Coyote

Starting down LDR-A

It was 34F when we started off on our morning trek, but it felt much colder than that owing to the lack of sun and a persistent wind.  We hiked up to Second Arroyo, entered and took a short break for water and a few photos.  Then we headed back.

Along the way up LDR, just after crossing the Tellbrook Arroyo, we looked back and saw somebody standing in the road staring at us.  It was the beautiful Coyote pictured below, who stayed long enough for me to get a photo.  Both Willow and Frio were particularly well behaved seeing as how they both had spied "God's dog" simultaneously.

When we finally reached the upper flatland the sun had come out a bit and the wind had pretty much ceased, allowing us to warm a little.  This morning's outing can best be described by the word "invigorating."

Sky to the southeast

Southern sky

Northeastern sky

Willow and Frio

Willow

Frio

East to Tortugas and the Organs

Organ Mountains

Coyote (Canis latrans)

Rugged Organ Mountains

Bit of Tortugas and the Organ Mountains

Soaptree and the Organs

Tortugas's flank and the Organ Mountains

Trail around Tortugas

This and the next:  slice of Las Cruces and Picacho Peak

This and the next:  Organ Mountains

Organ Mountains with wild clouds

View from the flatland above