June 13 - Mormon Trail (Butterfly Bonanza)

Heading to the Mormon Trail to check on the butterflies (it's been 2 weeks since I've been there). And they didn't disappoint.

Lots of Salsify in bloom now

as well as the Purple Asters (from 2 weeks ago) and clover (great bfly nectar --- just not today). And the lupine is in bloom.

The water in the creek (at least in the lower parts) isno longer flowing. I think it will be a much easier walk today (but definitely less interesting/challenging).

Lots of Swallowtails (of the Two-tailed or Western varieties) flying. The Westerns definitely like to fly almost right into my body before flying off.

I'm still seeing the Relict Frit flying.

And the Ringlets are sure out today.
 

 The day is really about the butterflies. After seeing the Relicts, the first bflies I see are the some Garita Skipperlings - first time this year. There's two of them --- in their typically "fighter jet" profile.

Nearby, I think I see the darker Russet's Skipperling flying but never catch up for a definite ID.

The mud puddles, as always, were great spots for butterflying but they were zipping around everywhere.

See my first Purplish Copper of the year near the pond.

And my first Yellow Monkeyflower in a puddle near the pond -- funny  there is only one plant.

I stop at the pond - many more dragonflies and damselflies flying.

On the other side of the pond, there's a large mud puddle on the bank and there are swallowtails puddling -- lots of them!! I make my way over and confirm the IDs of all three Swallowtails that I've seen today in one puddle (life can't be easier) -- Two-tailed (the largest one - thin stripes), the Western (the next largest with bolder stripes) and the Anise (the smaller with the most black). Perfect!

I try to manuever a little closer and the butterflies fly all at once in a swirl of yellow. I just watch as fly around.

In another puddle, there are Rocky Mt Duskywing, Spring Azure, Sleepy Duskywing, and Boisduval and Western Tail Blue (no Swallowtails in this puddle).

I continue on past the pond. I see more Garita and another 1st for the year, the Weidenmeyer's Admiral (I call it the black-n-white top when it flies -- just a swirl of black-n-white like a top -- a little hypnotic).

Further along the trail and joining the sea of orange fliers, I spot a Northern Checkerspot (another first for the year).

All the large pools of water are gone past the pond are gone now -- just little watery puddles here and there.

I spot one of my favorite plants in a shady spot -- the large white Columbine.

A few more puddles and I add Mexican & Northern Cloudywing, Dreamy Duskywing, Hoary & Saytr Commas and Mustard Whites to my day.

I'm also seeing Sara Orangetips on the higher parts of the trail.

I break for lunch.

On the way back, I add the Clodius Parnassian to my day's sightings -- a total of 30 species today! Pretty happy!

Great day!

June 5 - Desolation Trail to SLC Overlook (Millcreek Canyon)

It was supposed to be clear until late afternoon today; however, when I woke up there were showers heading to the valley. :( So my hike in the mountains was not happening.

The good news is that the showers ended around 11am and the sun came out but still going with Plan B which is a return to Millcreek Canyon and the Desolation Trail to SL Overlook. First time I've been here mid-day, hoping for butterflies.

The trail head was busy this afternoon so lots of company.

The Solomon's Seal in the wooded areas are now blooming. As were the roses

 and many many flowering shrubs.

The Oaks were filling out with their larger leaves.

The trail looks a lot less colorful as all of the Glacier Lilies and Waterleaf have gone to seed - very true for many of the Heartleaf Arnica as well.

There are damselflies out and they seem to be hanging around some of the flowering shrubs.

Not sure if that's a coincidence  or not.

Also seeing a few Western Tailed Blue and Northern Cloudywings flying.

In the rockier area, there are many blue penstemon looks like two different species: one with a small flower found along the rocks

and the other a larger flower.

There may be a lack of blooming flower but the forest floors are so green now with lots of lower growing vegetation. Nothing blooming yet (I'm assuming there will be blooms).

In the more shadier sections, I'm finding Woodland Star and something very similar.

Also finding Alumroot with yellow flowers..

In the drier sections, I find some Blue Flax,

these Pink flower with dainty stems (looks a little like a mallow but its only 6=8in tall).

and Wild Onion.

In the upper sections, to my surprise I find one of my favorite western butterflies the Clodius Parnassian. I count 3 of them.

I get to my turn around spot - the SLC overlook. I enjoy the views for a bit before heading down.

There are lots of folks heading up the trail now so when I get to the Thayne Canyon turnoff, I head back to the trail head along the Thayne Canyon trail.

Not my mountain hike but still a good time.

