July 25 - Lundy Canyon and Mono County Park

After Saddlebag Lakes, I still have 1/2 the day. I'll try some butterflying at Lundy Canyon. It's a long trail but I've read the 1st mile is pretty good butterflying. I'm heading that way and it's only a 20 minute trip..

But first is a quick stop at the Mono Lake Center. I was here yesterday in the rain clouds so it's nice to see the views with sun (and I had to use the potty). I do see a very dark marked Parnassian at the Center but he flies over and I loses him. Seems like a weird location to see one but what do I know.

I walk around the VC to check out the views.

Now, it's off to Lundy Canyon. As I make my turn onto the Lundy Canyon road traffic on 395 in both direction is awful due to construction. Hoping it's no longer there tomorrow.

The views on the drive are incredible and get better after I pass Lundy Lake. But the paved road ends and it's 2 miles on a rocky one-lane road. I only go just a bit before turning around. :(

I had back to the Lake for a quick look. Super windy out as the storm clouds continue to roll in. Incredible view!!

With Lundy Canyon out, I still have time so I go to the Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve. I've never been here before.

On the drive in, I see Wood Nymphs flying on the drive to the park. With some research, these are Great Basin Wood Nymphs. 

I arrive at the park and it's much different than I expected because it's a "real" park with grass and all. There's also a boardwalk trail that heads towards Mono Lake.  As I walk towards the boardwalk thru the grass  I see Lorquins Admiral flying along the willows.

The boardwalk is great! 

I get a quick glance at a lizard and I see 2 butterflies zipping around. They are Sylvan Hairstreaks!

There are signs showing prior lake levels. Not a global warming statement per se but a pre-LA tapping water off the lake. Because of the lowering of the lake, the boardwalk passes tufas. One of them looks like a face.

Along the boardwalk, there are Paintbrush, Yarrow, Yellow Monkeyflower and other flowers in bloom.

I expected the boardwalk to go down to the lake but it stops short. There's a big platform for bird watching or just enjoying the sun.


On the return, I see a white butterfly, a GB Wood Nymph and a Sulphur.

I walk the willows on the right side of the parking hoping for the L. Admiral but no luck. I should walk the playground but decide otherwise.

Back at my car it's still before 2pm. I'm thinking of things to do but I'm tired and I have a "home". Time to head "home" for a shower and relaxing.

Good day!

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