2016 was full of wonderful new adventures. Can't wait to see what comes in 2017.
Good-bye 2016!
Hello 2017!
For 2017:
https://jeanetteklodzen2017@blogspot.com
Sunday, January 1, 2017
Saturday, December 31, 2016
Dec 31 - Mormon Trail (East Canyon Drive)
Need to escape the heavy fog/haze of the valley today; there's sun out there somewhere, I just need to get high enough in elevation.
The weather report says its sunny up in Park City so I'm heading up to the Mormon Trail on East Canyon Drive. (This is a different starting point than the Mormon Trail I hike for bflies which starts from Jeremy's Ranch - just different end point.)
Around 12:30, I head up Emigration Canyon and slowly climb out of the heavy fog into blue sky and sun. It's still a bit foggy but mostly clear.
The trail starts at the parking lot at Little Dell Reservoir. East Canyon Drive is closed heading north at this point; but the road is groomed for X-country skiing, walking, snowshoeing or snowmobiles.
The reservoir is visible through the light fog. It's around 22 degrees but the sun feels so good.
The trail is hard packed so it should be easy walking. I start the trail which heads down a couple switchbacks from the parking lot. Just getting closer to the water.
Then it heads north'sh away from the water toward Affleck Park/Big Mountain.
After getting away from the water, the trail heads into the trees -- mostly oaks.
I'm actually walking below the road; with the road on the left and the foothills in the distance on the right.
At times, the trail pops out of the woods with nice views of the foothills.
I'm scanning them for moose, elk or deer - this is perfect habitat for all three. In fact, last winter I saw a moose here and elk on some of the higher hills. But no luck today. I hear a couple of chickadees calling though
But it's still beautiful. The air is crisp and clean. Just what I'm looking for today.
I think the trail is around 1.5 miles and soon I cross a foot bridge
and then pop out on the road.
The trail continues on the other side of the road. I've not been on that part yet but decide to take it for bit. Climbing a small hill I do get a better view of the area.
But its time to head back.
No animals, no tracks but still a good ending adventure for 2016.
The weather report says its sunny up in Park City so I'm heading up to the Mormon Trail on East Canyon Drive. (This is a different starting point than the Mormon Trail I hike for bflies which starts from Jeremy's Ranch - just different end point.)
Around 12:30, I head up Emigration Canyon and slowly climb out of the heavy fog into blue sky and sun. It's still a bit foggy but mostly clear.
The trail starts at the parking lot at Little Dell Reservoir. East Canyon Drive is closed heading north at this point; but the road is groomed for X-country skiing, walking, snowshoeing or snowmobiles.
The reservoir is visible through the light fog. It's around 22 degrees but the sun feels so good.
The trail is hard packed so it should be easy walking. I start the trail which heads down a couple switchbacks from the parking lot. Just getting closer to the water.
Then it heads north'sh away from the water toward Affleck Park/Big Mountain.
After getting away from the water, the trail heads into the trees -- mostly oaks.
I'm actually walking below the road; with the road on the left and the foothills in the distance on the right.
At times, the trail pops out of the woods with nice views of the foothills.
I'm scanning them for moose, elk or deer - this is perfect habitat for all three. In fact, last winter I saw a moose here and elk on some of the higher hills. But no luck today. I hear a couple of chickadees calling though
But it's still beautiful. The air is crisp and clean. Just what I'm looking for today.
I think the trail is around 1.5 miles and soon I cross a foot bridge
and then pop out on the road.
The trail continues on the other side of the road. I've not been on that part yet but decide to take it for bit. Climbing a small hill I do get a better view of the area.
But its time to head back.
No animals, no tracks but still a good ending adventure for 2016.
Friday, December 30, 2016
Dec 29 - Antelope Island
Heading up after a somewhat shorter work day to Antelope Island to check things out. A few days ago, snow covered the island (and the roads) and I didn't get too far. The roads are plowed now (probably still mostly snow packed though), its sunny, in the mid-20s....it's a perfect day...well, except for the inversion. Still a Yellow Day but the "Yuk" is still very visible.
I arrive on the island around 1:30pm. The causeway is totally free of snow (yea!). Still looking very frozen on both sides of the causeway - and hazy. When I reach the open water near the bridge, there are still hundreds of Shovelers swimming around.
I continue toward the island and spot a large, dark bird sitting on one of the tall poles in the marina. Could it be a Bald Eagle?! We've had the snow and cold, perhaps they are already coming down from Idaho .... I stop ......it's a Bald Eagle!!! First one of the season!
How cool is that! Checking out those ducks for a quick morning breakfast I bet.
