July 16 - Lofty Lakes Loop - Back to the Uintas

Today I head back to the Uintas to do some hiking. Attempting Lofty Lake Loop. It approximately a 4mile loop. The trailhead is at 10,100 ft and to complete the loop (or at least get to Lofty Lake) its an 800 ft climb.

I intended to get an early start this morning. Was up, showered, walked into my kitchen and the power went out. Came back on in less than a minute but it went back off in less than a minute. This repeatedly several times before the power really went out. No big deal, I'm heading out anyway so I finish breakfast, pack and....then I realize without power, I'm not getting my car out of the garage. (boo!)

I went outside and found my neighbor to see if he had any brilliant ideas which he did. And we did manage to get the door opened (it's a secret).

So I can go (yea!) but I'm getting later start than I wanted to be.

Sunny day today. I drive directly to Pass Lake where the trail is supposed to start. I find one trail but according to my guide, its not the right trailhead - it should be across the street. I find a trail and follow it for a bit. There are trail signs but pointing to Cuberant Lake and not Lofty Lake. So I turned around and headed back. On the way back I saw a sign for Pass Lake Trailhead, walked it for a bit before going back the way I came in. When I exited, I saw people heading into a trail just a bit up the road - oops that's Pass Lake Trailhead; I was parked by Pass Lake.

I get to the trailhead. It had a nice map which showed Cuberant Lake; its a turn off on the Lofty Loop trail. I was heading in the right direction after all. So I followed the Cuberant Lake signs; finally heading in the right direction (and walking on trail I've already been on).

Anyway, the trail was beautiful as it heads through the pine forest. Its mostly shaded but the sun shines through in spots. There are lots of wet areas -- with damselflies and dragonflies about

and white bog orchid, elephanthead blooming; there are also purple asters, bistort, arnica, and small queen's anne lace in bloom (and many others of course).

One of the first butterflies I see is the Purplish Frit -- especially on the first part of this trail. I'm also seeing Milbert's Tortoiseshell and CA Tortoiseshell (finally see one -- dorsal view only).

In the muddy areas, I see deer tracks.

There are more streams now; some require a little rock hopping, others are just muddy and some have little footbridges. In the wetter areas, there is Hellebore (not blooming) and Marsh Marigold. I also find a few Shooting Stars at the end of their bloom.

Scattered in the drier areas were very dark purple penstemon - beautiful.

And I haven't even gotten to Reid's Meadow yet!!!

Most of the alpine meadows I've seen are rather small, but at 10,000ft Reid's Meadow is acres long and wide! It's still a wet meadow and its filled with Elephant's Head (lots of it), Bog Orchids, Marsh Marigold and Asters. It's amazing!! I can see Sulpher Bflies flitting throughout the meadow. And the backdrop, Bald Mountain and Reid's Peak. Pretty stunning.

I see a Painted Lady and Chryxus Arctic bfly as pass.

I finally get to a few lakes that mark the turn-off to Cuberant Lake. I follow the sign to Lofty Lakes. There are 3 small lakes but they each are unique with their reflections, branches, etc.

And the real climbing begins to Kamas Lake. It's only 0.4mile but its 520 ft in elevation to the lake at 10,520 ft. A lot of heavy breathing up that rock hill. But the reward was a big lake tucked against the mountains!

I continue along the shoreline to the dam on its NW corner.

There's still some water flowing over the dam to a tiny lake on the other side of the trail. Again, there's another meadow (same flowers).

Another steep climb leads me to a "bench" with an awesome view of the High Uintas. I can see Curberant and Cutthroat Lakes below.

I go downhill to an unoffical look-out point on a large rock to enjoy the views. Its after 12pm now so its a great spot for lunch. Spot some bflys flitting around: Grizzled Skipper, Arctic Blue, Mormon Frit.

There are clouds coming in now. Not sure whether to continue on, its one last steep climb. But its windy (the trail is exposed and steep now) and some of the clouds look like rain. I decide to backtrack -- I'll get to Lofty Lakes another day. (Sometimes I feel I'm too cautious especially on a new trail, but I'll get there.)

On the trip back downhill, I took more time to explore the meadows for butterflies -- and they were flying: Draco Skipper, Relict Frits, Mormon Frit, Arctic Blues, a Melissa Blue, Purplish Coppers,... a great look at a super fresh & bright Milbert's,

saw CA Tortioseshells flying -- could see their orange upper wings flashing with each flap of the wing.

