June 30 - Alta Summer Road (LCC)

 Sunny day with highs near 100 degrees.

Leave around 6:45 to head up to hike the Alta Summer Road this morning. (Red/White Pine Trailhead is already out onto the road as I drive past.)

Not too many cars parked at the entrance of the road this morning. I see a couple cars turn around expecting the road to be open but sorry! No advertised date for an opening yet but they did grade/spray the road on June 26. Good for me!)

I gear up and start up the road. New flowers this morning!! I'm seeing Yellow/Red Columbine, 

Bog Orchid 

and one Shooting Star!!

There's still flow along side of the road but it has lessened.

About 3/4 of the way up the first switchback, I see a doe crossing the road to the right. I look for her when I get there but do not find her.

I see a Marmot where the 1st switchback turns into the 2nd switchback.

On the 2nd switchback, I find only a couple of waterfalls. And no porcupine today. :(

The views from the 3rd switchback are still wonderful. The Elderberry is in bloom and I find Brown-headed Cone flowers about ready to bloom.

Oh and there's still some snow around.

Past the 1/2 way, I start seeing Marmots. I think I count 5-6 today. I also find an area with lots of Marmot scat.

I reach the Catherine's Pass parking area.

I wander around the Catherines Pass parking lot 

before deciding to walk just a tiny bit of the trail (just for a view).

If the road is still closed next Sunday, I am going up.

Time to head down.

I see a Tiger Swallowtail on the way down - probably a Western.

I'm not too far from the gate when I see movement to my right and also see spots. Did I just see a fawn head down to the road? I grab my camera to be ready. I look for Mom but do not see her. I move slowly to where that fawn was heading. I round the bush and I startle 2 fawns!! They freeze for a moment and then run back uphill and into the brush to where Mom must be! So cool!


Awesome day!

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