July 17 - Twin Lakes Pass

 Sunny with a high in the mid-90s.  Heading up to Twin Lakes Pass this morning to check out wildflowers since they should be in full bloom now.

Got to Silver Lake a little later than I hoped because I got stuck behind a large semi heading up the canyon. But I did get there.

I gear up and head out to the boardwalk and start around the lake to the trailhead to Lake Solitude. 

The Thimbleberry are still blooming but some are going to see (and then yummy berries). 

The yellow composites are fading/drying fast but the mint are doing fine.

Quiet walk until I run into a lone doe. She wanders off slowly as I pass by. But just past her, I notice a doe and 2 young fawns (still with spots) ahead on the trail. As I steathily and quickly approach, I scare another doe just off the trail.

I never get a close them because they start moving when that 2nd deer scares.

Oh, and I see a Weidemeyers Admirnal and some Frits on my way to the lake.

I continue to Lake Solitude and then I start up the hill. A few more Frits on the way up and a Lilac Bordered Copper.

Lake is still looking good at this point.

Time to head for the Pass!

On the way up, I see a Chryxus Arctic 

and more Mormon Frits.


I reach the Pass trail and Wow! the flowers are awesome!

Lots of Blue Coppers flying. Even see 2 mating!

Also, moths flying.

I make the slow walk to the Pass to enjoy the flowers along  the way and see if there's more than Blue Coppers flying.

Hey, I do find a CA Tortoiseshell just before reaching the Pass.

I stay at the Pass for a short time before starting my down. I see a Parnassian on the way down.

Then it's back down to the lake overlook. There I see 4 Chryxus Arctics. Two flying in circles for almost a minute.

After a brief stop at Twin Lakes where I find 1 Lilac Bordered Copper along the shore, it's time to head down.

More Blue Coppers, even find one laying eggs!

But the surprise of the day is finding a CA Hairstreak - yea!!

Then down to the switchback where I see a Checkered White!

Great day!

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