June 14 - Willow Lake (Big Cottonwood Canyon)

Heading out for a short hike after work. After a couple of days with the temps below normal (yea) and some rain (yea), we're back up around 88 degrees.

It's not quite that warm as I head to Willow Lake because there are clouds rolling in -- perhaps we'll get even more rain.

Still sunny when I arrive but the clouds are closing in fast.

Boy has the vegetation grown since the last time I was here. The trail is now surrounded by green plants mid-calf and higher on me. Majority of the flowers are bluebells followed by Forget-Me-Nots (lots of blue). I see a few Cinquefoil and Lily of the Valley. And the Geraniums are finally
blooming!!

A little higher, the purple Larkspur adds to color.

Pretty quiet other than the strong wind blowing through the leaves.

On the way up, I see a couple of Blues (unidentified as they kept flying), a Mustard White and a 2-tailed Swallowtail.

Very little snow on these mountains!

I arrive in the meadow; again quiet - no frogs, no ground squirrels, no birds; just the wind.

The little pond still has water; a Mallard pair are taking a nap on the water.

I see a Silvery Blue flying near the water.

Lots more Buttercups blooming than before.

I head to Willow Lake. As I exit the trees, there's bunch of people standing at the SW corner of the lake. I thought maybe they were looking at animal but when I turned to look, I see several kids pulling in a rubber raft out of the water. Nothing special so I continue around the trees on the western corner of the lake.

Tons of bluebells are everywhere!

After rounding the corner, I stop on the NW corner for a look. Well, those folks weren't looking at the kids, there's a moose on the east side!!

It's a female moose and she's munching away at the willows.

I continue down the northern shore

and soon lose sight of the moose.

Maybe I'll see her as I loop around the lake thru the woods. I'm keeping watch for a big brown object near the willows. See a few big brown tree stumps but no moose.

I get back to the southern side, the moose has disappeared into the willows.

I take a sandwich break on a rock and watch the Mallards -- two males on the far side and a male/female pair on my side. I hear just a few frogs calling.

I'm amazed I still have sun but the clouds are close, time to head back down.

Last year when I hiked here, never saw deer/moose/elk. This year, I've seen 3 deer and a moose. Not too bad!

Great hike!

June 10 - Twin Lakes to Summit Express Lift (Big Cottonwood Canyon)

Got out of work a little early today and decided to escape the valley heat (supposed to be near 100 today) and head for the mountains.

Going to attempt to get to Twin Lakes Pass. Last year I was blocked by construction (trails closed) so I should have a shot it today. The blocker will be snow because even with all the warm temps, there was a lot of snow above 9500ft and if the trail is in the shade, it'll still be there. But definitely worth a shot.

Lots of people heading up the canyon today; trail heads are packed. Doesn't anyone work on Fridays? :)

I arrive at the Silver Lake parking and I have to park in overflow lot. Probably means there'll be a lot of folks at Twin Lakes ;(

Its so much nicer up here; it was 91 in the valley and a cool 70 degrees here. Cloudy day so there's no sun to make it feel even warmer. But there is a nice wind blowing.

I start around in the counterclockwise direction.

The pussy willows are in full bloom.

A Satyr Comma flies lands on the path in front of me.

I arrive at my turn-off seeing a single lonely male Mallard. Where are the Mallards this year?

I head up to the ridge that crosses over Silver Lake. Bluebells, Ballonflowers, Oregon Grape, and Baneberry are in bloom. Lots of other flowering plants getting ready.

I arrive at the ridge -- it's snow free! However, there is snow on the far side - the shady slopes.

Still a nice view though.

As I cross the rocky area, I'm listening for Pika chirps but nothing. However, below I do see a Pika sitting on the rocks.

A few steps further and there's another Pika.

Finally, I hear something chirping; it's a chipmunk on the rocks above me.

Still further along the ridge, I see a Marmot on the rocks below.

Lots of life on the rocks today - Pika, Chipmunks and Marmot!! I like that!

After crossing the ridge, I start heading uphill towards the dam. I take the trail instead of the rocky road as it's just easier to walk (less rocky) even though it's a bit steeper in spots. The trail is snow-free but the road has a couple of snowy spots left.

Now blooming are those little white flowers I've been seeing lots of places and Glacier Lilies.

I see many ground squirrels running around.

Finally, get my first glimpse that I'm nearing the dam.

I arrive at Twin Lakes; there's still some ice near the dam but the rest of the lake is open.

The lake is still lower than a couple of years ago when Twin Lakes looked like a big single lake. However, the 2 lakes are combined and not separated which is good.

