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Monday, April 4, 2022

Bit of a Bushwhack

First 2:  clouds to the west
I didn't plan on doing any bushwhacking this morning, but when you spot a beautiful Claret Cup Hedgehog Cactus that requires a bit of exertion to reach it's worth it.  The climbing of the hill with two tethered Heelers made the effort a bit awkward.

Even though it was 51F when we started off this morning it felt a bit cool because the sun was often obscured by clouds.  I never felt cold, though, and I'm sure Frio and Willow didn't even pay attention to the weather; they were too concerned about chasing the lone Black-tailed Jackrabbit we came upon down near the east/west cross trail.  I'm beginning to wonder if it isn't the same hare waiting to taunt the dogs each morning.

We did our normal hike today, but I added distance to it by going further up both the left and middle branches of the new arroyo.  Heelers didn't mind staying out longer at all.  Drove over to our local gas station to fill up after the trek:  $4.19 per gallon X 9.168 gallons = $38.50.  Holy cow!


This & next 2:  Tortugas and the Organs



Another encounter with the same Black-tailed Jackrabbit?

Another shot of Tortugas and the Organs

All red flowers:  Claret Cup Hedgehog Cactus





Claret Cup growing near a double Barrel Cactus

About to bushwhack up that hill to get to a Claret Cup Cactus

Said Claret Cup Cactus

Awkward bushwhack with two Heelers on leads

Bushwhack was worth it

Frio and Willow

Why it's called "Spectaclepod"

Look who's sprouting another "redhead"

Surprised to see this Torrey Yucca with a second flower stalk

Last 2:  Willow and Frio resting in Right Branch Arroyo


 

1 comment:

Dr. K said...

Gorgeous photos, Packrat. I can see why it was worth it to bushwhack to see the Claret Cup cactus. I especially like the close-up photo of the flowers. I also love the photo of the Heelers that you took when you all were bushwhacking.

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