Holy Crap Hike

Soaptrees and the Organs

Not a bad morning for a hike:  slightly chilly with sunshine and very little breeze.  Our enjoyment of the outing was diminished by our concern for Frio whose health has declined rapidly.

Tortugas and the Organs

He managed a short trek with some difficulty, but seemed to enjoy himself.

We took a ride after the hike, and then, after we got home, I took Frio for a lengthy drive in the Jeep; he always likes that, but he slept most of the way.  It's really hell watching a young, strong, spirited dog waste away.  If he was older he'd have been gone a long while back.

It seems pretty clear to Dr. K and me that Frio isn't suffering from Valley Fever at all, but rather a cancer that has metastasized into his lungs.  What a raw deal our boy got from life.

This & next:  one of 3 Pyrrhuloxias chasing each other

Organ Mountains

Flank of Tortugas Mountain

Claret Cup Hedgehog Cactus with buds

Prickly Pear Cactus

South into the source of Middle Branch Arroyo

Cactus Wren

American Kestrel

Willow and Frio

Tortugas and the Organs again