Blueberry Lake! (In mid-May)

On one of Aaron's days off, we decided to explore another trail, to Blueberry Lake. We parked in the Boulder Lake campground/ Trailhead. Though it was mid-May, the weather was more like early April...and we had recent rain/hail/snow storms.  This morning, however, was sunny and warmish...so we packed up the dogs (bear duty) and some snacks and headed out.  It was a gorgeous hike with lots of vistas, but the trail did get steep. Not Wellsvilles steep, but I did have some flashbacks...

Below: the start of the trail through beautiful forests...

 It did have it's rocky areas...

 Yay! Arrow leaf/Balsam root! We won't starve! ;)

Boulder Lake, looking southwest

There were some cool rocks and boulders, of course--it IS the Winds...

And yes. Every puddle, seep, spring etc. Phoenix had to frolic in. I would be upset by it, but it's just so darn funny, and fascinating--the utter delight and joy he gets out of it. Always makes me smile.

Again, Boulder Lake, looking southwest...

A little lake, Soda Lake III in the distance...(southeast)

Phlox!

Lovely trail, after the grueling climb...but where is the LAKE?!

OOoooo...hail left over from yesterday's storm...

Oh, good. We reached the Wilderness!

And the lake, visible through the trees...

Tada! Blueberry Lake!

And random mushrooms...

We ate lunch at the lake, and got snowed on, briefly. And after hiking out we drove around the end of Boulder Lake to see this headed our direction.  We got out just in time! Blueberry Lake trail was a delightful and beautiful hike, though a definite workout--and a 6 mile round trip. Loved it.