Monday morning Peoria greetings to one and all!

I made it back from a quick trip out to New Mexico last week to see my folks and as always it was a great time! I’ve
made trips out there at different times of the year, but never during this time of the year. In Southern New Mexico they have had their rainy season and it’s showing in the desert. They only get about six inches of rain a year, so when they do get rain, everything in the desert comes alive.

I was able to get out for a hike at one of my favorite spots, Dripping Springs Natural Area. In all of my hikes there over the years, I’ve never seen many animals. This time I was rewarded with a number of lizards, toads and even my first ever snake! Fortunately for me, the snake was a non-poisonous Bull snake, but it sure looked like a Diamond Backed Rattlesnake! The flowers were out in force and that’s something that I haven’t seen much of either during my past visits! It’s usually something that doesn’t last long, so I just happened to be there at the right time of the year to see all the color!

Here are some of my photos taken at Dripping Springs Natural Area last week!

Next weekend is Memorial Day Weekend and it’s the official start of summer! If you’re going to be traveling next weekend, be safe and have some fun as well!

Have a great week to come and thanks as always!

Kev and Jan

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