June 8 - Twin Lake (BCC)

 My goal this week-end was to get up to Twin Lakes and I accomplished that with a hike this morning.

Sunny and in the 50s when I arrive at Silver Lake this morning.

I hike around the right side of the lake to the TH. (No moose, deer or beaver that I can see).

I start up the trail to Twin Lakes and about 1/2 way to the switchback, I see a deer near the trail eating (it's doe). 

I look for others and find 1 more (also a doe and eating).

I continue up to the switchback and properly see a Pika (they were harder to find on Friday).

And one additional.

I continue my way up to Twin Lakes. Just taking my time this morning. It's the 1st real-time at 9000ft and I don't want to kill myself. That pays off with a sighting of a buck!!

On the way up, there are lots of Lilies; mostly in bloom.

There are patches of snow but not many. I remember only going around one patch and then there was the one at the top.

Once over that last snow patch, I stop for a break before continuing to the dam and lucky me, a Sheridan's Hairstreak flies by and lands. Absolutely perfect!

It's exactly what I was hoping for today.

I make way to the other side of the dam. Love the view!

Still snow around the lake and in the mountains. The lake is not full; probably because it was emptied that year due to dam work.

I take a short break considering whether I should go higher and then down past Lake Solitude. On Friday, there looked to be a lot of snow on that trail but I have spikes. Hmmm, I'll just go down the way I came up.

Lots of pussy willows in bloom

Incredible day! Nice to be up high again! And awesome to have 2 deer encounters and see a Sheridan's!

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