On the bottom part of the trail, I finally get an awesome view of a CA Tortoiseshell!!! My first view of its upper wings.

The day started a bit rocky (power outage, can't find the trail) but it turned out great - even if I didn't quite make it to my destination.

July 15 - Butterflying the Uintas

This is my vacation week and day #1 I'm going on a field trip hosted by the Lepidopterist Society. It's a photographer trip to Murdock Mt and other parts of the Uintas.

There are many target species but today mine is the Grizzled Skipper.

I arrive at the hotel lobby in Park City (the meeting place) and the 1st people I meet are my butterfly friends from Louisiana (small world). Met them on my first NABA Meeting in 2008 and have hung out at the NABA meetings ever since -- nice people

We have 5 cars heading to Murdock Mt this morning -- and after a 102 degree yesterday in SLC, the high mountains will be quite a relief for me.

Sunny day. There are clouds but hoping they will burn off before we arrive.

And they do. Saw a deer along side the road just before our pull-off at Murdock Mt.

Murdock Mt is on the opposite side on the road of Bald Mt -- at Bald Pass (10,700+ ft). There's no trail so we're just slowly working our way up through the meadows and woods to the talus slopes which should hold the Magdalena Alpine and Rockslide Checkerspots (I've seen both on a CO trip several years back). Both of these are high mountain, talus slopes, rockslide type species (i.e., a prize to see).

The first meadow quickly yields a Mormon Frit and then my target species the Grizzled Skipper!

YEA! (yes, a lifer for me). The meadow is full of wonderful flowers which will be repeatedly seen over the course of this day - paintbrush, elephant's head, bistort,  ....

There are Arctic Blues, Purplish Frits, lots of Milbert's Tortoiseshells, ...  and a unknown Orange Skipper -- no one on the trip knew (confidently) what it is --- thought was maybe a Sonoran Skipper. There was also a few CA Tortoiseshell which I kept missing (I really need a pix of one :()

Kept heading up to the talus slopes. I did spot a Magdalena flying, we all chased it but up it went up the slopes and out of sight and reach -- you have to be a mountain goat to keep up.

I went up a little of the talus slopes to another meadow and peeked around, then went back down until the trip leader caught up. He found an easy way to get everyone to that 2nd meadow and increase everyone's chance at the Maggie and the Rockslide Checkerspot.

Seeing more Grizzled Skipper! I venture over to the edge of the meadow/talus slope and see an orange bfly land, it's a Rockslide Checkerspot!! Everyone came over and I think most people got a good look before it flew. But there were 3-4 of them flying in the same area. Unfortunately, alot of people went down to look so the area they were patrolling was now full of humans and off the bflies went. We saw some Maggies but they don't really stop.

Our leader had one that was caught yesterday and refrigerated to keep alive. So everyone did get a look. And then they took it from the bag and attempted to set it on a rock.

But the bfly was warm and ready to fly and that it did...up and out of sight.

There were some nice flowers blooming up by the slopes, CO Columbine, Perry's Primrose,

Bluebells (oh we saw lots of Policecar moths --- the caterpillars on the bluebells)

And the scenery was gorgeous!!

Then off we went 15 miles down the road in an attempt to see the Jutta Arctic (it would be a lifer for me if we find it). They are at the end of their flight but since one was found yesterday, everyone agreed it would be worth the drive. So off we went to Christmas Meadow.

I'm not sure why the name, it was really a sagebrush flat with some woods - but there were pine trees :) We were told to work the trees for the Jutta and off we went. The flats held some Blue Coppers and some northern Melissa Blues (which lack the orange marking on their outer upper wing). Leader said there has been much discussion among Leps whether this is really a Northern Blue but for now its a high elevation variation of the Melissa Blue.

We also see a "unsilvered" Mormon Frit -- still a Mormon Frit just a variation -- the usually silvered spots on the outer wings are not silver in this guy.

See more Arctic Blues, a Chryxus Arctic, a pretty sweet Thicket Hairstreak (this is the best look at one I've ever had),

and a very bright orange Purplish Copper. But no Jutta Arctic -- hey it was worth the shot at it. I now know where and when they fly... I'll find them next year.

Before we left, a fresh Field Crescent was found.

The next spot was back to Bald Mt (across from Murdock Mt) as there was a report yesterday of Relict Frits flying. We had time, we went.

