May 16 -Heading up to Twin Lakes (well, just a little bit of up)

 Mostly cloudy day with highs in the upper 60s.

My plan is the hike up to Willow Lake but I got a lazy start at 8am forgetting how busy the canyons can be on a Saturday.

Lots of folks on bikes or running along the road. The low trail (including Lake Blanche already packed) but once past Mill D (Donut Falls), traffic pretty much disappeared.

Oh, there's no snow other than high on the peaks - pretty weird for mid-May.

I roll up on Willow Lake and there are probably 15 cars already - shoot! Guess I'll head to Silver Lake as I wanted to check that too.

Well, the Silver Lake parking looked like there were only a few spots left but I had to pee. The only bathroom I know of is a bit farther at the Millie Lift.

I get there and the road/trail up looked clear for at least a bit, I'm heading up! And that I did.

The waterfall was very small for this time of year. Plants are just starting to poke up and the trail was mostly dry.

As I got higher I met 2 Marmots; I got so near.

I also saw some Glacier Lilies in bloom and starting to bloom.

And I ran into small snow fields. I crossed one and back on dry road. And then another and then there's the big one. I'm sure there's open road ahead but with spikes, I'm not going farther. Next time, I need to bring spikes.

I would hope I was 1/2 way up but probably close to it (maybe).

The views are pretty.

Time to ahead back down.

On the way down curving into the last switchback, I met 2 more Marmots. 

Time to head down the mountain.

Note: the Willow Lake was emptier on the way back but I'm happy with what I experienced today.

Good day!

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