May has started out on the warm side of things. I have wrapped up my winter activities to get ready for what is set to be an early start in the alpine. The snow is melting out fast and it wont be long until I am on walkabout. I decided to make a loop up Bells Canyon to keep the legs in shape and to get out for a few hours. I must have had perfect timing for the trail head was not very full, and I got front row parking. I threw on the pack and headed up. I made a very fast pace to the lower res, then headed up the Bells Canyon trail. It was a nice walk and everything is so green this year! I made it to the bridge and was shocked to see how low the creek levels are. In the photo you can see the water line to the left which is typically where it usually is this time of year. I made my way from the bridge to my destination which was the wilderness boundary because I was short on time, and I had a route in mind for the hike out. I found what I was looking for and made my way on the second leg of my hike. Long-Leaf Phlox was in bloom and it does not last very long. The rest of the wildflowers are a week or two out from being in full bloom. It was so quiet and the sound of the water was nice, temps were just right. On my way to the last section to put me back down to the lower res I walked right past a huge rattlesnake. I heard it move as I was walking out. Not gonna lie that got the blood pressure up for sure. I heard him rattling behind me but I just kept going. I made my way down to the lake, and headed up to my favorite spot for a photo and the one break I took the whole time up there. It was a great Sunday to be out on trail. I am excited for hiking and backpacking season to be in full swing. Enjoy the pics! More adventures to come......
