Trail Trio

White-thorn Acacia

Dr. K was back on the trail with Willow and me this morning; she was no longer under the weather, but had climbed back onto an even level with it.  We pretty much followed our regular route with the exception of an early detour to avoid oncoming hikers with dogs.  We were lucky to get our trek in before the winds came.

This kind of start

Long way to the Organs

Tortugas and the Organs

Clouds over the Organs

Picacho and surroundings

Soaptree Yucca stalks old and new

Hymenopappus filifolius(?) with Red Milkweed Beetle

Strawberry Pitaya blooming under a yucca

Threadleaf Groundsel

 

Mockingbird on yucca fruit

Adonis Blazingstar

Purple mat

Outback with Wils

Long, sunny view of Tortugas and the Organs

Dr. K was feeling under the weather so it was just me and Willow on the morning trek.  We pretty much bushwhacked into the same general area as yesterday in order to find plants with flowers more fully opened; but, disappointingly, the blossoms were less unfurled.  No matter, we still enjoyed the hike immensely, especially Willow who was off-lead for at least half of the outing.

Shade break

This & next:  male house finch

Mocking me

Claret Cup

Diadasia rinconis?

Last 2:  contemplative Willow

 

Floral Fest

Desert Marigold flowers

Willow and I did a hybrid hike this morning:  part regular trail, lots of bushwhacking.  The weather was variable; cloudy at first, sunny later, and then overcast with strong wind.  We were way out in an arroyo discovering newly blossoming plants when we heard the clattering of hooves nearby.  I thought it was a deer, but we saw no culprit even after we climbed a hill and surveyed the distance to the southeast where the critter probably fled.  Wils and I had a good time out there today; even though she was off-lead for a good portion of the trek she was very well behaved, listening to my every command and obeying immediately.  I was very pleased with her behavior.

Near the Tellbrook Arroyo

Heading up a side arroyo

Taking a break

Heading up a hill east toward the mountains

Desert Zinnia

Hedgehog

Prickly Pear budding

Claret Cups

This & next:  arroyo Willow and I explored

 

This & next 2:  Strawberry Pitaya

Willow hears clattering hooves

Prickly Pear

Prickly Pear with much potential

Another Prickly Pear flowering

Claret Cup Hedgehog Cactus

Skeletonweed and Range Ratany

Nerisyrenia camporum

Strawberry Pitaya

More Spring Flowers

Leafed-out ocotillo with blossoms

Dr. K, Willow and I did our usual trek in the arroyos south of the Tellbrook Arroyo.  We saw Mr. Basset and his hounds as well as the Pickup-Truck-Lady and her dog; they were hiking with a companion human and lead dog.  It was 60F when we started off, and it felt pleasantly warm for the duration.  Dr. K and I are suffering from pollen-related allergies--not surprising due to the abundant wildflowers blooming in our section of northern Chihuahuan Desert.

Skeletonweed (Lygodesmia juncea)

Spectaclepod

A seated Wils

Skeletonweed again

Cresote flowers

This & next:  Twin-leaf Senna

Nerisyrenia camporum

Desert Marigold

Purple Mat