Wind blown: Strong winds blow sand through a wash near Church Rock on Tuesday afternoon. Wind speeds averaged 25 mph on Tuesday with gusts reaching up to 44 mph. Today is predicted to be partly cloudy with winds reaching 20 mph. [Photo by Matt Hinshaw/Independent]

Spring Activities: ABOVE: Bernard James does repititions on the fly machine while working out at the Larry Brian Mitchell Recreation Center on Monday. James says he works out three to four times a week at the facility. BELOW: Theron Hathaway jumps for a soccer ball at Gallup Middle School on Saturday afternoon. Hathaway was playing with his family, who were visiting from Colorado for the weekend. [Photos by Brian Leddy/Independent]

Spring is bustin' all over: Recent warm weather and spring precipitation have helped trees and flowers begin to bloom, such as this dime-sized blossom on a fruitless pear tree in Gallup. [Photo by Jeff Jones/Independent]