Expending Less Energy

Early start

I shortened our morning trek today for several reasons:  Becca and I did a long one yesterday, and I had to go grocery shopping at Target and Alberstsons.  The temperature was actually cool when we got started (48F), but we're slated to hit a high of 93F today--that's about 15 degrees above normal.

We crossed paths with a runner and several hikers close in to the mountain, but it was not very crowded; not surprising for a Tuesday morning.  The wind was nonexistent while we were trekking around the desert, but that won't last.  We're under a "First Alert" for high winds, and Doppler Dave, KVIA meteorologist, said to expect gusts in the 65 mph range for tomorrow.  That means blowing dust and sand--all around nasty conditions for the northern Chihuahuan Desert.

Cactus Wren in the above yucca

Cactus Wren

Down Geothermal Road

Yucca cutouts

Blocking the sun

Becca in black-and-white

Headed down that way

We turned around right here

Meh

Ocotillo and observatory

Something of a panorama

Ash-throated Flycatcher

Showing the other profile

Switchback up the mountain