 feet

 

Looking eastward toward La Luz

Over the Tularosa Basin

Willow post hike

Headed down our drive

In the Forest

Cotton ball clouds

We got a little rain here in the mountains last night, but not enough to dampen our spirits for a morning hike in the forest behind the cabin.  We went straight up to the crest of the steep incline, roamed around a bit up there, and then came straight down the steep decline.  The weather was perfect:  57F, sunshine, slight breeze.  Dr. K, Willow and I enjoyed the trek immensely.

Our road

This & next:  Willow (common pose)

Sacramento Mountains

This & next:  slightly different sky perspectives

Golden Crownbeard

Area around Karr Canyon

Willow relaxing on our road

 

Low to High Trip

1st 2:  Willow and I were getting sprinkled on

Willow and I did a hike in the rain this morning, though the precip was only sprinkles.  After the trek we all got ready to head to the high country where we are now.

This & next:  Organs from Baylor Canyon Road

Haynes Canyon

Tongue girl

Mountain home

Sacramentos

Flores amarillas 

Mock vervain

 

Last 2:  trees and clouds

Thursday's True Colors

Desert/mountains

Not hot, but very humid when Dr. K, Willow and I did the morning hike.  We followed our regular route not seeing anyone else out and about.  The atmospheric stuffiness was almost stifling due to lack of air circulation, but as we headed up the right branch arroyo before finishing the trek a nice breeze brought our discomfort level down a skosh.

LDR-A

This & next:  desert/mountains again

Sky over Tortugas and the Organs

Willow near the ancient Soaptree Yucca

Ancient Soaptree Yucca in the left branch arroyo