Done by Eight-Forty

Abundant crop of Prickly Pears

Becca and I were on the trail at 7:00 this morning, dealing with unpleasantly high humidity even in the shade.  Fortunately when we broke into the sunshine a nice gusty breeze picked up to help keep us cool.  It lasted a good bit of the trek.  There weren't too many other outdoor enthusiasts around, but we did see the cross-country runners from the Mayfield High School track team.  I talked to their coach briefly the other day; he told me he was having them run hills and part of the mountain to help increase their stamina for running on flatter surfaces during the season.  He waved and said hello this morning.

Fishhook Barrel Cactus bud

Happy to get going early on a Wednesday morning

Forging ahead of the pack

About to hit the squiggly trail

A small Hedgehog Cactus illuminated by morning sun

We're enjoying a bit of shade thanks to that cloud

Gnarly desert between here and the Organs

Fishhook Barrel Cactus with buds

Closer look

An even closer look

Quite a crowd