Back to Soledad

Just getting started into Soledad Canyon

This morning's trek into Soledad Canyon was the longest Dr. K and I have taken since we both have been under the weather.  Speaking of weather, conditions couldn't have been nicer today:  sunny and bright with little wind.  In fact, we both removed a layer of outwear when we had finished only a quarter of our hike.

We didn't run into anybody until we were headed back on the final leg of the Bar Canyon Loop.  The people we encountered were all in a good mood; who can blame them being out on such a beautiful morning in our section of the northern Chihuahuan Desert?

The Chimney in the distance (center)

This and the next 6:  same Phainopepla (Phainopepla nitens)

Rainbow Hedgehog Cactus

Sotols and The Chimney

Carried away with cairn making

Looking back down canyon

The way forward

Sotols all over the place

Casita Grande

Another Rainbow Hedgehog

The trail ahead

Tree

Sun through juniper

Sotol

Edgy shot

In shadow

Formations near the trailhead