May 29 - Twin Lakes (BCC)

 Sunny day (in the morning) with a high in the mid-70s. Today I am heading up to Twin Lake via the Millie Express trail. I have my spikes in pack but I'm hoping the snow that blocked my path last time will be melted (or mostly melted).

Beautiful morning! Again a low traffic morning in BCC - sure wish it would stay this way the entire summer.

No critter sightings on the drive and I'm the only car at the lift. It's sunny and in the upper 40s.

Lots of snow has melted. The trail up to Lake Mary was 90% snow last time; today about 10% (maybe Sunday?!)

The falls at the start of the trail is flowing less than before and the trail is dry.

Still lots of Marmots running all up and down the trail.

The big snow piles are gone and only 2 smaller sections of snow remaining both easy to go around.

Lots of birds singing. I see a male Western Tanager early on - very exciting bird to see!!

Also finding lots of Glacier Lilies especially in the newly snow areas. Also finding a few Ballon Flower, Yellow Violet

and Buttercups. 

No deer/moose sightings along the way but my eyes are open - especially there are probably Moose Moms running now.

The mountain views are awesome!

Along the last steep uphill sections, I find Paintbrush (a bit of a surprise).

I arrive at the Dam and there's very little flow. Probably trying to keep as much water in the reservoir as possible.

I make my way to the other side the dam and I'm surprised to still see ice! Lovely!

I find a rock and take a break.

There is a Mallard pair on the edge of the ice and a Yellow Rumped (Audubon) Warbler pecking on the ice in front of me. (I wonder what he's looking for.)


Deciding whether to go higher. The trail is clear so that's not an issue. Hmm...

I decide to stick with my original plan and that was Twin Lakes so it's time to head down.

On the way back, I find a lone doe laying in the shade of some trees. (yea!) 

And 2 very playful Marmots! Very fun!


Great day!


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