Oct 23 - Twin Lakes Loop (BCC)

 Sunny day with highs near 70. 

Taking partial day off to get in another hike -- 4 days of snow forecast next week.

Heading up to hike up to Twin Lakes for the last time in 2024 (at least that's the plan). Hoping to scoot over to Lake Mary but that all depends on how much of last Friday's 8 inches of snow remain.

I arrive at Silver Lake just but 8am; temps are in the low 40s and there's a wind.

Along the boardwalk, the trees are bare now and the peaks have snow! It looks so wonderful! (And I make the decision that there will be no Lake Mary today.)

No moose or deer in view. But there is a Stellar's Jay on the footbridge hopping around.

I stop on the pier

than make my way to the TH. At the edge of the lake as I pass, there's this loud "plunk" into the water and some splashing. I turn to find nothing. I'm thinking there was beaver there and spooked but I waited for about 5 minutes hoping to see some thing but I saw nothing. The "plunk" remains a mystery but I'm still thinking beaver.

I continue on to Lake Solitude. Odd walking among naked aspens but it's still pretty. The flowers are all gone; just seedheads of asters passing by.

The trail clear the whole way but there is definitely snow on the avalanche areas. 

Again no deer/moose -- just chipmunks and squirrels.

I reach Lake Solitude and it's quiet.

Time to head up top. Just taking my time stopping and looking and listening. 

I do find deer tracks heading up/down the hill.

At one of my stops, I spot a weasel in it's almost winter colors. It's snooping around the left side of the trail and then crosses over to the right sides. I just stand and watch as he scampers around. He does finally disappear out of sight. Quite the surprise!!

A bit farther up, I see two squirrels seemingly playing but more likely mating; too much "hugging". They start on the right side of the trail and then eventually cross over to the left at the base of a tree. They run up and down the lower portion of the tree as well. 

As I get nearer and eventually pass, they never spook. Surprising.

Yea, I reach the top and the view is fantastic!

I make my way to the perch. I have to trample thru some snow to get there. But it's awesome as always.

After a short break, I start down to Twin Lakes.

Spot 2 deer (both doe) on the way down.


I don't stop today; looks better from higher up. Debating whether to take the "normal" trail down or the detour down to the Millie Lift. I decide on the Millie Lift - still hoping to see a butterfly or two.

More lovely views on the initial descent.

And, yea, a butterfly!! It's a Clouded Sulphur!

I see another as I get closer to ground level.

And I find a couple Asters still in bloom!

Awesome day!

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