Took the lower trail at Bald Mt -- no one was interested in climbing over 1000ft in a mile or s to the top of Bald Mt. The trail led past 3 lakes. At the 3rd lake was where the Relict Frits were supposed to be. Our leader felt that if they were at lake #3, they probably will be at lake #1 because they do move about. So after about 1/4 mile on the trail, we went off trail thru the flowers to lake #1. Of course, the clouds came over for a bit as we searched. But when the sun came back, we had ourself a Frit and after catching and studying it, we all agreed it was the Relict Frit!!! We caught #2 which our leader thought for sure was a Purplish Frit. But after much study and comparision, it was a Relict Frit. We saw several more and assumed they were all Relicts!!! (And we didn't have to go past 3 lakes to find them - yea). There were CA Tortoiseshells (which of course I didn't see landed),  Greenish Blues, Arctic Blues...and so many pretty flowers!

Off to the next stop - Yellow Pine Campground, with hopes for the CA Hairstreak and Great Basin Wood Nymph.

Its late in the afternoon, almost 4pm, when we arrive. And we have left the relative cool of the high elevation to mid 80 degree temps (oh if it mid 80s here, SLC must be HOT!) We start heading down a slight hill looking at the buckwheats for Hairstreaks and elsewhere for the Wood Nymphs. The 1st find was the CA Hairstreak! Actually 3 of them. Our leader caught a Wood Nymph -- it's a Small Wood Nymph. Keep looking. We saw a NW Frit and Ancilla Blue. The last find was a Behr's Hairstreak before calling it quits.

Wonderful day, great company, saw one "lifer" butterfly and I got to visit and explore new places. Can't beat that!!!

July 4 - Mormon Trail

Happy Birthday America!!!

Today I'm heading back to the Mormon Trail for a two week checkup of what's blooming and what's flying.

When I get to the parking area, I was expecting to see campers -- after all its the July 4th week-end but no campers just a couple of cars.

Its 58 degrees and sunny at the trailhead. And off I go.

The trail skirts a camp, crosses a creek and then enters a wooded area following a flowing creek. As I enter, I see a Yellow Warbler and a Catbird. I wind thru the woods and exit into a sagebrush flat. And as soon as I exit I startle a doe (and she startled me too)! She jumps the barb-wired fence and trots about 20 yards up the hill, stops and looks back at me. We stare at each other for a bit and then she just stands there as I walk off down the trail.

I see a brown Wood Nymph (bfly) but can't ID a species.

Absolutely, zero water in the creek along this trail as I would expect (the winter run-off is done. Lots of lupine and clover in bloom now all along the trail. The trail is shady and cool so there isn't a lot of bfly action yet - a beaten up Blue, a Northern Crescent, a beaten up Purplish Copper. Actually pretty slow until just before the camp, then it starts picking up.

I climb the hill along the pond - I've never done this before but there's a Sulpher that I need some info about. While tracking the Sulpher, I'm seeing Greenish Blues for the 1st time here. Stunning orange-sh color when the wings are open!

Back to the Sulpher, he stops and I'm able to get a fairly decent view. Thankfully, he's not a Clouded/Orange Sulpher (common bfly of Midwest) and I believe he's a Western Sulpher (which is a "lifer" for me  - yea!).

As I'm heading back to the trail, I see Garita Skipperling (tiny orange bfly)

And more Greenish Blues.

As I continue past the pond, I see the 1st of 3 Relict Frits and a large bright orange Frit -- the Great Spangled Frittilary. Wow is he a beauty!!

This is still my favorite bfly in the Midwest but he didn't look like this!! Much deeper color contrast in the West. (Saw a totally of 7 today and every time, still stunning.)

Seeing lots of Garita Skipperlings and now I'm seeing the Russet's Skippering - a little guy with shark bite marks on this wings.

There were lots of these guys flying around in certain spots along the trail.

I see a Mexican Cloudywing and plenty of Northern Cloudywings. The Dotted Blues are still flying. As are the Western Tailed Blues.

Red Paintbrush is blooming in a small area and there's one patch of about 15 White (Colorado) Columbine.

The Clodius Parnassians are still flying. Saw at least 11 of them. The ones I'm looking at seem to have see-thru wing tips. Not sure if they're old and worn or just part of that bfly.

I get to my bench but it was already occupied by two guys taking a biking rest. I sat on the ground next to the bench and we discussed things like ticks, lightening bugs, etc. After they left to continue their climb up the remaining hill, I headed down to the now dried up mud hole. Still bflies in there -- blues, Russet's Skippering, Weidenmeyer's Admiral, a Two-tailed Swallowtail, etc.

