May 31 - Mountain Hike (Twin Lakes)

Today its time to head for the real mountains (9000+ feet)!

The original plan was to go with a group of people up to Catherine's Pass -- its a great trail w/ 3 lakes and the Pass is above the 3rd Lake at over 10K ft. Went a couple times last summer and after the first real snowfall of last winter.

The group wasn't meeting until 10am and I was getting antsy so I went up there myself. Figured if it looked doable for me (i.e., no or little snow), I'd just wait for the group.

The drive up Big Cottonwood Canyon was beautiful. It's sunny and mid-60s. The creek is flowing fast and furious, the trees are leafing out, pine trees look fresh ... perfect. Trailheads are packed with folks hitting the trails.

As I near the ski resorts (Solitude and Brighton -- Brighton is the end of the canyon and the road just loops back), I can see snow in the higher elevations. Didn't figure it would have melted by now.

I pass the Nordic Center (which becomes the Silver Lake Interpretive Trail in the Spring/Summer/Fall), round the corner and pull into the Brighton parking lot to where the Catherine Pass Trail begins - at the end of a ski run. Its pretty steep -- definitely greater than 20% -- I've slipped down a portion of it in the summer because of dry dirt and I've seen a guy do a nice slide in the mud last summer. I look to see the slope still pretty much covered in snow --- that's a no-go for me today - too much snow. (But the snowy mountains are still very pretty.) If I come back next week-end, I'm sure I'd be willing to give it a try.

No great loss, I just loop back around to the Silver Lake parking area. It's pretty crowded. But that's probably because there's a huge group of girls walking around the lake. I have to assume Girl Scouts (or some church organization). Since they were walking towards me, I decide to go in the same direction they're heading (clockwise). I can see Silver Lake now. Last time I was here in Feb/Mar it was buried until lots of snow. In fact, all the snow that was around the lake is all gone and its just a lake and wetlands. (There are a few spots of snow on the trail around the lake in the shadier spots.)

As I round the lake to its western edge, there's a trail heading up to Solitude Lake and/or Twin Lakes. Hey, I came all this way, might as well try and make it to Twin Lakes. Its only about a mile further (and 720ft in elevation - about ~9400ft). And I'll get away from the crowds around Silver Lake. :)

The trail cuts through the woods NW of the lake. I'm passing thru an aspen forest that does not have its leaves yet. The ground is covered in yellow glacier lilies (another book I now have calls them Avalanche Lilies). There's some columbine plants that are peaking out but only the lilies are in bloom. I finally get to a split in the trail and follow the Twin Lakes trail.

The trail comes up above Silver Lake on an old service road. The trail is now covered in snow and a really good slip could send me heading down towards Silver Lake. I must be getting used to these drop-offs because I'm not too nervous to cross the snow. I even stop to take-in the beautiful view below me and the mountains across the horizon.

I'm back on a dirt trail for only awhile and then its back to snow. For the most part, the snow is hard-packed and just slushy in spots so its not so bad. But there are many places, I drop down into the snow.

I come around one corner and there's a family heading down snow towards me. Mom, Dad and 4 girls (no older than 10). I ask them if they made it to the Lakes and he said that they just turned around. The 2yr got tired -- she was in his backpack now. I told the Mom that the girls are great hikers -- that's a pretty amazing feat for kids their ages.

There was an older fellow just behind them. He was only his own and made it to the Lake. Since the trail and surrounding land is basically snow covered, I asked for directions (since there wasn't really a trail). He said to just follow the curve of the mountain side. I'm off.

After a while, I got tired of the snow -- it's a little slow going --

so I start walking on the clear slopes. Wasn't necessarily easy going as there were plenty of obstacles to get around - large rocks, piles of branches, trees -- but it was easier than the snow.

There are little buttercups in the clear areas and Comma butterflies out -- always amazes me to see them flying when there's so much snow around. And there around chipmunks and Uinta ground squirrels out.

I finally see the Twin Lake Reservoir Dam and then my bare land runs out. I have no choice but to plow through the snow to the Dam. It's untouched so I'm prepared to sink knee deep into it but to my surprise, I walked right across without even a dent in the snow. :) (So lite on my feet - yea right.)

