To Black Mountain and Back

Crossing through an arroyo in OMDPNM

Dr. K, Becca and I headed out to the Sierra Vista Trail in Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument early this morning, and we were the first vehicle in the parking lot at the trailhead.  It was a gloriously cool morning--almost chilly--and we enjoyed a long trek across the plateau heading south to Black Mountain, where we turned around.  We encountered quite a few mountain bikers both coming and going, and we saw a couple of hikers in the distance on our way back in.  When we got to the parking lot there were three other vehicles there, including one that had just pulled in.  Two guys were getting their mountain bikes ready for a ride, and they had a cute Miniature Husky with them.  It was adorable, so curious and friendly it practically climbed inside our CR-V to greet Becca.  The pup was so entertaining I said to one of the guys, "That is a funny dog."  He agreed, laughing.  My guess was that the Mini Husky was about to get a thorough exercise run in order to drain some of its excess energy.

An arroyo, not a road

Peace yucca

My two favorite hiking companions

Fishhook Barrel Cactus

Another Fishhook Barrel

Checking to make sure no one's sneaking up on us

Ocotillos and overcast

Sumac along an arroyo bank

Mama and baby Barrel

Really the same Barrel Cactus

More blossoming Barrel buds

Unripe fruit of a Barrel Cactus

Our turn-around point comes into view

Ringo on an Apache Plume

Talk about camouflage!

Working or napping?

Sun spotlighting Picacho Peak (from OMDPNM)

A sunbathing Picacho Peak

Sky over Black Mountain

On the way back

Yet another Barrel

Barrel Cactus and the Organ Mountains

Looked like rain for much of our trek

On the alert

Organs under overcast sky

Doña Ana Mountains

This and the next 2:  views of the Organ Mountains

Happy Hiker almost done with a morning trek

Tortugas Mountain from OMDPNM