Another Round of Rain

Just stepped out of the CR-V

More rain fell in the early evening and throughout the night yesterday, and evidence of further runoff was everywhere in our section of the northern Chihuahuan Desert as the four of us hiked this morning.

Fortunately, even though the forecast called for a chance of precipitation early today we got in a long trek without getting wet:  down LDR-A, up LDR to Second Arroyo, eastward into the arroyo to our resting spot, a quick turnaround because there were too many ants, and back to the waiting CR-V.

On the return trip we encountered the elderly woman who uses two hiking sticks on her peregrinations; she was singing "Life in the Fast Lane" as she approached, and then made a comment to us about how much easier it is to walk on sand compacted by rain.  We agreed.  Nothing aggravates more than trying to make quick progress forward on loose sand--like walking on the beach.

Just as we reached the major east/west arroyo a man jogging ahead of a woman waved to us; we waved back.  Because they were coming down LDR we chose to return via LDR-A, still passing close enough to the man and woman to exchange greetings.

It was cooler out there this morning, but still very humid; and it looks like rain is a possibility for later today.

Down LDR-A

A Cactus Wren climbed partway into that yucca skirt

This is the Cactus Wren

Tree/clouds/sky

Soaptree Yucca and the long view

Rain ran again last night

It looked like this for much of the hike

LDR looking north from the major east/west arroyo

This and the next:  same view, different magnification

Chihuahuan Desert

First Arroyo

Checking in on Jerry Garcia

Second Arroyo

This and the next:  Whitethorn Acacia

Lots of fruit on the Prickly Pear

Dr. K with the Heelers

Willow and Frio

This and the next:  Organ Mountains