July 6 - Mormon Pioneer Trail

Wasn't planning on going hiking today, but last night we had more rain so I couldn't resist going back to the Mormon Pioneer Trail as it is already a great bfly spot and w/ mud, .... I was anticipating an amazing day.

The only problem was that it was still very cloudy -- but I'm trusting the weatherman who said it'll burn off my noon (hope that's not a mistake).

Despite having no sun, it was a beautiful cool day (a good break from the summer heat). There were only 2 other cars in the parking lot so it should be pretty quiet.

And quiet it was, only the birds and the bees flying around. So actually getting into my hiking stride. But there are some cool flowers -- I see a bush with red flower that's going to seed. The flower is still there but there are 2 berries under the flower.

There's a tall plant with a spike full of white flowers. Around the edge of each of the 4 petals are purple dots; its really pretty. I think its a Green Gentian Monument Plant.

Lots of large thistles blooming (white, light and dark pink). Some of the pre-bloom plants look interesting.

Geraniums, dogbane, mint, those same coneflowers from Lamb's Canyon except these seem further along as they have yellow on them.

There Salsify that looks like a giant dandelion when in seed.

Lots of lupine in bloom (and with raindrops still on their leaves).

When I get to the pond, no dragonflies, no bflys. Makes me appreciate the life a little bit of sun brings out. But since I'm not focused on the flying insects, I notice the little yellow monkey flower in a wet section near the pond.

Finally see a frit. It actually looks like it is shivering trying to get warm. But since it is in front of me, it'll get warm faster by flying as I walk thru. But its a deja vu moment for me as he lands in front of me and we repeat the process several times before he finally flies off the trail.

Further up the trail, more paintbrush and a huge patch of White Columbine.

Some bfly life as I see a Weidemeyers Admiral and LB Copper.

Finally get to my turn around point and have lunch. Still very cloudy and it looks like some rain clouds. Back down I go.

About 1/2 mile from the end, the sun finally comes out for 5-10 minutes and its just enough to bring out a White Checkered Skipper,  a Mylitta Crescent, a few Garita Skipperlings,

some Red Damselflies all in one little wet area. Then back to the clouds.

Of course as I drive out, the sun comes out. (The weatherman was right but just 2 hours late.)