May 23 - Lambs Canyon Rd (and almost to trail's meadow)

 Sunny day with a high near 80 today. Had several options for a hike but decided to head back up Lambs Canyon to see if anymore butterflies are flying than the other day. And to hike up to the meadow.

Cool morning and the road was a mix of sun and shade around 8:45 when I started up.

Obviously, no butterflies on the walk but I did see 1 Azure that the mud at the parking lot. Actually surprised me.

I start up the trail and the Virgin Bower's are even more spectacular than on Monday (if that is possible). They are draped here and there and are all the way the trail until my spotting point. Wonders of clearing of the "trash" in a forest.

The plants are getting larger on the lower levels and I'm soon something will be blooming soon.

Just a Blue or two on along the 1st switchback.

And they continue sparsely as I continue up. Also, the green plants get smaller as I climb.

I'm following moose tracks but I'm sure they are not from this morning but I keep my eyes open.

I climb over the big log that stopped me on Tuesday and step over a few others along way.

Just listening to the birds singing this morning.

And admiring the forest clear-out; truly amazing!

I do see a patch of snow on the far side as I climb. And I find some Spring Beauty.

I'm on the switchback to the meadow and almost there when I run into at least 2 large pine trees over the trail. People have stomped a "path" thru but it's just a good place to stop. (When they open the road, I'll attack the trees.)

Time to head down.

Seeing some Commas on the way down. Orangetips (and an unknown White) and a Mourning Cloak, a few Duskywings too.

On the final stretch of the hike (before the curves), a snake crossing ahead of me. Fortunate enough to get a shot.

Back at the parking lot, the muddy area is still not very active - Blues and a few Duskywings.

I do see a W. Tiger Swallowtail fly by.

On the walk along the wet area, I'm seeing more Duskywings and an Anise Swallowtail. And more Blues as I travel down the road. But still seems a little poor -- the cold weather this week-end had to have had an effect.

But it was a good hiking and butterfly with 11 species:

W. Tiger

Anise

Orangetip

Azure

CA Tortoiseshell

Hoary Comma

Satyr Comma

Green Comma

RM Duskywing

Sleepy Duskywing

Mourning Cloak.

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