Backdoor Cold Front

Bud-laden Prickly Pear

It rained a bit overnight, and then this morning--just before I took Becca into the arroyo beside our house for her early constitutional--it started raining again lightly.  By the time we went out the precipitation had tapered off to a sprinkle.

I was concerned about our desert trek, though, but decided to chance it anyway; and although we didn't experience any of the wet stuff we were battered by strong winds, the leading edge of a backdoor cold front visiting our area.  We're only going to reach a high temperature of 65F today.

Surprisingly, there were quite a few other outdoor enthusiasts on and about the mountain, but we didn't run into any; I did exchange a greeting wave with one guy who, presumably, altered his path because he saw Becca approaching as she led me back to the main trail west of Tortugas Mountain.  I always feel somewhat guilty thinking that somebody has changed course because of my desert-loving dog.

Part of Las Cruces in sunlight

Soaptree Yucca

Take us to your leader

Washboard sky

Strawberry Hedgehog around the base of a small Mesquite tree

Soaptree Yuccas west of the mountain

Skies to the east

Becca is unperturbed by the windy weather

Heading on up

Strawberry Hedgehog

For two

Not sure how to describe this color

Flower of a Tree Cholla

Bunny Ears Cactus

Stingleaf flower just getting started