It's a sunny day with temps around 83 degrees in the valley.
This is my favorite time of year heading up the canyon with the lower canyon all the green/trees leafed out and the upper part, near the resorts, with patchy snow, brown, wet and bare aspen trees. And of course, the transition zones in between. Wonderful!
The last time I was at Silver Lake a few weeks back, there was still several feet of snow everywhere. Today, brown and wet with snow still covering the peaks.
As I start my way around the lake, I can hear a very busy woodpecker somewhere in the naked aspen forest.
The willows twigs are a bright yellow. Some have buds.
As I cross the bridge over an unfrozen lake, I stop to look at the small school of trout.
The trail on the west side of the lake is a mix of mud, snow and water but I find 2 Mourning Cloaks flying!!!
I can hear Mallards but cannot find them.
On the south side, I see some Glacier Lily plants peeking up out of the ground. I also see/hear those Mallards again. Poor female being chased by two males.
I also find a chipmunk running around. And some ground squirrels.
When I reach the east side, I find snow (a foot or more) and ice - it's the shadier side and it still looks like winter over here.
I see one of the male Mallards in the water just off the ice.
The male and female pair are back near the Visitor's Center in the brown grasses.
Lovely walk!
(On my way past the Brighton ski resort, I pass some big puddles and hear the wonderful songs of Spring - Western Chorus Frogs calling!).
