Extra Hot

First 4:  Prickly Pear blossoms

I'm not sure why it felt particularly hot when we set off on our morning trek today, but the sun hammered down on us while we trudged up LDR to Second Arroyo.  There we found a shady spot to rest and drink water before heading back.

We saw very few desert denizens out and about this morning, perhaps because of the unpleasant conditions.  Frio and Willow weren't all that happy about being out in the blazing sun, and Willow took every opportunity to lie in the shade even if those shadowy spots were only ten feet apart.

It was quite a relief when we crested LDR into the upper flatland, piled into our CR-V and turned the air conditioning on almost full blast for the ride home.

Long-discarded propane cannister

This and the next:  Frio and Willow

This & the next:  Soaptree Yuccas in Second Arroyo

Mesquite and the mountains

Last 2:  Desert Willow

 

Another Midweek Meander

Heading down LDR-A

43% (?) chance of rain by 7 a.m. today, but the intrepid trekkers (Willow and Frio) and I got not even a sprinkle as we hiked up to First Arroyo and back.  Saw a few criters out there, but no people or dogs.

It did feel a tad bit humid in the desert this morning, but a slight breeze ameliorated the heat.  Our discomfort level wasn't too high by the time we got back to the upper flatland.

Several vehicles were parked at the Tellbrook/Sonoma Ranch corner lot, but we didn't see any of the occupants as we were leaving.

Distant view of Picacho

Silly little Soaptree Yucca

Mesquite

One of my favorite Soaptrees outside of First Arroyo

This and the next 4:  Willow and Frio

This and the next:  inside First Arroyo

Favorite deadwood in First Arroyo

Base of a Soaptree Yucca

First Arroyo otra vez

Last 2:  Prickly Pear blossom

 

Cooler Trek Today

This & the next:  Yellow Bird of Paradise

Up to Second Arroyo and back for Willow, Frio and me on this cooler Tuesday morning.  Other than a few birds we saw no other critters in our section of the northern Chihuahuan Desert today.

Caesalpinia gilliesii comes from Argentina & Uruguay

Willow and Frio taking a break on the road

This & the next 2: Frio and Willow on break in Second Arroyo

Second Arroyo

Last 2:  gnarly mesquite

 

Another Near Ninety

Banana Yucca

It didn't feel as hot when we set off this morning on our daily trek.  Although the sun shone brightly and there were few clouds a slight breeze helped ameliorate the heat.  According to my weather app we're supposed to hit only 85F this afternoon, though we frequently--almost always--top out higher than forecasted.

Frio, Willow and I hiked up to First Arroyo, ducked inside for a quick shade and water break, and then made our way back into the upper flatland where we'd left the CR-V.

While we spotted a few critters out there today, we didn't see any of the human or canine variety.

Mesquite alongside LDR

Willow and Frio

This & the next:  inside First Arroyo

Frio and Willow

This & the next:  same two Soaptree Yuccas

Inside a huge Soaptree Yucca

Top of the above yucca

Hills west of the Organ Mountains

LDR looking north