May 4 - Lower Calf Creek Falls

My trip starts on Wed May 3 as I head to Capitol Reef (Torrey) after work. My first trip in a couple of years (and that one was in March).

Thankfully it's an uneventful trip. Missed the sweet popcorn smell I usually smell heading south this time of year because I had my windows rolled up - sunny and 78 degrees. (I'm sad)

But there were lots of cows and horses (including babies)

Mountains look awesome on the southward trip. After all the warm weather, they are snow cones now.

I exit at Scipio and head for Richfield. As I climbed in elevation, the windows came down and eventually I smelled that wonderful popcorn odor. Reminds me of Prairie Dropseed in bloom. Sure wish I knew what plant is responsible.

After a quick supper break in Richfield (nothing exciting just Arbys), I'm head east to Torrey. A wonderful drive as always. Lots of snow in the mountains and some along the road.

The Koosharem Reservoir is full and with a very strong wind blowing, it looks rough out there. 

If I had any ideas of looking for butterflies nearby, they were squashed because there is still snow in the mountains.

I should say the drive was productive as I saw a dead elk, deer and skunk and live cows, horse, goats, sheep and lambs and bison (ranch just outside of Torrey).

There was no rain in the forecast but it sure looks like rain.

I arrive in Torrey after 6pm. The sun is blocked by rain clouds. I'm tired. Until tomorrow.

Note: Had a few pops of thunder last night.

May 4

Sunny day but there are clouds over Boulder Mt. Sure looks like rain but there's is none in the forecast. Hoping nothing pops up.

Heading to hike Lower Calf Creek today; I'm very excited as it's been a few years and that was in March. I want to see butterflies but with the record-breaking snowfall and below normal temps this Winter/Spring, who knows what I might see.

I want to get an early start as Lower Calf creek is a very popular trail and the parking gets packed quickly. I know its a Thursday but better safe then sorry. So I pass on the hotel breakfast (7-9:30am) to get an earlier start.

Around 7:15 I'm off and heading south towards the mountains.

As I'm heading up, I meet a deer, nope 2 deer! They are on the right side of the road. One is looking at me and the other is eating. Thankfully, both are calm and resisting the urge to cross the road.

I'm really surprised that there is no snow because there's still plenty of snow in the higher elevations. I saw it and drove thru it on my way to Torrey.

I reach the 1st summit (9600ft). There's a Scenic Viewpoint which would normally warrant a stop but the view is to the east and it's a blur with the rising sun. Perhaps on the way back.

The road flattens for just a be before continuing to climb. The road also changes direction and now I run into snow.

At one spot, I drive by at least 4-5 feet but I'm sure the plow helps there. Still impressive.

Soon I'm rolling into Boulder and onto the Hogs Back. I've been on this section of road several times now and it still makes my stomach turn. But so incredibly beautiful so it's still worth a stop!

Once across, I'm at Lower Calf Creek parking. Just a few cars as I roll in around 8:15. It's sunny and in the 50s with hardly a breeze.

I gear up and start up the trail.

The flowering vegetation seems a little behind as no cacti are in bloom nor are the Globeflowers (I do find a couple with a few flowers but 99.9% still in bud). But there are other flowers in bloom. The dominant is the Vetches.

I do find one flowering cactus on the hike!

Lots of birds sounds but I can't ID any.

At some point 2 young guys pass me by. They are fast walkers.

It's a gorgeous walk as usual.

At one point, I see a beaver dam.

Along the stream, I find a trout (only 1 which is weird).

Lots of flowers on plants as well as trees.

And I find a hummingbird sharpening his bill.

I find a trout.

About 1/2 mile from the Falls, I meet the 2 young guys again.

And I see a moth zipping around. As always I hope for it to land but he just kept flying.

Yea, I can see the top of the Falls over the trees!

Hey, there's a dark butterfly. Unfortunately, it flies into the woods It's a butterfly?!

I arrive at the Falls. I'm not alone but there's no one dominating so it's not hard to take a photo.

The wind is blowing and so there's lots of spray.

I was expecting more flow because of the run-off. Still impressive.

After a rest it's time to head back.

As expected, the way back I run into many folks

And the wind is really blowing - wow!

On the return, I see Yellow Warbler but miss the photo. Where are my Spotted Towhees; I always see them on this hike but no today.

Finally, more than 1/2 way back, I see a butterfly on the sand. It's a Checkerspot but I can't find it in my camera and it flies. Shoot! I try to follow it but I lose it.

Fortunately, I see another (perhaps the same one) and he lands off trail but behind some vegetation. I can't really get too close or he'll fly. I give it my best.

Continuing on, I get better looks at a few others. They are having troubles flying with the strong wind.

A bit later, I spot a Checkered Skipper - actually 2 of them!

And a bit later, I see another Orange flyer; it's a Variegated Frit.

I also see a White butterfly but no ID.

Awesome!

I'm back at my car around 11:15. Great hike!

I stop at picnic table for a quick rest and some Gatorade before piling into my car and heading West to Escalante. 

I decided to putt on my usual lunch the Burr Trail Grill today. I'm ready for something different so the plan is to head to Escalante for lunch at either Big Bubbas Food Truck or Nemo's and then explore Petrified State Park. I've never been there before and excited to see some Petrified Rock!!

Awesome Part 1 of my day!