Another sunny day with temps in the high 90s.
When I arrive at Silver Lake, it's 54 degrees and surprisingly empty at around 8am.
As I trail counter-clockwise along the lake, the lake is getting lower but there is still slow into a creek under the foot bridge.
Still not many blooming flowers but there are several chipmunks running around.
I reach the Twin Lakes/Lake Solitude and start up. When I reach the intersection, I start along towards Lake Solitude (doing the loop).
Again no mass flower bloom yet but it is getting close as I'm seeing plenty of buds. There are 2 new bloomers though - the Heartleaf Arnica and Horsemint (but not in good quantities yet).
There's a few more Paintbrush and other flowers. Maybe next week.
There's no critter activity along the shady trail and soon I reach Lake Solitude.
Looks much the same as a week ago except some of those Phlox are drying up.
As I start around the trail, there's something strange coming up the ski cat road - a Salt Lake Cop. What?!
Somehow I think I ruined his morning by being on the trail. The car drives to the other side of the lake, turns around and stops. After a bit, he starts heading back down the trail. I have never seen a cop on any trail....until today - strange.
Now it's time to head uphill. I see a few flyers: Checkered White, Painted Lady and more Chryxus Arctics.
The Blue Flax is now blooming!
Before I know it, I'm above Twin Lakes. And continuing up to the Twin Lakes Pass trail head.
I'm seeing more Checkered Whites, Chryxus Arctics, a Large Marble, a Hoary Comma and a Two Banded Skipper. This guy lands on the underside of a plant
and then slowly move around to the top. Pretty cool!
Continuing upwards, there are more Paintbrush in bloom
and a Fleabane/Aster?
I reach the snow field indicating the trail and realize that I forgot my YakTrak - darn! I make an attempt up the slippery snow field but give up when I sink knee deep in snow. :(
Heading down I see a Pika
and a Ground Squirrel.
I head to my perch for a short break
Before continuing down to the Lake.
There's no one at the small beach area. The water seems higher even though the overflow is definitely less today.
Then it's down the hill and through the still mostly green plants. There are some Lupine in bloom.
Then it's across the switchback
and then home.
Nice day!
