May 17 - Lambs Canyon

Mostly cloudy and mid 50s today. Heading to Lambs Canyon for a quick hike. This is probably the earliest in a year I've done this hike so I am expecting snow on the upper parts. Hopefully I'll make it to the top. (There were lots of folks here on Saturday when I stopped to check for bflies, must be a doable hike.)

I'm not expecting to see bflies today -- it's cool and cloudy. And as I drive up the canyon, I don't see any flyers. Nor are there any around the parking lot.

I start up the trail (~2 miles and 1500 ft in elevation). Very green forest floor -- there are Solomon's Seal and geranium plants (as well as others) but not yet in bloom.

In bloom are Oregon-grape, Waterleaf, Yellow Violets, Wild Strawberries, Fairy Bells

and even the purple Virgin's Bower vine.

Higher up the trail, I see Spring Beautys.

The forest is very open as the aspens and other trees have not leafed out yet.

The trail is little muddy spots. And the creek is flowing nicely. A great sound I will listen to most of the way up the trail.

There's lots of winter dead fall over the trail; from single logs to whole trees branches and all. Makes for some trail gymnastics just to get over or around the obstacle. Lots of trail cleanup required all the way up the trail.

At some point while still walking along the creek, I end up in the brush. The trail is here but it's overgrown. I look up and see another trail about 10 feet above me and I make my way there. Hmmm, how did I miss the turn off?

I see fresh-ish Moose tracks along the trail and not so fresh scat. Maybe I'll get lucky and see a moose. (I've only seen one here once a couple of years ago.)

The dead fall continues even when I reach the snow section.

I finally reach the final 1/4 mile. It's a snow covered trail (about 3 ft still) cut from a pretty steep slope. And in one spot there's a very large tree across it. Can't go under it or around it; the only choice is over and there are lots of branch nubs. The tree is about hip high. Here's goes nothing; I'm trying to avoid the nubs but Ouch! got my ankle. I think I found the ankle "funny bone".

I continue just a little further before deciding its best to head down with my throbbing ankle. :(

On the way back, I really didn't miss that turnoff for the upper trail as there really isn't one. Just a hiker made "slide". Odd to re-route a trail but not officially connect them.

Good hike!