Sept 25 - Twin Lakes Loop (BCC)

 Sunny  day with temps into the mid-80s. I've taken the day off to take a hike. The plan is to head up to Catherine's Pass (and above). I have not been there yet this year so today is the day!

Beautiful morning; I get going just after 7am.

On the way, I have a driver decide to make a right turn in front of me (bad enough) but then wasn't doing the speed limit (grrrr). Of course she's heading up LCC but I'm able to use a 2nd lane to pass early on. But that won't help because a little ways down the road, I run into the dreaded canyon road construction. There was none a month ago but now the road is down to one lane with a big line of cars ahead. Not what I was expecting on a Thursday morning (before 8am) in late Sept. Having no patience, I turn around and head up BCC for a hike somewhere around Silver Lake. And yes, there's road construction there too!

Heading up BCC, of course, I get behind a dump truck barely going 20mph. But just before the S-turn, I get to see a Mom and calf moose trotting down the downhill side of the road just for a bit and then heading up into woods. Ok, that's something going right this morning!!

After the S-turn, the cars ahead of me pass the truck (even though it's solid line) and I follow too! I'm moving again!

Colors are really starting to pop now - far from peak but enough to get the "leaf" gaulkers crowding the canyon. :(

Oh, lots of dump trucks heading down canyon. Seems like a busy day for the big trucks; not a good thing for cars.

I reach Silver Lake and there are only a couple of cars after 8am. I gear up and start heading to do my normal loop. I know boring but I'm moving.

Aspens are changing; a few look at peak.

On the far side of the lake, I see the beaver splashing around his dam just for a bit.

There are a few ducks on lake too.

I also see a lone deer heading up from the lake into the woods.

I pass right by her.

I reach the trail and start heading for Lake Solitude. Lots of squirrel and chipmunk movement on the trail today.

I spot the Pika above his leaf pile too.

I arrive at Lake Solitude and move left to get a better look as the colors in the background are popping. I instantly scare 3 deer up from the lake into the woods. I track left to get a better look.

And then it's time to start up to the top. Again, I want to go but it seems after the fall, I've just lost steam but I'll push. 

On the opposite side of the lake, I look back and see the Mom and one of the babies. The baby is heading back up from the water and the Mom is about ready to. Glad they finished their morning drink.

I do see a Comma on the 3rd switchback!!

The asters are pretty much faded but there are good spots.

And yes, it was a push again today! But I get there!

I was thinking about heading up to the Pass but it's super windy (and chilly); I'm just heading to my perch for a break.

Time to head down to Twin Lakes. No butterflies. :(

And no stopping at what's left of the lake as the dam crews are still working.

I decide to take the service road down hoping for some butterflies and better color views. I do get the colors.

But it's not until the last switchback do I see some flyers. A Hoary Comma nectaring is first.

Followed by Field Crescent

Then a Purplish Copper.


I also see a Mylitta Crescent (I didn't get a great look but I can't think of any other small orange flyer that it can be this time of year.)

Not bad!

On the way back to Silver Lake, I spot some Northern Bumblebees too.

Definitely not the day I was expecting but still awesome!

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