Just a note that before the dam was built, there was actually 2 lakes (aka Twins Lake). Once the dam was built, there is only a single lake but its still Twin Lakes.

The lake and the surrounding mountains were worth the hike.

The lake is still 50-60% frozen and is backdropped by a still snowy mountain range. The rocks (acting as a beach) were snow free, so I walked down towards the water, found a good rock and had lunch. There was another family already here but a little further down the "beach". It was so peaceful.

About 10 other people arrived a little while later, so it was time to head back down. There was a father/teenage son heading down the same time I was. I'm not sure how they got up, but they were heading down a different way than me. I was tempted to follow them but decided to retrace my steps.

Retracing steps proved a little harder heading down so I just went through the snow. It reminded me of going down the Indiana Dunes (which I've done many many times) just a bit colder. And I don't sink up to my knee in the sand -- like I didn't the snow many times today. But it was an easy downhill.

I got back to my turn-off to head back to Silver Lake but decided to follow the road -- I thought it led to Lake Solitude. After awhile of going downhill, wasn't quite sure where the trail went and turned around. On the way back up, found a side trail (I missed) and there was a family heading toward me. They said the trail went back to Silver Lake so I followed it back.

I get back to Silver Lake and there are people kayaking on the lake. As I head back to the parking lot, I notice the Pussy Willows are out. Some are even in bloom. The mountain view are really nice from this side.

Great day! I love the mountains and love a snowy mountain!

May 29 - Little Cottonwood Creek -- Snow Melt Peaking

Needed this walk after work today. And its beautiful out - after several days of 90+ temps, today is around 75-77 degrees with a light wind. Perfect weather!!

When I was here about 2 weeks ago, the water levels were rising as the mountain snowmelt continued but there was no water running near the parking area.

Today, a torrent of water flowing near the parking. I love it already!

It about 4:30 when I start. Still some butterflies flying -- I see a Northern Crescent,

a few Field Crescents, Common Checkered Skippers and Rocky Mt Duskywings. The lupine is in bloom now as are some fleabane/daisy (not sure) and some Tapertip Onion (cute pink flowers).

A little higher on the trail, the berry bushes are in bloom with white flowers. It was so nice to hear to flowing water instead of the cars heading up the canyon. And the flowing water (its cold as its snowmelt), cools the air even more.

I stop at the first bridge to watch the flow of water and its chaos.

My little quiet pool of water has a small waterfall flowing into it and the pool is overflowing onto to trail.

I get to the 3rd bridge and the water is just tumbling down the mountain. There is a tree branch that normally overhangs the water. But the water is so high and fast, the branch is bouncing somewhat un-rhythmically to the waterflow. It's actually pretty funny.

I get to the end -- I was hoping to have supper in my normal spot overlooking the old building but there were 3 bikers taking a rest. So I head back down to a side trail and sit along side the river. The beach that was there 2 weeks ago is just part of the creek now. I watch the waves jump in spots, swirl in others --- almost as entertaining as watching a campfire (but not quite).

After having my sandwich, just head back down the trail.

Wonderful way to end my day.

May 25 - Lamb's Canyon

Finally! I'm going up Lamb's Canyon today. I've been thinking about it for a few weeks now but with an end point just over 8200ft and 1) we had more mountain snow this winter 2) when I first took this trail last year, there was still snow to get around on the upper parts of the trail, I was a little hesitant. But today is the day!!!! I love this trail -- the creek, the tall aspens, bountiful flowers (and other greenery) and a pretty awesome view at the end.

It's a nice cool morning in the low 60s at the trailhead. There's already 4 cars in the small parking area at around 9:30. So I start off on my 1500ft, almost 2mile trek up the canyon --- and I'm looking for moose.

It seems that the flowers are behind this time last season -- I just remember more variety (but again there was more snow this winter). There's a lot of green but not much flowering other than the dandelions, waterleaf, larkspur and the purple Virginia Bowers.

In another week or so, the Bluebells will be blooming - they're up w/ buds.

Looks like the forest service has done a bunch of clearing since winter -- lots of trees/brush cut. Maybe they're trying to open the trail up a little. Personally, I already like it.

