Silver Lake/Lake Solitude/Twin Lakes Loop (BCC)

 Sunny day with temps in the mid-90s.

Heading up to hike the loop today and then hopefully up to the Pass. I'm thinking the trails will be again crowded since it's still the 4th holiday week-end but heading up early.

I arrive around 7am and after I park, I see a Porcupine walking across the parking lot across the street. Not a bad start. (And there are not many cars in the lot which is a happy surprise.)

I gear up and make my way to the TH. No moose, deer or beavers this morning but the Iris are in-bloom now.

I start heading up to Lake Solitude and yes, the flowers are starting to bloom. (And good thing because the Brighton/Solitude Wildflower walks are next week-end.)

Lots of yellow bloomers, Bluebells, Columbine, etc.

Quiet walk though.

I do see a Pika at the first little rocky spot. She's gathering veg for the winter already.

Farther along, I do see a need (mostly butt and a quick flash of a doe head) before the big avalanche. I can see her ribs so she needs to eat. Maybe she has a baby.

I point out the deer to a lady that catches up to me. I wait for her to proceed but she takes the chance for a break so I continue (at a little faster pace).

At the big avalanche, I spot another deer way up the slopes. I again point her out to the lady who says I have a good eye. (I know that already; just need to keep it sharp.)

I proceed to Lake Solitude. No deer or moose hanging out.

After a quick break I continue around the lake to head up top. Part of me doesn't want to go; same feelings as last year. But I continue on.

Flowers are in bloom at the lake yet (or along the trail up to the top). Sure there are a patch or two of Bluebells and some flowers on the side but the big bloom is not here yet.

Have to admit it was a struggle again climbing up. Legs feel tire and I stop. Shouldn't do that but I go thru this every year (and this is only my 2nd time up). Still frustrating. Mind over matter.

I do finally reach the top and have a wonderful view of the lake below.

And a view of a doe below me feeding. :)

I decide to head down; frustrated and I have to go potty (shh) so down I go.

Same "not blooming" yet along to trail down to Twin Lakes.

I make a quick stop at the lake

then continue down. There are patches of flowers on the way down but the bloom is still coming.

I'm surprised to see an Orangetip in-flight. He lands on the ground.

and a Parnassian and Western Swallowtail.

At the switchback, I find a Pika.

Good day!



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