Floral Fest

Desert Marigold flowers

Willow and I did a hybrid hike this morning:  part regular trail, lots of bushwhacking.  The weather was variable; cloudy at first, sunny later, and then overcast with strong wind.  We were way out in an arroyo discovering newly blossoming plants when we heard the clattering of hooves nearby.  I thought it was a deer, but we saw no culprit even after we climbed a hill and surveyed the distance to the southeast where the critter probably fled.  Wils and I had a good time out there today; even though she was off-lead for a good portion of the trek she was very well behaved, listening to my every command and obeying immediately.  I was very pleased with her behavior.

Near the Tellbrook Arroyo

Heading up a side arroyo

Taking a break

Heading up a hill east toward the mountains

Desert Zinnia

Hedgehog

Prickly Pear budding

Claret Cups

This & next:  arroyo Willow and I explored

 

This & next 2:  Strawberry Pitaya

Willow hears clattering hooves

Prickly Pear

Prickly Pear with much potential

Another Prickly Pear flowering

Claret Cup Hedgehog Cactus

Skeletonweed and Range Ratany

Nerisyrenia camporum

Strawberry Pitaya