I see a bunch of blues flying (Spring Azures) and a couple of Juba Skippers.

I'm following some pretty fresh moose tracks. The hoof prints are at least 6" deep into the mud in some spots. The moose in this canyon do like following the trail, lots of scat -- some looks fresh. I'm looking for that moose.

As I get higher, I reach the snow -- it hasn't melted because it doesn't get a lot of sunlight (it's in the shadows). The Satyr Commas are flying here and above --- probably their early Spring season now. I see a Brown Elfin on a flowering plant. And a little further up, a Margined White.

I finally get higher enough that parts of the trail are still snow covered. I really don't like these parts - wouldn't be bad if there was not a drop-off ... but there is. Not that I'm going to fall to my death but it would be an interesting slide thru snow and mud. So a little light stepping in prior tracks. I did slip in one section and started to slide into a slope of mud but was able to put my hand into the snow to stop the slide (that snow is coooold). The snowy trail was on-n-off for about the last 300 ft in elevation (1/2 mile).

But when I came out into the clearing - wow!! At beautiful view of SLC and the Orriquhs Mts to the west.

And some snowy peaks to the South.

There were 3 people coming down a little hill to the right. I've seen people going up it before, just didn't know where it went. So I asked them (they, like I, moved to SLC last year -- small world). They told me they just went up to the top of the hill. It goes further on some unofficial, perhaps animal trail, but they stopped. Said it was worth the trip. So I went up. Its probably on 50ft higher and a 10 minute walk through the aspen and vegetation. There's moose scat along the way -- I'm still looking for one.

When to the top there are tons of Glacier Lilies in full-bloom,

also Spring Beautys. The view is to the North/Northeast down into Lamb's Canyon and beyond. Beautiful wooded valley! I climb a little higher through the trees. I'm now just high enough to see yet another snowy peak to the south.

Glad I took this little side trip up the hill!!!

Now its just downhill to the parking area.

On the way down (still in the snowy part), a man going up asks if I saw the moose. Said it was a young male just off-trail; there were 3 deer as well. Grrrr! I knew I was following one!

Well there are a few more butterflies out now -- a little warmer and a little sunnier. They're mostly in the muddy spots - Northern Cloudywing and Rocky Mt Duskywing along with the Azures.

When I get to the bottom, I check the muddy spot near the parking area (always a good bfly spot). There are Azures, Western Tailed Blues, an Anise Swallowtail, Northern Cloudywing, Rocky Mt Duskywing, Sleepy Duskwings, and Dreamy Duskywing -- and a Mylitta Crescent zipping a bout. Also flying is a yellow Swallowtail (it's either a Western or 2-tailed -- can't tell the different when flying).

Great day!!!

May 23 - Grandeur Peak

First day of the Memorial Day week-end - yea!! Decided to come to Grandeur Peak for a challenging hike (about 2400 ft ele change in 3.4 miles). And for a rematch, I did this hike last year a week or so earlier, got to the saddle and then got stopped by a huge pile of snow that I refused to go thru -- drop-offs scare me. Today, I'm hoping to make it to the top.

Cloudy morning in mid-60s, a little windy. The trailhead in Millcreek Canyon at the Church Falls picnic area. The gate is open this morning so I try to save some time by driving to the trailhead but all the parking spots are taken so I head back to park along the road -- this adds another 1/4mi and 200ft in ele before I even get to the trailhead.

The creek/waterfalls are flowing still as would expect it still is May.

Solomon's Seal (tons of them) are in bloom as are the Waterleaf.

The worse part of this trail is the beginning (before the switchbacks) - lots of elevation gain here. And I wasn't feeling it this morning. I wanted to turn back several times but kept pushing because I knew it would getting better and I wanted to get to the top.

Finally, the switchbacks are starting -- feel much better now. The trail is still weaving thru a woodland but soon breaks out in the open -- I can see mountains to the east/southeast -- with snow. Lots of flowers: a couple species of Balsamroot, Mt Dandelion, larkspur, ...

I see a Western Tailed Blue.

As I get higher, I can see more of the mountains.

And I can see my destination Grandeur Peak, its a long way away.