June 2 - Twin Lakes

Sunny cooler day today. Heading up to Twin Lakes after work. I've wanting to head up to Twin Lake for over a month now and now I finally have the chance.

The trail head is Silver Lake. The trail veers off the right side of the lake and then heads up over Silver Lake on a ridge and then back to the lakes. I'm expecting there to be 2 lakes as there was in the Fall - we definitely  didn't have enough snow this winter to overfill both lakes. I just don't know how much snow will still be around.

The trail is 1.25 miles and 720 ft in elevation (9480ft).

Heading up Big Cottonwood canyon, I get stopped by a moose crossing the road. That's the first moose crossing I've seen in 2.5 years here. It's a great start!

I get to Silver Lake and there's many cars in the parking lot. I wonder how crowded Twin Lakes will be.

I start walking around the right side of Silver Lake. It's so green out now -- but there's still some snow on the slopes.

Mallard ducks on the lake.

I get to the Twin Lakes trail head and start making my way up. Glacier lilies are blooming and bluebells are just starting to bloom.

The ridge above Silver Lake is snow-free -- until the very end but that's off-trail and in the trees. As I pass the scree slope, I'm hearing the chirping of pikas. I locate 2 of them: 1 above the trail and one below.

On the same rocky slopes as the pika, I also see a Yellow-bellied Marmot! A big brown furry creature.

I look down on Silver Lake; lots of people down there.

I get across the ridge, turn the corner and start heading up to the lakes. I have a choice the rocky road (snowy in spots) or taking the steeper higher route (snow-free). I'm heading higher. (Both trails will eventually meet further up the mountain.)

Very little snow here - I can hear little streams flowing down the mountain.

As I get further up, I start seeing little yellow buttercups.

I have the dam in sight and I can see snowy peaks - yes!!

As I round the dam, what a stunning view!! Snowy peaks surrounding the main lake which is about 50% covered in ice. In the distance, more snowy peak and the ice covered twin lake! Wow!!

There's only one other group of people at the lake (yea); a family with 2 small boys.

I head down closer to the main lake.

I think about heading above the lakes towards the pass but its so pretty and peaceful here, I decide to head towards the twin lake.

Its a bit of an adventure because I lose the trail (it gets confusing in this one spot) so end up rock hopping along the steep lake side until I can hook up with the trail again.

The views continue to get better the further down the shore I get.

I finally get to the intersection of the 2 lakes. I head down to the beach.

I spot a bluebird on a rock.

Now I get a good look at the twin lakes. She's about 70% ice covered. It's so beautiful.

I walk around the one side of the lake and find a nice rock to have my sandwich - in peace and with great views with the sound of water flowing further up the lake.

Time to head back.

Along the shoreline, I spot a Northern Flicker in the trees.

I'm heading down now and see a chipmunk. I'm in no hurry so stop to watch. Then in the background, I spot a small, long and tan body running up behind the chipmunk. It stops on a rock and stands up on two legs -- it's a weasel!! It has a tan body and lighter tan belly (and of course, a long tail with a black tip).

I thought it was going after the chipmunk. But the weasel takes off down the hill. Stopping occasionally for a look around and then continue. I watch him disappear into some rocks and brush a little further down the hill.

I start down the hill on the trail watching for any signs of movement. And he does move - back up the trail. Again stopping occasionally. He passes me up and I lose him.

I continue a little further and stop to look for him. And he's there, heading back down towards me. I continue to watch him appear on some rocks and then disappears. A little hyperactive critter. I try to take some photos but as soon as I get him in focus, he moves on.

He finally disappears and I continue down the trail.

I get back to Silver Lake and decide to finish the loop around the lake.

As I pass this one wet spot I notice the Shooting Stars are blooming! They are one of my favorite flowers.

A little further, there are 3 doe heading toward the lake. I stop to watch until they wander off into the forest.

Wonderful day! (Still can't believe the views!)

June 3 - Lake Mary (Brighton)

Another beautiful - mid 80s and sunny. But the winds of rain are coming again this week-end so heading out to get some hiking in after work.

Since I had a wonderful time at Twin Lakes yesterday, my curiosity about  Brighton Lakes is high - so I'm heading just around the loop from the Twin Lakes trail head at Silver Lake to the Brighton Ski Resort to hike up to Lake Mary. And hopefully Lake Martha and Catherine (Brighton Lakes) depending on snow.

When I get out of work, there's some dark clouds making their way into the valley but the weather forecast for Brighton indicates no rain until after 8pm -- plenty of time for a hike.

I get to the trail head and its still sunny but there are clouds to the east and south (and of course in the valley to the west).

It's 1.2 miles and 800ft of elevation to Lake Mary (9560 ft).

