Sept 17 - Willow Lake (BCC)

 Back at Willow Lake this Sunday. No reason why except I wanted a shorter hike.

I arrive early with the sun not shining in the canyon yet. And of course, I arrive with another hiker (shoot). But I get started before he does.

It's 43 degrees.

Trees not yet changing though I saw some good patches of color as I drive up the canyon. Flowers are still fading; it's mostly asters hanging up at this point.

I'm not that far up the switchback when the guy catches up and passes me by. He's flying and even jogs past me before stopping to walk.

At the corner of the switchback, I pass a couple.

Otherwise it's a quiet walk.

I arrive at the meadow and some trees on the other side of the lake are changing.

There are ladies in front of me and since they head directly to the lake, I head to loop the lake counterclockwise.

I'm part way thru the woods when I meet the guy again and he warns me about a moose about 100 feet ahead just off the trail. Maybe he's farther off since the guy walked past. But nope, the female moose is about 10 feet off the trail just standing there.

I stand and watch for a bit hoping it might move but she just continues to stand there.

I've dance with the devil before and today will not be another dance, I turn and head back.

Once back at the meadow, I do head down to the lake for a quick look

before starting my way back down the mountain.

I meet a lady on the way up who knew about the moose already as she asked me if it was still there.

And I met 2 ladies who asks if I saw anything so I told them about the moose.

Good day!