Just keep walking.

I hear something moving in the brush ahead of me. I'm looking, I can't see anything. I'm right over it and its still moving but I still see nothing. (And it didn't scare as a chipmunk, squirrel). I don't know what's down there.

I finally make it to the saddle where I stopped last year. The view of the SL valley is pretty clear. I poke around and see Spring Beauties and Glacier Lilies under the unleafed Scrub Oak. There's no snow to block me now so I go higher -- only another 1/4 mile to the peak.

The trail now crosses the valley -- kinda heading east I think. I can see where I have already trekked.

Kinda hiking on a ridge but sometimes a side. The trail is steeper now and rockier. There are purple violets blooming. In fact I stopped to take a photo of the violets (some I can remember them) and I see the prize of my trip -- a Leopard Lily. It so pretty (and the only ones I saw).

I think I'm almost at the top but its just another saddle with another view of the valley. (Guess I didn't make it to "the" saddle last year, only "a" saddle.) I see lots of Sprawling Spring Parsley.

It grows low to the ground and is one of the earliest Spring wildflowers to bloom -- ok "early" is relative above 7000ft. So it more up --- another 1/4mile.

I see a guy coming down I ask if I'm almost there, he says only 10 minutes -- I can do that. I get to the top....and it's yet another saddle. (Ugh!) My destination is still ahead of me --- maybe the "last" 1/4mile. But there's a little hill which I climb and that's my Grandeur Peak for today! (There's rain coming in, my legs are like jelly...) Hey, someone placed a little pile of rocks on top -- it's a peak! :)

So now it's all downhill.

I hear more shuffling in the woods. I see a little black bird with a red breast and has white stripes on his wings. He has a pretty call. There are 2 of them poking thru the leaf litter. (I think they are Spotted Towhees.)

I see some Puccoon which I didn't notice earlier. And some Purple Daisies which are about to bloom.

I get to the bottom of the trail, I see a Painted Lady and a couple of Rocky Mt Duskywings.

On the drive out, I see a deer next to the road.

Well, didn't quite make it to my destination but I came closer. Still a great day.

May 18 - Mormon Pioneer Trail

Another sunny day, a little cooler than yesterday (or at least that's what they say). Get to the trail a little after 9am. Still in the 50s so I'm not expecting much on the bfly end yet. But curious about new wild flowers and whether or not I can actually make it to the end of the trail (last time I got blocked by a Spring-runoff Lake.

Several cars already in the parking area - this trail sure seems popular this year -- hardly saw anyone last year (maybe this will change once the higher elevations start opening up -- I can only hope :)).

Get to the main trail and almost immediately see a Mylitta Crescent warming itself in the sun. A little further down is an Anise Swallowtail laid out flat on the trail. I think she may have gotten run over by the biker before me but I touch her with plant leaf and she moves slightly. So I'm thinking she's still cold from the night and trying to warm up. So I leave her in peace (after I take a bunch of close-ups!).

Strawberrys are in bloom, lupine are just popping up out of the ground, larkspur, purple violets, bluebells and many other plants are blooming.

Definitely getting easier to walking -- less water and  mud on the trail. The 2 flooded areas in the 1st mile are getting better but still difficult to get around. One I could rock hop across, the other required a detour through the brush and over logs still.

I see a Common Checkered Skipper (one of many today). Also flying, Large Marbles (got a great underneath shot of one!),

more Painted Ladies, Juba Skippers, Field Crescents, and Rocky Mountain Duskywing.

I get to camp -- still no dragonflies yet. The aspen trees are leafing out and are a lime green color. The beaver dam still has a waterfall, though less intense. As I continue I see my first Northern Cloudywing of the season flying among the Duskywings. Also Western-tailed Blues (a 1st for this season also). They are flying with the Spring Azures and Silvery Blues so I have to look hard to determine who is who.

The Woodland Star flowers are in bloom up here as are the little yellow buttercups and the Spring Beautys. The Glacier Lilies and Yellow Bells have faded.

I finally get to my stopping point last time --- the Spring Lake. Its actually several creeks now and there's just enough of a muddy bank (about a shoes width) and logs to get across. I might actually finally make it to the end today!!!!

