Saddling Up

Ripening up

After one day off from hiking I let Becca get back in the saddle with me for today's trek; we could tell as soon as yesterday that her leg had recovered almost completely.  This morning there was no sign of a limp on our short hike.  Since she's usually leading the way I monitor her constantly.

It was quite hot out there despite our very early start, and we're headed for a high of 100F.  What can you do?--we're living in the desert.

We saw a couple of hardy outdoor enthusiasts during our explorations, though there weren't as many as usual.  You need to get a really early start if you hope to beat the heat at this time of year.  It will only get worse when the monsoon season begins in earnest; then we'll have higher humidity coupled with extreme temperatures.

Come, Becca

Time for a break

Couldn't get a clear shot of this Cabbage White Butterfly

I've looked at breaks from both sides now

Velvety Nerisyrenia

Ocotillo

Flower girl

Blooming all over the desert

Wooly Paperflower

Wooly Paperflower and Velvety Nerisyrenia

Nipple Beehive Cactus (Coryphantha Macromeris) blooming again

This and the next:  Blackfoot Daisies

Climbing Milkweed

Stingleaf

Can't get a positive ID on this tiny lizard (2" overall)

This and the rest:  juvenile New Mexico Twin-Spotted Spiny Lizard