It is a last minute decision of whether to hike up to Twin Lakes or hike Mill D South with hopes of getting to the Cardiff Mine.
The winner is Mill D South. I'm not sure if I'll make it to the mine - depends on snow (and there will be snow as the trail has portions in the shade) and water levels where the snowmelt streams cross the trail. But it's sunny and near 70 degrees; perfect day for a try. (The mine is 2.5 miles one-way and sits at 9100 ft about 1650 ft higher than the trail head.)
I arrive around 9:30 am. I park in the roadside parking but as I walk the 3/4 mile to the trail head, I'm thinking I probably should have driven. It's early enough to have gotten a spot. Oh well, it's a nice walk and I'm here to walk! (I'll leave the trail parking for those going to Donut Falls; a extremely popular destination.)
Not much blooming along the road; a few bluebells and lots of dandelions.
Mt Reynolds doesn't look too bad this morning.
I get to the trail head and turn to cross the bridge. Lots of water flowing down the stream this morning.
I cross and make my way up to the main trail (an old dirt/rock mining road). When I arrive, I immediately see a Juba Skipper and a Blue flying.
I start up the trail. The trail is clear and mostly in the shade at this point.
Soon the trail starts to parallel a roaring stream; such a beautiful sound.
The trail soon veers off from the stream as it climbs higher. Lots of birds singing this morning.
I finally break out of the trees - the stream is below and wonderful mountains to my left. It's so beautiful!!
I made a wise choice in coming here today!
I start seeing Mourning Cloaks including one on it's host plant - willows,
a mix of Hoary and Green Commas
and a few Mustard Whites.
The trail flattens for a bit and as it starts to climb again, the trail becomes a running stream. For the most part it's about an inch (or less) deep so the shoes aren't getting wet. It just makse the walk more fun!
There are Spring Beautys blooming along this portion of the trail.
A little further along, the trail enters the trees again and I start crossing small patches of snow.
I finally arrive at the large mine tailing pile. Lots of orange (rusty) water running downhill, flooding the trail and then flowing off the trail down thru the trees.
I find my way across the flooded area and continue. Those beautiful mountains I saw earlier are now directly in front of me!
But soon there's another stream crossing. This water is cold, clear and fresh from the mountains.
It's about 8 ft across. There's a log to cross at a slightly narrower part but the one side of the log has water flowing over it. I can probably make it but I see the trail ahead is covered in snow (shady forest) and decide I just found my lunch spot. :)
I find a nice rock along the water and enjoy the view and lunch.
Time to head back..
On the way, I see more Mourning Cloaks, Commas and a Checkered White.
And just enjoy the "return" views.
One last parting shot...
On my way back along the road to my car, I spot a deer feeding in the forest (that's my reward for parking along the road).
Great day!
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