Today is a good lesson in elevation today. I'm going uphill (around 1000ft in 4miles). The Glacier Lilies, yellow bells and others that are fading or faded at the lower elevation are in bloom or are about to bloom here.

Tons of Spring Beautys here too. Same goes for the bflys, I've seen Brown Elfin by the camp about a month ago, they are now flying higher up. Lots more Sara Orangetips up here --- even though they are flying below.  (The progression of seasons up the mountain.)

Now that I'm in uncharted waters (not literally but maybe...) there are stream trails (again), lots of water to cross (thank goodness for well-placed rocks and logs). And I couldn't keep my feet dry today (well, the left one. Got a good dipping as it slipped off a wet rock). There's snow up here too. (Stuff that doesn't get enough sunlight.) Most of its off-trail but there's one short stretch of trail thru the snow.

I've found a tree that has been bent over by the snow.

I'm seeing both Satyr and Hoary Commas now -- saw none on the lower section. Also Mourning Cloaks.
Cant' forget the Tiger Beetles that are moving about up here. And the Milbert's Tortoiseshell.

I finally get to my ending point. The trail actually goes up hill steeply for the final 1/4mile (400 ft) to a view point that anyone can get to by car. Went once, not worth the effort. So I'm stopping at the wooden bench (that's about 4miles to the bench) -- its a great lunch spot. The trail just before getting there was filled with Common Checkered Skippers, Common Branded Skippers, and Jubas all flitting a bout.

Still some patches of snow in the meadow and the pond is full -- I can see the stream running into the pond. The trail is on a "levee" that needs to be crossed. Thank goodness for a little footbridge because the water running from the pond washed out under the footbridge -- and is roaring downhill. (Hope the footbridge doesn't get washed out.)

I stop at the bench. Lots of yellow buttercups -- they cover the side of the hill.

Just nice to stop and enjoy the birds chirping.

After lunch, its time to head back. When I get back to the camp, there is a yellow sulpher flying. I'm trying to be stealthy and sneak up on it but it flies before I get a good look. It catches the wind and its off down the valley. As I turn to head back to the trail, there's another sulpher and the wind pushes it down onto the trail. I get a look but its flopped on the ground because of the wind. And then takes off. Never saw enough of it to ID it.

I scare a snake and he moves through the grasses.

I get to a muddy area and there are some duskywings --- I catch a good look at a Dreamy Duskywing (a 1st for the year)

saw the Sleepy Duskywing last time I was here.

Now I love dogs and I get why people like to take them on the trails - if I had a dog, I would too. But there's something about being a responsible dog owner and not let the animal roam through the brush chasing and killing animals. I met over 10 dogs today -- some people had one dog, a few had 2 dogs, and 2 people had 3 dogs. Most of the dogs stayed on the trail (i.e,. good owners). Other dogs were running all over. Well I'm also most back to the parking area, when a lady and her 3 dogs pass me by (I met them further up the trail.) When I round the corner, I see 2 of the dogs in the brush and as I get closer one is picking/licking a dead large bird -- feathers are everywhere. Now I can't say that they just killed the bird but the bird wasn't there when I came through earlier -- I couldn't have missed the pile of feathers. But one of the dogs I saw today, I'm pretty sure took care of that bird --- makes me so upset.

Anyway, saw 2 additional snakes (tiny ones) the rest of the way.

All in all great -- couldn't done without the dead bird but hopefully a coyote or mountain lion will have an easy meal tonight.

May 16: Little Cottonwood Trail

It 79 degrees and cloudy. Beautiful day. Time for an after work hike on the Little Cottonwood trail. Last time I was here (a week or so), there was actually water running in the creek near the parking area; I'm pretty sure (despite the Spring Snow storm last week-end), the bottom portion of the creek will have more water in it.

I get to the parking lot and get out of my car expecting to here water and all I heard were cars driving by. I know they siphon the water out to a reserviour but that's a lot of water that disappears after one pumping station!!!

