Absent the Wind

Desert Willow (Chilopsis linearis)

Only a steady breeze when Frio, Willow and I took off this morning on a normal trek into our section of northern Chihuahuan Desert.  In the distance on the long dirt road a guy hiked ahead of us.  We'd have never caught him had he not turned around and headed back the way he came.  The Heelers were well behaved as the man passed and we greeted each other.  Frio never barked, but Willow whimpered because she wanted to meet the guy close up and personal.  I had to remind her of our social distancing policy.

We explored the "new" arroyo as well as part of the older "new" arroyo before heading back.  None of us seemed particularly interested in doing a long hike so we shortened our outing significantly.  When we approached the brink of the hill where we'd left Whitey the CR-V we heard a woman's voice, and I thought for certain we'd soon encounter other outdoor enthusiasts; but by the time we crested the hill there was nobody about.  Just as well.

We're only going to be a few degrees warmer than yesterday--in other words, near normal--so it didn't feel very warm during our morning sojourn.

Prickly Pear Cactus

This and the next:  exploring the "new" wide arroyo

Break time for Heelers

Soaptrees

This and the next 2:  leaning tower of Soaptree Yucca

Looking back at the passage through

Another break

Soaptree in B&W

Frio and Willow

The OHs

This and the next:  different perspectives of the same Soaptree Yucca

This and the next:  different interpretations of the same stick

This and the next:  different interpretations of the same tree

Wide arroyo

This and the next 2:  same Prickly Pear Cactus blossom

This and the next:  same blossoming Cholla

Tree Cholla on our property