Forgetmenot Pond and Area May 15, 2026

The plan for today had been earmarked since a way back when!  Well, in fact, no plan was necessary, it was just necessary to keep the day open to venture out to Forgetmenot Pond since May 15th is the date the gate opens each year. I arrived shortly before 8:00am to see the gate still closed with a dozen or so vehicles and trailers lined up. That was no doubt due to it being a Friday off a long weekend and the first day the campground was open. Instead of getting in the line, I used the time to go to the Beaver Ponds and have a stroll around. About twenty minutes later, I heard traffic so headed back to my vehicle. This was my view as I drove past the open gate down the long winding road to The Pond.   

Along the way I saw eight wild Mustangs, four together in one field and the other four in another field.  These are four of the eight. The first two photos are from one field, the third photo from the next field.  In the second photo, I will make a wild guess that she is expecting a baby sometime soon.  

One other vehicle pulled into the Pond's parking lot just ahead of me.  After donning my new Nordic jacket, a hat and gloves then grabbing my gear, I was off to see what I could see.  This was a wonderful looking, inviting tease!  There was only me and the other lady who was off in another area.  

There were no clear crisp reflections due to the slight breeze yet the view still took hold of my heart!

Nihahi Ridge with very little snow. When I left the Pond area and hiked along the trail, I met two guys who came along running. We chatted, their plan was to trail run Nihahi Ridge and then the Canyon.  I found early this evening, they had success.  

at times the breeze subsided long enough to capture reflections

leaving Forgetmenot Pond behind to explore along the Little Elbow Trail

Spotted Sandpiper

White-throated Sparrow

two  different species of Yellow-rumped Warblers

a few photos of the gorgeous views 

By the time I drove away from the area, so many others were already in the midst of or on their way there to create their own new memories. For days the new memories will be fresh then eventually they will become a bit faded but never faded so much that I will forget about my time at Forgetmenot Pond.