Now time to head back- its pretty hot now -- supposed to be another near 100 degree day in SLC so I'm pretty sure its in the mid-80s here.

When I get to the pond, I take the loop and see some different dragonflies.

Tried chasing some other Sulphers, but it was pointless as they wouldn't stop. I saw about 6 Sulphers today - I don't remember seeing any last year at all.

Great day! (28 species)

Happy 4th!!!

July 3 - Red Pine Lake

Since Friday (July 4th) is a regularly scheduled off Friday, we got our holiday today - yea - 4 day week-end!!

Heading to my nemesis from last year - Red Pine Lake in Little Cottonwood Canyon. Made 2 attempts last year; the first was in early June and I got stopped by a snow field only 1/2 miles from the lake (and I did try to get across). And then again in the Fall and again at the very same point (2 1/2 miles in) -- this time by ice.

Today I'm going to be successful.

Beautiful morning; it's already 76 degrees at 8am heading for our first 100 degree day (hot hot).

Not sure if the trailhead will be crowded since its a holiday week-end but I'm hoping not.

I get to the trailhead and there are a good number of cars already but not packed. There are 3 destinations from this one trailhead so hopefully I won't run into many folks. (Its 72 degrees at the trailhead - 7700ft).

Red Pine Lake is a 3mile trip with an elevation gain of 1940ft -- which puts the lake at 9640ft.

And I'm off thru the pine/aspen forest. Tons of Geraniums, wild roses and wild strawberries in bloom along the shady trail. Not to far from the start, I run into about 5 little ground squirrels -- they've got to be babies.

They're a little reckless too -- as one pops out of the vegetation at my feet, does the "oh no! I'm going this way, no that way" dance and because I don't move, resumes feeding. Silly little guy. As I continue to walk they all duck into holes or back into the vegetation -- no alarm cries, nothing.

The brown squirrels are also out and chatting it up.

The red paintbrush is blooming.

Actually I see it all the way to the lake. As well as the Roses, White Columbine,Yellow Columbine (in the wetter spots), larkspur and Penstemon (some really dark blue ones).

After a mile of walking, I make it to the creek. It's still moving with some gusto. If I were heading to White Pine Lake, this is where I would head in a different direction/trail but I'm going to Red Pine so I cross the footbridge over the creek. And thru a wet wooded area with fun stuff like ferns, Twinleaf, Twisted Stalk, etc.

Soon I come across a small rock slide area, lots of chipmunks running around here -- counted 6 and I'm sure there were more.

Just past the slide was a section with the totally tubular Scarlet Gilia blooming -- such a bright beautiful flower.

Was expecting some hummingbirds around it -- it has to be a good nectar source for them.

And then came the overlook with a great view down Little Cottonwood Canyon and out towards the Salt Lake valley. Pretty clear today.

Its been a gradual incline so far but now I'm starting to climb. And its not just a sloped trail, its a rocky trail which means stepping on, over, between rocks (get those quads working today).

There's some nice purple daisies blooming now and those petal-less coneflowers, bluebells, and baneberry.

Finally, I get to stream and its tumbling pretty good down the mountain.

And the stream means I'm getting close the turn-off for Maybird Lakes and my stopping point for my last 2 attempts.

The trail for Maybird Lakes is 2.5 miles into the hike. So far I've gained 1400ft. This is the sloppy, muddy part of the trail but its has some pretty cool flowers: Shooting Star,

Elephants head (love seeing those elephant's trunks),

White Bog Orchids,

Jacob's Ladder and many others.

I'm finally made it to my prior stopping point; no snow or ice today (just mud). I'm making it to Red Pine Lake today!!!

There is still some snow around but not on the trail. It's only 1/2 mile and 500ft to Red Pine Lakes but I hit the wall. My legs are jelly. And there are lots of rocky trail to climb ... it's slow going.

I pass by a large rockslide - big boulders. Further along, I see Spring Beauties and Buttercups.

And then I finally see Red Pine Lake --- she's a beauty with peaks on the North and West Sides.

I think the big peak is Pfeifferhorn and there's still snow on her slopes.

There is an orange tent on the south west end -- not a bad place to camp. I see (and hear) a little (tiny) waterfall on the north-end. The trail tracks down the east side so I'm heading on over to check out the little falls.

The trail is surrounded by nice meadow with a few blooming plants, but in a few weeks it'll look amazing.

