Not sure how all the Spring butterflies are surviving this weather but I'm hoping to find some along the Lambs Canyon road this morning; before the clouds roll in around noon. And, I heading up the trail. Only going until I reach consistent snow on the trail and I know I will.
I arrive a bit after 9:30. It's sunny and 59 degrees. Ground is wet from last night rain. If the sun holds, it could be a fun return trip watching butterflies.
I start up the road. The Forget-me-knots are starting to fade and the Bisquitroot is still blooming. I see a new flower today - Bluebells. They are just starting to bloom.
Not expecting to see many butterflies on the way up - cool and much of the road is still in the shade. But surprise, there's a Painted Lady and Rocky Mt Duskywing (only 1)
and an Anise Swallowtail (only 1).
Quiet walk up just listening to the fast moving stream along the creek.
I reach the trail and start up. The trail is snow free at the bottom but no blooming flowers. Just a bunch of green including Solomon's Seal, Waterleaf and Heartleaf Arnica.
Along the creek, it's pretty muddy as expected and there's snow on the north facing side. Also, the Aspen trees are greening up nicely.
As always, hoping to see some butterflies; at least the over-winterers.
At one point I see a Blue but he's too quick but I do catch up with the next one - a Spring Azure.
I also see a Green Comma - first time I've ever got a good angle on the underside to see the green. It's blurry but green! Way cool!
The lower part of the trail is a bit of an obstacle course with all the winter dead fall. Over one log and under the next.
The trail gets easier once I climb the first switchback.
I look for deer or moose but only find tracks. But the birds are out. I see Chickadees and this Junco.
At some point, the clouds roll in. There's blue sky up there except I'm under this big gray cloud. Please go away!
The snow continues to increase and I make it definitely over 1/2 way (above 7600ft) when I reach the snow. Time to turn back.
Just before I reach the road again, I find Fairy Bells in bloom!!
When I'm back to the road, the sun is finally emerging from the big gray cloud. I sit at the trail head for a bit giving the butterflies a chance to come out. I wait long enough for a single Blue butterfly to fly by. Time to head back.
On the way down, I check the muddy areas but no puddling.
However, I do see: 1 Orangetip, a handful of Blues, several hyper Painted Ladies and one Large Marble. Not bad for a not so sunny day!