I continue onto the island heading south towards the Ranch. (I thought about hiking the White Rock trail today but with a snowy trail (which make the hike slower) and with the sun setting around 5pm, I don't think I'll have enough time.)
The road is snow packed or icy or clear depending where you are but definitely better than Monday.
I see a bison within the 1st mile. I stop for a look. As I get out of my car, I hear a coyote howling. Lovely sound, this could be an interesting day!
There's another bison across the road.
I continue down the road and after rounding a turn, there's a flock of Chukkars crossing the road. I stop and watch them cross and watch them walk up a little hill thru the snow.
I continue on passing the first viewpoint (probably the highest part of the road) - there's really not much of a view with the haze. As I come down the hill, there's a coyote in the big meadow below!!! I stop and get out of my car for a better look. He's a good distance away but he's know I'm there as he stops and looks my direction.
Bet he was the one howling just a few minutes ago. (Coyote #1)
Soon I arrive at the Frary Peak turnoff - there are bison here so I pull in the parking for a look. There's about 7 bison across the street grazing near the rocks. And a larger herd (25-30 animals) above up near the White Rock Trail.
Continuing on, I see a porcupine in a tree (one of two today).
I spot for a bird perched in a tree; it's a Northern Flicker.
There are several small bison herds scattered along the road.
Further down, there's a car pulled off; a clear sign a critter is around. Hey, there's Coyote #2 climbing a small hill near the road.
Somewhere past the Frary Gravesite Trail, there's a small wooden fence. As I get closer, I can see Pronghorn legs in between the posts. I drive past the fence and there's not a couple of Pronghorn; it's a super mega herd!! There's a big group and then the pronghorn continue south as far as I can see. I think the island has somewhere between 100-200 pronghorn, I'd bet they're all here. (Via photos, I count 66 at this one stop, but they continue south.)
I'm wondering if they are all here because their other feeding grounds to the south and west was burned this summer by the fire (burnt 1/2 the island). Should be interesting if they stick around all winter.
As I'm watching, a large brown bird of prey flies by.
I continue driving and reach the stop where the bison hung out all summer. And there's more pronghorn feeding here. Amazing!!
I finally reach the Ranch and head down to see if I can find the Great Horned Owls. The area was closed after the massive wind storm blew through in the summer (blew the roof off the barn and other historic building too); I'm hoping it re-opened. Nope, still closed. :(
Well, since I've seen one Bald Eagle today, might as well hike over to Mushroom Springs to see if there are any perched there (it's a spot they've liked in the past).
As I start my walk near the Ranch, there are lots of Bison tracks in the snow.
I continue down the snowy road looking for deer but see none. Instead, I find Coyote #3!!!
He soon moves off into the brush and I lose him. So I continue my walk thru the "tundra".
I reach the actual trail to Mushroom Springs and start heading west. There have been people through on snowshoes and walking but not enough to flatten the snow. As I near Mushroom Spring, I do see a dark blob in the trees.
It's a Bald Eagle!!
I reach the Springs and head towards the tree - I just follow the people tracks. What a beautiful bird! And always exciting to see!
Time to head back.
As I head back, I hear at least 2 coyotes to the West (behind me) howling and yipping. I so love that sound especially when they are going back and forth. I stop and turn hoping to see them. I don't find them but I do listen. Soon, there's another howl to the south. And the calls ping-pong between the 2 groups.
Then a coyote to the east -- probably my buddy Coyote #3 -- joins in the fun! But for some reason after he joins, the howls are silenced.
I continue along east towards the road and I see Coyote #3 in the distance.
After reaching road, I continue north back to the Ranch and my car.
As I head north on the island, I reach the nearest group of Pronghorn. They are now heading south.
But what about that first group?
Well, they are stopped near the road a few miles ahead with many cars pulled-off watching.
I think they want to cross the road but the people are making them skittish. Would love to stay and see what they finally end up doing but that could be hours. I'm moving on.
But first, there's a small herd of bison directly across from the Pronghorn on the other side of the road; it's a 2 for 1 stop!!
And before I get back in my car, a couple of coyotes start to howl. Very cool!
Soon I make a stop for a Porcupine. He's actually moving around. Probably feeding on some of that orange fruit.
Continuing down the road, I spot something under some trees; it's Coyote #4!!! As I'm watching, I hear a coyote howl in the distance and then Coyote #4 joins in!
When they stop, I continue on to Frary Peak making a stop for those bison I saw earlier near the rocks. There's a few more of them now.