It's a good start as the ski slope I need to climb is free of snow. A little here and there under trees but that doesn't count. The trail is a bit muddy and wet in spots as water from the melting snow rolls down the slopes (lots of very tiny stream crossings along the trail).

As I would expect, not a lot in blooming and even the vegetation is very low to the ground. However, in spots, there are lots of yellow Glacier Lilies in bloom and those little white flowered plants I've seen a lot of this Spring.

Ground squirrels are popping up (and disappearing) everywhere.

At one point, I finally reach snow on the trail (about 4 inches or so) but then I'm back on regular trail again.

Then I really hit the snow on a slope. I should have followed some young guys off-trail but went up the snowy hill. I got tired of sinking and made my way to the edge - the ground under the pines was snow-free - go figure - but it's easier traveling even though I had to climb logs/branches/rocks. I knew once I got past the big boulder I'd be able to find my way.

Got up the hill past the snowy section and started looking for the trail. And before I knew it I was at Dog Lake (a different Dog Lake than the one several miles down the canyon). I'm still good because I was planning on making a detour here anyway --- just took the unexpected detour earlier than expected. :)

The lake is really low but the mountains behind the lake are still snowy -- very pretty.

There's a couple of female Mallards feeding on the lake.

I think about trying to find the short-cut trail up past Lake Mary/Martha and try to get to Lake Catherine but with all the snow still around I'm not even trying it.

So I find the main trail and make my way towards Lake Mary.

I'm not expecting too much of Lake Mary because they redid the dam last summer -- water levels should be low.

The trail to Lake Mary is mostly clear but still some snowy sections.

I continue to the lake and sure enough, it's very low. Still pretty with the mountains behind.

The lake surprisingly still has ice chunks on it.

The clouds are really rolling in now.

I head to down to the lake to enjoy the views. Lots of large hoof prints heading down to the lake too - unfortunately the large animal who owns them is no where to be seen. :(

And then head to the trail to Lake Martha --- still has snow on it. End of my hike today.

Time to head down. Hoping I don't end up on my butt going down the snowy hills (and I didn't).

Did spot some Marsh Marigolds blooming in some of the water logged sections of the trail.

Good day!

May 30 - Mormon Pioneer Trail

Haven't been to the Mormon Trail since April 12 (found the dead moose then) so it's time for a visit. Curious about the butterflies and if the water in the stream has finally rose. (Last time I was here I got blocked by snow at around the 2.5 mile mark. Very little water in the streams - easy walking.)

Lots of folks in the parking lot this morning -- looks like mostly overnight campers. Lots of company on the trail I think.

It's sunny and low 60s at 10am -- supposed to be in the mid-80s in SLC today. I start off and immediately see a Gold Finch in the trees.

I make my way through the trees and check if the moose is still there. Yep, the DNR folks moved the moose off the trail but the decayed body is still there.

I walk into the sagebrush hillside and am greeted by purple daisies - quite a few of them. But butterflies are scare - a couple of Field Crescents.

I spot a chipmunk munching on something. Lots of them scurrying around on the lower part of the trail.

The stream is flowing (I don't think it was last time I was here) and I'm not too far up the trail when the stream and trail become one (the snow further up the trail has finally melted). So the rest of the day is going to be fun! An agility exercise of balancing over logs and rock hopping to get across the flooded trails. :)

The prominent flowers are purple violets and the yellow flowers of Balsamroot (and can't forget the Dandelions). There are also geraniums, bluebells, Forget-me-nots, strawberries, yellow cinquefoil etc.

The Lupine are up and should be blooming soon as a few do have buds.

I'm wondering if the Relict Frits will be flying. The last two summers, I've seen them starting the first week of June. And it doesn't take me long for me to see one - yes! I see 3 today.

I'm seeing Spring Azures as well but still not many bflies flying.

I do find a cool yellow flower -- low growing - Tansy-leaved evening primrose.

I come upon a bunch bluebells and there's a Hummingbird Moth nectaring on them.

I get to the meadow before the camp. Lots of green lush vegetation and flowing water; very pretty. And I finally start seeing butterflies: Rocky Mt Duskywing, Mexican Cloudywing, Sara Orangetip (both males and females) and Blues (mostly Azures).

I do find several Western Tailed Blues on some bird scat.

I get to the pond and there's a few dragonflies flying.

I think I see the White Common Checkered Skipper flying.

The dam past the camp is overflowing now and as expected, a big pond behind it.

It gets much more muddier after the camp; also the stream crossings are many.

I find a Northern Crescent -- first of the year!

