Walking on Sunshine (and Mud)

Early morning, Sacramento Mountains

Dr. K, Becca and I started later this morning in order to take full advantage of the sun.  Yesterday, here in the high country, it was cloudy most of the day, and late in the afternoon there was a brief snow-pellet shower.  Although it was about 28F when we hit the trail the sunshine more than compensated for the cold.  But conditions on the Grand View were perhaps the sloppiest we've ever encountered--so much mud everywhere that it was impossible to avoid it.  Our boots and Becca's paws and legs were testament to that fact; when we got back we had to use the Paw Plunger on her, and we had to wet her down with paper towels and dry her with an old cloth towel.  Dr. K and I cleaned our boots as best we could.

That view across Haynes Canyon

Becca in the high country

An American Robin at 7,000 feet and 25F?

One of our favorite neighbors, Champ

View from the Grand View Trail

Becca and a few patches of snow

Sotol

Closeup of Sotol leaves

Midway ramada

White Sands National Monument is closed

White Sands and the San Andres Mountains

Stalks

Who's having fun?

Through the cut

Boulder and tree

Scrub Jay

Becca on hard, crunchy snow

This and the next three:  Townsend's Solitaire

Why my boots felt like anvils

Where is she going?

Mud

Commander in the high country

Moon