May 14 - Mill D South (Cardiff Mine) - Big Cottonwood Canyon

 Sunny day with highs in the 80s. Not nearly that warm when I set off around 7:30am - in the 60s. Heading up Big Cottonwood Canyon to see if I can make it to Cardiff Mine this morning - all depends on the snow left up there.

It's in the mid-40s when I arrive. The sun is coming up over the mountains. Parking is at the road at this time of the year and there's a couple of cars.

The walk up the road to the trail is quiet. There's a few ground squirrels moving around. It's still brown but there are plants peeking up from the ground.

I reach the trail and cross the bridge. The stream is running but in a few weeks it'll be flowing.

So far, there's been no snow on the road or dirt road to trail head - there's snow on the ground, feet in spots.

I start the uphill portion along the dirt road and there's snow! I told myself all morning to bring the YakTrak and guess what I forgot (grr). At least it'll be warming so I'm more likely to lose my foot into the snow rather than slip-n-slide.

The snow is patchy along the scratch with the creek; the creek is flowing (it sound great) sometimes thru snow.

Lots of snow in the woods - and the birds are singing this morning.

The snow coverage increases with elevation.

I'm thinking once I reach the meadow, it'll be clear sailing but nope! But it's still wonderful!

It's seems there's been at least 1 avalanche since I was last here in January. There are pine branches, needles, etc all along this stretch of trail. And on the downhill side, bent saplings. On the uphill, it looks like nothing happened; tree happily standing. Weird! This is my 9 year hiking this and I've never seen anything like this. But it was a very dangerous avalanche season!!

I reach one part of the trail that had to have been the main snow flow as it is a blanket of pine (and mud). I have to pick my way thru and continue for a bit. 

Downhill


Uphill

There are a couple of more smaller slides. 

I'm about thru the meadow; nothing but snow ahead and no YakTrak, I think I wait for another day. Time to head back.

On the way down, I spot 1 Satyr Comma. 


Good day!

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