July 29 - Twin Lakes (Big Cottonwood Canyon)

 Partly sunny day with highs in the mid-90s.

Heading up to Twin Lakes this morning - maybe I'll see another moose :)

I arrive around 7:30am and set off around the lake. It's cloudy at this point and the sun has not risen over the mountains. Most of the flowers are gone now in the meadow.

The lake is lower (as expected) and the trail is wet from rain last night -- love the rain.

I reach the corner and start heading up to Lake Solitude. Again, the flowers are pretty much gone at this point.

I spot a large male deer crossing the trail to the left but he stops because of my presence. He then crosses back over the trail. I see a large male deer moving down through the forest. I believe that him but then there's another and yet another -- 3 large bucks! Awesome! 

A little ways down the trail, I scare a doe into the woods.

Then farther down the trail, I see a doe and a fawn. They move right off the trail. The trail dips so I can't see them. I walk off-trail to take a peek. I get a good luck at the fawn but my camera won't focus. 

He moves off to his Mom. Again, good look, but camera won't focus. The low battery light is blinking but I don't think that's the problem.

The deer disappear but I find them a bit down the trail.  I then realize I'm in Macro mode - duh! I do manage to get a shot - finally!

I continue on, spotting a Marmot in the scree field.

Then it's off to Lake Solitude.

Just a few ducks on the lake this morning. And a Northern Flicker on the other side.

Time for the climb. I see a Ruddy Copper along the way.

When I reach the top, I head to my perch for a break. Sure is peaceful this morning. I watch a chipmunk foraging for food.

The lakes are still one - I'm a little surprised with the drought but it's good!

Time to head down to Twin Lakes.

More flowers on the way to Twin Lakes; I even spot a Weidenmeyers Admiral.

I make a brief stop at the lakes and head downhill.

Several Blue Coppers on the way down.

I reach the switchback and start to cross. I can hear Pika but do not see any.

Then it's back to Silver Lake.

Great day!

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