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| Willow taking a break |
Surprisingly my right foot seemed better when we got back, and now I'm convinced I have to hike with my orthotics in my Keen boots from now on. I'll keep monitoring my feet before deciding when, and if, we'll take a trip to the high country soon.
We saw nobody else out there while we made the rounds.
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| Desert Cardinal |
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| Swainsy |
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| Willow leading the pack |
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| Last 4: the same Western Kingbird, a flycatcher |
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| Old Soaptree Yucca seed pod |
Because the Swainson's Hawk was perched atop its Torrey Yucca we did a quick bushwhack over to the saddle, climbed partially up a hill where I took some photos of the raptor.
We bushwhacked back to the left branch arroyo and proceeded to finish the rest of the hike. When we headed up the right branch arroyo we spotted the Basset people and their hounds coming down the ridge just west of us. We all waved to each other--the humans, that is.
When they descended to LDR-A we ascended the east branch, climbed the hill to the west and entered the CR-V.
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| Willow |
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| Long distance view of Swainsy |
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| Last 4: Close-up view of Swainsy atop a yucca |
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| 1st 2: Western Kingbird (Tyrannus verticalis) |
We were two-thirds of the way to 4210 hill when Dr. K spotted the latter outdoor enthusiasts coming down the ridge to the east of us. Willow saw them, too, and began to whimper in excitement about the Bassets.
We turned around then, headed back to the left branch arroyo and finished the rest of our trek.
When we got home Dr. K did the Albertsons online coupons before I headed out to do my weekly shopping.
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| Swainsy atop its yucca |
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| Willow |
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| This & next 5: Swainsy on its yucca |
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| Claret Cups |
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| This & next 4: Ocotillo buds and flowers |
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| Claret Cups |
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| 1st 4: Claret Cups |
We crossed over the saddle and climbed the hill, descending on the west side before bushwhacking back to the left branch arroyo. We then proceeded to follow our normal route.
While we were hiking up the right branch arroyo Dr. K spotted the Basset people and their hounds. Mr. Basset was trekking along the ridge just west of LDR-A before heading back to the dirt road. They were the only other nature enthusiasts we saw out there today.
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| The long view southwest of Tortugas Mountain |
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| Tippy tops |
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| The Wilster |
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| Lone Soaptree on 4210 hill |
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| At the western base of 4210 hill |
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| Claret Cups |
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| Lone Soaptree on 4210 hill |
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| This & next: Loggerhead Shrike |
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| Willow in yucca shadow |
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| Claret Cups and Prickly Pear |
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| Last 2: Apache Plume |
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| 1st 2: Apache Plume |
Swainsy took off before I was able to get a good photo, though, but I did capture a few of the bird in flight. I wish I was more adept at photographing birds soaring, but it's tough business.
We took a long drive after the trek, listening and laughing at Matt Jones and Myron Medcalf on their Sunday Morning show.
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| Wils and Dr. K |
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| Old Soaptree Yucca seed pod |
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| Swainsy or Mrs. Swainsy? |
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| Willow at rest |
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| Whose turn to incubate? |
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| This & next: Claret Cups in barrel shadow |
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| This & next: which Swainson's Hawk is hunting? |
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| The long view from southwest of Tortugas Mountain |
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| Claret Cup growing beneath creosote bush |
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| Claret Cup |
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| This & next: little old mesquite in the right branch arroyo |
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| Claret Cup beside prickly pear |
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| Tortugas and the Organs |
Willow taking a break Dr. K, Willow and I took our regular hike this morning despite my aching feet. I seem to have all the symptoms of met...
