July 7 - Lambs Canyon

Six days ago, I went up Lambs Canyon and on the last long switchback saw Relict Frits! But I had nophoto and a bit of doubt even though I know they fly there. Oh, I've never seen them there before.

So after work, I head up to Lambs Canyon arriving somewhere around 3:30pm.

I check the muddy areas first, finding Weidemeyer's Admirals, a Parnassisan, a Western Tailed Blue, Northern Checkerspot

and Northern Crescent which is harassing a Frit.

Sadly, the mud is pretty empty compared to prior years though - is it due to the lack of rain or the 2 late snowfalls?

I head up the trail. Even the trail is void of butterflies but it is late in the day.

Pretty quiet hike.

I finally reach the last canyon crossover and I see an orange flyer - it's the Relict Frit! And it's just hopping from Geranium to Geranium and being very photogenic. (There's a second one too flying around.)

Happy dance time!!! Eight years looking (and 1400ft of elevation)! Hot dog!

I could float up the final switchback to the top now. :) Along the way I do look for Relicts as this is where I saw them 6 days ago but nothing.

I have the top all too myself. There's a couple of Blues flying up here but can't get a good look.

Time to head down. I take my time again down that last switchback and see one Relict Frit! (Again my camera took a blurry pix but I don't care because I know I've got good shots!)

I pass thru the spot where I saw the other 2 but they are gone now.

Time to head down the rest of the trail.

I see one Northern Crescent not far from the beginning of the trail.

Incredible day!!