Lengthy Bushwhack

1st 2:  Cactus Wren

We decided while descending LDR-A arroyo this morning that we'd add distance by crossing the Tellbrook Arroyo and heading north through the desert.  We ended up tacking to the northeast for a good bit before turning around to retrace our steps.

When we crossed the Tellbrook Arroyo again we followed our usual route finishing the normal hike that we do every day.  Although there were vehicles parked at the corner of Tellbrook and Sonoma Ranch we never saw any of the occupants out and about.

After the trek we drove over to our local Circle K to gas up the CR-V.  No ride today because Dr. K had a lunch date with an old friend.

Soaptree Yuccas

Prickly Pear blossoms popping

This & next 2:  Freddie turning tail

Tortugas and the Organs

This & next:  House Finch

Prickly Pear flower

Tortugas and the Organs (phone pic)

Hedgehog (phone pic)

Willow on break

Prickly Pear

Prickly Pear flower (phone pic)

 

Trio and then Solo

Very early moon

The three of us did an early morning hike on our usual route, but the cold wind kept us from adding any extra distance.  We drove straight home after the outing.

I decided to go out on my own afterwards, driving the Jeep over to the barriers on Geothermal Road.  I trekked eastward toward Tortugas Mountain for a ways before turning around.  The sandy soil was killing my aching feet and the wind had gotten particularly stiff, especially on my way back to the Jeep when it impeded my forward movement.

During my solo hike I got some decent photos, but I put myself through a bit of agony to get them.

Swainson's Hawk

Just west of Tortugas Mountain

Across the desert to Tortugas and the Organs

Faxon Yucca and shadow

Three wise men (Soaptree Yucca)

Wils sitting down on the job

This & next:  late-blooming Claret Cup

Last 2:  same prickly pear cactus flower

 

Friday Free-For-All

Soaptree Yucca at the side of LDR-A

We got an early start this morning, but not as early as the Basset people and their hounds who we spotted transiting 4210 hill far to the east of us.

They weren't the only nature enthusiasts we saw during our outing; three hikers (perhaps with a dog) were descending LDR southward, eventually climbing to the crest at the upper flatland road.

We did our usual trek with a bit of bushwhacking added on for distance.  It was much cooler this morning, but I wore a short-sleeve shirt and hiking shorts regardless.  I never felt cold due to bright sunlight and no wind.

Basset people and at least three hounds

Soaptree southwest of Tortugas Mountain

What's that look on Willow's face?

This & next:  Ocotillo flowers

This & next:  desert flora west of the Organ Mountains

Hedgehog and prickly pear

This & next:  barrel cacti

Soaptree Yucca (front) and Torrey Yucca

Prickly pear and shadow

Cloud

Creature

From the hill west of the right branch arroyo

 

Before the Winds Came

Ocotillo blossoms

We got a fairly early start this morning, saw the Basset people and their hounds while we descended LDR-A arroyo, saw a hummingbird when we reached the ancient Soaptree in the left branch arroyo.

From there we bushwhacked eastward to get some photos of a Swainson's Hawk we spotted atop the Torrey Yucca on 4210 hill; we had seen it early on and decided to approach the raptor.  Turns out there were two Swainson's Hawks on the hill.

After I got a few pics of Swainsy and companion we headed back to the left branch, got a drink at the ancient Soaptree and then finished our hike.

Old Yucca elata seed pod

Willow

This & next 3:  closing in on Swainsy

Black-chinned Hummingbird

This & next:  Dr. K and Willow

This & next 4:  One of two Swainson's Hawk we saw today

Willow in Soaptree Yucca shadow

This & next 3:  Ocotillo buds and blossoms

Last 3:  late-blooming Claret Cup