I arrive at the Silver Lake parking just before 8am. Very cloudy with temps around 60 degrees.
Surprisingly, not many people here yet; except for the herds of high school track/x-country runners. I saw a group last time I was here. Guess they're using the higher elevations and cooler temps for training. Bummer for all the people that are looking for quiet in the early morning. But good for the runners.
I start around to the trail head, passing over the footbridge and stopping briefly for a Silver Lake photo.
And for this uncommon flower which I believe is Wintergreen.
I reach the trail and start up. I'm not too far down the trail and yes! The flowers are in bloom; so pretty!
Still not peek yet but darn good!
I continue around through the woods finding a section where the squirrels have really gotten into the cones.
Then to the first boulder field. Up top is a lone deer - love it!
I cross through the next boulder field and then arrive at Lake Solitude.
I take a brief stop for sunscreen and sunglasses (the sun is out at least for now). While stopped, I inherit some blood sucking hiking buddies - mosquitoes! Always several buzzing around my head actually for the rest of my hike.
Time to climb the big hill! Along the way, I actually see a butterfly; the Chryxus Arctics are still flying (although a bit beaten).
And another deer grazing in the bluebells way up the slope.
By the time I get to the top I'm in the shade again and the way the sky looks, probably the rest of my trip.
I turn right and start my way to the trail to the Pass. When I reach it, it's clear of snow (except one small spot that off-trail). I start up hoping for tons of wildflowers... and I'm not disappointed. Fantastic!
I'm a bit disappointed for the clouds as it's keeping the butterflies hidden; though I do see 2 Blue Coppers.
Soon, I reach the Pass. The mosquitoes are better at the Pass for some reason but I still don't stay long before starting my way back down.
I reach the main trail and head down to Twin Lakes. Looking good as always.
As I start my way around the backside of the dam (which by the way still has water flowing from the overflow), I find my first Fireweed sighting of the year. Fall is near. :(
Then it back down thru the flowers to the switchback over Silver Lake where a Pika crosses in front of me and then down the slope thru the vegetation.
Awesome day!
