Heading up to hike the Twin Lakes Loop (i.e., Silver Lake, Lake Solitude, Twin Lakes). I tried a couple of weeks ago but was blocked by a moose so I settled for a direct hike to Twin Lakes. Time to try again.
There's a good crowd already there when I arrive around 8am. But I quickly make my way around the lake
and to the trail and start my way to Lake Solitude.
Still not much blooming but I do find Waterleaf, Bluebells, Yellow Violets and Heartleaf Arnica.
Somewhere before the ski lift, I spot a moose standing right on the trail. My first reaction was "Crap!". (I'm blocked again.)
But I take a few steps forward and notice the trail splits and the one I'm supposed to be on is not the one with the moose. Yea!
The moose is slowly moving away now and I soon pass him from the trail above.
The snow along the trail is all gone but one small patch that covered 1/2 the trail. But a huge tree fell crossing the trail. Too high to straddled, too low to crawl under; it got a little creative.
Then it's a quick trip before reaching Lake Solitude. The lake is looking good this morning.
I see no deer around but do hear birds chirping.
I do find some of the early flowers blooming and they do look so nice. (Wallflower, Cushion Phlox,
Groundsel)
I head over and around the lake and start the climb to above Twin Lakes.
On the first switchback, I find another patch of nice looking flowers.
As I get higher, the trail (aka road) does have snow patches but only one that I have to cross which conveniently has a nice view down on Lake Solitude.
Before I know it, I've reached my destination!!!
Time to find a way up to my perch. It takes a couple of tries because of lingering snow but I do get there!
I take a seat and enjoy the view and the sound of the wind.
After a bit, it's time to head down to the lakes.
When I get there, I'm surprised that the water is not higher. There's still a beach; there's been no beach for the last 2 years. We've had enough snow so I'm a bit confused but there's snow still melting.
I walk the shore and notice a Hairy Woodpecker on an aspen tree. He flies and another arrives. Hmmm, are they feeding young? I see a hole in the tree and I hear birds sounds; they are feeding young! I find a rock and focus the camera on the hole and wait.
Which waiting I notice a Marmot crossing the rocks behind the trees. I'm torn because I love the Marmots but right now, the woodpeckers are my priority.
Soon, one of the parents return and feeding the chirping young.
Time to heading down.
Avalanche Lilies are still blooming at the top.
And I see 2 Sheridan's Hairstreaks near the top.
one Pika sighting as a crossed the switchback over Silver Lake.
Great day!
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