Views from the Grand View

Sacramentos

We did the Grand View Trail this morning, surprised that nobody else was there on a Sunday morning.  We hiked the entire first leg on a cool, but pleasant day, enjoying the peace and quiet.

Both of those first impressions were permanently altered about midway down the loop trail when we heard the voices of hikers coming up in our direction.

Before long one of their big dogs appeared, heading toward us off lead.  Willow, who was on lead, went bonkers, far over the threshold of acceptable behavior.  Fortunately we were able to get her far enough off the trail so the two-dog hikers could pass.  The incident partially spoiled what would have been an excellent all-around trek, but didn't really ruin it for us.  It only made us more desperate to find a solution for Willow's hyper-reactive responses to other dogs.

At the curve of our road

Willow searching for dog neighbors

At the top of our drive

Fendler's Bladderpod

Trail marker and bench at the Grand View loop

Willow and Dr. K

Grand View Trail

View to the east

Another eastward look

Prickly Pear growing on rock panther head?

White Sands NP at the horizon

Willow in shadow at the midway ramada

Another view of White Sands NP

Davis Mountain Mock Vervain (Glandularia wrightii)

Hedgehog Cactus growing at cliff edge

Through the notch

A passel of Sotols

More Sotols

High country vista

View from the loop trail