Close Encounter with a Cottontail

First 2:  Willow and Frio on the east/west cross trail

We did our usual hike this morning, and the most notable thing was an encounter with a small Desert Cottontail that streaked away from Willow and Frio along the narrow trail near the head of Right Branch Arroyo.  Fortunately neither Heeler decided to pursue.

It was quite cold when we started off today--32F with a wind chill of 27F.  The wind kept up throughout the trek forcing me to wear gloves and an ear band almost all the way; I only removed them during the very last leg of the hike.

Hill west of the Organs

This & next:  Soaptree Yuccas

Prickly Pears

Faxon Yuccas

Frio and Willow in Left Branch Arroyo

Deadwood sticks

Soaptree Yuccas

Small tree

Prickly Pear and Faxon Yuccas

Frio and Willow in Right Branch Arroyo