A Very Hot Start

This and the next:  one of only two blooming Hedgehogs we saw today

It was off on our new regular Sunday morning hike today, which departs from the westernmost entrance sign for Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument.  Surprisingly there were only two vehicles in the parking lot when we got there and only three when we got back.

Another bonus for us today was the low number of other outdoor enthusiasts we encountered during our 90-minute trek; perhaps there were fewer people because the temperature was already high.

Of course the heat was a drawback, and little Willow kept stopping in shady spots every chance she got.  The hotter she gets the harder it is to get her moving again.  Despite the heat we all had a good time trekking through the desert.

This and the next 5:  Apache Plume

This and the next 4:  Chihuahuan Desert and the Organ Mountains

Ocotillo flower and Bumblebee

Yucca

Frio tries to catch a fly while Willow rests

Buggy Whips (aka "Ocotillo")

White Tackstem

The rest:  Desert Bird of Paradise (Caesalpinia gilliesii)