There are many Yellow Swallowtails flying - can't tell if they are 2-tailed or Western -- even though I had a couple of them right in my face. :)

I also walk right into a Pale Swallowtail - it was in some Aspen trees as I walked right past, he flew right into me.

I'm finally in new territory for this year (last time it was covered snow). The Spring Beauties are blooming here and, unlike the lower sections, a lot of Yellow Violets. The Virgin Bower's is also blooming up here.

I come across an old wet rotting log and there are 4 Margined White bflies "nectaring" on one portion of the log.

I've not seen that before.

I finally make it to "my" end -- the bench before the climb to Big Mountain. I have my lunch overlooking the little pond.

Time to head back.

The Margined White are longer at the log; instead, a Dreamy Duskwing is enjoying the wetness.

I was hoping the butterflying would be better on the way back as the sun is higher and its warmer but that wasn't the case.

Not that its a bad day, I'm seeing the bflies I would expect to see but just not in the numbers I've seen before.

But there are Mourning Cloaks, Milbert's Tortoiseshells and Satyr Comma.

I finally confirm that Common Checkered Skipper sighting.

I see a Mylitta Crescent; it's a wonder it's flying at all.

On some lupine, I find a blue -- it's grayer than the WTB or Azure. This one's a Silvery Blue.

I'm nearing the end when I see what I think is another Northern Crescent. It isn't until I get home and really look at its markings. Looks more like a Mylitta but with really faded markings. It's a Pale Crescent!!!

I've been searching for these here for 2 summers -- guess 3's a charm :) This is a lifer for me!

I'm finally back to those purple daisies and now they're a covered with Field Crescents!

Great day!!

 (20 species of butterflies -- not counting the Yellow Swallowtails!)

May 29 - Lamb's Canyon

Finally a sunny day with absolutely no rain in the forecast!! And it's time to visit an old friend - Lamb's Canyon. Haven't been there since the Fall. Definitely time for a visit.

I'm a little concerned for the bflies, it was so warm earlier, many got a head start. And then the weather turned and we've set a record for number of days with rain in May and had 3x - 4x our normal May rainfall, what's a bfly to do?

As I make my way up the canyon, my fears are eased a bit when I see Cloudywings and Tiger or Two-Tailed Swallowtails flying.

I park and check the usual puddles near the parking. I see Spring Azures, Northern Cloudywings, Rocky Mt Duskwing and a Sleepy Duskwing. I look around and see a Sara Orangetip flying with some of the just mentioned bflies.

Time for the hike. I cross the bridge and find a Mourning Cloak basking on a branch. A yellow swallowtail flies by and the Mourning Cloak takes off chasing the Swallowtail for a bit before returning to his basking branch.

Very green -- but that's pretty normal on this trail. Lot's of tiny white fringed flowers from the Mitrewort. Also, lots of purple flowers on the vines of Virgin's Bower's (these are found from the bottom to top of the trail).

I find a few Heartleaf Arnica, many purple violets (Fritillary host plants - I should have checked for caterpillars), lots of Strawberry blossoms, and many Bluebells (most not blooming).

The creek is flowing nicely and despite all the rain, the trail does not have a lot of it's normal muddy spots along the creek.

Up, up I go!

Took awhile to see bflies on the trail but I'm finding them now. Mostly Azures.

And a few Duskywings and Cloudywings.

I also see a Hoary Comma fly by.

My nice stroll along the creek gets interrupted when the original trail is blocked and I get to the re-routed to the "new" trail. I forgot about this - grrrr! I can say that the new trail wider and more level as positives but, in my opinion, the old trail has more character - streamside, more flowers and more bflies -- so I'm still a bit unhappy about it. (And I don't think that will go away.)

The re-routed trail has be to longer than the original 1.75 miles. It has several switchbacks, backtracks a bit -- the original just basically went up. I'm have to measure next time.

The moose like the new trail. I'm seeing many moose tracks along the way.

Near the top, the Spring Beauties are in bloom -- they bloomed weeks ago below.

I get to the top and am greeted by wonderful views of SLC and snowy mountains. I continue up an animal trail to an aspen covered "peak". Wonderful views to the east!!

And those snowy peaks!

Several Painted Ladies flying up here! And Glacier Lilies are still blooming.

Time to head back down.

I see some Margined Whites flying.

At one point in the trail, I hear something rustling above me in the shrubs. I stop to see what it is -- hoping it's a moose. I  finally see some ears .... and then a face. It's a deer!

Actually, as many times as I've been on this trail, this is the first deer I've seen! I move a little further down the trail and then look back, there's actually a second deer!! Pretty cool!

Great day visiting my old friend!!