A Lovely Breeze

What rain has done for Ocotillos

Even though it was only 70F at the start of our trek this morning it felt far worse because of high humidity and not a breath of wind.  The entire first leg of our hike up to Second Arroyo was extra miserable because of those conditions.

We kept praying for a little breeze that would help ameliorate the heat, and on our way back we were rewarded with a steady cool breeze that made the inbound leg a breeze, so to speak.

We had hydrated in Second Arroyo and took plenty of shade breaks along our return up LDR-A so we didn't suffer too much in the blazing hot sun.  By Wednesday we're supposed to reach the century mark in terms of temperature, and that's never good even if it does dry the atmosphere out somewhat.

This and the next:  Willow and Frio

Is something wrong with this dragonfly's head?

Yucca leaves and stalks

This and the next:  Second Arroyo

Soaptree Yucca

Frio digs a hole in order to . . .

. . . lie in the cool sand

Presumably a launch from White Sands Missile Range

Computer-enhanced (questionable) image of a Desert Cardnal

This and the next 2:  Heckle and Jeckle of desert birds:  Cactus Wrens