Oct 29 - Silver and Solitude Lakes (Big Cottonwood Canyon)

 Part 2 of today's adventure starts when I arrive to a basically parking lot at Silver Lake. I'm shocked as it's almost 10am and there were lots of cars up this way -- they all must've ended up at Brighton.

I put on my YakTrack and start around the snowpacked and slick boardwalk. Right now I'm just heading around Silver Lake but if there's a path towards Lake Solitude, I'm on it.

Beautiful sunny morning. There's snow on the ground and of course, on the mountains.

The lake is all but frozen except on the far side of the foot bridge where there is open water and a few Mallards.

I make my way along he side of the lake stopping for the views. 

I scare a trout at one of my stops.

I get to the corner of the lake and yea!, there's a path heading up to Twin Lakes and Lake Solitude. I'm off to Lake Solitude! After I continue around Silver Lake to the pier. 

On the way to the pier, I find a little blood in the snow and what looks like intestines -- some one didn't have a good night. :(

From the pier,

Well over a foot of snow on the trek to the lake. I know that by looking at the snow covering the logs on the ground.

I'm still in the shade - no bird or critter activity except for squirrels.

As I'm about ready to reach Lake Solitude, I jump when I meet someone returning from Lake Solitude rounding a corner - Eek!

When I reach the lake, I see a Stellar Jay!!!

Lake Solitude is frozen and beautiful!

I pause for a bit then it's time to head back to Silver Lake.

The sun is peeking over the peaks on my way back making it look even more wonderful.

I reach the Silver Lake and head back to the pier for a sunnier view of the area.

Then I return the way I came.

Awesome day!

(Oh, all those cars were at Brighton. I didn't see any skier but I'm sure they all were working their way up the hill.)

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