Not Rattled

At the trailhead

This morning Dr. K, Willow and I had our first encounter this season with a small Western Diamondback Rattlesnake; it was curled in the sandy trail ahead of us, and I spotted it with plenty of room to spare.  We've been keeping Willow on lead when we hike just in case we meet up with rattlers; it's doubtful she even saw it, but we can't risk her curiosity propeling her forward.  Conditions were hot and buggy today when we were out there, but it wasn't totally unpleasant during our outing. 

Dayflowers again

This & next 5:  small Western Diamondback Rattlesnake

Willow in ocotillo shadow

Ripening prickly pear fruit

 

This & next:  White-thorn Acacias in the right branch arroyo

White-thorn Acacia flowers

This & next:  barrel cactus flowers

Fishhook barrel cacti

Allthorn flowers blooming