Aug 14 - Twin Lakes Loop (Big Cottonwood Canyon)

 Another cloudy morning (and it rained last night). Heading into the 90s with the chance of monsoonal rains again.

I was planning on heading up to Germania Pass today but with the cloudy skies, I decide to do the Twin Lakes Loop.

I arrive a bit after 7am. Surprised by the number of cars already. Lots of people with big cameras so I think it's the "moose hunting" crowd. Oops, there are no moose today.

There is however a busy little beaver constructing his own dam. I watch for just a bit before I continue my walk.

The flowers at the start of the Lake Solitude are pretty much gone. Sad that the summer has gone so fast.

The trail is wet from rains and my pants are getting wet from the passing vegetation.

I do see a Flicker early on.

I do pass one doe on the way to the lake. They have no fear; she was feeding maybe 10 feet from the trail and she didn't even move when I went by.


There's Baneberry in "berry" along the scree slope


and Mushrooms pushing up in the forest before the lake.

Lake Solitude is quiet this morning. No deer and at first I thought no ducks but as I made my way around, there were 2 female Mallards.

Onward and upward! As I climb I notice another doe walking the road under the ski lift. When I get there, she's gone. Where did she go? There she is just above the trail. Again no fear, I walk within 15 feet of her.

I continue up when a Long tail weasel scampering across the trail. I head over for a look and find her still running down the rocks until she disappears. 

I reach the top and take a quick break. The sun is trying to come out. I just don't know how successful that will be.

Time to head down stopping for a caterpillar

and then at the boulders overlooking the lake. Beautiful day!

And hey, it's a Pika!!

I head down to the lake and decide to walk just a portion of the trail stopping first at one opening not far from the dam.


And then again maybe 200 yards down the trail.

I take a break here.

Time to head down.

I reach the switchback and wow, there are Pika moving around. It's been a long time since I've seen them here!

The down to Silver Lake.

Good day!

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