Sierra Vista Sunday Stroll

Hornworm or butterfly caterpillar?

Dr. K, Becca and I took a long hike along the Sierra Vista Trail in the high foothills of the Organ Mountains this morning.  At 8:00 a.m. it was already hot in the Chihuahuan Desert.  After spending eighteen days at the ranch in High Rolls it was quite an adjustment reacclimating to the lower desert, even though we were hiking at an altitude of about 5,000 feet.

A dead Barrel Cactus has opened up like a basket

Weirdly anemic Sotol stalks

Rainbow Hedgehog Cactus

Paleface Rosemallow

Looking for critters

First time we noticed this sign

Peace

Queen butterfly

Loving the nectar



Smoky air in the Organ Mountain east of Las Cruces