Kiss The Lizard

Angie and a Horned Lizard

While we were hiking in Petroglyph National Monument, New Mexico, Angie spotted this Horned Lizard. 

I caught him so we could become acquainted.

He was quite docile and very cool. One of the highlights of our trip...

Staredown with a Gray Fox:

 Hello Mr. Fox

I went for a hike at Alum Rock Park in the hills of East San Jose today.

On my way down the hillside, I heard a rustling in the bushes.

It took me about 5 minutes to pick out the tips of two furry ears - backlit by the sun - poking up over the tall grass.

I moved down the trail and found a clear view. 

At first, I thought the ears belonged to a bobcat, but I quickly saw that it was a fox.

We had a staring contest for about 10 minutes, then he turned his head.

I closed in for this shot. He then went under a bush, so I moved on.

A ranger confirmed it was a gray fox. They are present in the area, but seen infrequently.

Roadrunner

in Death Valley National Park

Today, we're headed to Death Valley for 5 days of desert hiking.
So, until I return with photos, here's a roadrunner to whet your appetite.