June 21 - Willow Lake (Big Cottonwood Canyon)

 Sunny day with temps in the mid-80s.

Interrupting my work day to head up to Willow Lake. It's actually my 2nd trip of the year. However, the 1st was blocked by a cow moose. I didn't mind but I would like to see the lake today.

Leave home around 7am; just trying to beat the heat and the crowds. (Already pretty crowded at the S-curve and Dog Lake parking lots.)

And plenty of cars at Willow Lake; lots of campers on a Thursday night?

I park, gear up and start up the trail.

It's still very shaded. Lots of birds at the start. I identify one which is the Flicker.

I'm seeing Geraniums, Jacobs Ladder, Cinquefoil, and lots of Bluebells!

As I approach the circle, I can hear water still running at the bridge. I take a short detour for a look.

On the long switchback, the Lupine is coming into bloom and there is MeadowRue and more Bluebells.

The second switchback has a melted out view of Solitude

 and Larkspur and more Bluebells.

I also pass 4 ladies on the downhill. Now I'm sure I won't be seeing moose/deer today. :(

After that, it's an Aspen Grove filled with Bluebells! Probably looks far better in sunlight but still pretty impressive.

In the meadow, I'm finding Ragwort and lots of ground squirrels running around in the morning sunlight.

The pond still has water and a few buttercups hanging on. But no frog sounds this morning.

I reach the entrance to the lake but stop for a look back; not bad!

I reach the lake but can't get down to it because the water is so high. So I head around to the other side. The little creek crossing is higher than I've seen it but there are 4/5 logs across so it's easy to cross.

On the other side is a lot of vegetation but nothing in bloom yet.

Finally a view of the lake!!

Noticeably missing are Mallards. I wonder where they are this year.

With all those cars below I was expecting a lot of tents but I only find 2. Hmm, are all those folks on the trail?

I make my way around the lake and back into an Aspen Grove. Pretty muddy at one point but it's all good.

Lots of these flowers in the grove.

On the exit, I find Baneberry

and another muddy section.

I've looped the lake and now it's time to complete the other loop. 

On the way down, I find a Paintbrush.

Good day!

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