Social Distancing at OMDPNM

Desert Marigold

Dr. K, the Heelers and I parked our CR-V at the western entrance sign for Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument and hiked the long trail east until it intersected with the Sierra Vista Trail (Norte) before turning around.

Since we got a fairly early start we only ran into two women hiking in the opposite direction.  Had we got an even earlier start we wouldn't have run into many other outdoor enthusiasts on this Sunday morning.

On our way west, back to our vehicle, the trail started to get somewhat packed with social-distancing diehards suffering from cabin fever all.  We had to step aside quite a few times to let hikers and bikers pass, and each time, save one, both Willow and Frio were very well behaved.  The only time they got pully and barky was when a guy running with his dog passed by; but the Heelers were fairly reasonable even then, calming down more quickly than in the past.

All in all it was clear we'd made a good choice of trails for our Sunday outing as we were able to step off the path far enough with each encounter to ensure everything was copacetic with all lovers of the outdoors.

Wide arroyo west of the Organ Mountains

All red flowers are Claret Cup Cactus

Dr. K with the Heelers

Tasajillo

?

A long view

♫ I love the nightlife, I got to boogie ♫

Heading that way

Closing in

Barrels

Three-parter

3 separate Barrels

Fendler's Bladderpod

This and the next:  more Barrels

#2

This and the next:  Desert Cardinal

Deceased Yuccarilla

Nearing the end point of the trek

Stately Torrey Yuccas

This and the next:  White Tackstem

Banana Yucca putting up a red head

Outlier

This and the next 2:  California Poppies

Either Yellow Tackstem or Desert Dandelion