Then onto the west side of the island and Bison Point. I pass a few bison on my way there. My plan is to walk up to Bison Point but when I get out of my car -- Brrrrrrrr! Same temperature but its windy and the sun is lower. Just one photo.
And I'm gone!
I head down, pass a herd of bison near the road, then turn towards the Visitor's Center. It's a good spot to kill some time while waiting for the sun to set in about 40 minutes. (And I want to see my 1st Antelope Island sunset).
Conveniently, there's a group of bison at the turn to the Visitor's Center.
I take a very very short paved trail outside the Visitor's Center for a view of the Causeway.
Then I drive to the Causeway and park near the bridge.
On the Farmington Bay side, there's a pinkish hue to the frozen lake water now due to the setting sun. The icy crystals still glistening in the fading sunlight.
I can see the mountains too!
The Salt Lake side, I'm near the open water with the ducks. But the remaining landscape is cold looking. (And I'm freezing.)
I've got some time so I decide to turn my car around and loop back around the Visitor's Center. Maybe I'll find a deer.
As I pass Bison Point, the sun has disappeared behind it. The horizon is starting to glow.
As I pass the beach area, I find those deer! Two of them. One is a doe and the other, well all I can see is its rump as they feed in the sagebrush.
I pass those bison near the Visitor Center. Can't beat the view!
Then back to the causeway for the final setting.
Pretty incredible!!!
And if that wasn't a fantastic ending to the day, I see a Barn Owl fly by as I exit the Park.
Awesome day!
I arrive on the island around 1:30pm. The causeway is totally free of snow (yea!). Still looking very frozen on both sides of the causeway - and hazy. When I reach the open water near the bridge, there are still hundreds of Shovelers swimming around.
I continue toward the island and spot a large, dark bird sitting on one of the tall poles in the marina. Could it be a Bald Eagle?! We've had the snow and cold, perhaps they are already coming down from Idaho .... I stop ......it's a Bald Eagle!!! First one of the season!
How cool is that! Checking out those ducks for a quick morning breakfast I bet.
I continue onto the island heading south towards the Ranch. (I thought about hiking the White Rock trail today but with a snowy trail (which make the hike slower) and with the sun setting around 5pm, I don't think I'll have enough time.)
The road is snow packed or icy or clear depending where you are but definitely better than Monday.
I see a bison within the 1st mile. I stop for a look. As I get out of my car, I hear a coyote howling. Lovely sound, this could be an interesting day!
There's another bison across the road.
I continue down the road and after rounding a turn, there's a flock of Chukkars crossing the road. I stop and watch them cross and watch them walk up a little hill thru the snow.
I continue on passing the first viewpoint (probably the highest part of the road) - there's really not much of a view with the haze. As I come down the hill, there's a coyote in the big meadow below!!! I stop and get out of my car for a better look. He's a good distance away but he's know I'm there as he stops and looks my direction.
Bet he was the one howling just a few minutes ago. (Coyote #1)
Soon I arrive at the Frary Peak turnoff - there are bison here so I pull in the parking for a look. There's about 7 bison across the street grazing near the rocks. And a larger herd (25-30 animals) above up near the White Rock Trail.
Continuing on, I see a porcupine in a tree (one of two today).
I spot for a bird perched in a tree; it's a Northern Flicker.
There are several small bison herds scattered along the road.
Further down, there's a car pulled off; a clear sign a critter is around. Hey, there's Coyote #2 climbing a small hill near the road.
Somewhere past the Frary Gravesite Trail, there's a small wooden fence. As I get closer, I can see Pronghorn legs in between the posts. I drive past the fence and there's not a couple of Pronghorn; it's a super mega herd!! There's a big group and then the pronghorn continue south as far as I can see. I think the island has somewhere between 100-200 pronghorn, I'd bet they're all here. (Via photos, I count 66 at this one stop, but they continue south.)
I'm wondering if they are all here because their other feeding grounds to the south and west was burned this summer by the fire (burnt 1/2 the island). Should be interesting if they stick around all winter.
As I'm watching, a large brown bird of prey flies by.
I continue driving and reach the stop where the bison hung out all summer. And there's more pronghorn feeding here. Amazing!!
I finally reach the Ranch and head down to see if I can find the Great Horned Owls. The area was closed after the massive wind storm blew through in the summer (blew the roof off the barn and other historic building too); I'm hoping it re-opened. Nope, still closed. :(
Well, since I've seen one Bald Eagle today, might as well hike over to Mushroom Springs to see if there are any perched there (it's a spot they've liked in the past).
As I start my walk near the Ranch, there are lots of Bison tracks in the snow.
I continue down the snowy road looking for deer but see none. Instead, I find Coyote #3!!!
