Gracias a la Nube

Heading down LDR-A

We're headed for a high of 104F today, but we were blessed with cool weather thanks to a luminous cloud that stayed in the same position blocking heavy sunlight for seven-eighths of our trek this morning.  Only when we were approaching the high flatland at the southern crest of LDR-A did the cloud change position allowing the sun to shine through.

We saw no one during our exploration of this section of the northern Chihuahuan Desert--just the way we like it--and, in fact, didn't notice any vehicles parked in the lot at the corner of Tellbrook and Sonoma Ranch at the start and finish of our trek.

We did a fairly long hike up to First Arroyo and back, a thoroughly beneficial outing enjoyed by humans and canines as well.

Pausing for a photo along the way

First look at the cloud that gave us relief

The cloud

So grateful for that cloud

Desert flora and mountains

Heading up First Arroyo

This and the next:  8" Barrel Cactus

This and the next:  land of little arroyos

First Arroyo

Awesome Soaptree Yucca

Dr. K's marionette show

This and the next:  that cloud again

Been watching this Barrel Cactus for quite a while now

This and the next:  Allthorn flowers

I'm bored

Back to the high flatland