Sunday, September 18, 2016

Sept 18 - Catherine's Pass (Little Cottonwood Canyon)

Another beautiful day in the forecast - sunny w/ highs in the mid-80s in the valley. Heading to Catherine's Pass today -- it's been a while since my last visit. Hoping to get up to Sunset Peak but not feeling 100% this morning so it may not happen.

I check the weather before heading out and it's in the mid-40s at the trail head.

Lots of color in the canyon this morning but most of it still in the shade.

When I arrive at the parking, the basin is full of sun. Devil's Castle and Sugarloaf Peak look wonderful in the morning light.

Unfortunately, I forgot to put the battery in my camera this morning, so no photo memories today. :(

The trail starts in the sun and then heads into the shade. I see only a few purple asters in bloom. Lots of seed heads/pods though.

I'm looking for moose or deer but see none. But the birds are sure talkative this morning.

I arrive at a very sunny wet meadow - very golden in the early light. Saw moose here last time but nothing today.

I complete the remaining uphill and arrive at Catherine's Pass. Always beautiful!

I find a rock and enjoy the surroundings.

Catherine's Lake below is 1/2 in the sun and 1/2 in the shade. The yellow leaves around the lake are bright in the sunlight!

Several folks are up on Sunset Peak - I can see their silhouettes against the blue sky.

There's a chipmunk behind me chirping and his tail bounces with every chirp.

The birds are singing for a while after I arrive but then quiet down.

This is the end of my day (not going any farther -- I just have to come back before the road closes in a month or so).

Time to head down. The way down is a bit sunnier now. Sunny enough that I see a Sulpher butterfly flitting around.

Short but lovely day!

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