Nov 8 - Silver Lake to the Switchback (BCC)

 Sunny cool day with temps in the low/mid-50s. 

Having trouble deciding on hike this morning was thinking about BCC but last week-end they supposedly got 12-14 inches snow or Antelope Island. Almost went nowhere (like I did on Saturday) but last minute I decided to walk Silver Lake and scout things out. And I'm really glad I did because after being up BCC I feel played. There's not much snow other than the peaks or shady areas. Solitude is bare ground and not even making snow and the Silver Lake loop clear; other than the far side of the lake under the pines is packed snow/ice. I wish I went out yesterday. Oh well, I did today and it's beautiful. Crisp, clean air and not many people out. The snowy peaks look awesome!

I loop clockwise around the lake. Not really frosty (my temp said 37 degrees) as I hoped but refreshing.

No deer or moose to be seen but there are a few freshly downed trees with Beaver teeth chewing thru them.

Silver Lake is mostly ice covered.

When I get to the far side, I hear a bird call and look up to see a Kingfisher!! He only stays a moment and flies a bit farther down the lake into tree. I try to find him but can't.

I get to the TH and decide to head up to the switchback. Again, the trail is clear. Grrrr! If I had a backpack/water, I'd head to Lake Solitude but continuing up to the switchback.

I meet a Pike carrying something in his mouth as he scampers and stops in front me before I reach the switchback.

On the switchback there are at least 4 Pikas moving around. One is actively hunt for more veg to store.

It's beautiful as always up here.

Time to call it a day and head. Wish I wore hiking gear but had a great time!


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