Another Cold One

Just getting started

Even without yesterday's wind it felt quite cold out in the desert this morning.  Although we followed our usual route we made a point of not taking many pitstops.  Willow seemed OK with that.

We saw Two-White-Dogs-Lady as we descended LDR-A arroyo, but she and her pups were long gone by the time we neared the Tellbrook Arroyo.  They were the only nature enthusiasts we spotted today.

Tippy tops of the Doña Ana Mountains

View from LDR-A arroyo

Do I hear something?

What's sneaking up on us?

The rest:  clouds on the mountains

 

Trek or Treat

Upper flatland road

This morning's trek was anything but a treat:  low 40s, cold wind, no sun.  We hurried through our usual route without stopping much.  Willow forced the issue a few times, but we coaxed her to move along.

We didn't see any other nature enthusiasts braving the weather today; can't say I blame them.

Sky northwest of Tortugas

Baby teeth

Looking left of the west flank

Watchful Willow

This & next:  Tortugas and the Organs

Organs

Willow and Dr. K in the right branch

 

Hump Day Hikers

Early light

Willow and I got off to an extra early hike this morning because, later, we had to drive Dr. K down to El Paso for an appointment with a glaucoma specialist.

It's a nightmare driving down to the Pass of the North these days due to all the road construction.  We made it in plenty of time, though.  Willow and I waited in the CR-V.  At one point I took her out and we walked around the huge parking lot.  I gave her water twice afterwards.

The whole trip wasn't too much of an ordeal even though we left home at 8:30 am and didn't get back until nearly 12:30 pm.  The good news is that Dr. K only has to have the same laser treatment she had two-and-a-half years ago.

Looking back up LDR-A

Willow leading the way

Hill beside left branch and Tortugas Mountain

Hill and the Organ Mountains

Good light on the Soaptree Yuccas

Dead tree X

 

Clouds on the Mountains

Cloudy Organs

Pretty chilly for our morning hike today, but Dr. K, Willow and I were well prepared.  The wind at home was stronger than out in the desert so we didn't mind the weather conditions too much.

Followed our usual route without seeing any other nature enthusiasts out and about in our section of northern Chihuahuan Desert.

When we arrived home later I got ready to take off on my weekly Albertsons grocery shopping jaunt, which wasn't too bad.

Wils

Trident root

This & next:  hill/mountains

Yucca Xperiment

Old Curved Bill

Willow and her Batwoman shadow

Tortugas and the Organs

 

Late Trek

1st 2:  Tortugas and the Organs

I took Willow for a brief walk in the arroyo beside our house this morning before heading over to the dentist for my 9:30 appointment.

I got back home at about 10:15, so I changed into hiking clothes and took Wils out for our regular trek.

Although the wind was still strong the temperature was higher and conditions felt less cold.  Willow was very happy to get outside today.

Willow scouting the territory

This & next:  pencil cholla with fruit

Yucca monster

The rugged Organ Mountains

Willow at rest in the left branch arroyo

Wavy barrel cactus

Dead tree and shadow

Last 2:  Tortugas and the Organs (phone pics)

 

Sunday's Brief Chill

Parched Soaptree Yuccas

The wind was strong when Dr. K, Willow and I left home for our morning hike.  When we parked at the trailhead I started to don my earband, but discovered I had left it and my gloves behind.

Turned out it wasn't as cold in the desert as it was at our house, and I was able to do the entire trek without ear or hand discomfort.

After the trek we drove over to our local Circle K to fuel the CR-V, and then we took a ride around the NMSU campus.  I stopped and got out several times to take photos.

Organs through yucca stalks

Hill west of the Organs

Sitting heeler

Organ Mountains

Skeen Hall (with tower)

Colorful trees near the Zuhl Library

This & next:  Zuhl Library

This & next:  public art commissioned by New Mexico Arts

Sidewalk next to the library