April 26 - Lambs Canyon (road walk)

It's still early when I get home from Cedar Fort (around 2pm). Hmmmm, I could hike or I find somewhere to look for butterflies. I think I'll take a walk up the Lambs Canyon road (the winter gate is still closed) and look for butterflies. Not expecting much as many of the Spring species are just getting going in the valley and Lambs Canyon is about 1500 ft higher. But there should be the overwintering species like Mourning Cloaks and Commas.

When I arrive it's about 64 degrees and still sunny. (6530 ft) As expected, the gate is still closed so I won't have to worry traffic.

I start up the road. The moose must really use the road during the winter because there is a lot of moose droppings along the road.

I do find a few flowers in bloom including Forget-me-not

and these whose name escapes me.

There are also many Spring Parsley and Waterleaf plants (no flowers yet).

The creek along the road is flowing but not very high -- which makes sense with the lack of snow this winter.

There is still snow on the peaks though - that's probably the end of the Lambs Canyon hike.

And yes, there are butterflies! I count 13 Mourning Cloaks on my way to the trail head (and they are all heading down the trail).

 I'm also Commas but none are stopping for me to check them out.

Tons of those moths too!

I reach the point of the road where there is usually mud/water along the trail and it's there. But the usual stream of water crossing the road is not there this Spring. :( (It's a good bfly spot because of the water.)

Surprises are find that include 2 Orangetips and a Spring Azure!!

(Wasn't expecting either them.)

I reach the trail head (6600 ft) and check out usual mud next to the parking area -- no butterflies (not surprised).

I cross the footbridge to the trail.

Still snow in spots. I walk it for about 100 feet crossing two snow patches but it's too early -- need more of the snow to melt because the trail goes 1500 feet higher.

Time to head down.

Yea, I finally catch up with those orange flyers and they are not all Commas. I find a couple of California Tortoiseshells which is a big surprise as I've hiked Lambs Canyon for 5 years and this is the first one I've seen.

and a couple Hoary Comma.

Good walk!