Setp 12 - Twin Lake Pass (BCC)

 Sunny day with temps in the mid-80s. Perfect day to take an unscheduled vacation and get a hike in!!

My plan last night was to head up to Catherine's Lake and then over to Snake Creek Pass but as I drive up the canyon, I decide to hike up to Twin Lakes Pass.

I arrive around 8am, gear up (it's 43 degrees) and start up the service road at the Millie Express Lift.

The water fall is still flowing fast as they continue to empty Twin Lakes (hey, maybe they are twin lakes at this point - perhaps).

Flowers continue to fade but there are still tons of Asters and Showy Goldeye.

I continue uphill looking for moose/deer/etc but seeing nothing this morning.

Soon I've reached the peak of this portion of the hike and head over the dam's outflow and then continue up to the dam.

I reach the dam and head to the other side. Wow! The water levels have dropped dramatically! This was the end of the beach last time I was here.

Still looks great despite the water levels :)

After a quick break and start heading uphill yet again. Quite a bit of flowers to walk thru.

And I'm seeing a few butterflies; mostly Blue Coppers.

I bypass my "perch" continuing up to the trail to the Pass.

On the trail to the Pass, the first thing I notice is the faded flowers

but I do see more butterflies. Again, looking like Blue Coppers.

As I continue along, there are more flowers mostly Asters, Showy Goldeye but I see some Paintbrush, Owlclover

and Pale Mardella.

The views are great!

As I reach the Pass, I see a Painted Lady!!!

I go check out the LCC side

and then take a break. What a view!!

It's 9:30 and time to head down.

Butterflies are becoming more active as I see 2 different Frit species (I wish I was good at ID'ng them)


and a Checkered White.

Soon I'm back at Twin Lakes and then continuing downhill to my car.

On the way down, I'm seeing Ruddy Coppers 

and near that waterfall, a Hoary Comma.

Awesome day!

On the way back downhill, near the fire station, I have to slam on my breaks for a deer along side the road.

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