Midweek hike and the parking lot was 3/4 full. Not too many people on the trail though, good chats along the way.
Arrived at the trail head 9:00am - virtually no insects. As the day heated up, so did they, but not too onerous. Didn't need bug spray, just a sprig to encourage them to seek other targets. (Sprig chosen for being a candidate for removal for trail maintenance). Damp areas and creek crossings hosted the most beautiful butterflies and fascinating dragonflies! And there were fabulous mushrooms, huge in size! I have no idea what they are - must go look them up...
Pikas were abundant in the boulder fields - so abundant that I could smell them!
The lake was lovely - water lilies in bloom, abundant wildflowers in the meadows. Camp-over hikers were swimming in the shallow water, and basking on the rocks.
And being on the PCT was a plus! :)
Comments