Hey 98.6

East in Second Arroyo

The humidity wasn't supposed to be particularly high when we set off this morning, but it felt quite humid out in our section of the northern Chihuahuan Desert.  The sun was merciless, and there wasn't a hint of breeze.  We're headed for a high of 98F today--about 11 degrees above normal--and it seemed as if we'd hit it already during our daily trek.

This and the next 2:  Ocotillos and the Organs

While we paused in Second Arroyo for a shade and water break we saw a guy running up LDR with his dog on a lead.  They were the only nature enthusiasts we saw out there today.

All four of us were glad to get back to the CR-V after our trek, happy for the comfort of its shady interior and cool air conditioning on the short ride home.

This and the next:  Dr. K and the Heelers

Soaptree Yucca

A long view

This and the next:  longer view with Ocotillo

Willow and Frio

Western flank of Tortugas

Same as above, different magnification

Soaptree Yucca

Heelers

 

Cold Front's Coming

Corn Moon

We did a standard hike this morning, and even though it was 62F when we left home conditions felt pretty hot out in the desert.  Relentless sun, no breeze to speak of.

While we were heading down LDR-A the same two guys in an ATV we saw yesterday morning were driving north along LDR.  They waved to us.  We did see a lone hiker after we'd ascended to the high flatland, but we didn't encounter him.

We're slated to hit 100F today, but things are supposed to change markedly next week, with highs in the upper 70s for at least one day--perhaps Monday.  That will be quite a change after one of the hotter summers we've had in years.

This and the next:  Tortugas and the Organ Mountains

Second Arroyo

This and the next:  Willow and Frio

Further up Second Arroyo

Desert flora

Soaptree and Ocotillo

Looking west in Second Arroyo

Fuzzy flora

Further down Second Arroyo

 

Almost Chilly

First 4:  a mama Rock Squirrel eating mesquite beans

It was 63F with a stiff breeze when we started off this morning, and there was actually a slight chill in the air on this second day of September.  Ten minutes into our trek and the chill was gone.  The sun was blazing and the breeze had disappeared.

Right after we left LDR-A, crossed the major east/west arroyo and headed up LDR we had to step aside to let two guys in an ATV pass.  We all exchanged waves.

Then we hiked up to Second Arroyo, stopping inside for a brief water break.  I was already upset with Willow for pulling nearly all the way there, but when we got back to the east/west arroyo I became incensed with her behavior; that's because we came upon a lone dog standing at the far side of the wash, and both Willow and Frio went nuts, becoming very leash aggressive.  Unfortunately I was handling them both, and I had to restrain the Heelers with all my might.  The dog's human male companion showed up then and asked if he and his dog could run up the trail ahead of us.  Of course we agreed they should.

Since they went up LDR-A we had to climb LDR to get back to the waiting CR-V.  Both Dr. K and I were pretty ticked off at Willow's behavior, and we're putting our heads together to learn how to get her to change.

One of three baby Rock Squirrels

This and the next:  White-winged Doves

Keeping an eye on me

Stealth

This and the next 3:  Wilson's Warbler (Cardellina pusilla)

This and the next:  Scott's Oriole in a Desert Willow

 

Breezy and Humid

This and the next:  starting off on the high flatland road

It was cooler when we got started this morning, clouds and breezy conditions making for a very comfortable long trek.  We didn't think twice about hiking up to Second Arroyo and ducking inside for an extended break, which included getting hydrated.  

While we were in there we saw a woman jogging with a dog, the same woman and dog with whom we had a fraught encounter in the past.  She and the pooch never spotted us.  They were the only other outdoor enthusiasts in our section of the northern Chihuahuan Desert while we were enjoying nature.

The inbound leg got a little uncomfortable when the sun made a prolonged appearance not masked by any clouds.  We were glad to be heading back to the waiting CR-V and a cold blast of air conditioning once we climbed inside.

This and the next:  Ocotillos at sunrise

Long view of Tortugas and the Organ Mountains

Willow and Frio in Second Arroyo

This and the next:  doobiesque clouds

Southern section of the Organ Mountains

Another long view of Tortugas and the Organs

Heelers

Dove

Chihuahuan Desert scene

Double Barrel Cactus

Blossoming bud on the double Barrel Cactus