Hike in the Time of Coronavirus

This and the next:  interesting clouds over Tortugas Mountain

Dr. K, the Heelers and I took a long hike two-thirds of the way around Tortugas Mountain this morning, did some serious bushwhacking, and then trekked back to the CR-V.  There were quite a few nature lovers out and about this morning, and we ran into mountain bikers, runners, hikers and hikers with dogs.

The last encounter with the latter on the final leg of our hike was not a pleasant one; a woman came up behind us with two exuberant little canines, and our overly exuberant Heelers were too eager to get back there and meet them.  I practically had to drag Willow along beside me to keep her from rushing behind us.  Nonetheless, it was great to get out for fresh air and exercise in these days of pandemic anxiety.

Trail around the mountain

Torrey Yucca

Still on the trail around the mountain

Mr. Frio and Willow in the lead

Alternate trail around the mountain

Torrey Yucca

Dr. K and the Heelers

Alternate trail

Ocotillo

This and the next:  interesting skies

We tried sneaking up on this Red-tailed Hawk to no avail

This and the next 4:  Claret Cup Cactus

Almost at the far point of our trek

Two hikers and dog on the trail around Tortugas Mountain

Getting close to the turn-around point

The turn-around point

This and the next 4:  Torrey Yucca in bloom

The Heelers and me

Beautiful sky

Claret Cup Cactus

Spectaclepod

Hiking back in the wide arroyo

Cleftleaf Wild Heliotrope (Phacelia Crenulata)

Pyrrhuloxia (Desert Cardinal)