Oct 16 - Twin Lakes Loop (BCC)

 Sunny day with temps near 60 degrees.

Tropical Storm Rachel blew thru Sun-Wed leaving us with our first real mountain snow of the year. Depending on the elevation, a dusting to a foot. Today, I'm going to explore that snow heading up to my perch; yes, I'm making it today!

Easy drive up. The storm knocked off a majority of the Fall leaves but there are still patches of color. Don't really see snow from the road until I reach Solitude. Starting to look nice.

Silver Lake parking was pretty empty the morning. It's it the upper 30s and very windy.

I start off around the lake and it looks very different from a week ago; snow on peaks and far less color. No moose or deer that I can see.

I stop at the pier and the water is definitely higher than just a week ago; guess that's what 4-5inches of rain/snow will do.

The trail around the lake clear except one icy patch and so it the trail to Lake Solitude. There's snow along the trail but mostly clear with a few icy/snow-packed spots. No deer this morning and no Pika either. Didn't even hear a call. :(

I reach Lake Solitude and she's also looking much different this morning.

Well, time to head up for the 1st time this year (and it's probably my last chance as there is more snow predicted for next week).

The road is clear until I reach the end of the 3rd switchback and from then on, it's a trudge up thru 3-4 inches of snow. Someone has been up this way already and it makes things a little easier unless I step in an icy footprint.

Very quiet except for the snow falling from the trees. Perfect day (except for the howling winds I hear and will expose myself too when I reach the top).

I'm almost to the top when I see 4 deer pass above me. But I take several more stop and I can see of them!!! Yea!

Then it's a little more to the top. And boy is it windy!

I make my way to my perch but the snow/wind prevent me from reaching my normal sitting spot. Playing it safe today.

Then it's downhill with a stop at Twin Lakes.

And then down. Cottonwoods Canyon Foundations has been out. Thinking they were working on a trail up that big hill but they just closed it. :( I have no choice but to head down the Millie Lift road.

And it's a pretty walk!

I reach the cut-off to Silver Lake and decide to take that for the 1st time.

No Pika along the switchback but the view is good!


Awesome day!

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