June 6 - Mormon Pioneer Trail (Summer flyers are out!!)

It's my day off - yea! Time to check on butterflies on the Mormon Trail. Its been 2 weeks since I've been there. The late Spring/early Summer flyers were just starting (i.e,. Field Crescent) at time.. Also, I was there about a year ago and got my first glimpse at the Relict Frittilary. This bfly flies in just a very narrow portion of the central Rockies (far western Idaho/far eastern WY, NW CO and NE UT) -- I have one of its locations).

Perfect morning - in the 60s when I left and its sunny.

There are lots of Northern Cloudywings just outside of the parking lot to the bridge. I couldn't believe there were so many.

When I get to the "real trail", I quickly hear that there is no more water -- at least in the lower part of the trail. The creek bed is now dry. The only thing I hear are birds singing.

The first butterfly I see is the Common Ringlet - a beautiful tannish lower flyer. And they were very common all along the trail today.

The Wasatch Beardtongues are blooming.

as are the Tapered Onions (little pink flowers on a stalk), Bluebells, Pussytoes (bunches in only one spot of the trail),

Balsamroot and many others.

There are tons of blue bflies a bout. All the way along the trail -- especially the muddier section (which bflies always love for the salts). Most of the ones I looked at were Western Tailed Blues but there were some Azures in the mix (and maybe some others).

I see an mid-sized orange bfly -- could it be the Relict? It stops and its a Sagebrush Checkerspot -- the 1st for the year. Also see a large white butterfly -- this one drove me crazy last year for some time because I didn't know what it was -- but finally I did get a good look so I know its a Parnassian. (Saw 3 today.)

The yellow swallowtails were soaring which is great because I'm trying get a good look so I can ID these in flight; they are either Western or Two-tailed. Fortunately for me, several of the 7 I saw today got really close. I noticed that a couple were really huge and didn't have as much black markings which means that they are 2-tails. I had a good lesson today; hopefully I can repeat and get more confident. (And trying to see that 2nd tail -- impossible for me as least for now.)

There were several orange flyers -- Northern Crescent, Field Crescent, and the new Sagebrush Checkerspot -- and I still think, a Relict Frit.

I see my first dragonfly of the day -- Its a species darner.

I come upon a little patch of flowers -- lots of orange and blue bflies but one catches my eye. He lands on a flower but his wings are closed and he's facing the wrong direction. I move very slowly to the right and was able to see that he is a Purplish Copper (the 1st of the year) and then he flies --- couldn't find him again.

I stop at all the muddy areas to check out bflys. Blues, blues and blues, lots of Northern Cloudywings and Duskywings -- a mixture of Rocky Mt, Sleepy and Dreamy. At one of the muddy spots, I notice a smaller brown bfly -- its a Mexican Cloudywing (1st of the year). The size difference is quite obvious between the Northern and Mexican (again good lesson learned).

Someone has been out to chop down the tree I've been crawling under all year. Yea!!!

I'm nearing the camp and I see a Goldfinch!!!

I've seen plenty of year in Chicago, had them my yard - but I've never seen one in UT. Quite exciting. When I get to the camp, there were 2 more perched on some dead stalks.

Well the dragonflies are out around the pond. Will have to check them out on my way back.

I see a little brown bfly and am surprised its a very old and beaten Brown Elfin -- thought these would be long gone but some are still clearly hanging on.

All the flood ponds (including the beaver dam) are dry -- a couple muddy spots here and there.

Just before the 3 mile marker, the creek began to have water. Not gushing water, just a slow stream in some spots and stagnant water in others. At one of these spots, I'm looking at the bflies in the muddy spots when I heard the hum of a hummingbird flying. I looked up to see a flash of a green body but then it flew into the trees. When I heard the hum again, I saw the bird fly down into the creek bed (it had water). I couldn't see so I slowly moved  to the left hoping to catch it in the water. But it once again flew into the tree. I did see it brush its bill against a branch (kinda like sharpening a sword). I waited, hoping it would fly back. But I gave up and started to move - only to hear the hum again. I looked and couldn't find it -- perhaps it was finally flying off. Regardless, it was pretty cool.

The Sara Orangetip are out at this higher elevation. Very common bfly on this part of the trail.

I get to my lunch spot --- the wooden bench over looking the little spring pond -- and it is back to a little pond w/ no torrent of water flowing down the hill side. In a few weeks, it will be a mud hole. As I have lunch, I watch several robins hunting along the pond's muddy edges.

Time to head back. Its warmer now and the sun is higher so there should be even more bflies out.

Noticed a lot more Mourning Cloaks out now -- I see over 20 on my way down.

