April 9 - Little Cottonwood Trail

It's 77 and sunny today! I took off an hour early today (because I have to work an hour later tomorrow) and I'm heading to the Little Cottonwood Trail to see what's happening (and I'm assuming most of the snow is gone by now).

I check the main parking lot and it's still closed -- there's no snow anywhere perhaps the lot opens on a particular date (like Memorial Day). No matter, I just head up the canyon for the other entrance.

There are a couple of cars in the small lot. The south facing mts are clear of snow all the way to the top. The north facing slopes still have plenty of snow -- the avalanche chutes are full as well. And the little canyon in between (at least at the lot -- is snow free).

As I go down the hill, all I hear is water running (snow melt) and I smell pine trees (and the pine smell is pretty strong -- love that smell). When I get to the bottom I go to turn left to head to the concrete building at the end of the trail and I see why the sound of water is sound prevalent....the trail is a running stream, probably 4-5inches deep. Now I could go wading but just not today. So my choice is to head downhill to the big bridge.

Now there is snow on the trail in spots that are shaded by the mountains. One such spot is soon after I turn right. Probably a foot or so. I go to cross the snow to head to the creek but soon realize that the water coming down the trail is undercutting the snow --- not terrible but I'm just not looking to end up a foot deep in snow with ice cold water running over my foot...so I tread lightly.

I make it to the creek -- not terribly high yet but flowing faster than last time I was here. There are Mourning Cloaks and Commas (Hoary and Satyr) flying a bout. And there is still snow on the other side of the creek.

As I continue down the trail, I see a couple of squirrels running around. And a chickadee in the trees. A Milbert's Tortoiseshell flutters by.

There is still one section of the trail with snow/ice --- light stepping here as well.

I pass my favorite water pool -- nice to see "an old friend" again. The pool is not totally full yet but there is quite a bit of water flowing in.

I get to the big water bridge in what seems like record time -- perhaps its because there are other people on the trail (lots of bikers) but it seemed so much longer in the winter months.

There's not much water flowing -- all redirected above to storage. But there is enough water for the Dipper (grey bird) to be bobbing for something to eat. And he was quite vocal today. I had to stop and listen for a while.

Then it was back uphill to my car. I see a Red-breasted Nuthatch on the way back.

Great way to spend my evening.