We're Having a Heatwave

 

We've had a few days of temperatures that have exceeded 80F (hi 20s C). Our exercise starts as early as possible so today Rose Lynn, and our Thursday hiking friend Jeanne, hit the trail at 7:45 and came back to our vehicle two hours later feeling very sweaty! Bill decided to spend his time walking for groceries so he missed seeing a gila monster!!!!

This is a borrowed photo because Jeanne felt 

we should stay clear of this venomous critter 

The gila (hee-la) monster is native to this part of the world, the Sonoran desert. It's a slow-moving, thick bodied lizard who ranges from 10-14" in length, with a venomous bite that can be very irritating but not fatal. They feed on small and young mammals (for example, baby rabbits), nestling birds and eggs, reptile eggs, and carrion. Apparently this time of year and temperature allows for more sightings but they spend much of their time in underground burrows.

The name "Gila" refers to the Gila River basin (a tributary of the Colorado River) in the  states of Arizona and New Mexico, where the Gila monster was once plentiful.

P.S the very warm weather is about to end with a chance of rain and temperatures back to  the 60s & 70s (15-20C) in the next few days.