May 22 - Mill D North (to Meadow) (Big Cottonwood Canyon)

 Sunny day with temps in the mide-60s.

Heading up Mill D North this morning. Hoping to get past the meadow but it all depends on the snow as I'm not bringing my micro-spikes with me.

Beautiful morning with temps in the mid-40s. Canyon is greening up and pretty much all of the snow on the drive to the parking lot is now gone. Big Cottonwood creek running strong but far from peak.

There are a few cars in the lot when I arrive after 8am. 

Sun hasn't risen over the peaks yet so it's a shady walk to the trailhead.

No fishermen yet but there are a few Mallards on the creek near the road.

On the way to the trailhead, just a few ground squirrels running around and some birds singing.

The road (both dirt and pavement) is now snow-few. 

Mt Reynolds is still looking good.

Crossing the bridge, the water is running stronger now.

Onward and upward - thankfully, the road is now clear except for a few small spots.

I find two piles of coyote poop


and an old pile of moose doo.

Just before I reach the meadow, I reach snow. Just a few inches but as I keep going, it's getting deeper. Good thing is packed and easy walking.

As the creek comes into view, it's still shady

but I soon reach the sun again. A lot of snow has melted but there's still a good 2-3 feet on the road. I thought more would be melted.

I see no critters and sadly no birds.

I continue past my winter stopping point and cross an avalanche slide are (definitely more snow here).  


On the downside of the slide is an open road area and then it's snow again. I'm sure it's this way to the shavings pile and the mine. I have no micro-spikes so this is my ending point.

I have a nice log and take a rest soaking in the sounds of the morning.

On my way back down, I take a detour down to the creek. The water looks so fresh and it's cold. There are some icicles hanging over the water.

And a nice moon shot of the mountains in the distance.

Nice detour.

Time to head back down.

Good day!

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