Oct 9 - Lake Solitude (BCC)

 Sunny day with temps in the low 80s. Took a vacation to hike and my choice wasn't too different than a normal week-end; Lake Solitude. (Just can't make myself do anything different.)

This is probably the end of the Fall mountain colors as we have a big rain storm coming so taking my last shot.

On the drive up BCC, I get a quick look at the back-end of a moose in the woods as I drive up the canyon.

There are still good colors BUT a good chunk of leaves have already fallen. 

Quite a few cars already at Willow Lake; I should have gone up after work this week; oh well.

I arrive at Silver Lake and still plenty of spots open. It's in the low 50s with sunny still not over the peak. The Fall view is still good but definitely fading.

I make my way to the TH with no moose or deer in sight.

I start up the trail; quiet trip as I meet only one person on her way back. But before that, I do see 2 deer (doe) feeding in the woods. 

Otherwise, there are chipmunks and squirrels running around.

Early on, I see the path up to the switchback (which has been closed for most of the summer) has no ropes or signage anymore. Instead it has mats of straw; I'm going up today!!

Soon I'm at Lake Solitude which at this point is a glorified mud puddle. No deer hanging out here either.

I start my way around the lake. I'm attempted to go up to Twin Lakes but I hear people arriving at the Lake and decide just to do the loop; I don't want anyone tailing me up the hill.

Time to make my way back. I see 2 Pika on the last rock slide.

I reach the straw-covered trail. There's no closure signs so I start my way up trying to stick to the sides but that doesn't always. The path is rocky (to hold the straw down) and very bumpy. It was a smooth path this Spring, I'm not sure what the "restorers" did to it but watch your ankles.

I reach the switchback and this side is roped off; Oops! (not really). They even added restoration straw all the way up the switchback. I guess there were flowers/veg alongside before Solitude plowed it.

I hear Pika and see at least 3 running around so I'm happy.

Time to head back to the car.

Good day!

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