Baby Rattler

This and the next:  another baby Barrel Cactus

We added some distance to our long trek this morning, taking LDR-A and LDR all the way up to the southernmost dirt road on the far side of the valley.  Then we followed an arroyo that parallels LDR and heads into Second Arroyo, where we stopped for a shade and water break.

After a short respite we retraced our steps and had one of the most interesting encounters we've ever had in our countless years of hiking in the desert Southwest:  we came upon a newborn Western Diamondback Rattlesnake in the middle of LDR-A.  The Heelers and I had passed it by when Dr. K called the rattler to my attention.  It hadn't moved at all, and, wondering if it was alive, I kicked a little sand in its direction.  The tiny, but dangerous, critter began to coil in a defensive posture.  I was happy to see it move.

Even though the morning started off a bit cooler with a noticeable breeze things began heating up as we made the steep climb to the higher flatland; up there, though, the breeze refreshed and we happily crossed back over to the waiting CR-V.

Ocotillos in the hills and the Organ Mountains

Southernmost east/west dirt road

The long and winding road

This and the next 2:  same 15' Ocotillo

Dr. K giving Willow a treat

Willow and Frio

Dead tree and bouquets

Barrel and Ocotillo

This and the next:  inside Second Arroyo

 

This and the next 4:  newborn Western Diamondback

Keratin "nub" at end of tail

Starting to coil

 

Hills/mountains

Desert oasis?

This and the last:  Stingleaf (Cevallia sinuata)