He soon moves off into the brush and I lose him. So I continue my walk thru the "tundra".
I reach the actual trail to Mushroom Springs and start heading west. There have been people through on snowshoes and walking but not enough to flatten the snow. As I near Mushroom Spring, I do see a dark blob in the trees.
It's a Bald Eagle!!
I reach the Springs and head towards the tree - I just follow the people tracks. What a beautiful bird! And always exciting to see!
Time to head back.
As I head back, I hear at least 2 coyotes to the West (behind me) howling and yipping. I so love that sound especially when they are going back and forth. I stop and turn hoping to see them. I don't find them but I do listen. Soon, there's another howl to the south. And the calls ping-pong between the 2 groups.
Then a coyote to the east -- probably my buddy Coyote #3 -- joins in the fun! But for some reason after he joins, the howls are silenced.
I continue along east towards the road and I see Coyote #3 in the distance.
After reaching road, I continue north back to the Ranch and my car.
As I head north on the island, I reach the nearest group of Pronghorn. They are now heading south.
But what about that first group?
Well, they are stopped near the road a few miles ahead with many cars pulled-off watching.
I think they want to cross the road but the people are making them skittish. Would love to stay and see what they finally end up doing but that could be hours. I'm moving on.
But first, there's a small herd of bison directly across from the Pronghorn on the other side of the road; it's a 2 for 1 stop!!
And before I get back in my car, a couple of coyotes start to howl. Very cool!
Soon I make a stop for a Porcupine. He's actually moving around. Probably feeding on some of that orange fruit.
Continuing down the road, I spot something under some trees; it's Coyote #4!!! As I'm watching, I hear a coyote howl in the distance and then Coyote #4 joins in!
When they stop, I continue on to Frary Peak making a stop for those bison I saw earlier near the rocks. There's a few more of them now.
Then onto the west side of the island and Bison Point. I pass a few bison on my way there. My plan is to walk up to Bison Point but when I get out of my car -- Brrrrrrrr! Same temperature but its windy and the sun is lower. Just one photo.
And I'm gone!
I head down, pass a herd of bison near the road, then turn towards the Visitor's Center. It's a good spot to kill some time while waiting for the sun to set in about 40 minutes. (And I want to see my 1st Antelope Island sunset).
Conveniently, there's a group of bison at the turn to the Visitor's Center.
I take a very very short paved trail outside the Visitor's Center for a view of the Causeway.
Then I drive to the Causeway and park near the bridge.
On the Farmington Bay side, there's a pinkish hue to the frozen lake water now due to the setting sun. The icy crystals still glistening in the fading sunlight.
I can see the mountains too!
The Salt Lake side, I'm near the open water with the ducks. But the remaining landscape is cold looking. (And I'm freezing.)
I've got some time so I decide to turn my car around and loop back around the Visitor's Center. Maybe I'll find a deer.
As I pass Bison Point, the sun has disappeared behind it. The horizon is starting to glow.
As I pass the beach area, I find those deer! Two of them. One is a doe and the other, well all I can see is its rump as they feed in the sagebrush.
I pass those bison near the Visitor Center. Can't beat the view!
Then back to the causeway for the final setting.
And if that wasn't a fantastic ending to the day, I see a Barn Owl fly by as I exit the Park.
Awesome day!
Monday, December 26, 2016
Dec 26 - Antelope Island
Well, Mother Nature gifted me 11 inches of fluffy white snow on Christmas Day -- so lovely to look at but it still needs to be shoveled :)
With all the snow, I'm excited to go up to Antelope Island this morning. Not sure how much fell on the island but I'll know soon enough.
It's a chilly morning - about 18 degrees when I leave - but it's bright and sunny out!! Thankfully the highways are clear and traffic is light this morning.
Antelope Dr (which goes straight onto the island in about 5+ miles) is somewhat clear - packed snow/ice in spots. I'm sure it'll be much better when the sun starts melting the packed snow/ice.
In some of the more open spots, there's a thin layer of fog near the ground - looks really pretty. Lots of glistening heavy frost in those spots.
I arrive on the island, the causeway is packed snow (not sure if a plow really has been across yet) but its drive-able and then scenery is awesome (a very frozen landscape).
About 1/2 along the causeway, I reach a fog bank. Driving thru is a bit eerie as the visibility is not far. But at times, I get pea\eks of Frary Peak above the fog bank.
Things open up as I near the island. And there's open water (with steam rising) near the bridge.
In the water on the Farmington Bay side, there are only a few ducks. But on the Salt Lake side, hundreds of ducks (Shovelers). Pretty incredible but it's the only water around.
