May 1 - Desolation Trail to Salt Lake Overlook (Millcreek Canyon)

 It's May 1st; 23rd anniversary of my Mom's death. I've always taken the day off and try to honor/remember her with a nice hike. I was planning to be at Lower Calf Creek but cancelled at the last minute.

So today I'm heading up the Desolation Trail in Millcreek Canyon for the 1st time this season. (I'm actually not sure if I even hiked it last year; it's typically an after work hike until the mountains open up.)

A bit chilly this morning; it's in the low 40s. But around 8:30am I leave for the hike. I bring my winter coat just in case.

But when I get out of my car, despite the 40 degree temp, it feels like good hiking weather so I so up the trail.

Not sure where the Spring flowers are at this point but surprised not to see an overflow of Lilies, Waterleaf, and Solomon's Seal at the start of the trail. The Lilies are blooming but the other two are still growing. It's still very early; yea!

I'm enjoying the Lilies in various stages from buds, blooms, to dying along the trail.

I do find a few Waterleaf, Purple and Yellow Violets in bloom so that's exciting. Also coming up are the Heart-leafed Arnica.

Lots of birds singing this morning as I climb higher. At one point, I see some Spring Beautys

I reach the "dry/rocky part". Never liked the rocks but love the "dry" plants. Today, there's Buttercups,

Arrowleaf (soon to bloom)

Yellowbells (my favorite)

Spring Parsley and Woodland Star.

I've been cruising along but for some reason, I hit a brick wall. Kinda feeling nauseous. Might be a lack of sleep. Do I push upward or call it a day? Hate to quick on a trail; I'm probably 1/2 mile from the top but I decide to turn it around. Not disappointed, I got what I wanted: beautiful day, lots of flowers for Mom and listening to wonderful bird songs.

And you what, it was meant to be because when I got to the parking lot, I see an Anise Swallowtail!!!

Perfect ending!!

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