June 28 - Twin Lakes (Big Cottonwood Canyon)

 Sunny day with temps in the mid-80s (a cool down).

Heading up to Twin Lakes today; hoping to start seeing some butterflies.

Canyon is pretty crowded this morning already; then again I left at 7am and July 4th is coming.

Just as I'm reaching the Brighton Loop, the car in front of me stops. There's a cow moose crossing the street. Seems a bit small of an adult but perhaps.

Many people already at Silver Lake. Looks like there is a Boreal Toad walk that is drawing a few people.

I gear up and start around the boardwalk. Beautiful morning!

At the footbridge, it looks like they've cleaned some of the gunk out of the water so it looks nice.

Still hardly any ducks on the lake.

I make a brief stop at the dock for a view and I find that shorebird (Spotted Sandpiper??) again (same as last week)

and a bit farther, a doe and buck!!

Then its off on the trail. Same route as last week, up towards Lake Solitude and then up to the switchback where I see one Pika briefly. Then up to Twin Lakes. 

On the way to Lake Solitude, I'm seeing some Paintbrush, Geraniums, MeadowRue, Bluebells, and Lobelia. And a chipmunk!

Dogging it today. Don't know why; just enjoying the sounds of the morning. More flowers are starting to bloom. AND, I do find a butterfly: a Clodius Parnassian!!!

He's the only flyer of the day.

I reach the road to the dam and to my right is a Marmot resting on a large boulder.

I still here water running from the dam which is weird.

I continue up and when the uphill is complete I spot another Marmot.

And there's one in back. That's 3 for the day so far!!

I continue around the dam and the water is even lower than last week. 

Not sure what's going on; perhaps they plan on working on the dam. It just seems weird. Buy hey! There's plenty of beach! And for visiting folks, there are 2 lakes (aka Twin Lakes).

I take a short break before heading up to my perch. I see a Marmot along the way.

Hello old friend!


After a brief break, I continue up toward the trail to the Pass. I'm seeing snow in the shadier spots and the buttercups are coming into bloom. Ahead I see more snow to the left. I'm assuming the trail is still covered. Doesn't mean I couldn't continue but I'm not tracking uphill on snow. Time to turn around and head down to Lake Solitude.

At some point, I find a Columbine; the flies sure seem to like it.

On the way down, that big pile of snow is almost melted. I walk around on the edge of the road.

A few people down at Lake Solitude so I take a brief look and continue back to Silver Lake. 

I pass many people heading towards Lake Solitude - busy times.

Good day - 2 deer, Pika, 4 Marmot, Parnassian!!

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