Thursday, July 28, 2011

Harsh, Hot, and Beautiful; for Skywatch

We go early. We wear sunblock, hats, and sunglasses. We carry walking sticks and water. 




We watch the trail carefully for all the slithering, stinging, and biting creatures who live in the desert. 



We admire the volcanic vistas and rejoice in the immense desert skies overhead. 



We know that anything could be over the next rise: A badger, a javelina, a tarantula, a rattlesnake. 
Not many people, though.



It's harsh, it's hot, and it's beautiful in the Chihuahuan Desert. 


For skies in all kinds of places, be sure to visit Skywatch Friday


29 comments:

Joyful said...

Beautiful place to walk. Hope you had your water ;-)

Ms. Becky said...

you will get no argument from me on that proclamation! beautiful. have a fun weekend Clair.

Rajesh said...

Fantastic shots. Looks like you has nice time.

Laura said...

beautiful!

Follygirl said...

wonderful pics!
Greetings from Germany, Petra

Simply Delicious said...

What a lovely place to take a walk.

Liz said...

Great shot! Happy sky watching.

Liz @ A Simple Life

Sylvia K said...

Such a beautiful, peaceful place to walk, Clairz! Looks like a fun day to me! Marvelous captures as always! Hope you have a great weekend! Happy SWF!

Sylvia

Judy said...

So different from my landscape! Beautiful!

Photo Cache said...

What a lovely place to walk.

Steffi said...

Great place to walk!Have a nice weekend!

Owlfarmer said...

I never know what to expect when I manage to get here, but I always know I'll enjoy myself. Of course, it always makes me homesick for the desert and longing to be in the land of fierce, dry heat, sagebrush scent, and clean, clear air.

Sigh. It's still sweltering here, but I'm taking refuge in other peoples' landscapes today. Thanks for this--the pictures are gorgeous.

JC said...

Wouldn't want to go off the path there. Looks very nice though.

fjällripan said...

What a beautiful scenery!

Laughing Orca Ranch said...

That lat photo is fabulous!!!!

~Lisa

Sallie (FullTime-LIfe) said...

What a wonderful morning!

eileeninmd said...

It is a beautiful place for a hike. Have your seen a snake or badger? The last shot is my favorite, very scenic view. Happy skywatching!

eileeninmd said...

It is a beautiful place for a hike. Have your seen a snake or badger? The last shot is my favorite, very scenic view. Happy skywatching!

clairz said...

Eileen, yes, we ran into a rattlesnake just up the trail. See the two previous posts for the story.

Kim, USA said...

Love the landscape but the snakes bothers me hehe. Happy weekend!

SWF

Icy BC said...

Beautiful sky watch photos! Although the dessert looks dried, there are still so much beauty to see!

becky said...

I love the fact that there are no other people out there! I've never seen a javelina before, have you?
Hey Clair, I was wondering if you have ever been to the "whole enchilada festival" in LC? If so, do you think it is worth a visit? My mom has been wondering about it & wanted me to ask you. Also, what about the chile fest in Hatch?

Tanya Breese said...

i hope you packed plenty of water! and yes, watch for snakes!!

clairz said...

Becky, I'm sorry to say that we've never been to either the Whole Enchilada Festival or the Hatch Chile Festival. Too hot and too many people. Although I love the ride up to Hatch and that might persuade me to attend their festival. Nice people in Hatch.

Don't go by us, though. Another person might tell you a completely different tale.

EG CameraGirl said...

And the sky is such an amazing blue, one of the best parts about being in the desert. Stay cool.

Randy said...

What a beautiful hike! Looks a little warm though. Reminds me alot of the hikes I've taken around Phoenix.

Quiet Paths said...

Gorgeous sky; the desert is full of life and critters! I would love to explore there. Our sky is beginning to look a little like that now it's heating up a bit.

Tania said...

Wow, this is so beautiful! I love the desert and with some mountain it is perfect. Great pictures.

Georgia said...

Thank you so much for always visiting my chicken post and leaving me such nice comments!! Also LOVE this post! I haven't thought about javalinas in years! I was once chased by a javalina (or at least I thought it was chasing me) when I lived in Sierra Vista AZ. I always thought the desert was so beautiful :0)