Sept 4 - Lake Solitude (BCC)

 Off Friday and cooler temps; can't beat it! Supposed to be sunny with highs in the low 80s. Heading up BCC to hike up to Twins Lake Pass for the 1st time this season.

The drive up the canyon was pretty empty; perhaps the tourists are all gone finally (even though it is Labor Day week-end). One can hope.

I arrive at Silver Lake just after 7am and there are only a few cars in the lot. Things are looking good. Temps are in the low 50s and it's super windy. I can't image what's it's like up higher so I think I'm only going to Lake Solitude today.

Beautiful morning around lake. No hints of the aspens starting to turn yet. No moose or deer to be seen.

I start up the trail to Lake Solitude. Very few flowers remain. Quiet walk except a few squirrels complaining. 

After a bit, I see a guy in front of me and he branches off on a side trail. Strange. As I approaches, he's returning and tells me that there's a moose ahead (and a smaller moose nearby). I see a guy with a camera and I head his way. (He original guy heads towards Lake Solitude). I reach the guy and there's a Bulls feeding. I can really only see his antlers and I watch for a short bit and continue on my way to the Lake.

The moose is slowly moving so I'm hoping he's not blocking the trail when return.

I reach the rock slide area and look up and see 3 deer way up the mountain.

I continue on meeting the original guy again and then onto the Lake.

No ducks today. Pretty quiet. I don't stay long because of the moose.

When I reach the original area, I see the camera guy has moved on and so have the moose. I keep my eyes open and soon see the large moose and the two guys. The moose is much closer and in fuller view now so I stop to watch. 

At one point he lets out and loud grunt. 

When he moves a few steps, I decide to move on but I spot the 2 moose so I have to stop. It's a much smaller moose. Perhaps the skinny one I saw last time.

Very exciting but time to move on.

When I return to the parking lot, it's 9am and the parking it still empty. Hope it stays the way until it snows. :)

Awesome day!

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