As I'm getting ready, I hear rustling in the woods. I look and can't see anything so its either lizards, birds or chipmunks and start my walk. I wasn't sure what to expect butterfly-wise as we did have a hard freeze overnight a couple of times early in the week. There weren't a lot flying (but its also 3pm - not prime-time) but they were there. Especially the Painted Ladies. I saw a lot here last time and over on the Mormon Trail and they're still having a good year! Saw fresh ones and ones that were a little beat up.

Also saw Sara Orangetips (the females are now at the bottom of the trail) and Mustard/Margined Whites. Also saw a couple of pretty fresh Rocky Mt Duskywings. And Juba Skippers and a Mylitta Crescent.

The flowering trees are now in bloom and some smell pretty wonderful. Even the bflys are enjoying them.

The lupine are just starting to bloom. As well as many other flowers including Woodland Star

 and Forget-me-nots.

As I go up, I see my 1st Anise Swallowtail on this trail. And once again, he is very cooperative for a photo -- last year, it took me a very long time to actually get a photo -- this year, nectar seems more important that fluttering about. :)

Once I get past the 1st electric/water station, the water starts flowing. Definitely, higher than last time (as I would expect). .

The Solomon's Seal is just starting to bloom. For the most part, the plants are scattered around but in this one spot, they are lined up like soldiers.

Further up the trail, the Waterleaf is in full bloom.

I make it to the last part of the trail and the stream and trail are still one. Another detour is required. I get to the end of the trail and for once I don't have it to myself. There are a lot of bikers on the trail today. I stop for a few minutes and start heading back down.

I get past the first bridge and I again hear movement alongside the trail. I look and see a snake slithering though the plants into the woods. Its a thin snake but as I'm watching him, I notice a bigger body (or its a branch). When I can't see the snake anymore, I look down and that's a big snake body (3 times as wide as the other one I was watching). I look left and see a tiny snake head. Certainly doesn't go with the body. So I move left a little more and now there's 2 heads!!

And the other is the right size for the body. Both snakes are frozen still. Three snakes in the same area -- I'm wondering if they just woke up from hibernation. And I'm wondering if its snakes that are rustling in the brush near the parking lot - hmmmm!

May 11 - Capitol Reef

Watched the weather first thing this morning, they're saying the same as last night (winter weather advisory for Torrey but there are warnings throughout the Central Mts). They are saying rain could start in Torrey in the early afternoon.

Time to get moving. Heading towards Lower Spring Canyon. I heard its quite beautiful (another shot at a slot canyon for me -- 3s a charm, hopefully). There are 2 entrances one off the road near the Grand Wash parking area and the other off the Chimney Rock trail. I'm going for the Chimney Rock trail; it'll take me longer (2.5miles) to get to the canyon but I'll get to see some of the backcountry.

Its cloudy and 44 when I set off around 8am, the parking lot only had 2 other cars. My first task was to pick up 2 bags of Wendy's garbage that some idiot decided to leave next to the parking pavement instead of walking 50ft to the garbage can -- think they can haul the food from the nearest Wendy's 50 miles away but can't make it 50 more feet. Lovely folks :(

Then I set off. Its cloudy (somewhat looks like rain) and cool but there's no wind (Yea! after the gale that was blowing yesterday. But the winds are coming as part of the storm system).

Lots of flowers, the Yellow Catpaw, a different pink/purplish penstemon,

Prince's Plume (yellow), the Whitestem Evening Primrose (this one looks much more "happier" and fresher than the ones I saw yesterday)

and many others. The yucca plants have sent flower stalks up and some of the cactus' have buds.

The views of Chimney Rock were wonderful. But now I have to climb 240ft in 1/4 mile to get to the Spring Canyon trailhead. So up I went. Lots of great views as I climbed -- I could see in spots that aren't visible from the road.

I got to my trail and headed north/east through the backcountry. The trail is a well-worn path with great views and lovely flowers.

I really don't know what to say about it --- it's just raw beauty.

I can see the wash below and the trail appears to be following it between 2 tall rock formations ahead.

My "formal" trail ends as I drop into the wash. I'm a little wary because of the forecasted rain but its not like it will dump suddenly to cause a huge flood (maybe later tonight).

The wash is a sandy/small pebbly mixture (good exercise). Lots of shrubs and pines down there (including the skeletons of the dead pine).

