Beating the Thunderstorm

Ominous at start

The weather was variable this morning, but I knew from checking Weather.com that rain was a distinct possibility.  Fortunately I was able to get in a long hike--including much bushwhacking--before things started looking dire.

On my final leg the sky grew angrier, thunder began to rumble and I started noticing lightning strikes that were getting nearer and nearer.  By the time I jumped into Whitey the CR-V and headed home the lightning was directly overhead and the accompanying thunder nearly simultaneous.

Not long after I arrived home it began to rain heavily, and the lightning and thunder were more severe.  Fortunately, though, the strong storm didn't last very long, although it has rained lightly on and off this afternoon.

Looking a bit better to the south

Even better here

Tortugas and the Organs

This clever nest builder was undoubtedly a Cactus Wren

South to the Organ Mountains

Growing alongside an arroyo

Flycatcher

Sun through ears

This and the next 2:  Tortugas and the Organs

Just crossed through the arroyo at center

A little local color

Clownish Soaptree Yuccas

What's with the shape of that cloud?

Inside of spent Soaptree Yucca seed pods

Getting back to the mountain

This and the next:  Soaptree Yuccas

Say's Phoebe on a Soaptree Yucca

Leafless Ocotillo

Trail back to Tortugas

Not just budding, but blooming Ocotillo flowers

Storm headed my way

UFO clouds