I find a really good muddy spot; it had the usual Blues, N Cloudywing but it had both the Sleepy and Dreamy Duskyings. Again, the side-by-side comparison is quite striking. The Dreamy is much smaller than the Sleepy. And I can clearly see the a slant on the upper wing. Store image in brain for the future. :)

I'm walking along and I see a Frittilary in the middle of the trail - not the one I was expecting but still my first Frit of the year -- It's a Callipe. Summer is here!

I'm almost back to the camp/pond and I stop to get a drink water next to a wet part of the streambed  when I spot what could be my Relict Frit fly by. I watch it land pretty much right next to me and it's the Relict!!

I have a water bottle in my mouth (which I don't want to take the time to take it out of my mouth cause I don't when it will fly). So with the bottle hanging from my mouth, I grab my camera and snap off a few photos. Its actually in a bad position for a photo (wings closed and opposite me). So I do put my bottle away and adjust my position. Then it opens its wings -- beautiful! It crawls up on a rock and I get a good look at its underside.

What a nice way to cap off the day!!!

But it not over. There's a Skipper flying and I think he's a little confused -- a dandelion seedhead is NOT a good place to get nectar.

I get back to the pond and its time to check out the dragonflies. I see a paired couple of Dot Tailed Whitefaces (and some singles).

There was a Bluet damselfly and another gold dragonfly.

Further along on the trail, there's a chipmunk sitting on a log nibbling on what looks like a dandelion head. Interesting but it must be tasty.

But its not quite over, a little further down the trail, I see one Garita Skipperling (a first for the year)!

Great day in every way: birds, dragonflies, and butterflies (28 species today)!!!

June 3 - White Fir Pass (Millcreek Canyon)

Decided to take a hike after work today and even try a new location. I had heard the White Fir Pass trail in Millcreek Canyon was really pretty so that's where I'm going.

I've only been in Millcreek Canyon twice -- both times to hike Grandeur Peak so I wasn't quite sure where the Terraces Picnic Area was in the canyon. So passed the Grandeur Peak picnic area and several more but didn't see any signs indicating the Terraces. I saw someone coming down from another trail and asked -- naturally is was right around the corner. :)

I didn't figure there'd be parking at the trailhead (there wasn't at Grandeur Peak), so I parked along the road and walked the 1/4mile hill (gaining about 200ft) only to find out (naturally) there was parking at the trailhead.

Its around 90 in SLC but here, it's a cool 77-- really nice.

The area is all wooded (pines, maples, oaks) and quite pretty. The picnic areas are at different levels so I guess the name Terraces fits quite aptly.

The White Fir Pass Trail follows the Bowman Fork Trail. Its about 2 miles and gains about 1500ft in elevation ending at around 7600ft. (My work-out for the evening.)

The trail is heavily shaded (except in the few spots) and at least for the first mile follows a small creek (its about 4-5 ft across). The snow is melted here so the creek is just gently flowing (not a torrent). Its also a pretty gradual incline.

There's lots of Douglas Fir trees in this forest as the trail is covered in their pine cones.

Along the way, there are 5 footbridges to cross the creek. Lot of blues around the muddy crossings. I see Western Tailed, Azures and Silvery Blues. There are also some Northern Cloudywings, Northern Crescents, Rocky Mt Duskywings, and Satyr Commas - mostly around these creek crossings.

There is a sunny opening with bunches of bluebells blooming. On one of them is a Mourning Cloak resting. The purple Virginia Bowers vine is in bloom. (Not as many as on the Lamb's Canyon trail.)

Lots of dogs on the trail -- Millcreek is one of a few canyons where dogs are allowed as it is not a watershed.

After the 3rd bridge the real climbing.

Finally, some relief on the uphill as I reach the first of 3 switchbacks. There are lots of mitreworts in bloom now. These plants have one of the tiniest white flowers I've ever seen on a long stem. Lots of Solomon Seal too.

This section is the coolest because I'm rising higher off the forest floor. To the left of me, is a steep grade upwards and to the right is a steep grade downwards. Both sides filled with trees and brush -- lots of green. Its a nice forest with lots of openings


on the floor for flowers and there are spots of yellow from the Arnicas in bloom

and lots of puffy white blooms from the Baneberry (lots of Baneberry).

It's very really pretty on the downhill side.

I finally make to what I think is the Pass. Its an opening, there's a few logs to sit on, and a few short sidetrails for a better view of the mountains (some with still a bit of snow on them).

So it looks like the right place AND I did go up the noted 3 switchbacks. But since the trail continues (and the fact it only took me an hour), I'm not convinced.

I continue on the trail for another 10 minutes or so as it tracks alongside the woods - to the right is big wooded valley with the overlook of the mountains. The Wild Geraniums are in bloom here (it's sunny) and the Lupine are about to bloom.

Well enough for the night, time to head back down.

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.