A Real Rhubarb

Bushwhacking across the desert west of Tortugas

I took the Heelers for a long hike by myself early this morning, starting from the dirt pullout off of Tellbrook.  We followed the long dirt road a far piece before veering east to bushwhack through the desert, eventually picking up a narrow trail other hikers (and animals) have made along an east/west ridgeline.

Following that trail we linked up with the southernmost dirt road, took it toward the mountain, and then trekked along the outer loop road until it intersected with the road to the west.  We followed that road until picking up the narrow trail we'd trekked along while bushwhacking.

We were still bushwhacking, heading back, when a guy hiking the long dirt road with his dog waved to us.  I waved back.  That's when the Heelers saw him and the dog.  A tug on his lead convinced Frio right away to ignore the other canine, but Willow was determined to get after it; and, again, I had to nearly drag Willow along beside me for a too-long distance.  I have yet to discover a way to get her in line, but I'm working on it diligently.

Awkward retractable lead situation

Looking south toward Bishop Cap

What does Mr. Frio see?

Vast expanse of Chihuahuan Desert

This and the next:  Wild Rhubarb

This and the next:  Ocotillo greening out

Soaptree Yucca

This and the next 6:  I've never seen so much Wild Rhubarb

Torrey Yucca starting to bloom west of the mountain