After the Apocalypse

About an eighth mile into the hike

Got an early start this morning in order to beat the heat; we're supposed to reach 103F today.  We lucked out at first because there was a bank of fluffy clouds that obscured the sun, and a slight breeze helped with evaporative cooling.  Things changed abruptly about midway up the long dirt road, though, and Dr. K, Willow, Frio and I began to suffer from the hot conditions.

I was a bit sluggish because I didn't sleep well last night thanks to the idiots who were shooting off fireworks well into the overnight hours.  Each time I began to drift off to slumberland some moron would set off what sounded like a stick of dynamite exploding.  I'm not sure how late it was when things finally settled down and I was able to drift off to sleep.  Seems like the alarm sounded 30 seconds later.

Although there were a few vehicles parked at the Tellbrook/Sonoma Ranch corner we saw no outdoor enthusiasts in the section of northern Chihuahuan Desert we hiked today.  On the way home I made a detour to head over to a gas station to fill the CR-V up.  Donned my mask and used hand sanitizer when I got back into the vehicle.  The only other person I saw at the pumps was a guy not wearing a mask.

LDR-A

Flank of Tortugas and the Organs

This and the next 3:  Frio and Willow

Getting side-eye from a Heeler

Inside Second Arroyo

This and the next:  withering Desert Zinnia flowers

Bank of the arroyo

Old Soaptree Yucca and Ocotillo

This and the next:  same Ocotillo

Dr. K and the Heelers down the arroyo

Heelers