As I go, the wash gets narrower. My first obstacle is a blockage of rocks. But I just follow a little worn path up and over.

There are other spots which seem to be blocked but somehow the trail just winds right on thru. (There was one spot that I'm very happy I have long legs because I had get over a 3 ft v-shaped rock.

Its hard to put in perspective the height of the canyon walls without having a person reference..

I find a balancing rock!

I travel the 2.5 miles but there is no lower Spring Canyon. I go another 1/4 miles, and still nothing. My "uncomfortable" level is rising -- because according to the trail guide I should be there, when a lady comes walking up the trail. She tells me that I'm 5minutes away from the Upper/Lower Spring Canyon sign and less than a mile to the Lower Spring Canyon trail; so I keep going.

I continue on and sure enough, there's the sign for the Upper/Lower markers. I continue on -- the trail is changing, a lot more rocks, a little narrower - I must be getting close. But after 4-5 "just one more corner", its just time to turn around -- I've gone 3.5 miles already. (And I'm sure the narrows were around the next corner.)

Strike 3 on the slot canyons -- at least I stopped myself and not the trail (but somehow this is not more disappointing --- I'm just not comfortable to continue to push forward -- its mostly the threat of rain and strong winds -- don't want to make this week's news).

It was a great trip though -- glad I took it --  maybe next time since I'm now familiar with the trail I'll make it to the narrows.

So I head back. And the wind has picked up. When I get out of the wash and back on the trail, I can't even keep my cap on. It had cleared up a bit (and was sunny) on my way up the wash but the sky is gloomy now. And it's cold. I would stop to put on my jacket but I don't have that much further to go.

I find a blooming plant that I didn't see on the way out -- it's a Round-leafed Milkweed.

And I find Daffy Duck -- I think Daffy might be on Elmer Fudd's head.

The people coming up the trail have ski caps and winter coats -- I'm still in a cap and long sleeved shirt. It seems so much colder out but when I start my car, its 62 degrees --- its a very cold wind.

Well that's my day. The clouds are rolling in. I can see its raining but probably not reaching the ground. I decided I'm heading back to SLC - just don't want to risk the snow threat, its a long drive above 6000ft.

The event of the drive back was a 12mile stretch that warns of frequent deer/elk crossing. So I'm looking for them. Instead I see 5 (or so) Pronghorn running towards the HWY. They looked like they'll cross in front of my car. As I start to brake, they put on the brakes, turned around and trotted away from the HWY. Pretty cool.

Made it home without getting rained on. I check the weather forecast for Torrey and surrounding mountains, the Weather Advisory has been upgraded to a Winter Storm Warning (12-24 inches of snow and 20-30 mph winds) thru 10pm on Sunday. Glad I went home :)

May 10 - Capitol Reef

It's my 3 day week-end and its time to escape SLC for southern UT and Capitol Reef. When I made the reservations on Tues - no rain, 50-60s perfect weather. Well that changed Thursday when I looked and saw Fri & Sat were good but Sun 39 degrees for a high -- might have to rethink Sunday but I've brought 2 sets of gloves; ears muffs and a wool cap (I'm ready for anything! I hope.)

SLC was raining when I left at 8am on Firday and it was supposed to rain the entire day - let it rain!!! Had rain most of the way to my turn-off in Nephi and the clouds just followed me down. This is the 1st time I've driven south thru Nephi to HWY 70 and it was all ranchland -- farms, cattle, sheep, goats, horses, llamas (or alpaca, hard to tell apart). And its Spring, so there were lots of calves, lambies (some still with their long tails), colts, baby goats!!! Kept my interest.

There were also lots of hawks flying or perched on fence posts. Scared one off the road, BIG bird and either a dead snake in it mouth or the guts of some roadkill.

I came upon a pretty decent size lake; actually Koosharem Reservoir. There were a number of large white birds on the lake. Thought they might be swans but as I got closer, they were actually white pelicans!

Took about 3.5 hrs to get to Torrey UT ele 6800ft (which is pretty much where everyone stays when visiting Capitol Reef --- just a very small town with tourist business).

