Tantalizing Behavior

Early start just west of Tortugas Mountain

Early this morning after we crested the high foothills trail and were starting down into the lower desert some Coyotes began yipping, barking and howling nearby.  There seemed to be four or five individuals spanning an area of about fifty yards.  As soon as we began descending into the lower desert I knew for certain we wouldn't see them.  All except one grew silent, and his/her plaintiff call faded into the distance until it stopped altogether.  I kept an eye out for those critters through two-thirds of our trek, but never got even a glimpse of a Trickster.  One thing is certain about Coyotes in their natural desert environment:  if they don't want you to see them you won't.

Nearly into the upper foothills now

Rocky slope

Moraine-like area that supports a thriving cactus garden

Long view across the northern Chihuahuan Desert

Bishop Cap at the horizon

Popcorn clouds

Organ Mountains

I've walked past this Neeple Beehive Cactus 100 times without seeing it

I spotted this Neeple Beehive alongside the Crosscut Trail for the first time

Dayflower

Rough Menodora

Spectacle Pod

Typical flora of the northern Chihuahuan Desert

Barrel Cactus

My favorite Neeple Beehive Cactus budding for the seventh time

Velvety Nerisyrenia are back

Yet another Barrel Cactus

Becca takes a break on our climb back up the mountain