May 22- Little Cottonwood Creek Trail

 Sunny day with temps in the low 70s. It's a short work day, so today I'm hiking the Little Cottonwood Creek Trail. It'll be for the 1st time this year and probably the last. Not that it's bad; it was my staple when I moved here. There are just other options due to the lack snowfall.

I arrive just before noon and I'm surprised that the parking is almost full. I was expecting this later in the day but this year? It's a popular bike trail but today I ran into lots of folks on their way down from hike. Perhaps it was a morning meet-up.

Trail is dry (as expected) and not many flowers. I see Salsify, Wild Onion, 

Dandelions but not much happening.

Water is not running at the parking lot but it is higher up the trail.

I do see a Northern Crescent on my trek from the parking lot to the actual trail at the water facility. And yes, there is water flowing at the facility; it's just not making it down stream.

I arrive at the bridge with the water flowing nicely.

And I continue upwards.

Pretty quiet trail; other than the creek (and some birds).

Soon I'm at the other bridge

and the 2nd water plant. They've changed things around (lots more gravel) so one doesn't have to walk thru water; I like.

I see a Turkey and some chicks as I continue. (There's a chick in the photo.)

I continue on to the old water plant and take a break.

Time to head back.

I have better luck with the butterflies on the return seeing Spring Azure, Pale and 2-tailed Swallowtail, CA Tortoiseshell and Orangetip.

Good day!

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