July 2 - Christmas Meadow and Mirror Lake (Uintas - continued)

After lunch, I head to Christmas Meadows.

I park in the same place we parked last year and went into the sagebrush meadow.

I see Melissa Blues, Blue Coppers

and Ringlets flying.

I head into the Lodgepole Pines (where the Juttas are supposed to hang) but can't seem to scare up anything.

It's very dry here -- last summer, there were puddles to look at and much more flying.

On the way back to my car, I see two Draco Skippers.

I get back to my car and drive a little further up the road and stop when I see a big puddle that I need to check out.

Not much but a couple of Melissa Blue and a Western Tailed Blue.

I do find a Mormon Fritillary in a nearby meadow.

I'm done here -- it's only 2pm, time to head back up towards Bald Mt stopping at the Highline Trail. There's a small pond with Mt Agazzi in the background - maybe there's something flying there.

Nothing but Marsh Marigolds, Bistort, Paintbrush, Elephantheads and Shooting Stars (and some other flowers). I do see one bright orange butterfly but I lost it. Where are the butterflies? (I thought with the warm weather we've had they'd be out by now.)

It's not quite 3pm, let's try Mirror Lake. It's really a really popular spot - hoping there's parking. And there is :)

Just looping the lake -- very wet trail (as normal), lots of Marsh Marigold, orchids and Shooting Star here.

I see a new plant for the year - Lousewort.

Many people fishing and kayaking on the lake.

I get a good look at Bald Mt which I conquered earlier today :)

Now I can head for "home for the night" in Evanston.

Awesome day!!!