Coyote Encounter

Interesting clouds over the Organs

Willow, Frio and I had an interesting trek up to Second Arroyo this morning, the most exciting feature being an encounter with a small pack of Coyotes (5 or 6) who were headed our way west in Tellbrook Arroyo when we were crossing over it on the long dirt road.  Willow and Frio didn't see the tricksters until they had altered track after spotting us; therefore I was able to get a few good images of the critters before having to fend off the Heelers.

I did a lot of sweating out there today because it was hot and humid; due to the adverse conditions we took a lot of shade breaks after a long respite in Second Arroyo, where we drank water to stay hydrated.

On the way back into the upper flatland I spotted another imprint in the sand where a snake (probably a rattler) had coiled to sleep(?)  There was also a clear track across the ground leading to--or away--from the resting spot.

This & the next 8:  portions of blue sky

How many doves?

This & the next:  still yellow with chinchweed

Willow and Frio

Sphinx Moth larvae

Who's that coming down the Tellbrook Arroyo?

One of five or six coyotes

Crossing out of the arroyo

Pausing to take a look at us

This & the next:  another of the pack

This & the next:  where a snake coiled, and its track

 

Con Due Amici

First 5:  clouds and sunbeams in the Organ Mountains

The desert sky was pretty dynamic this morning:  sun shining through clouds over the Organ Mountains, beams splaying outward in all directions.

Willow, Frio and I hiked up to First Arroyo, dropped in for a drink of water and a brief respite, and then headed back.  We didn't see any humans out there today, but one Black-tailed Jackrabbit captured the Heelers' attention.  They wanted to pursue, but I held them back.

After our trek we drove over to the small post office so I could mail a bill to our utility company; the letter only has to go across town, but first it must be transported down to El Paso and back because our local mail must be routed through the main post office down there.  Crazy!

Mountains and rolling desert hills

Can't decide which I like better:  this one or . . .

. . . this one

This & the next 3:  still yellow with chinchweed

Willow and Frio in First Arroyo

More grass than ever

Frio and Willow

Mr. Frio with dirt on his nose

Ms. Willow

First Arroyo

Jackrabbit went that a-way

Ocotillos beginning to yellow

More grasses than I've seen here before

 

An Extra Companion

Headed down LDR-A

Willow, Frio and I had an unexpected companion this morning:  Dr. K.  She decided to accompany us on our morning trek up to Second Arroyo and back.  She had not been with us since the fantastic chinchwood display kicked in after recent monsoon rains.  She was duly impressed.

Dr. K's bum knee was good for the entire hike, but once we reached the CR-V in the upper flatland it began to throb a bit; she said, though, that she believed it had gotten better overall.

We decided against going on a drive after our outing, opting instead to head straight home.

Datura

Chinchweed desert

Chinchweed desert (dry brush filter)

Willow and Frio

In Second Arroyo

Heelers

Organ Mountains

Barrel Cactus

This & the next:  Black-throated Sparrow

This & the next:  Climbing Milkweed

Last 2:  Datura