Wind!

Wind-driven clouds

Really strong wind blew all through the night and didn't back off at all this morning.  Dr. K, Willow and I took a forest hike in far less than ideal conditions; we finished the trek nonetheless.  Afterward we packed and left for our trip down into the lower desert where we are now.

Willow on the trail

Only three buds have bloomed since yesterday

Here's one of the new claret cups

Surprise!

 

Forest Friday

Mountain road

Dr. K, Willow and I had a nice hike in the forest behind the cabin this morning.  Our out-of-the-way detour to the mountain hedgehog paid off; we found one bud had blossomed.  Perhaps we'll go there tomorrow morning to see if others have flowered.  After the trek Dr. K and I drove down to Alamogordo to Lowe's Signature Market to pick up items we need up here at the cabin.

This & next:  Sacramento Mountains views

Red-winged Blackbird

Another mountain vista

Please tell me that bear isn't headed our way

Willow enjoying our mountain hike

This & next:  yucca blooming at 7012 feet

Another yucca blooming in the same area

 

What manner of beast is this?

Last 2:  at least one bud bloomed

Favored Subject

1st 2:  Sacramento Vistas

When I took Willow out this morning to do her business we spotted several deer over near the pumphouse; I went out later by myself and found one browsing a bit higher up on the hill.  Got a few decent photos of her.  Later, when Dr. K, Willow and I did our daily forest hike we kicked up several deer on the mountain; never got a good look at them, though.  The temperature was perfect for our trek and we enjoyed the outing immensely.

Lincoln National Forest

Mule deer doe (with a growth under her right eye)

Haynes Canyon

Our favorite high country hedgehog with buds

Willow heard a deer

White Sands National Park, San Andres Mts. at the horizon

Toward La Luz at the eastern edge of the Tularosa Basin

Juniper Titmouse

 

Spinystar Cactus

Deer Prudence

All mule deer were on our property this morning

Willow and I encountered a small herd of deer on her morning constitutional today.  We also caught several fleeting glances of deer in the forest above our cabin when Dr. K, Willow and I were on our trek.  Weather felt slightly warm due to high humidity, and now, in mid-afternoon we've had several brief showers.

Davis Mountain Mock Vervain

Bladderpod

Willow on our driveway

Sacramento Mountains

Bladderpod

 

Bladderpod all over the forest floor

Yucca blooming at 7,012 feet

Too early to catch this hedgehog blooming

Daisy

Haploa

Sacramento Mountains vista

Up After Down

Three Claret Cup Hedgehog Cacti

Dr. K, Willow and I took a regular morning hike before returning home to finish packing for a trip to the high country, where we are now.  Much cooler up here, and, apparently, there's a good chance of rain tomorrow.  We'll see.  After lunch we all walked up our road to linger for a while; Willow very much enjoyed it.

House Finch

Spectaclepod

Claret Cup

Willow leading the way

Allthorn

Velvety Nerisyrenia

Claret Cup