My goal today was to make another attempt at a slot canyon (failed last year at Little Wild Horse because there was a big rock in my way that I couldn't figure out how to get around or over; and I wasn't sure I was in the right spot -- abort!!). I've heard a lot about Notom Rd which is just east of Capitol Reef park from several folks at work. There are several slot canyons: Burro Wash, Cottonwood Wash, and Sleets Gulch. They are have varying degrees of difficulty. One of the guys I work with recommended Sleets Gulch as its the easiest (and its his wife's favorite.) So I drove thru the park to Notom Rd then headed south.

I was expecting just barren nothingness since it is on the other side of the Waterpocket Fold (i.e. a 100 miles N/S "wrinkle" in the earth's crust) but there were a good number of dirt roads heading somewhere and a few ranches. I first past the parking area for Burro Wash and then Cottonwood along the paved road. Then the road turns to dirt; and about 4 miles further was the parking area for Sheets Gulch.

A little surprised that the Wash was not right there (it was for the other 2). Nope there was a little trail that went uphill - and there were some pretty amazing flowers in bloom!! (I timed this trip for spring flowers because I saw plenty.) Very windy out so it was hard to get photos as they blew in the wind but I tried anyway.

This is either Annual or Silvery Townsendia.

And Pretty Buckwheat (it's endemic to Southern UT)

Also, Yellow Catspaw (lots of it), Greenthread (yellow flower), several types for vetch, Notched leafed Scorpionweed (pretty purple), Mt Pepperplant (white flower), Whitestem Evening Primrose, Great Rushy Milkvetch (white),UT Penstemon (bright red), and many others.

The trail of course led to the wash and I followed along. Its supposed to be about 1.5-2 miles before I actually get to the canyon. I just followed the footprints in the sand, they actually made more sense than the trail instructions. I saw one butterfly - a Lady. And plenty of little lizards.

I got past the twisted Cottonwood trees, past 3 side gulches and finally got to what looked like the start of the canyon -- yea!

I followed along as the walls got narrower and narrower. Down to about an arms length apart.

And not too much further, there was a rock on top of the narrow canyon and my 1st obstacle: 2 rocks on top of each other about 5ft tall.

Now this would've been pretty easy but the upper rock jutted out about 6 in over the lower rock. Now I'm not a Gumbie and my knees don't bent backwards (normally) nor do have any skills as a monkey so this was not easy. Too high to jump up, tried the old one foot on one wall and hands on the other (but I couldn't move :)), tried looking for something on the upper rock to hold on to but foiled again! :(. Oh well, I tried.

So back to the car. On the way back to Capitol Reef on Notom Rd, there are a couple of rock formations that I stopped at because I lived them. Just single towers standing alone.

Back in the park, I decided to do the Grand Wash. There was parking and I've never been there before. Its a 2.5 mile walk up a wash (a grand one). Pretty wide at the start with tall walls. Flowers and bushes blooming really nice. It does get narrower as I go along. Loved the honey cone structures of the rock in some areas and the different "textures"/colors of the rocks.

And the way the water has carved out the caves along the walls.

Walked about an hour, figured I must be close to the end, and since it ends in another parking lot, decided to turn around and head back.

Saw a chipmunk and a bird with A.D.D. It was a gray bird with a black feather around his eyes and a black tail.

And he was just diving into bushes, hovering about, diving again. Then he flew over to the bushes along the rock wall and continued to do so. Not sure what he was hunting; I have to assume insects. Pretty strange (but fun to watch).

Got out of the canyon and crossed the road to have a look at the Fremont River.

Drove down a little further to get a good look at the Navaho Dome. The dome is a remnant of an ancient desert sand dune.

It was after 4 now. Quick stop at the Visitor's Center to check the weather forecast. Well my 39degree Sunday became a Winter Weather Advisory Sat night/all day Sunday with significant snow in the Central/Eastern mountains and strong winds. Yuk!

After supper, took a quick drive back into the park, the colors are quite nice in the evening light. Stopped at various pull-outs

and then at the Goosenecks -- a gorge that runs thru the park. Now that is much more impressive in the evening light.

Time to call it a day.

(Globeflower).