Driving Here and There: Hiking to the Rio Grande

The mornings at Seminole Canyon State Park started in the mid 50's last week.
The clouds would clear off by about 11 AM and then the temp would rise to about 85.

So, we decided to take a round trip 7 mile hike along the rim of the Seminole Canyon towards the Rio Grande.

Well, by the time we got there, it turned out to be closer to 95.

and it started to show in the dogs' panting.
Fortunately there are 2 covered tables for a picnic and drink under the shade.

After a rest, we made it to the Rio Grande and this is what it looks like here.
There were 2 boaters who motored up from Lake Amistad, trying some fishing along the vegetation growth.

The river is pretty wide because of the damn downstream, below the Lake Amistad.
There were 2 boaters who motored up from the lake, trying some fishing along the vegetation growth.

Here the river is lined by high cliffs which will definitely make it difficult to cross at this particular spot.

BTW, did you notice the spiny "Ocotillo" on the pic above? It's all over this area.
It's a thorny plant with many arms that hardly ever turn from grey to green.
And hard to see at certain times of the day!

Fortunately at this time of the year, many have bright red buds which let you know where their arms' tips are.

And like many dangerous things in the desert, quite beautiful they are, if you give them some attention.

They look like really tiny roses.

Just be sure to use that red as a warning flag to keep away from their long, sharp thorns…...'cause they are at just the perfect height to scrape your legs or arms (and maybe even your eye).

And while in the desert, you should always keep your eyes set low, to see any snake that might be there.
Fortunately for us there were none to see.

But there's a lot down by your feet, too, to please your eye, if you pay attention.