Trend Toward Normal

Just as we started out

Only 73F when we stepped out of the CR-V at the dirt pullout off Tellbrook this morning, the sky fairly clouded over when we began our trek.  Despite the high humidity (we got rain yesterday) it felt decided cooler in our section of the northern Chihuahuan Desert.

As we set off hiking we saw a man and woman we see somewhat often these days just finishing up their outing.  They were the only nature enthusiasts we spotted during our explorations.

We went all the way up to Second Arroyo where we stopped in our normal shady area for water and a quick respite before heading back.  On the return leg to our waiting CR-V the sun broke out and began broiling us.  Fortunately we reached the comfort of our vehicle before becoming roasting.

Tortugas and the Organs

Picacho Peak

Sky over desert

Organ Mountains

Soaptree Yucca

Bumper crop of Prickly Pears

Same Barrel Cactus buds

Organs

Long distance view of the Organ Mountains

Organ Mountains otra vez

A branch of Second Arroyo

Frio and Willow

Second Arroyo

Big old Ocotillo

Soaptree Yucca leaves, Mesquite and Creosote

Frio yukking it up while Willow thinks, "What a clown."

In the arroyo

This and the next 2:  Soaptree Yucca stalk

Last 2:  the long dirt road