Long Hike to the Falls

Bullock's Oriole

It was 33 F when Dr. K, Becca and I headed out for the Bridal Veil Falls Trail this morning, and the wind made it feel much colder here in the high country.  The sun was in and out on a beautiful, long hike, and we saw a lot of interesting things, including the most Feather Dalea we have ever seen blooming in the area; it was literally everywhere--and it's such gorgeous ground cover.  Wish I could ID the tree we saw flowering all over the mountains, but no luck yet.

Juvenile Western Scrub-Jay

Becca and Dr. K on the Bridal Veil Falls Trail

Running ahead of the pack

Trail workers have a project in process

It looks as if they are rebuilding another railroad trestle

A section of the old railroad bed

How far is too far ahead?

Stealth (Common Raven)

These trees (yet to be ID'd) were blooming all over the mountain

Feather Dalea

The above-mentioned tree

The mountains in the High Rolls/Mountain Park area

On the brink of the descent into the canyon

Perky Sue?

Creeping Barberry

Indian Paintbrush

Along the creekbed

Soaptree Yucca putting up its flower stalk

White Sands in the middle distance

Champ and Becca

Champ heading out

Front yard of the High Rolls property

Becca, Cowboy and Hailey

The second stage of dog tag

Who's it?