A Pack of Dirty Bassets

Soaptree Yuccas at the side of LDR-A

Just as Willow, Frio and I were pulling off Tellbrook onto the dirt road leading to our parking spot we had to stop and wait for the man and woman who hike with their 5 (or is it 6?) Basset Hounds.  We knew they'd soon be descending on LDR so it wasn't a long wait.  After they dropped out of the upper flatland we drove up and parked in the dirt pullout.

Even though Frio and Willow had both seen the no good Bassets they were not frantic to get out and pursue them.  But once the Basset scent grabbed hold of Willow's snout things got a bit worse.  Fortunately we were crossing the upper flatland road over to LDR-A where we made our descent.  I went slowly, and once we saw the pack turn west into the Tellbrook Arroyo it was clear sailing.  We picked up our pace.  Not far up LDR we stepped off the road to let a single runner headed in our direction pass by.  We all exchanged morning greetings, even Frio and Willow who whined and whimpered to acknowledge the guy.

After a brief stop in First Arroyo we headed back on LDR.  Before cresting the road in the upper flatland I was surprised to see a huge old Torrey Yucca blossoming in two of its five crowns.  Hoping it will flower in the other three soon.

Single Soaptree Yucca

Soaptree flower stalk

Frio and Willow

This and the next:  Soaptree Yucca in First Arroyo

Mormon Tea blooming

Mesquite Tree beginning to flower

Bird on a Mesquite Tree

It's a male Gambel's Quail

This appeared in the tree after the quail took flight

Tellbrook Arroyo and the Organ Mountains

Heelers

This and the next 2:  Ocotillo budding out

Birds on a blooming Torrey Yucca

Can't wait to see how many flower crowns this baby will have

Torrey Yucca blossoms

Last 2:  Apache Plume flowering and pluming