Already Hot

This and the next 4:  Gopher Snake in our path

Frio walked right up to the pictured snake before we even saw it; fortunately I quickly noted the narrow tapered tail and knew it wasn't a rattler.  Nevertheless I backed both Frio and Willow away from the Gopher Snake.

Dr. K held the dogs while I snapped a few photos.  Then I took the Heelers on their leads a bit closer to the snake, threw a few pebbles to get it moving, and when the dogs expressed interest in the critter in motion I cautioned both of them by saying "No!" (for Willow's benefit) and pulling back on their leads.  Frio is very responsive to the leash and he looked at me in such a way as to indicate he got the message.

After that it was up to the second arroyo for a shade and water break, a bit of exploring and photographing on my part, and then back out to LDR for the trek to our waiting CR-V. 

See how those markings blend into the underbrush

Great example of pattern camouflage

Willow and Frio

Gaping maw (actually a spent Soaptree Yucca seed pod)

Ran across this character again

Crank for hand starting a Model T yucca

Up the arroyo

This and the next:  Greened-out Ocotillos and the Organ Mountains