I head up Emigration Canyon to the Reservoir then make a right turn past the Reservoir park only to find the road still closed (probably won't open to May 1 or Memorial Day because of the threat of snow in the higher elevations). I turn around and park at the Reservoir (5914 ft).
A little windier than I expected today -- it's only in the mid-50s. It looks awesome though!!
I head down the switchbacks to the actual trail. Along the way, I see a white bfly flying low to the ground; he lands. I sneak up on where I think he is, but nothing. ;(
But there are a few flowers blooming; OregonGrape (of course) and the large yellow flowers of the Balsamroot.
I catch up with another White: a very beaten Checkered White
Not many, just a few. I'm down the switchbacks and head north into the oaks (which have not leafed out yet).
Continuing up the trail, I see something waddling along the trail. It's a Porcupine!
He's walking north along the trail. I speed up (quietly of course) and catch up to him. He veers off to the edge of the woods when I reach him. Appears to be eating some of the fresh twigs.
I know when I get a bit too close when his quills pop up.
I let him continue to eat and move north where I see another white: a Cabbage White.
I finally reach the northern edge of the lake. Lots of Canadian Geese making a lot of noise here.
Also see 2 dark orange butterflies but can never catch up.
The trail is still muddy from the snow melts. On this part of the trail, it's easy walking (i.e., not too moist) and I'm not leaving much of a track. But there have been larger creatures that have left their hoof prints (Elk or Moose). And there are smaller hoofs too belonging to deer.
I follow them for quite a while.
Not much blooming yet along the trail - I do find a small patch or two of Glacier Lilies.
But still nice walk.
I'm continually scanning the woods and the foothills for moose, elk or deer but nothing so far.
The woods are quiet this morning; except for the wind and an occasion Chickadee. And the flowing water.
I take a short detour to the water's edge.
Continuing on I see a Painted Lady.
And many moths (none of which I get a good look at).
A little further along, I see one Orangetip (male).
I'm almost done with the lower part of the trail when I see a Mourning Cloak!
I reach the road and crossover to the other side. There's a slight hill to climb - it's much more muddier on this side.
But there's another Mourning Cloak. This guy lands in front of me, I scare it forward of course. He lands again in front of me .... and we repeat several times before he heads off into the woods.
Soon I'm following large ungulate hoofs again. Never do see one though.
Soon I reach Affleck Park - the end of my hike. (6196 ft) And my 3rd Mourning Cloak of the day!!
Time to head back. Not a bad view for the way home!
I finally catch up with a Chickadee on the way back. He didn't even care as I stood almost beneath him; he was too busy eating tree "buds" (or something).
Great day! (I can see across the Salt Valley to the snowy Oquirrh Mountains!!)
