Below Freezing

Sparrows

29F when we got up this morning; 33F when we hit the trail.  A cold breeze made conditions feel worse for a bit, but due to bright sunshine and shelter from the elements in several of the arroyos we weren't exceedingly cold.  After the trek we drove over to our local Circle K to fuel the CR-V.  Price per gallon has already been bumped up to $3.12.

Mourning Dove

Hazy Organs

Willow and Dr. K

Willow and a rock

Yucca with two heads

Ocotillos budding

Last 3:  Claret Cups

 

Late Autumn Returns

Morning sun

44F again when we started off this morning, but weather conditions were distinctly cloudier and colder; a stiff breeze and no sun made it feel like late autumn.  We did our regular route seeing no other nature enthusiasts while we were out there.  Not surprising given the cold temperature.  We took a long ride after the hike.  This afternoon it has rained several times already.

Soaptree on a slope

Northward down LDR-A arroyo

This & next:  Tortugas and the Organs

Claret Cups

Willow beside the Claret Cups

Organ Mountains

Sky to the southwest

Organs again

 

This & next:  Cactus Wren on ocotillo branch

This & next:  Claret Cups

Picacho Peak in the distance

Sky to the west

Faxon Yucca in bloom

Clouds over the Organs

Willow and blooming yucca

Third head coming along nicely

Hummer and Cardinal

1st 3:  Claret Cups

44F when Dr. K, Willow and I began our morning hike; a stiff breeze made it feel even colder.  The sunshine ameliorated the chill, though, and we had a pleasant outing.  Claret Cups and Faxon Yuccas still blooming beautifully.

This & next:  Black-chinned Hummingbird

Pensive Willow

Soaptrees and Faxon Yucca

Faxon Yucca with three heads

This & next:  Faxon Yucca

This & next:  more Claret Cups

Faxon Yucca and Tortugas Mountain

Last 3:  Desert Cardinal at home

 

Hedgehogs and Yuccas

This & next:  morning clouds

Semi-cloudy morning for our daily hike today; Dr. K, Willow and I enjoyed it nonetheless.  Both when we stepped out of the CR-V, and later when we returned to it after our trek, we saw two guys hiking along the upper flatland road.  Claret Cups still blooming out there as are the Faxon Yuccas.

Soaptree Yuccas and the Organ Mountains

Willow leads the way

This & next:  cactus wren yucca

Washboard sky

 

This & next 3:  Claret Cups

This & next:  cactus wren yucca

This & next:  blooming yucca in the right branch arroyo

Claret Cup

Last 2:  cactus wren yucca