The only snow still on the ground is on the far side of the lake under the mountains.

I don't spend much time at the lake as my goal is higher up -- hopefully to Twin Lake Pass and if not, as high as I can get safely.

As I make my way to the upper trail, I see a white butterfly flying. It appears to be a Western White (though it could be a Checkered White).

I continue up the dirt trail heading for the dirt ski road that heads up to the Summit Express Lift (10,050sh ft). Along the dirt trail, I see a little flutter on the trail; it's a Sheridan's Hairstreak!!!

I reach the road and continue thru the wooded area (it'll open up again soon). I see/hear tree squirrels on this section.

Soon the views open up again and I reach a turnoff that heads down to Lake Solitude. Maybe I'll take that way back on my way down.

Just after that turn-off, there's an off-trail spot with an awesome view of Twin Lakes. I've reach some snow on the road now which I have to walk thru it, then a small snow-free hill to get to the view. Not bad!

On the way back to the road, I spot this little pink'sh flower hugging a rock.

This is the furthest I've even been so the rest is uncharted territory.

The hillside to my left is getting taller (obscuring the view of the lake below) and snowier. The trail is a combination of snow, mud (with or without a water down it) or clear road.

Along the way, I see another Western White flying.

Finally, I can see the ski lift -- almost there!

The views are getting better now.

The last switchback is mostly snow (especially on the road) and its steep. I try to walk as much as I can on the side in the soft plowed dirt.

As I crest to the ski lift, wow!

The mountains are right there! They are so close I can't back up far enough to capture the full effect. I definitely wasn't expecting this!

I have arrived at the Summit Express (10, 035 ft)  - which is ironically a whole 10ft higher than Twin Lakes Pass which is at 9993 ft.

I walk to the other side of the lift and there are awesome views of Twin Lakes about 500 ft below.

I start down this little trail (still hoping to get to the Pass) and see a bunch of Buttercups in bloom!

I also come to what may be the end of the "road" for me as the trail comes to a section with snow on the uphill side, about 10-15ft of sloped wet rock and then steep snow on the downhill side. On the other side is a clear trail. I can probably make it across but not that comfortable with it -- fear is really triggering an avalanche. This adventurous side says I'll be fine but the practical side says it'll be there for another day. The practical side wins. (Looking at my photos, I'm kicking myself but then looking at a photo is not the same as being there.)

On the way back to the lift, I notice this dark red blooming with the Buttercups.

Time to head back down.

At one point, I see a marmot running down below.

The Western White is still flying.

I arrive at the turnoff to Solitude Lake. I take one last look at Twin Lakes and continue my way downhill to Lake Solitude.

A few spots of snow covered road on the way down to the lake but mostly clear.

And a few deer tracks in the mud.

Lake Solitude looks a little lower in water than I remember and not so impressive as it did the first time I saw it. I'm sure the construction around the lake last year doesn't help the appearance as there's still much to re-vegetate.

But there are nice flowers blooming along the shore.

Time to continue back to Visitor's Center.

Along the way a see a doe. She watches me for a few seconds before continuing to feed.

I'm almost back to Silver Lake when I see doe #2 for the day. She's about 10 feet off the trail as I pass. (Definitely, very comfortable around people.)

I arrive at Silver Lake and head to complete the loop around the lake.

I do see 2 more Mallards (both males) as I make my way around. Lots of people fishing around (and in) the lake.

In the wetland section of the trail, the Shooting Stars are blooming!

And some Lily of the Valley!

The Horsetail are just coming up.

Awesome day!

June 7 - Desolation Trail to SLC Overlook (Millcreek Canyon)

I had no plans on hiking after work today but the perfect opportunity presented itself so I'm heading out to Millcreek Canyon to hike the Desolation Trail (SL Overlook). It been several weeks since I've last been up there so it's a good choice.

Its sunny and hot. It's close to 90 degrees which is much cooler than the record breaking 97 degrees from yesterday. But the trail is mostly shady so it shouldn't be too bad.

As I drive up the canyon to the trail head, there are Two-Tailed Swallowtails flying across the road.

I park and head up the trail. The lower parts of the trail are definitely drying out but some of the Solomon's Seal blooms are still hanging on.

I definitely missed the mass bloom on the Heart-leafed Arnica. :( Only a few still blooming.

In the drier sunnier sections, I do see some a few Sweet Pea, Roses, Purple Larkspur, Wild Onion, Forget-Me-Nots, bright yellow Balloonflowers and Beardtongue.

