Breezeless Brutality vs Evaporative Cooling

Ocotillos looking fairly green

For half of our hike this morning Dr. K, Willow, Frio and I were sweltering in the blazing sun; several shade/water breaks did little to lessen the discomfort.  Then the wind picked up, offering natural evaporative cooling which went a long way in making the rest of the trek bearable.

We drove over to our local Circle K on the way home in order to gas up the CR-V.  The longer ride in the air-conditioned vehicle helped all of us cool down immensely.

Greenery fading

What passes for shade in the Chihuahuan Desert

Ocotillo

This & next:  Chihuahuan Greater Earless Lizard

Yucca and Ocotillos

This & next 2:  Western Kingbird

Frio and Willow in yucca shadow

Last 2:  hot and hazy