Oct 4 - Twin Lakes Loop (past Millie Lift) (BCC)

Sunny with a high in the mid-80s today. Yes, summer is has a stranglehold on us (unfortunately). 

Again big plans, but decide in the end to just do the Twins Lakes Loop deviating at the end past the Millie Lift for the 3rd week for a butterfly check.

Thankfully no big dump trucks in my way this week. However, the road construction is still going just before the Brighton Loop.

The leaf colors at the bottom of the canyon are just getting going. 

The best area is around the Silver Fork area.

At the top, it's fading; lots of leaves down. But there are still some colorful patches.

I pull in around 8 and there are more cars than normal but still pretty empty. It's in the mid-40s so a little cool but nice hiking.

The Toad closure is done so I can walk directly to the TH. No sightings of deer, moose, beaver today.

I start up towards Lake Solitude and there a very very few flowers remaining. Also lots of the colorful leaves have dropped. There trail is not covered in leaves yet but it'll be starting soon.

Pretty uneventful walk to the lake. Again no moose, no deer; just squirrel and chipmunks (and one Pika chirp).

Lake Solitude is also quiet - I didn't even see any ducks.

I'm ready for the hill climb today - yea! And start up the hill. And hey, I'm not even dogging it today :)

I reach the top and stop for a view of Twin Lakes.

Yea, the Dam people are finally gone! And somehow the lake is filling up and quite sure how that is possible since we haven't not had any rain.

And Wow! It's windy! Bye-bye to the leaves. :(

I head up to my perch for a short break.

Time to start down thru tons of spent asters. There a few pockets of survivors still.

I reach Twin Lakes and can finally stop for a look. Definitely pretty weird.

Time to head down. Going down the Millie Lift way. Still looking for bflies.

Some good views on the way down.

And near the lift, I find a few Ruddy Coppers (males and females)!!!

Awesome day!

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