Fouquieria Splendens was Splendid Today

Looking east to the Organs

The Heelers and I did our regular weekday morning hike on this hot Monday, choosing to cut down on the bushwhacking a bit in order to make the trekking go more smoothly.  We only saw one other outdoor enthusiast on the dirt roads west of Tortugas Mountain, a woman wearing a lime-green top who seemed to be doing a combination of running and skipping.

Willow and Frio were keyed in on Black-tailed Jackrabbits today, of which we saw three or four.  I remember how our beloved Becca, in her early days of hiking, was certain she could overtake an American Desert Hare; it took quite a lot of tries before she decided to give up on the critters who can reach speeds of 40 mph and leap 10 feet in the process.  That doesn't keep the Heelers from trying to rip my arms out at the sockets as they bound eagerly forward toward their presumed prey.

Five minutes to drive out there for our hike this morning and five minutes to drive back home.

Sled dogs waiting for snow

This and the next:  Prickly Pear Cactus starting to bloom

Heelers in the hills

This and the next 5: Ocotillos (Fouquieria Splendens) with leaves and flowers

Rocks

Ocotillo just off the dirt road

Flowers galore

This and the next:  Skeleton Plant