Sunny morning, it's around 36 when I leave my house. But as I head up the canyon, it's actually getting warmer. Guess there's an inversion in the valley tonight.
I arrive at Silver Lake and the sun has not yet popped up over the mountains yet but in some spots, there is sunshine on the higher snow covered peaks.
The visitor's center is now closed as are, unfortunately, the bathrooms.
The boardwalk is packed snow/ice as I start around counter-clockwise towards the trail head.
I reach the foot bridge. The water is partially frozen.
I look for fish but see none; they are probably hiding in deeper water. I do not see or hear and ducks.
I continue around
When I reach the switchback,
I hear a Pika chirp. I soon find one scurrying across the rocks with vegetation in his mouth.
There's another one here as well.
I head across the switchback to the other side. It's time to head uphill now. I usually head up the steep way but there are no tracks. I take the well-worn snow packed path up the hill.
I'm looking for critters but seeing nothing - no birds, chipmunks, moose, deer, etc. It's just so quiet and crisp.
I near the dam and the silence continues indicating any water flowing from the dam is now frozen.
I round the dam to a wonderful view!
I start down towards the water. Most of the lake is still open water but there's a good patch that is frozen.
I reach a upright log and take a brief rest.
There's only one other person at the lake, it's the older man I met on my first trip up to Twin Lakes back this Spring. He's 82 1/2 and still climbing. Hoping I'm so lucky!
Well, it's time to head down.
When I reach Silver Lake, I head over to the dock before heading back to my car.
Good day!
