Hot Wind

Just into the morning sun

Becca and I had to get a very early start this morning as it was already in the high 70s when we got up.  Adding to the miserable conditions was a wind that had no cooling aspect to it at all; in fact, every time it got gusty it felt like the blast of an iron ore furnace.  To cope with the heat Becca bushwhacked over to her favorite shady spot in the sand, and I was glad to accompany her there.  Afterward I extended the hike for about a half mile more before we turned back.

Although we encountered only one hiker on the way in there were quite a few outdoor enthusiasts on and about the mountain; we counted 12 vehicles in the Sunset Area parking lot when we arrived, and there were a few additional ones when we got back, including the Tacoma pickup that belongs to our good buddy Jimmy.  He was just starting off when we reached the gate, and Becca ran ahead to greet him.  Then, while she lay in the shade, he and I discussed several topics, including last night's Democratic debate.  We didn't spend too long gabbing, though, because he was headed to the mountaintop.

In the mountain's shadow just before the sun  climbs over the ridge

Ocotillos on the arroyo bank

Olden days

The trail not taken

This and the next:  Velvety Nerisyrenia

James Rushpea is in bloom all over the sandy area west of the mountain

Rushing ahead to go on break

Let's have a closer look at the yucca stalk

I thought I saw activity

Queuing up for the breakfast buffet

House Finches at breakfast

Loving the yucca fruit

Tres amigos

Becca sees runners in the desert

Spectaclepod

I'd say "Kit Fox"

At rest

James Rushpea again

Flax about to flower

This view otra vez

So much Soaptree Yucca fruit it bent this stalk over

Ocotillo on the western slope

Ocotillo wands

Flowers are in bloom all over the northern Chihuahuan Desert