July 15: Saddlebag Lakes

Day 2: heading to Saddlebag Lake. Its right outside the east entrance of Yosemite and at a little over 10,000 ft, it is so amazing that I just had to come back this year.

Last year, I took the water taxi across Saddlebag Lake instead of walking the trail on either the west or east side. (It saves 2-3 miles round trip, its worth it). But today, I'm in search of the Heather Blue butterfly. This butterfly has, not too long ago, been identified as its own species - no longer considered a Sierra Blue. It is endemic to a very small region of the high Sierras and the Saddlebag Lake area is in that region. My source, the author of my favorite butterfly guide and a man I've met on 2 bfly trips, said to walk the west lake trail and I should find them once I exit the rocks and into the meadow -- and to look around the white heather the butterfly's host plant (red heather grows here and is actually the more prevalent species). (And too look for Rockslide Checkerspots on the trail -- as they are found in rockslide areas.)

So off I went, going below the dam and onto the trail -- which crosses a mountain of rocks/scree above the lake. My first (almost immediate) stop was because of a collection of crimson columbine. So beautiful against the rocks. Along with the columbine was laurel; nice and pink. I could tell, it was going to be a slow mile walk looking for bflys and at the flowers.

I should add that although sunny, there were lots of clouds in the sky so it was more cloudy than sunny out.

The trail had penstemon, white columbine, red heather, lupine (very low to the ground) and oh so many other flowers. My favorite was a yellow daisy-like flowers whose buds were fuzzy.

And flying, Lustrous Coppers(bright orange),

Rockslide Checkerspots, and Edith Coppers.

The views down the rocky trail of the mountains and lake were great.

As I was finally getting across the rocky section there was a little wet area with shooting stars. In the meadow there were plenty of Sierra Sulphers flying (this butterfly is also endemic to the high Sierras - and it has a greenish hue). I'm looking for white heather but can't seem to find any so I continue walking to the actual loop trail. But I have to get across this willow lined stream that I can hear. I'm hoping there is a way across as the stream sounds like it is moving at a good rate. Yes, there are 2 logs and rocks to get across the stream. The one log was pretty bouncy but some good balancing equals the feet are dry. :)

Its pretty cloudy now with peeks of the sun. And some of the clouds don't look too friendly. I know there wasn't rain in the forecast today but it sure looks like it could just rain. (not good).

But North Peak (to the west) still looks awesome even with the clouds.

I decide to walk to the north end of Steelhead Lake and then decide what to do based on the clouds. I do have raingear but I really don't want to be 10K up and on a rocky surface if it starts to thunder. (Not too mention having to walk across the rockslide when its wet -- no slip sliding away for me.)

I'm coming up on the south end of Steelhead Lake and I see a guy with a tripod. I assume he's taking a picture down the lake but as I get near he asks if I like birds. They're OK, so I head over.

Well in his spotting scope he had a White-tailed Ptarmigan.

It is a permanent resident of high altitudes (above the tree line) and native to Alaska and was introduced into the Sierra Nevadas. The bird is tan and speckled and blends in perfectly with the rocks. There are 2 fluffy chicks as well. With my naked eye I spot the chicks before I can find the adult. Pretty cool!!

I thank the man and continue on. The Yellow-bellied Marmot are out today. I hear them squeaking and see several of them on the rocks.

I finally get to the north end of the lake. I just don't like the sky --- it'll probably be a perfectly non-rainy day but its time to turn around for me. I start heading back --- I must be too careful because there are a bunch of folks just heading out on the trail.

No Heather Blue today, but I'll be back this week.

I make my way back to my car - its only around 12:30. So I pass on my peanut butter sandwich to eat at the Tioga Gas Mart -- yes, a gas station that has a Whoa Nellie Deli. Serving ahi salad, rib, fish tacos, shrimp....and hot dogs and burgers. Hmmmm!

Stop at the Mammoth Lakes hot springs for a quick look before winding up my day.