South East New Mexico Wild Flower Report

[klrno2]

Spring has been slow in coming to the southern Sacramento Mountains of south east New Mexico. :giveup:

I've been off the bike most of the winter, and even this spring, as time to ride has been sparse, flat tires abundant, and stormy weather a factor in there too. The waiting was over...it was time to ride in search of spring wild flowers of the New Mexican flavor.

The search begins in the Tularosa Basin, down in the White Sands...
http://klrno2.smugmug.com/photos/153428199-M.jpg
Nope...looks like the blooms have come and gone, leaving seeds behind.

Hey..looks like this guy found some, or did he bring those along with him?
http://klrno2.smugmug.com/photos/153428259-M.jpg

http://klrno2.smugmug.com/photos/153428163-M.jpg

Maybe not...he found 'em there, and he's taking a picture in a different way.
http://klrno2.smugmug.com/photos/153428262-S.jpg
Nice work man!

Oh well, heading up to higher altitudes and cooler temps, maybe the spring blooms will be easier to spot.

Nice view...but no flowers yet.
http://klrno2.smugmug.com/photos/158822365-M.jpg

Aha! Found some!
http://klrno2.smugmug.com/photos/158822587-M.jpg

Delicate, purple flowers scattered in the grass.
http://klrno2.smugmug.com/photos/158822617-M.jpg

Let's keep looking, 'eh?
http://klrno2.smugmug.com/photos/158822698-M.jpg

I've been told by another ADVer, that Dog Canyon is a nice ride.
Thanks Rich, you're right, it's a very fun ride!:clap:
http://klrno2.smugmug.com/photos/158822822-M.jpg

And look! We found a few wild flowers blooming there.
http://klrno2.smugmug.com/photos/158822831-M.jpg

Here, a few wild roses struggle in the shade on a cool mountain side.
http://klrno2.smugmug.com/photos/159123527-M.jpg

Mmm...pretty.
http://klrno2.smugmug.com/photos/159123547-M.jpg
http://klrno2.smugmug.com/photos/159123562-M-1.jpg

Still looking...
http://klrno2.smugmug.com/photos/159123634-M.jpg
http://klrno2.smugmug.com/photos/159124114-M.jpg

Didn't really find much in the way of blossoms here, but a good shot of the spring growth and shades of green that help to make this such a beautiful place.
http://klrno2.smugmug.com/photos/159123807-M.jpg

Playing on a narrow, winding, paved road..we found a few more flowers.
http://klrno2.smugmug.com/photos/159124316-M.jpg
http://klrno2.smugmug.com/photos/159123889-M.jpg
http://klrno2.smugmug.com/photos/159123951-M-1.jpg
http://klrno2.smugmug.com/photos/159124307-M.jpg
http://klrno2.smugmug.com/photos/159124054-M.jpg

But then, we noticed the sky...and decided it was time to head home.
http://klrno2.smugmug.com/photos/159123975-M.jpg

We barely beat the storm back to the house...glad we did.
http://klrno2.smugmug.com/photos/159190175-M.jpg
http://klrno2.smugmug.com/photos/159190124-M.jpg


And now...for a parting shot, the best flowery view we found over the weekend.
http://klrno2.smugmug.com/photos/159123618-M-1.jpg

[bullfrog]

looks like you and no1 had a BLAST!!!

very cool.

[nimrod]

Beautiful! The weather can be so quick :storm:

Thanks, John

[Tourmeister]

:clap:

Our spring came and went back in March! A few stragglers lasted until maybe mid April. Stuff was turning brown by May :-| There were some isolated pockets of flowers while we were in Az last week. For the most part, all the cacti had already done their thing by mid May.

I sure am going to miss your ride reports from this area once you guys move back to Texas...

[klrno2]

:wave: Hey Bullfrog! I see Angel's still accumulating miles and smiles on her new TW !!! :clap:


John...you're so right about the weather, it can be brutal in a hurry, or just as pretty, in just as big a hurry. :lol2:


:sun: No worries TM, we'll find new and interesting places to ride in North East Texas. Speaking of NE Texas, it looks like spring is still springing in that area. Our drives from NM to TX have been gorgeous with myriad types of wild flowers...and the property we just bought is still blooming with both wild and domestic flowers...even the strawberry plants are still producing! :clap:

[thumper]

Wow!! Great pics!! Thanks for sharing.:sun: