Leaving Cool Temps Behind

Getting started on the Grand View

Dr. K, Becca and I did some preliminary packing before heading out to do a morning trek on the Grand View Trail.  We encountered no other hikers, bikers or runners out there, but we did see quite a few Turkey Vultures, several of which were sitting at the top of a couple of utility poles.  After our hike we returned to our place in High Rolls, finished packing and headed down the mountain to the low desert, where--you guessed it--the temperatures are quite a bit hotter than in the high country.  We were enjoying nighttime temps in the mid-50s, and it's supposed to be 67F here tonight.

Still not 100% sure, but I'm saying, "Fourwing Saltbush"

Cliff

Yucca growing on a small cliff

Juniper/pinyon terrain

Heckle and Jeckle of Turkey Vultures

Grand View Trail

♫ I am a vulture for the county . . . ♫

I think it's another Townsend's Solitaire

This and the next:  similar vistas from the Grand View Trail

This and the next two:  slightest hint of fall in the high country

A look at the way we've just come