Regulation Trek

View west from the left branch

Not as cold this morning during our regular hike; bit of a breeze, though, at times.  Saw nobody else out there as we followed the standard route.  Bad air and poor lighting made for few photo opportunities.

Willow and Dr. K

Same Soaptree Yucca as #1

Willow on break

 

Willow and Woody

Yuccas

Pesky cold breeze for Dr. K, Willow and me during half of our morning hike.  It pretty much subsided while we descended the middle branch arroyo and made our way up the right branch.  Fortunately the sun was shining brightly to keep weather conditions bearable.  After the trek I left for my weekly shopping stint at Albertsons.  Dr. K is at Target now doing her weekly stint.

Willow, top down

Long view of Tortugas and the Organs

Last 5:  female Ladder-backed Woodpecker

 

Better Air

Dove in mesquite

Dr. K, Willow and I did our regular hike this morning, but I didn't take any photos out there.  The light was poor, too many contrails filled the sky, and I plain didn't feel like doing photography.  After lunch, while we were all sitting at the side of the house facing the arroyo I took a few phone photos.

Desert Willow in winter

Desert Willow

Willow lying down

 

Aire Malo

9 balloons

Back in the desert for Dr. K, Willow and me during a bad air morning.  We followed our regular route, seeing nobody along the way.  When we were finished with our hike and driving down Tellbrook we saw the Basset People and their hounds getting ready to cross the road in order to finish their morning trek.  We took a long drive after our outing.

Willow beside a giant Tic Tac

Yuccas west

 

Deer Friends

1st 3:  mule deer does on our property this morning

We did an early morning hike before returning to the cabin to pack for our return to the lower desert where we are now.

This & next 2:  on our forest hike

This & next:  little bird needs ID

Last 2:  Willow on our driveway

 

Spooked Deer

Haynes Canyon early

Just as we were about to enter the forest from the top of our drive we kicked up several deer that jetted away from us.  Willow, who was off-lead, started to give chase, but stopped when Dr. K and I said, "No!"  Willow obeyed while I went forward to put her on lead.  I kept her that way for about half the hike before I let her loose.  We encountered no other critters during the trek.  The weather was a bit better during our outing, inconsistent breeze, bright sunshine and slightly higher temperature.  Afterward we returned to the cabin before driving down to Alamogordo to dump garbage and do some shopping at Lowe's Signature Market.  Got gas before heading back up the mountain to the cabin.

Early light

This & next:  snow remnants

On the trail

Beyond the cottonwoods

Contrail-like clouds

Headed back to the cabin

What?

 

Sacramento High

Next to our driveway

Nice hike in the forest behind the canyon for Dr. K, Willow and me this morning.  Only a slight breeze, bright sunshine, 37F.  The only downside of the trek was my choice of walking along the east side of the cabin where we walked through red clay mud; that meant we had to spend a lot of time cleaning off boots and paws.

Mountain cabin

Near the crest

Come down from your fences, open the gate

Willow leading us back

Wils relaxing in the Back 40

Sun through pine