2 1/2 Hours on the Bridal Veil

Footbridge over Fresnal Creek

Dr. K, Becca and I got an early start on the Bridal Veil Falls Trail this morning and spent two-and-a-half hours on our trek.  We lingered at the falls longer than usual as we took turns scrambling up to the base of the falls, the designated non-scrambler staying back at the ramada with Becca; the climbing is too precarious for her.  This is the first time we've actually scaled up close to the waterfalls.  As we were leaving--about an eighth mile from the ramada--we ran into three young women hikers, one of whom complimented Becca by saying, "What a beautiful dog."  We encountered only one other person after that, a young man who was just starting out on his trek.  Although it was a little warm in the mid-elevation high country a constant wind kept conditions bearable, making for a good sojourn in the Sacramento Mountains.

Heading down into the canyon

We'll be crossing through that deep chasm

A steep climb to this point

Apache Plume flower

Apache Plumes and flowers

Scarfing pollen from a Sacramento Mountains Prickly Poppy

Happy pollinator

Sacramento Mountain Prickly Poppy

Prickly Poppies

Prickly Poppy loaded with pollen

The wind blows back the pedals of a Prickly Poppy

Cottonwoods along Fresnal Creek

About to cross the creek

The old homestead

Dr. K and Becca head for the ramada at Bridal Veil Falls

Said ramada

Dr. K taking cell phone photos

Bridal Veil Falls from the ramada

Pools of water beneath the falls

The falls

Climbing for a closer view

Getting nearer

Feeling the cold spray of water

Dr. K in the ramada with Becca

Looking down at the way I climbed up

Mountain Roses beneath the falls

Apache Plume

Taking a break on the way back

Chocolate Daisy

Headed back the way we came

White Sands National Monument and the San Andres Mountains beyond

Not quite to the shady grotto

Pinyon Pine cones starting to grow