Another Sunday in OMDPNM

Just getting started on the Sierra Vista Trail

Dr. K, Becca and I got a fairly early start this morning on our hike in Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument.  Surprisingly, there were far fewer RVers at the campground than in the recent past.  We saw some mountain bikers and hikers in the distance on our outbound leg, but didn't encounter anybody until we'd almost finished our trek.

The weather was absolutely beautiful--sunny, but slightly chilly because of a steady breeze.  Neither Dr. K nor I had to remove any outerwear during the entire hike, and Becca never complained about her coat being too warm.  We might have stayed in the national monument a little longer this Sunday, but I wanted to get home to catch as much of the final round of The Masters as I could; turned out to be a good decision because Tiger Woods made memorable history today in winning the tournament.

Claret Cup Cactus

Same Claret Cup

Becca among the yellow flowers

This and the next:  same Northern Mockingbird

Sierra Vista Trail

The desert is greening out

Panorama

Barrel and beyond

More Barrel Cacti

Becca the bushwhacker

Getting your barrels in a row

Barrel Cacti

Artsy pic

Haven't IDed this yet

Same plant

Prickly Pear

Becca leading the way

Medium-size Desert Sumac

Blackfoot Daisies

Two Mockingbirds on an Ocotillo

This and the next:  mountain biking in the Chihuahuan Desert

A look back

Guy running with his dog (looks like a Siberian Husky--the dog, not the guy)

Heading back

What's that expression mean?

Line of yuccas

Two nearly identical images from the drive out of OMDPNM