In rockier sections, another species of Beardtongue with a tiny blue flower is blooming.

However, along most of the trail, the shrubs are in full bloom and they do smell awesome!

There is a section where the Thimbleberries are blooming.

The wooded areas, the ground is full of green vegetation; though except some Solomon Seals, no other blooms yet.

I pass an inchworm hanging by his invisible thread alongside the trail.

About 1/2 way up, I spot 2 Clodius Parnassians flying over the flowering shrubs -- one of my favorite butterflies.

On the final leg to the top, I see 2-tailed Swallowtails, a Pale Swallowtail and more Clodius flying on the hillside above me.

I arrive at the overlook to the always nice view over the sunny valley. I stop for a quick look and start heading back down.

Not far from the top, I see an Orange flyer; it's a Northern Crescent.

A 2-tailed Swallowtail lands on some of the flowers but flies again as I get closer.

A little further down, I see a Spring Azure.

There's a nice cool breeze blowing which feels awesome as I make my way down.

Nice hike!

June 4 - Antelope Island

Heading off the Antelope Island today to continue my search for baby Pronghorn. I've never seen one and hoping to change that today.

It's a sunny day and heading towards 90s.

It's already 71 degrees at 8:30 when I arrive on the causeway. (Strange that the sign for "Biting Gnats" is removed even the lady at the gate was surprised as they normally only disappear when we have several 90+ degree days which hasn't happened yet. Guess I'll see soon.)

Lots of green along the causeway edges but still a dry lake bed -- the snow melt hasn't made that much of a difference at least here.

Tons of gulls flying and along the shores. I see flock of Avocets on the Farmington Bay side; I'll catch up with them later.

I arrive on the island and head south towards the Ranch. I immediately see a Chukkar performing sentry duties on a rock.

There's a bison here, a couple there, and about 5 under the first pull-off -- I thought one of them was dead (on his side, legs out stiff) but he's was just taking a break from wallowing in the dirt.

The island is definitely browning up as the vegetation is drying.

By the metal water basin, there's herd of 4 bison - and a duck is sitting on the water basin.

Past Frary Peak, I finally see a large herd of bison down near the shoreline (where all the green vegetation is) - babies included. Many are lying down resting and a few wallowing.

Further on, I see a lone female pronghorn standing on a hill. She looks very much pregnant - I can what looks like little hooves in her belly. (Maybe the pronghorn are just starting to calve.)

 A little further along is another big herd. They are resting like the previous herd.

I arrive at the Ranch but continue down the dirt road past the Sentry Trail parking to the end of the road. A few Sulphers and Whites flying but no deer, antelope or bison.

I do pass a Snipe standing (on one leg) on a rock.

A little further down the road and there's another snipe on the opposite side of the road.

I turn around at the road's end and start my way back to the Ranch to check out the owls.

Unfortunately, they have the gate to the bird area locked. Not sure why but no owl check today :(

I head back up the road. That one female pronghorn, she's still on the hill but there's a male pronghorn not too far way.

Both bison herds are still resting.

Continuing on, I spot a lone male pronghorn resting on the lake bed.

Just before the intersection with the Visitor's Center loop is a lone bison. Everyone is stopping for the bison and not seeing the lone Pronghorn on the other side of the road. But I watch for a while as he grazes.

I turn on the loop heading to Bison Point. Almost immediately there are 2 bison near the road and one pronghorn a little further back.

I head up to Bison Point.

On the way back to the loop I see 2 pronghorn in the distance and oh my, it could be a baby!!! Yes, a baby pronghorn!!!!

The mother squats and I'm wondering if she might be having twins...no twins. The baby is staying close to Mom and is walking around. She even nurses.

I leave as there are many cars coming.

But as I head for the exit, I decide to loop back hoping they are moving closer to the road. As I loop around, I spot for a large flock of White Pelicans flying overhead. (Nearby Gunnison Island on the Salt Lake is home to one of the largest breeding colonies in North America.)

As I arrive again, the baby is standing with Mom and "Auntie". Then the baby takes of sprinting - go little guy - Mom and "Auntie" just watch.

I leave once again, perform a U-turn and come back. I still see "Auntie" but Mom and baby have disappeared.

As I leave for the final time, the lone pronghorn by the bison is now 2 pronghorn and they are now on the other side of the road heading towards the Visitor's Center; there's a 3rd pronghorn a little further way.

As I head out, I stop to look at the Avocets!

Awesome day!!! Baby Pronghorn Mission accomplished!