Oct 5 - Willow Lake (Big Cottonwood Canyon)

 Sunny day, mid-70s in the valley.

Heading up after work to see some BCC colors by hiking up to Willow Lake.

And I wasn't the only one with the idea of heading up BCC to see colors. Tons of cars going in both direction. And it's pretty much peak right now.

Lots of car at the Willow Lake trail head. A little weird but it's a pretty hike.

Unfortunately, I start the same time as 2 lady. I was hoping they go clockwise like most folks but they went counter-clockwise; the direction I always head. I tried to give them a lot of room (I don't want to hear the talking) but I passed them when one stopped to take off her sweatshirts. That was the last time I hear them the entire trip.

Aspens are peak and some leaves are actually falling now. There are green leaves on some trees still.

The ground vegetation is brown and dying - lots of seed heads. I do actually manage to find some Asters around the lake.

Quiet trip up -- no birds or chipmunks or squirrels chattering.

The meadow is beautiful!

But no ground squirrels running around.

Just before entering the aspen grove before the lake, I meet a man/lady and a little farther another guy but so far the trail empty (yea!)

I reach the lake - pretty sweet!

The lake has dropped finally.

In the mud, there are moose tracks.

On the lake, several Mallards butts up feeding on the other side.

Oh, and a Darner.

I head around the western corner --- wow, it smells like a pit toilet. My optimism says it's probably the smell left by a Bull moose but I really don't think it's that. Gross people!

As I go around on some Asters, I find a Mylitta Crescent!!!

I slowly walk the far side of the lake and back into the aspen and then back to the original side - no moose, no deer. But lots of grasshoppers!

Time to head down.

Good day!