Broad Canyon Wilderness, Organ Mountains - Desert Peaks National Monument - Coyote Canyon tributaries

Two winter walks in small canyons that come into Coyote from the south. Looking at cliffs, bedrock and boulders. Finding precious shade in the deep channels carved in the rocky soil. Eating harissa sardines while the dogs cool off.

Walking along with the red outcrops on the Ward Canyon Fault.

Packrat nests of rocks and sticks between gray boulders,  with wild tobacco, bright, bright green growing in the shade.

 A deep hole, in the biggest one, a foot across, still holding a foot of cold water.

Eight deer, move, stop and watch still, then move over the low north facing  ridge through the pale winter grass.

 Footprints in the gray and black sand. My own, still there from two weeks before.

 A wicked drive on an untested road, wheels spinning in four wheel drive. Stopping and looking at several  crossings but always continuing on. . .

Warm, warm blue sky January days.

  Sunk down in deep braid channels, broom bristle grass growing above my head.

Rusty cans in the gravel.

 Hundreds and hundreds of ducks settled in the shallow water behind the dam at Coyote and Silva take flight at our  arrival. Swirling, weaving, black swarms against the pale sky.

 Following a fence in Lloyd Well Canyon, a wide wash.

 Hackberry trees in the deepest corners.

 Desert willow roots drawing water waiting.

Always looking for signs of ancient peoples in this wide gentle valley that seems so right.

Finally, finding, on the last part of the day.