Valles Canyon- Broad Canyon Wilderness,Organ Mountains Desert Peaks National Monument

After wasting a bunch of time driving around on a hideous road near Silva Tank, I opted to go up to the higher country and do this hike in the ever-greening Sierra de las Uvas last week. In the winter I had explored two canyons on the east side of the middle reach of Valles Canyon. A few weeks ago I explored another two, also on the east side ( see "In Between Ridge," and "Las Uvas Canyons" in this blog). This time I did some wandering around  in some canyons on the west side. I found some secret pools of water full of tadpoles, many cow paths and one nice piece of pottery. Wrens and sparrows flitted in the junipers and bushy little oaks, while beetles pushed a ball of dung in the sand.  My late start and the humidity really got me to sweating, but I didn't mind. Only when I had gotten my fill for the day of these hills and valleys did I head back to my vehicle parked at the base of Tailholt Mountain.It wasn't the most exciting trip but it's good just to get out and it's always good to see our desert so green. UPDATE: Where I parked for this hike ( as seen in the second photo) is now within the wilderness area. The starting point now has to be the parking area near Valles Tank just off of the Corralitos Road.