July 14 - Reids Meadow - Lofty Loop Trail

Still sunny when I arrive at the Pass Lake trailhead a few minutes after leaving Ruth Lake. And surprise, there plenty of parking spots at the trail head.

I start along the trail to Reid's Meadow which is one section on the clockwise approach to Lofty Lake. 

The trail head downhill (bummer) for about 150-200 feet before reaching the meadow. 

I'm seeing damselflies and black dragonflies.

I also notice that it's still filled with spring flowers - Avalanche Lilies (mostly in bloom), Marsh Marigold, and tons of Spring Beauties. Not expecting to find butterflies except perhaps a Comma (or the like).

I do find a few summer flowers like Paintbrush and others.

And the Elephanthead is in bloom!!

Many more mosquitoes along the trail especially in the wet/muddy spots which there are plenty. They are not terrible but I'm sure I'm getting eaten up especially my shoulders.

At one point I see a small flyer and it lands on a pine tree. Hey, that's 2 Western Pine Elfins in one season. How cool is that!!

And a Milbert's Tortoiseshell lands on some flowers near the pine tree. Yea!

I finally reach the meadow.

And travel along until I reach the end of it and the trail starts to climb. That's the end of my forward travels; time for the return trip.

Along the way, in one muddy spot, I find 2 Hoary Commas.

And that Elfin is still in the same location where I find him before (granted not a lot of time has past but...)

When I reach the parking lot, there are more Commas flying around

and the parking is a bit more crowded (10:30) but still no where near full (I guess people are still not travelling this summer - yea!).

I head over to the Highline Parking Area. Lots of Anglewings flying but can't catch up.


Everything needs another couple weeks I think; hopefully I'll be back!

Great day!

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