Burning Calories

1st 5:  Soaptree Yuccas

Not as cold this morning when Dr. K, Willow, Frio and I hit the trail for the daily trek.  Also, no secreted watchers monitoring our exploits as we hiked part of our normal route; in fact, we saw only a few birds during the outing

Instead of ascending the left branch like we did yesterday, where we spotted the coyote watching us, we went south up the middle branch arroyo before bushwhacking westward across the desert.

We followed a different arroyo we've hiked a few times in the past northward crossing over to our favorite Torrey Yucca before following the right branch arroyo to the steep hill where we exited to the waiting CR-V.

Soaptree Yucca leaves

They call it "Allthorn"

Banana Yucca leaves

Soaptree Yucca and badly leaning Barrel Cactus

The long view

Barrel Cactus down

Soaptree Yucca

Barrel Cactus with little barrel (left) and Prickly Pear infant

This & next 2:  the "O"s next to a Soaptree

Desert west of the Organ Mountains

Soaptree with dead tree

Heelers following Dr. K

Last 2:  Cactus Wren nest in Torrey Yucca