Easter Chill

Barrel Cactus and the Organs

Dr. K, the Heelers and I got an early start on the trail that leaves from the western entrance sign at OMDPNM.  Four or five vehicles were already parked in the lot when we got there.  We managed to do the entire first half of the hike without bumping into anyone, but on the return trip we started encountering mountain bikers and other hikers.  Willow and Frio were really well behaved, though, so all meetings with other people went fine.  And there were no dog sightings while we were out there; that's always good news.

It was quite chilly when we started off on this Easter morn, and, in fact, we never removed our jackets during the entire trek.  Honestly the slight chill in the air felt good to me, and the Heelers were especially energized--not that we need energized Heelers on our hands.

We spent a good two hours at the national monument, reveling in the beauty of the northern Chihuahuan Desert and getting in some decent exercise.

Claret Cup in black and white

Apache Plume

Willow, Frio and Dr. K

View toward the southern Organs

Web of life

Mounds of Claret Cup

Black-throated Sparrow

Barrels and the Organs

Longer view of the Organs

Blooming Banana Yucca (Yucca baccata)

Banana Yucca flower

All reds are Claret Cups

The trail we're taking

Organ Mountains

Barrel Cacti

This and the next:  the desert floor was carpeted with Fendler's Bladderpod

Almost at the turnaround point

Torrey Yucca blossoming

Yellow flowers on the desert floor

Organ Mountains