Rattled

Sky over ocotillos

Hotter this morning, but Dr. K, Willow and I got a respite from the heat due to some lovely high clouds that came and went.  At first we considered cutting the hike short, though, ultimately, we did the entire trek.  One encounter gave us pause for thought during the outing today:  an agitated young Western Diamondback that rattled a distinctive warning before climbing partially up into a creosote bush.  I could tell that Willow was a bit rattled as we passed uncomfortably close to the slithery varmint.  We kept our distance while I photographed it having been sufficiently warned not to approach too closely.

Headed down LDR-A

Dayflower

Willow on her favorite smooth sand

Newly blossomed prickly pear flowers

A young Western Diamondback rattlesnake

Closeup of those prickly pear flowers