Left my house around 7:30 this morning to hike the Mill D South Trail heading towards the Cardiff Mine. I'm hoping to make it to the 2nd mine tailing pile but it depends on the trail conditions. Making it to the mine is out of the question today as it's peak snow melt and after the tailing pile will be a swollen creek that I'm not willing to cross.
I arrive somewhere around 8am. I'm surprised by the number of cars already in the trail head parking lots on the way up the canyon. Looks like a week-end and it's only Friday; oops everyone is on the Covid vacation right now.
I park in the 2nd lot and head up the road for the 1/2 mile to the trail head. Plants are still small but there are a few blooming: Pucoon
Strawberries and Oregongrape.
The ground squirrels are out this morning.
The road is actually devoid of people as they build an actual trail last year to Donut Falls to keep people off the road. It's nice!
And so is the view of Kessler Peak!
I reach the trail head and cross the road. Wow! The water is sure flowing!
I pass the gate and start my uphill trek thru the pines and along the fast flowing creek. Perfect!
There are still patches of snow in the woods but the trail is clear; except some spots are wet. And some spots higher up with small snow crossings.
At one point I see a Mourning Cloak fly across the road but it's otherwise pretty quiet.
Before long, I reach the meadow.
Beautiful as always as the sun is just topping the mountain peaks.
I scan for wildlife but not seeing any this morning.
As I continue farther, the trail becomes a running stream as I expected. I keep crisscrossing the trail trying to keep my shoes dry.
I find some Spring Beauty in one small spot.
I pass the 1st mine tailing pile (saw a moose here a couple of years ago).
I nearing that 2nd tailing pile;
I think it's up this hill ahead of me but there's a patch of snow (a continuous one) with water flowing underneath. (7200ft at road to over 8400 ft)
Time to turn around for today!
On the way back, I see a Hoary Comma
and several Blues. I finally caught up with one; it's a Spring Azure!
Water-level view of creek flowing next to trail.
I also find a deer feeding on the final stretch along the road to my car.
Fantastic day!
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