Almost Hostile

One word for this scene:  hot

The desert seemed almost hostile as Dr. K, Willow, Frio and I did our usual hike this morning; a slight, sporadic breeze helped at times, but it wasn't long lasting.  We're in the middle of a pretty strong heat wave, hitting 108F yesterday (at the airport).

Conditions are supposed to cool a bit by Saturday and Sunday, but not by much, and a rise in the humidity will ensure that the comfort level stays about the same.

The fact that we got out early today and took many shade and water breaks helped us cope with the heat.

Acacia tree

On the way up the left branch

This & next:  two takes on the same scene

This & next 4:  same Swainson's Hawk

The rest:  Willow and Frio

 

Baking

Prickly Pear Cactus with green fruit

It was already hot when Dr. K, Willow, Frio and I set off on our morning hike, and it's only going to get hotter; we're headed for a high of 107F.

Did our normal route today with plenty of shade and water breaks.  The "O"s gladly drank the provided cool liquid from a cup.

We didn't waste time for unnecessary photo-ops due to the oppressive conditions out there, happily returning to the comfort of the air-conditioned CR-V at end of trek.

Frio and Willow

Willow and Frio

 

Holy Day with Heelers

1st 2:  Swainson's Hawk atop yucca

Dr. K went shopping this morning so it was the "O"s and me on the morning hike.  It was already hot when we got out there, and no evaporative cooling breeze helped ease the heat.

We did our normal route, stopping a few times for water, which we've started bringing along to quench Heeler thirst.

When we finished our trek at 8:30 it was already 85F.  It's 101F right now (1:45 p.m.).

The "O"s

Lousy photo of what is probably a Western Kingbird

Swainson's Hawk again

Willow and Frio

Rather hazy this morning

Frio and Willow

Whitethorn Acacia (Vachellia constricta) on arroyo bank

 

Desierto Otra Vez

Desert Marigold

Dr. K, Willow, Frio and I did our regular hike in the lower desert this morning, painfully aware of the heatwave that has gripped our region.  We were 104F yesterday, and the forecast calls for another triple-digit temperature today.

For the first time in months we felt obligated to bring water along for the "O"s, and they appreciated the gesture, both drinking during several shady breaks.

It was 85F when we got home just after 9 a.m., and it's already 99F now (2:25 p.m.).  Welcome to the northern Chihuahuan Desert in late June.

Artsy Desert Marigold

Reefer clouds

Swainson's Hawk

This & next:  juvenile Northern Mockingbird

Willow and Frio

Whitethorn Acacia in Right Branch Arroyo

Frio and Willow

Last 2:  Roadrunner

 

Different Route Down

1st 2:  scenes from a bushwhack through the forest

We took another trek through the forest behind our cabin before packing for the trip down the mountain.

Because of ongoing construction and long delays on Route 82 we descended via Fresnal Canyon Road to Laborcita Canyon Road and west to the lower section of Route 82 before resuming the normal way home.

Due to the refrigerator emergency we had a somewhat stressful visit up there this time, but we'll head back again soon.

This & next 2:  Pinyon Pines

Hedgehog

Willow, Frio, Dr. K

Probably a dead Pinyon Pine tree

Timber

Our place peeking through the forest

Last 2:  mountain vistas

 

Bucky the Mule Deer

All images of this Mule Deer buck show his "warts"

When Dr. K took Willow outside this morning Willow was barking at a young Mule Deer buck who took off up our driveway.  He later appeared in our backyard and I was able to photograph him and make a short video.

Upon looking at the images later I saw that the young buck had "bumps" on his left antler.  Internet research suggests these bumps, which are sometimes called "deer warts," can be fibromas caused by a papillomavirus.  It's possible, though, that this young guy is destined to be a "Cactus Buck," a mule deer with an oddly structured rack.

Dr. K, Willow, Frio and I did a bit longer hike in the forest behind our cabin before getting back to wait for the delivery of our new refrigerator.  I was afraid the delivery men would come in an overly large truck, and indeed they did.  They had quite a bit of trouble maneuvering the vehicle down our winding driveway, but finally managed to back it up to our wooden front gate.  Other than that the delivery went really well, and we're back in the cold food business.

This & next:  similar mountain vistas

Old fence line

Frio and Willow

White Horsenettle