First of the Week

Ocotillo sky

Seemed like it was going to be quite cold this morning just before Dr. K, Willow, Frio and I hit the trail for our morning outing, but the wind died down for three-fourths of the hike and the high in the upper 40s made conditions fairly pleasant.

The wind did pick up again when we were heading up Right Branch Arroyo, but by then we were nearly finished with the trek.

We let Frio and Willow off lead for a bit longer stretch today, and both of them were really well behaved.  Of course we haven't kicked up a jackrabbit or cottontail yet, and I'm anticipating a mad Heeler dash to try to catch the fleeing critter.  I've been trying to coach Willow to keep Frio in check and to herd him back to us should he get too far ahead; so far the message isn't getting through to her.

Soaptree Yucca and the Organ Mountains

Grassland

Faxon Yucca

Aurora-like clouds

Soaptree

Bored

Frio and Willow

Organ Mountains

Clouds!

Far into Right Branch Arroyo

Ocotillo and beautiful sky

Last 3:  distant view of Tortugas and the Organs