Semi-Close Encounters of the Coyote Kind

I tried to show the rain drops clinging to Ocotillo leaves.  Fail

As of 7:00 this morning it didn't look as if Becca and I would be able to do a hike; by 7:30, though, the rain had stopped and the sun began to break through.  So we headed off to Tortugas Mountain dressed appropriately for the windy, cool weather:  Becca in her coat and me in long trousers and a rain parka.  We hiked along the mountain's west side into the high foothills, and as we started down into the lower desert we heard loud yelping that made me think "Coyote pup."  Just before we approached the Ocotillo Forest on the outer loop road we got a glimpse of a young Coyote heading west.  We soon spotted the rest of the pack, four or five adult individuals following the youngster.  We pursued them, me with my camera out in hopes of getting some decent photos.  The Coyotes weren't about to stop, though, although the largest adult kept hanging back to keep an eye on Becca and me.  The Coyote would watch us until it was clear we were watching her then move on.  They disappeared south into a large arroyo.  In the wet sand of the arroyo I was able to find Coyote prints and photograph them.  I love seeing Coyotes out in the desert; coming in contact with them always makes me feel closer to nature.

I see a huge hedgehog wearing Prickly Pear Pad sunglasses

Doña Ana Mountains

Rain drops on Allthorn

Pincushion Cactus

Clearing sky

First glimpse of a young Coyote

Heading away at a fast walk

Adult Coyote laying back from the pack in a wide arroyo

Watching us

High point = 9,000 ft.

Coyote print in above-mentioned arroyo

The arroyo down which the Coyote pack disappeared

Exploring "Coyote" arroyo

Pursuer of Coyotes