Chilly Not Cold

First 6:  yuccas

It wasn't as cold this morning when Dr. K, Willow, Frio and I did our daily hike, which was our normal trek.  The major difference was this:  halfway up Left Branch Arroyo we let the Heelers off their leads.  They were well behaved until we'd nearly reached the crossover to the middle branch.  That's when Frio bolted ahead after a critter, which I thought was a bird.  Willow followed closely behind.  When I whistled for her to return she came immediately, as did Frio.  I rewarded them for their behavior.

It's impossible to believe that they're not going to pursue fleeing animals, but we want to ameliorate their instinct as much as possible.  We can't accomplish that goal by having them on lead all the time.  On the double-plus side of the ledger they both were excellent for the duration of their freedom, hiking all the way down Middle Branch Arroyo and all the way up Right Branch Arroyo without lurching forward.  They received plenty of treats for this good behavior.

We took a ride after our outing, cruising through several nearby neighborhoods to see the sights.

Frio and Willow with .5% Dr. K

This & next:  yuccas on a ridge west of the Organs

Tortugas in the distance

Triple Barrel Cactus with fruit

Finch fruit of the yucca

Rugged Organ Mountains

Strange cloud (not a contrail)

Willow and Frio

Last 2:  distant views of Tortugas and the Organs