Sept 13 - Silver Lake, Lake Solitude, Twins Lakes to Millie Lift (BCC)

Very cold night and only warming into the low 70s today but sunny.

Heading up to do the loop up to Twin Lakes and then detour down the gravel road to the Millie Lift hoping to find some late season butterflies -- probably mostly Coppers.

Left my house around 7:30am. Quiet drive. The trees are not changing yet but after a frosty night, I'm sure it'll be coming fast.

Arrive at Silver Lake after 8am. It's still in the 30s so a light winter coat is necessary at least for a bit. Heading around in the clockwise direction as the Boreal Toads are still closing the trail (Oct 1). The boardwalk is frosty/slick. I'm looking but do not see any Moose this morning.

Silver Lake is wonderful as always.

On the far side, the beaver is hanging out in front of his dam.

I reach the TH and see 2 ladies looking into the woods; I'm pretty sure they are looking at a moose but I continue up the trail. I then see 2 ladies coming thru the woods towards the trail; probably looking for moose. They call my way that there is moose. I turn towards them and sure enough there's a bull and cow moose in the distance have breakfast. I head down to the ladies for a closer look. (Yes, it's mating season.)

I continue up towards Lake Solitude. The blooms are getting less and less and the brown/dry foliage is increasing. 

I see no deer or  moose on the way to the Lake. But I do find a mushroom!

Upon arrival, the lake is quiet and I see no ducks today.

After a short break, I continue up the hill to Twin Lakes. I'm fighting myself this morning but I just continue along. Lots of Asters blooming. I'm checking for butterflies but find none. May be a bit cool for any flyers at this time.

I reach the top and head to my perch. Sad to see the lake empty but they are still working on the dam. There is more water in it than the last time I came (which has been a while). Should be fun when the water starts to freeze.

I stop for a break and a hawk lands in the tree next to me and then flies a little farther off. It's a Cooper's Hawk! Very cool!

I start heading down carefully checking for butterflies. I find a Painted Lady on the way down to Twin Lakes.

I reach the lake but do not stop; too many trucks and people all working on the dam.

I continue under the dam and to the road that will take me to the Millie Lift. Here's hoping for some butterfly success - I'm giving up Pika/Marmot potential :)

I'm not finding anything on my way down but a couple switchbacks from the bottom, I see something flying around my feet but it disappears. Well if there's one there should be more right?!

I continue down farther and finally success - a Ruddy Copper!

Down farther and on the last switchback I find a few more Ruddy Coppers and a Field Crescent! Yes!

I continue along searching the Asters. At the bottom near the creek I find a female and very fresh male Purplish Copper. Awesome!


And I stop to look in the creek; there's some good looking trout in there!


Well that side trip certainly worked out! And the day was awesome!

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