We hiked to the top of Lake Mountain last week, a distance of 2 miles and 1000 feet elevation gain. Marsh Peak (12,240 feet) comes into view, still covered with snow.
On top of Lake Mountain (9000 feet), snowbanks still remain in the shadows.
This gray-headed, dark-eyed junco dances in and out of icy water from the snowmelt, hunting for seeds or insects. 
This is probably the type of bird whose nest we found near the same aspen groves last July.
Buttercups are the only flower blooming at 9000 feet elevation, so far. Spring is slow to arrive in the high country. The aspens haven't leafed out yet. 
Gull Lake reflects clouds and sky. We'll come back in a couple of weeks, maybe on horseback, to see what flowers are blooming then.
such a lovely series of photos, it looks like you had a wonderful day full of fantastic finds!
ReplyDeleteStill looks a little bleak, but at least you saw some birds and flowers. About the only flowers blooming here are the Oregon Grape. Soon, spring will come to the high country.
ReplyDeleteSo peaceful & beautiful, Janie ... I love visiting you & going on the trails ... so relaxing a guide you are.
ReplyDeleteHave a fantastic weekend.
TTFN ~ Hugs, Marydon
what a wonderful day in the Uintah's
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely love the first shot at Lake Mountain through the birches, and that cute little Dark-eyed Junco, Western style!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful Janie... 9000 feet up is pretty darn high... And your hike, even though short, had quite an elevation didn't it??? Gorgeous picture of Marsh Peak.
ReplyDeleteHave a great weekend.
Hugs,
Betsy
P.S. How is that baby?
I'm hearing that it's still snowing at my home in Breckenridge. I'm glad to be out of it for awhile while traveling!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photos!
ReplyDeleteMy oh my...what a beautiful place. You should put all your photos in a book...stunning it would be!
ReplyDeleteMy oh my...what a beautiful place. You should put all your photos in a book...stunning it would be!
ReplyDeleteLooks like you had a gorgeous day for a hike. Lovely images you've shared. =D
ReplyDeleteThese are some really beautiful and lovely shots !!Simply fantastic !!Amazing post !!
ReplyDeletePretty photos! I'm surprised there were even buttercups blooming.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful pictures .... that reflection shot is amazing!
ReplyDeleteThat bird's nest is just beautiful!
ReplyDeleteI really like your picture of the sky reflected in the lake. The buttercups are a beautiful vibrant yellow. I'm just glad we don't have any snow hanging around here!
ReplyDeleteWhat beautiful images you have captured Janie!!!!
ReplyDeleteI ADORE your photo in the header as well.
I hope you are having a great weekend.
Suz
Hi Janie...The air must get a little thin at 9000 ft, its not easy hiking two miles.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful views of the mountains, junco and especially the bright yellow buttercups... but where in the world is Miss Daisy!
I now know where to go if I want to experience 2 spring seasons in a row. All the pictures are lovely, but I really like the last one.
ReplyDeleteYou have gorgeous scenery in Utah!
ReplyDeleteI've seen juncos here in northern California, too. Cute little birds.
Nice to see your high country start to open up. Maybe the warmth will move north--still buried here above 7,000 or so.
ReplyDelete