An amazing diversity of plants. In a 4 mile hike we went from desert to oak and pine forest. The fall colors are just peaking here with lots of oranges and reds mixed in the pine and all of it contrast against the stark mountain stone. Kent got some great pics. The walk was on lots of loose rock so not the easiest we have ever done but well worth the effort. When water is so scarce, it is amazing to see how plants sprout anywhere water even slows down. It is very windy and the humidity here is 9% so they have us at high fire alert. Tomorrow is to be even windier. We plan to go to Carlsbad Caverns though so it shouldn’t affect our day.