I get to the north side and the view down the lake to the south is pretty nice.

But its pretty tricky here because there's a big boulder field. I think this is what I need to go up to the Upper Red Pine Lake but my jelly legs are saying "no" - and my stomach is saying "feed me". I work my way thru the rocks and hook up with the trail by the lake and make my way to the little falls.

Along the way I see a very large water falls dropping down the mountain side into the stream which comes into Red Pine Lake. I need to get closer but first, food.

I find a nice spot by the creek and the little waterfalls for lunch.

Than afterwards I follow a rough dirt trail towards the bigger falls. I believe the water is coming from the Upper Red Pine Lake. Its uphill and I'm following along the creek.

I look to the other side of the creek and see a doe slowly feeding her way up the slope.

I keep following the creek until I reach a large boulder field. I'm tempted to keep climbing along the creek. It's not that much farther to the top and probably Upper Red Pine Lake. But decide I'll get there another day.

When I turn back, the view back down isn't so bad.

Heading back down the lake, I see a blue butterfly (finally the 1st bfly of the day) and then a yellow Sulpher. They just fly through so I couldn't get an ID. Same for a Crescent, no ID. But I did see a Clodius Parnassian. And then the sun disappeared behind the clouds.

As I head back down, I see a very busy woodpecker. I think he's a Hairy Woodpecker.

Many people heading up to Red Pine Lake now.

I see a blooming Twisted Stalk along a wet part of the trail.

I've seen the plant a lot this year but it's always past bloom so I was nice seeing one blooming.

And even without sun, I see a Western Tailed Blue.

I have less than 1.5 miles left and I see a brown guinea pig like animal on the rocks. He's a Wasatch Pika! And he's so cute.

I would've thought they'd be higher up - so I'm surprised - but I am over 7700 ft. At least he is in a rocky section of the trail. (I checked when I got home and the Wasatch Pika is listed as endangered (species of concern). So seeing one is now even more exciting!)

Great day and I finally conquered Red Pine Lake!!! And saw a Wasatch Pika - my first!!!

June 28 - Catherine Pass (and to Sunset Pass)

Cool but sunny morning today; we actually had a high of only 75 yesterday (beautiful) so the night was cool.

I'm heading up Big Cottonwood today to hike to Sunset Peak. That was my goal a couple of weeks ago but I got stopped by snow (and a lack of trail) just passed Lake Martha. Can't say the snow will all be melted today but there definitely should be less.

Trailhead was 48 degrees at 8:45am. A little chilly when the sun disappeared behind the clouds but with the sun out it was perfect - helps to be climbing a steep grade too :)

Chipmunks are scurrying around this morning as are the ground squirrels. The Avalanche Lilies have faded in all but a few spots. Mostly the same flowers the slope except I find a wonderful Green Gentian. It stands about 3-4ft tall -- not sure why they call it Green Gentian because the flowers are purple & white.

Find those Police Car Moth caterpillars on the bluebells.

The higher I get, I find more yellow buttercups. And still higher red paintbrush.

There's a chipmunk on the trail with a mouthful of dead leaves or perhaps pine cone parts.

I get to Lake Mary expecting to find a crowd of people - the parking lot had a bunch of cars -- but only one family. Guess everyone else must be heading to Catherine Pass as am I.

I get pass Lake Mary and head to Lake Martha -- haven't run into many people yet on the trail.

I get to Lake Martha and check it out from the trail looking for any moose that may be around -- nothing.

The snow between Lake Martha and my stopping point last time is pretty much gone. Some does remain on a portion of the trail but I can get by on the trail.

Well I find my stopping point, it's still a pile of snow. And I find the trail - boy, am I glad I didn't continue that day because I would be blazing my own trail to who knows where - whew! The actual trail, instead of heading straight, wraps back around heading up and above Lake Martha.

There still is some snow in spots on the trail but people have clearly been across. I'm getting higher but I can still see the mountains behind Lake Mary and Martha. And at one point are looking down on both lakes.

I finally am entering Catherine Lakes area. (~9900ft) Mountains all around. Its really wet here and there are lots of White Marsh Marigold (saw these plants down by Dog Lake 2 weeks ago). And there's still snow in shadier spots.

I take a very wet spur trail down to Catherine Lake for a look. And then back thru the wet (and Marsh Marigolds) to the trail heading up towards the Pass. I can see Sunset Peak and there are people standing on top.

Heading back uphill to the Pass (approximately 300ft higher - 10,240ft).

