Heading back with my waterproof boots to the Mormon Trail to attempt to reach the actual trail.
As I pull in, I'm surprised that there were 4 cars there; maybe the water is really not bad and I'll get through but I'm not holding my breath because the stream along the dirt road has even more water in. Snow is melting quickly with the warm temperatures.
I put my boots over and cross the bridge; definitely more water flowing today.
I get to the other side and wow! The water is higher but I wade through the muck (at the least the water is clear). But I get to the tree'd portion and the water is murky. I'm not sure how deep it is and I'm not really wanting to step in the actual stream. I see another human made path in the grass and follow it to more water. There a few people on the other side scaling the steep hillside so it's doable. I guess I'm a wimp but I'm just not going across that. Sad, because my favorite butterfly trail is on the other side and I can't get there. :( And it may be a while. :(
Well since I struck out, I'll just hike Lambs Canyon today; and hey, the road is now open!!!!
As I head up the road I see my first 2 Two-tailed Swallowtails of the season not far from the gate - yea!
I reach the trail and there are 3 cars parked.
I check the mud/water - just WTBs today and a Rocky Mt Duskywing.
I start up the trail crossing the bridge -- water here is running higher and faster too -- and continue on.
I was here a week ago, plants are larger, more Waterleaf and Bluebells are in bloom, strawberries are up
and many more Spring Azures flying along the trail - actually all the way to the deadfall at 7900 ft.
Also see quite a few Orangetips, a few Painted Ladies and a Mourning Cloak.
The exciting part of the hike; seeing a Brown Elfin (yea!)
Second time I've seen one in Lambs Canyon!
Of course, more snow has melted
even at the terminating dead fall. On Sunday, the trail was snow covered past the deadfall; today, it's clear. I looks like some folks broke some branches so they can get thru but, I'll wait another week. Maybe the forest crew will be through next week.
On the way down, I catch sight of a Comma and a large white butterfly.
Good day!
