We got a late start. It was noon. Very very hot. Heather likes it, but I do not.
butterflies
We hiked west from the Cathedral Driveway trailhead and then went cross-country off-trail to avoid losing elevation. We came to the Windy Creek trail near the creek. There were some small butterflies on the wet sand.
Remmel
Amphitheater, Cathedral, Apex, Bauerman
The Windy Creek trail is in decent shape despite the old burn. It's easy to follow for the most part with only a few brushy indistinct sections which are very short.
Topaz
Heather nearing the summit
summit
Topaz
At 7000 feet we came to the crest of a southwest ridge. There was some loose scree but we were rewarded with views. Topaz Mountain looked more interesting in person than on the map. We passed the trail junction and continued to the summit. It is said that Windy is the only Bulger Peak with a trail to the summit but we know this is not true because the previous day we hiked up Remmel and it also has a trail to the summit.
There were some small butterflies on the wet sand.
It is likely that they were exhibiting a behavior called "puddling". The eggs need to have sodium so the butterflies suck up large quantities of water to obtain it. It is usually the male butterfly who exhibits this behavior. He then transfers the mineral package to the female as a mating gift via his sermatophores. The essential minerals will then increase the likelihood of survival for his progeny. http://www.adirondackalmanack.com/2010/05/butterfly-behavior-what-is-puddling.html
ree - bugs were minimal except flies and beetles on the summit.
Mike - Thanks for the explanation. I've seen that a few times before and I just assumed they were drinking water or staying cool. Very interesting.
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