Driving up the canyon, it's conifers and naked trees -- very bare.
When I arrive at Silver Lake, it's 45 degrees and the wind is blowing before our week-end storm comes in.
The peaks, as I walk around the lake, are hard to see due to the elevation/direction of the sun.
The prep for the winter season has begun as the tall orange flags are now present along the boardwalk. Also, I can see what looks like snow making machines on the Brighton slopes.
Crossing the footbridge, I see one fish swimming in the water below.
I head directly to Twin Lakes thru the bare Aspens arriving at the switchback above Twin Lakes.
I carefully look for Pika as I cross - I see two!
I also see a Stellar's Jay flying along the trail.
Up, up to Twin Lakes.
At one point I look up and I see something dark entering the woods. I look in the woods but see nothing -- maybe it was just bird or just the sun in my eyes. A couple of steps further, I see a deer crossing the trail!! I find the other one that crossed before him. (Good I wasn't seeing things!)
A few steps further, I see 2 (no 3) deer on the other side of the trail.
Cool, a herd of 5 deer!
A bit further, I stop 3 on the ridge!!
As I finish the last bit of the uphill section, I see another deer down to the left. Perhaps, she's one I've already seen and it is just moving up the hill or it's another deer.
I arrive at Twin Lakes. (Water levels are still dropping.)
I head down the trail along the lake. I'm not heading all the way to the other end, just the connector where the two lakes meet - that's a little more than 1/2 way down the lake. Lot's of steep beach along the way.
Once there I head off trail to the "beach" and walk down to Lake #2. Along the way, I see many deer tracks in the sand. I stop with Twins Lake Pass to the left of the peak.
Then I head up the beach along the connector.
Stopping on a rock for a short rest.
One more look at the Pass and then it's time to head back.
On the way down, I see no deer but find 3 Pika in the rocks over Silver Lake.
Lovely hike.
