Moon Day Trek

Velvety Nerisyrenia

We got off to an earlier start than yesterday on our morning trek, which was the usual one we've been doing each day.  It was 69F when we started out, so things hadn't heated up excessively--and there was a mild, yet constant breeze to cool us down a bit.

We saw two hikers at a great distance on LDR, but we never encountered them; they were the only other outdoor enthusiasts we spotted during our trek.

All four of us--Dr. K, Willow, Frio and I--were happy to reach the waiting CR-V at the end of our exploration, and we rode in air-conditioned comfort during our short ride back home.

Backlit Soaptree Yucca

This and the next:  Willow and Frio

This and the next two:  First Arroyo

This and the next:  Dr. K with the Heelers

Desert Zinnia (Zinnia acerosa)

Small plum-size Prickly Pear fruit

This and the next 2:  double Barrel Cactus

Heelers and Dr. K

White-winged Dove cooling off in a bowl of water

Bath Day For Heelers

First 6:  Second Arroyo

A little later start than usual this Sunday morning, but the day dawned fairly cool (69F) and a slight breeze helped ameliorate the heat; it was, however, quite humid from last night's rain.

We saw several people out there today--a dirt biker and a runner--but we didn't encounter either one.  We also watched a black pickup truck descend LDR, turn left into the major east/west arroyo ahead of us and drive out of sight.  When we were halfway up LDR-A the black pickup sped up the long dirt road and disappeared over the ridge.

When we got home we gave both Willow and Frio a bath (in that order) and were very happy when the ordeal was over.  Willow is good about being bathed, but Frio is an absolute wild man.  He doesn't run away, but he makes the whole process about five times harder than it has to be.  Now--hours later--both Heelers look spectacular in their new clean coats.

This and the next:  Twinleaf Senna

 

This and the next:  same shot of a neighbor's front yard

Final 2:  Black-throated Sparrow

Cool Front

This and the next:  Heelers in Second Arroyo

We got a pretty early start on our morning trek today, and the temperature was significantly cooler (71F vs. 80F yesterday), though a bit more of a breeze would have been appreciated.

Dr. K, Willow, Frio and I hiked up to Second Arroyo, followed it eastward to our regular shady rest, and drank some water to stay hydrated.  Then, while my three companions stayed in shadow, I explored a bit for photographic opportunities.

On the way back we encountered a lone woman hiker and exchanged pleasantries with her.  A short while later we realized she wasn't alone at all, but was trekking ahead of a male companion (husband?) who was quite a bit behind her.  He was wearing a distinctively wide-brimmed hat we recognized from previous encounters.  We've crossed paths with this couple a few times before; we'd just never seen them hiking separately.

The temperature stayed cool enough for all four of us to thoroughly enjoy our morning outing.

B&W mesquite

This and the next:  Desert Zinnia

This and the next:  Second Arroyo

Two Heelers and a Wildcat

Dog's eye view of Second Arroyo

Looking down a Soaptree Yucca stalk

Twinleaf Senna

This and the next:  Barrel Cactus buds

This and the next:  Tortugas and the Organs

This and the next:  Ocotillo and the Organs

Long Dirt Road

Doña Ana Mountains

Desert Zinnia