Back From the Highlands

White Sands National Park under overcast

Dr. K, Willow, Frio and I got a fairly early start on the Grandview Trail this morning, starting from the lower trailhead and hiking well past the midway ramada; it was the longest high-country hike for the Heelers yet.

We went back to the cabin afterward and finished packing for our return to the low desert.  It was a successful trip, but I worked my butt off up there, and I'm already paying the price.

It was astonishing to see how adaptable Willow and Frio are to a change in their routine; they loved the high country, felt right at home in our place up there, and especially enjoyed going up and down the staircase from the lower 600 (square feet) to the upper 600.

This and the next 2:  Hedgehog Cactus at the edge of a rock outcrop

This and the next:  High Rolls Heelers

This and the next 2:  thought it was Rubber Rabbitbrush

The flowers look wrong for Rabbitbrush

This and the very last:  vista from the Grand View Trail

Who sits on steps like this?

Frio with Willow above

A closer look at the high jinks Heelers