May 30 - Dog Lake (Big Cottonwood Canyon)

Sunny day and mid-70s predicted (and no threat of afternoon storms for change).

Planning on heading to Desolation Lake today.

Off somewhat bright and early this morning and was at the trailhead by 8:30am. Very cool with temps around 43 degrees.

Being a holiday, I thought this trail head would be packed already (some of the others are) but only a few cars at this point. :)

Near the parking area, there are still no flowers in bloom. Along the trail, I see one Geranium in bloom but lots of bluebells.

Hearing many bird songs this morning including Robins, Dark-eyed Juncos and Yellow-Rumped Warblers.

The ground squirrels are chirping too.

Mt Reynolds to the south still has a lot of snow at the higher elevations.

I turn to head up the valley in a northerly direction.

Its early and I'm scanning the aspens up the hill from me and across the little valley for moose and deer. I do see a fresh deer track on the muddy trail.

And a caterpillar crossing the trail.

I'm surprised that I haven't seen a single person so far as this tends to be a pretty popular trail (especially with bikers).

Just scanning the forests when I see something.... it's a bull moose!!!

He's feeding on the smaller trees about 75ft up the hill from me. I maneuver along the trail to get a clearer view (lots of trees in the way). I watch for a while until he starts moving my way - time to go. :)

Not too much further along, I see a lone deer uphill from me. She just stands there very still until I move off.

I get to the stream crossing. A couple of weeks ago, this is where the snow started; today. the snow has finally melted. Instead there's lots of green plants emerging.

I get to the intersection of the Dog Lake and Desolation Lake trails. I should turn towards Desolation Lake but the energy level is just not there today for another 2 miles (4 round trip) so I'm taking the shorter trail to Dog Lake.

Not an easy 0.6mile as there's snow on the trail here and another 500 ft to climb.

Along the way, I see a chipmunk.

And earthworms .... on the snow!!

And there are quite few! I've never seen worms on snow before; a little strange but they are alive and wiggling.

I arrive an unfrozen Dog Lake. In fact, the only snow around is the trail I just came up and the far left corner.

Very quiet as there's only one other person at the lake.

I walk around the lake before heading back down the trail. (There are people now heading up toward the lake.)

Part way down the snowy trail, I see my first bfly of the day -- a Mourning Cloak. I see another before leaving the snowy section.

Although the sun is higher in the sky and the temps are warmer, I do not see any other bflies except one Spring Azure not too far from the trail head.

Great Day!

And on this Memorial Day, let us remember all the men and women who gave their lives for this country and give thanks to those who have served and continue to serve.