My Utah Adventure 2025

 Partly sunny day with temps in the mid-60s. I thought Wednesday would be my last trip into the mountains this year but the predicted snow/rain didn't come on Friday or today so might as well head out one more time. Entering BCC there is a sign stating Solitude opens on the 19th. Funny because there's not a lick of snow on the slopes. There's still snow in the forecast but.... I arrive at Silve Lake and again only a couple of cars. It's in the mid-30s and sun is about up. I head directly towards the TH down the frosty boardwalk. Searching for deer or moose or beaver and find none. However, the lake is only partially frozen due to warmish temps. More squirrels running around today. And I see/hear Pika at all of the slides (which is cool). I do find fresh deer tracks in the mud but do not see again today. Lake Solitude is low and partially frozen - not a pretty sight.  After a brief break, I head back. (I only see 3 people on the trail on my return.) Good day!

 Since I didn't get a hike this morning, I decided to head up to Lambs Canyon Road around 11:30. It's a mix of sun and clouds and wind. Not really ideal for butterflies but what this heck. As I start the hike, I'm surprised to see my 1st Forget-me-knot of the year!! (And it's the only one I saw.) I also see a fresh CA Tortoiseshell. He too is the only one I saw. But there were many of the black spotted moths from top to bottom. There are lots more green sprouts peeking including Virginia Waterleaf. And some buds on the Oregongrape and probably Ragwort. The road is all melted until just before the TH so easy walking. The bridge too is melted; snow right after you cross but because the weather is not conducive to butterflies, I pass.

 Mostly cloudy day with temps near 70. After work took a quick walk up Lambs Canyon. Hoping for butterflies (Silvery Blue, Azure, etc -- early Spring flyers) but its mostly cloudy with peeks of sun. A lot more Forget-me-knots in bloom today. The Oregongrape are also blooming.And some Biscuitroot with buds.  And a few other buds. Quiet walks. Appears that the stream flow is getting a bit stronger. On the walk I see 5-6 CA Tortoiseshell and a Mourning Cloak!

 Partly sunny day with temps in the low 60s. Heading up Little Cottonwood Canyon to hike the Alta Summer Road. It was closed at the first snowfall probably a month ago. Not the most exciting but the views along the way are nice and I'm hoping to see some Marmot. I arrive after 8am. There's one other car outside the gate. I gear up and start up the road. A little surprised at the lack of snow but I shouldn't be; but the peaks are snowy. Just a quiet walk; no deer, no moose and sadly no Marmots. Just views! Stopped at the Catherine's Pass TH. Took a very short trip up the trail to get a photo of Devil's Castle with man-made snow. And then a quick the parking for a view canyon. Thought about taking the trail for a shorter trip but headed back down the road. Til next Spring! Good day!

 Sunny day with temp in the mid-60s AND it's Veteran's Day (a holiday this work year)! I was supposed to be flying to Chicago to visit my family but air traffic is impaired due to the Govt Shutdown (boo!). Although my outbound flight was confirmed, there's no guarantee my flight back will. I'm not a gambler so I sadly cancelled my trip to see family. :( But I'm pumped today because I AM getting to Twin Lakes today! No more bailing at the last; today is Twin Lakes. And I'm taking the main trail. It's been open for a couple now and it's the quickest way to get up there (and not bail). I'm curious to see what it looks like as it's been closed for Solitude's water improvements. Hey, it can't be worse than it was before as I always hated going down the rocky steep beast.  I arrive at Silver Lake around 8am. Only one other car in the lot (surprised for a holiday for some). It's in the low 30s as I make my way to the TH. As in prior weeks, n...

Sunny day with highs in the 50s. Heading back to Lake Solitude with the goal of getting Twin Lakes. I arrive just before 8am. It's mid-20s with the sun still coming up. Surprisingly the boardwalk is not frosty but it is chilly. I head directly to the TH. No deer or moose or beavers. But there are definitely signs of busy little beavers with wood chips and visible gnawing. Oh, and Silver Lake has a thin layer of ice on it (all of it)! For time I've seen that this Fall. I head directly to the TH and start up the trail. A lot less packed snow and ice which is nice. But no deer or moose. Or squirrel, chipmunk or even Pika on the way to Lake Solitude. :( Lake Solitude too is totally covered in ice. And of course, I decide to not go up to Twin Lakes (again). The return trip is uneventful except I did finally find deer tracks! Good day!

 Sunny day with highs near 70. Heading up to Antelope Island to hike up to Beacon Hill and yes, I'm taking a vacation day today. Uneventful drive to the gate and for the most part crossing the causeway. However, I do spot a coyote moving east in the distance. He definitely caught breakfast today! And that Blue Heron again! I reach the Island and there are no bison behind the VC but there are a few just on the other side of the fence. Very quiet under the Frary Peak area where I see a handful of bison and then a bigger herd and then another big herd! Some are near the road. And I see a "little red" too! And a bit farther down is a lone bison. I continue onto the Ranch and there's no bison down near Sentry Peak. I really should hike that doing Beacon Hill. I turn and drive back to the Gravel Pit TH. Thankfully, I see no bison around so I gear up for the hike. As I'm nearing my climb out of the Pit, I'm being watched by between 7-10 Pronghorn on top of the ridge....