As we continued our tour of places otherwise off limits we finally came to the bulk of the Cibola Spring flow.
It flows from here into the slot ahead.
But first it makes this little drop.
Then it takes a larger drop.
The trickling was quite peaceful.
Eventually it wanders off into the distance and so did we.
We saw a few things walking back to the car. It’s funny how you see certain things going one way on a trail and others going the reverse.
Rayless Daisy
Shadows on the wall.
Shadows on the water.
Bordered Plant Bug - Largus Californicus
Fornicating Californicuses with Reduction Sphere Backdrop
After Cibola Spring we headed off into
Pino Canyon.
Mallow - it is in the Hibiscus Family.
Can you see why? And do you see anything else leering at you?
The Thorn Apple was a unique (to us) sighting.
The “apple” opens up to reveal the ‘future’ of the plant.
How can something so pretty be poisonous?
Hiking up Pino gave us a chance to see one of the many watering holes that remain on the refuge.
This one has been modified and enlarged.
When the land was owned by the Campbell family wells and drinkers were put in place for their animals. Although the refuge has a goal to return the land to its original state, the natural flow of water sources has been augmented via human intervention. A decision had to be made about removing or keeping the drinkers and so cameras were set up at them to log their usage by refuge inhabitants.
We’re pretty sure they are happy to have them!
(Photo borrowed from Sevilleta NWR)
The conclusion of the study besides the fact that we have some very clean bears is that the drinkers are heavily relied upon and thus they shall remained on the property.
We stopped near here to have lunch.
Bordered Plant Bug Nymph on neat looking unidentified plant.
Remains of old building (possibly line shack).
This cactus looked like it had just melted.
It left behind some beautiful patterns.
Nature creates even as it destroys.
Did not get a great shot of this one but thinking Four O’Clock family.
This Pine Leaf Penstemon was a surprise to see.
A hold-out bloomer, only one flower had begun to open up.
This is not just any ole trash...
It’s Government Trash!
Bindweed
Glandularia Bipinnatifida - Prairie Verbena
Wild Buckwheat
Buckeye Butterfly
Creeping Zinnia
Until we meet again....
“Let us dance in the sun, wearing wild flowers in our hair and let us huddle together as
darkness takes over. We are at home amidst the birds and the trees, for we are children
of nature.” - Susan Polis Schutz