I'm heading out after work to hike the Silver Lake/Lake Solitude/Twin Lakes loop. The sunny skies and temps in the low 70s in the valley, I'm sure the dusting of snow is long gone but what the heck.
As I drive up the canyon, there is still visible snow especially on the higher north facing peaks. And it remains on the higher peaks as I reach Silver Lake.
It sunny here with cloudy moving through and in the upper 50s. It feels like Fall!
The crowd, well it's after Labor Day, there really isn't one. :) It's so quiet.
The meadow continues to brown and there's a ton of water in the meadow. I know we had tons of rain last night but it seriously looks like early Spring here - lots of water.
Even the lake is high as I stop at the footbridge. It's so clear now that I see a lone trout.
I continue to move around the lake spotting a few Mallards.
I reach the corner of the lake and start heading towards Lake Solitude.
I can tell the area had snow last night as much of the vegetation is flattened - heavy wet snowfall.
But there are still a few flowers hanging.
The Thimbleberries have been well grazed probably by humans but I do manage to find a lone ripe berry - yummy!
I find Baneberry buds - do not eat!
I'm keeping my eyes open for moose (and of course deer)
Before I know it, I have reached Lake Solitude. I look for critter but nothing hanging out this afternoon.
I head around the lake. There's are tons of purple asters in bloom. I scan for flyers but nothing but a few dragonflies.
Time to head up hill.
When I reach the top and look down on Twin Lakes, it's much lower (it's been drained).
Still one big lake but definitely lower.
Lots of asters where I'm standing and I actually find a Ruddy Copper.
I head over to my perch for a quick break.
Before continuing down towards Twin Lakes.
I'm rounding the last corner before reaching the lake when I hear something. I look to my left and it's a deer and she's coming my way.
Wait, there are two moose behind her; a Mom and a baby! Cool!
I stop to watch the moose but I know I'm too close - probably 10-15 yards away. But they are happily eating leaves.
The deer crosses in front of me and then crap! The mom spots me and is staring at me.
Time to make my own trail out of her sight and quickly!
Along the way, I meet the deer again.
I pop out at dam and cautiously hug dam to get to down to the water. (I can't see the moose but they are not far.)
Time to get out of here and head back to Silver Lake.
When I reach the switchback, I find a Marmot.
And Pika scurrying around the slopes.
As I head down through the trees, I see two deer in the woods.
Incredible day!
