June 21 - Aspen Grove/Mt Timp and Bridal veil Falls

 Still sunny and in the 60s as I reach Aspen Grove. Plenty of parking available. Sure wish I could hike to Stewart Falls or the 1st waterfall on the Mt Timp trail but not in my cards today. Just happy to be here though especially with the view from the parking lot.

I start up the trail towards Mt Timp. I just want to get a closer view and hopefully see some butterflies along the way. Again the trail is a gradual incline partly a dirt trail and partly a rocky trail. I'm really testing my foot today! 

In the woods, I'm finding OregonGrape in bloom, Solomon's Seal in bud, Virginia Bowers in bloom and Twisted Stalk in bloom.

Once out of the woods, I cross a foot bridge with rushing water flowing beneath. I continue up the trail looking for that Mt Timp view.

Hey, I find butterflies!! I see a few Rocky Mt Duskywings, 

an unknown Blue, a Mourning Cloak, Milbert's Tortoiseshell, 

a CA Tortoiseshell

 and a Western Tiger Swallowtail. 

Not bad for a hike of less than 100 yards. Never got "that view" because I stopped when I reached a switchback. No sense to push anything - though I've probably pushed already today.

I make my way back down and then take a cross trail over towards the Stewart Falls trailhead. Again the trees are in my view (the best view is from the parking lot). I do find another Mourning Cloak along the way though.

Good stop!

I then drive over to Bridal Veil Falls stopping at the viewpoint. The flow is not intense but it's flowing.



The avalanche that occurred earlier this year at the bottom on the Falls is still visible - lots of packed snow still. The avalanche knocked out the pedestrian bridge. 

But that's not stopping people from crossing over the snow or climbing up the snow to get closer to the Falls.

Good stop!

I was thinking of stopping a Vivian Park to check for butterflies but my foot is feeling a little tired so it's time to head home.

Awesome day!

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