Persistent Heat

Smoke cloud over Ocotillo

Willow, Frio and I set off on our regular hike on a brutal morning in the northern Chihuahuan Desert; the heat was oppressive, and I seemed to be feeling the effects as much as the dogs.

We took a long water break at the ancient Soaptree Yucca before moving on.  After the trip down Middle Branch Arroyo we had a lengthy respite (as well as more water) at the large Torrey Yucca.

Two thirds of the way up the right branch we had another long break before pushing on.  By this time we'd picked up a small breeze that helped to cool us as we made our way over the hill just east of the CR-V.  We all seemed eager to get the air conditioning on full blast for the short ride home.

Tortugas and the Organs on a very hot morning

Looks hot and is

This & next:  Frio and Willow

Splayed stalks

This & next 7:  House Finches on yucca fruit

This & next:  small Barrel Cactus beginning to blossom

Scott's Oriole on Ocotillo branch

Hazy hot

Looking north from the right branch arroyo

Desert west of the Organ Mountains

Willow and Frio

The rest:  I think it's a female Rufous Hummingbird