A Beautiful Morning

Ready to reproduce

The weather was absolutely perfect for a morning hike--44 F when we started out.  But I was able to take off my jacket as soon as we emerged from Tortugas's shadow.   Back of the mountain we ran into a young woman who was running with her dog; and I mean "running," not jogging.  We've crossed paths several times in the past.  The first time we encountered each other Becca and her dog exchanged growls.  They pretty much ignore each other nowadays.

Into the morning light at last

Two White-winged Doves hanging out

Becca in Yucca shadow

Prickly Pear Cactus

The Yucca that's providing shade

In an overgrown arroyo bottom west of Tortugas

Lots of tracks through this arroyo

Taking a sandy break

Desert Marigolds

Desert Marigolds

Curve-billed Thrasher (they love to dig with those beaks)

Wow!  Soaptree Yucca in full bloom this late in the season

The desert is starting to look more austere (according to Becca)