I notice something little flying and it stops on the trail in front of me -- it's a lime green 'Alpine' Sheridan's Hairstreak!!!

It's a "lifer" for me! Luckily, there is no one coming down or up the trail so I can take my time looking at it - this is exciting!

I continue up to the Pass for wonderful views down on Catherine Lake.

It's really windy up there (and cool). I'm debating on whether to keep going to Sunset Peak or head down. I decide to go to Sunset Pass. It's only 0.3 miles and a little uphill. I've been to the Pass last year - I'm going again.

After a short rocky climb, the trail becomes sandy (and still uphill). I can see new mountain peaks to the south.

To the north, a beautiful view of Catherine Lakes (and Lake Mary in the background).

I see lots of low growing masses of Spiny Phlox.

I get to Sunset Pass and the views are incredible!




























Sulpher Paintbrush is in bloom up here.

Instead of continuing down the trail to Sunset Peak, I turn right and walk on a portion of the Great Western Trail for a bit until it heads downhill; this is a perfect place/view for lunch.

Time to head back down.

As I turn the corner on the last stretch to Catherine's Pass, there are at least 20 people sitting at the Pass -- boy, I'm glad I started my hike relatively early.

I'm following an older couple down towards the lake. They stop and tell me that he just saw a fox go under the rocks. I'm thinking about staying to wait for it to come out but continue pass the couple. I look back and see that its really a marmot -- not as cool as a fox but still cool.

I see a small butterfly land on the trail -- he's mostly black with white marking. I'm really exciting because at my altitude, it's either a Grizzled Skipper or Two-banded Skipper. I don't have a good angle of it but snap a photo anyway because I have the couple just behind me and 3 folks coming up the trail.

I try to move forward for a better view and he spooks. I couldn't follow his flight. This is a "lifer" for me as well regardless of what it is. Unfortunately, I don't have a clear enough photo to ever say which species he is. :( But still exciting! (Just means I need to go back.)

So I continue down. Lots of folks coming up now. And lots of folks down at Lake Mary.

There a footbridge that cross a small stream just before the turn-off to Dog Lake. Just before I get there, I see a large brown furry animal with a long tail crossing from the stream on one side of the bridge to the other. I'm watching it as it continues up stream. He's in the Weasel family.

I decide to take a quick detour to Dog Lake. All the Marsh Marigold are gone (bloomed out). Just waiting for the summer flower bloom to begin.

Fantastic Day!!

June 24 - Lamb's Canyon

After work hike up Lamb's Canyon. It's 94 degrees in SLC, a pleasant 78 degrees at the trailhead.

I get there around 3:40pm, there are still sunny spots along the eastern side of the road and there are bflies flying. I pull off a little before the parking area to check out some flowers -- there's buckwheat in bloom and some water puddles.

The usuals N. Cloudywing, Field Crescent, Northern Checkerspot, and Northern Crescents are flying. There's a beautiful Lilac Bordered Copper hanging out

and a Russet's Skipperling fluttering about. It's driving me crazy because its flying low to the ground and just won't land for more than a 1/2 second -- but that was long enough to see the spots on its wings for a good ID.

I head up to the actual parking area and check out the mud puddle there. Lots of Dotted Blues! And the usuals. Lots of Northern Crescents out today - I was hoping one was a Pale Crescent -- but my search continues.

The trail is dappled sunlight at this point. There are some sunny spots and that's where the bflys are. Seeing Parnassians (7 total), Western Tailed Blues and Boisduvals Blue.

Lots of white geraniums now. I see another Lilac Bordered Copper on one of the geraniums.

But pretty much its a straight walk not much stopping.

They are cutting a new trail. I'm not sure why and I'm not too happy about it. They are moving the trail above the creek and making it wider. I'm just afraid that will bring mountain bikers. That's one of the reasons I like this trail: no bikes. I also like walking near the creek -- different flowers grow there because of the moisture (not to mention the butterflies like it) -- I also like walking through vegetation hovering over the trail. If they move it, that's all gone. Hmmm.... I wonder why they're doing this. :(

Towards the top, the Bluebells are in bloom now as are the White Columbine (Colorado Columbine). I see just a couple of red Paintbrush just about to bloom. There are more caterpillars on the Bluebells - I found out that they are Police Car Moth caterpillars -- and I did see alot of those flying last summer.

The view from the top was pretty. I could see a little storm cloud above the city dropping rain -- but the rain's not hitting the ground.

Time to head home.