July 8 - Lake Solitude (Big Cottonwood Canyon)

 Sunny day with highs in the upper 90s. Heading out this morning up BCC to get my 1st "real" hike after my broken foot (heel). I'm definitely ready for this even going against my rules of heading up the canyons on a Saturday. I think it's week #10 of my broken foot. And I'm walking like a normal person now!

Definitely a Saturday as I drive up the canyon. Even though it's before 7am the S curve is packed as well as Mill D N and S. Fortunately when I arrive at Silver Lake there's still a couple of parking spots.

I gear up and start my way around the boardwalk to the trail head. Sure hoping they get the section of the boardwalk that they've been working on still Fall done soon really because it's a shorter walk to the trail head. And it looks like they're getting closer -- looks mainly the bridges. They also started a new section behind the VC.

Still quiet walk. Appears most of the folks out early are fishing.

Water levels are going down but there's still a strong current of water entering the lake from the direction of the Brighton ski hill.

Just past the dock, I see 2 beavers in the lake. There is kayak in the water so I don't think they will be around long.

On the other side of the lake, tons of Bluebells in bloom. 

The Shooting Stars are also still in bloom.

I stop at the dock on the other side of the lake before continuing up the trail towards Lake Solitude.

Still very muddy at the start and there's still a tree to climb over before I reach the steps.

Trail to Lake Solitude is quiet this morning. 

Finding Bluebells, Forget-me-knots, Yellow Violet, and a few Larkspur.

Oh, and the White Columbine are just starting to bloom!!

There are still a few patches of snow off-trail. And one small spot on the trail still with snow.

Love going under the Solitude Lift -- it's been a long time coming!

Past the lift, I find Paintbrush (1 plant) Heart-leafed Arnica, Wallflower, Meadowrue, Virginia Waterleaf and more White Columbine.

Looking for deer but not seeing any.

As I'm about to reach the avalanche slide, I hear people coming up behind me. When I reach the site, I pull off to the side to left the people pass. I also look up the slope and see a lone deer up the slope. 

As the couple passes, I tell them about the deer. As I point, I see a doe and fawn about 1/2 way up!

I'm surprised but the couple immediately spots the deer and stops to watch - that doesn't happen all the time. I even got a thank-you. They and I watch for a bit until they disappear.

On the other side of the Avalanche slope, I find Baneberry in bloom

And OregonGrape

I reach Lake Solitude after they do and find a spot for a quick break.

I also check out the flowers. There are a few in bloom but more are definitely coming.

Time to head back.

When I reach the slide again. I look for the deer but do not see them. But as I get to the far edge, I look to my left and find a doe (next to some snow).

She looks very thin.

Is there a fawn nearby or is this a different doe?

I pass her and just as I enter the woods to my left is the fawn! Her fur is standing up, she's hunched over and making a strange face. I think she might be pooping!! I stop and get a quick look but Bam! the deer is sprinting down hill. Too funny!

Lots of people heading out to the lake including some bigger groups.

I reach Silver Lake and make my way back around. Not far from the dock, I see a Mom Mallard and very ducklings!!

Awesome day! Glad to be back on the trail!!

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