I arrive on the island and start heading south towards the Ranch. The road is a single snow packed lane. (Definitely not plowed yet.)
Not too far along (still in view of the Visitors Center), I reach 4 snow covered bison.
Across the road is another with his head buried in the snow trying to graze.
I continue further but now I'm driving in tire ruts. I'm sure I can make it to the Ranch (it's only about 4-5 inches of snow) but 10+ more miles of this,..I'm just not feeling it -- if only I had 4-wheel drive.... So at the 1st viewpoint, I turn my car around and head back.
I decide to see how the west side of the island is --- the road is back to snow packed which is good. No animals around that I can see. I head towards Bison Point, but that hill is only 2 tire ruts to follow -- I'll pass. I complete the loop around the Visitor's Center and head back across the causeway.
Well, certainly not the day I was hoping for but still a nice trip.
With all the snow, I'm excited to go up to Antelope Island this morning. Not sure how much fell on the island but I'll know soon enough.
It's a chilly morning - about 18 degrees when I leave - but it's bright and sunny out!! Thankfully the highways are clear and traffic is light this morning.
Antelope Dr (which goes straight onto the island in about 5+ miles) is somewhat clear - packed snow/ice in spots. I'm sure it'll be much better when the sun starts melting the packed snow/ice.
In some of the more open spots, there's a thin layer of fog near the ground - looks really pretty. Lots of glistening heavy frost in those spots.
I arrive on the island, the causeway is packed snow (not sure if a plow really has been across yet) but its drive-able and then scenery is awesome (a very frozen landscape).
About 1/2 along the causeway, I reach a fog bank. Driving thru is a bit eerie as the visibility is not far. But at times, I get pea\eks of Frary Peak above the fog bank.
Things open up as I near the island. And there's open water (with steam rising) near the bridge.
In the water on the Farmington Bay side, there are only a few ducks. But on the Salt Lake side, hundreds of ducks (Shovelers). Pretty incredible but it's the only water around.
I arrive on the island and start heading south towards the Ranch. The road is a single snow packed lane. (Definitely not plowed yet.)
Not too far along (still in view of the Visitors Center), I reach 4 snow covered bison.
Across the road is another with his head buried in the snow trying to graze.
I continue further but now I'm driving in tire ruts. I'm sure I can make it to the Ranch (it's only about 4-5 inches of snow) but 10+ more miles of this,..I'm just not feeling it -- if only I had 4-wheel drive.... So at the 1st viewpoint, I turn my car around and head back.
I decide to see how the west side of the island is --- the road is back to snow packed which is good. No animals around that I can see. I head towards Bison Point, but that hill is only 2 tire ruts to follow -- I'll pass. I complete the loop around the Visitor's Center and head back across the causeway.
Well, certainly not the day I was hoping for but still a nice trip.
Thursday, December 22, 2016
Dec 22 - Road to Mormon Trail (aka Jeremy Ranch)
Took off early from work today to get a short walk in before the winter storm arrives this week-end. Heading up (out of the yucky valley air) towards Park City to walk the dirt road to the Mormon Trail (my favorite butterfly spot in the summer).
This is an easy walk as it is mostly flat thru the foothills on the Wasatch Back. Giving myself one hour to see how far I can get down the road (because is goes for miles). Also, it's not sunny and it's only in the upper 20s.
Heading up thru the foothills is very pretty - lots of snow on the north facing slope and a bit of snow on the south facing. We are definitely in need of some more snow (and it's coming soon).
I park and start down the snow packed/icy dirt road. Seems like there's probably around 6-9 inches of snow on the ground and it's really pretty.
I see a few Golden Eye and Mallard ducks in the stream as I head down the road.
Keeping my eye out for deer/elk/moose and birds - perhaps I'll get lucky.
It's really quiet out; not sure where the birds are hiding.
The views are really nice.
And I am seeing small animals track along the creek. There is a set of large animal tracks heading down from the foothills to the creeks - but just tracks, no animals to be seen.
I finally reach the part of the road that's right next to the stream, a good spot for birds last year. But absolutely nothing today. (Darn, I was hoping to see a Kingfisher; saw several when I was here last year.)
Time to head back.
I'm at the point where the stream crosses under the road to the east side and there it is - a Kingfisher!! He's flying down the east side of the creek, flies over the road, and continues flying along the stream. Well, that made my day!
Nice walk...now back down into the haze.
This is an easy walk as it is mostly flat thru the foothills on the Wasatch Back. Giving myself one hour to see how far I can get down the road (because is goes for miles). Also, it's not sunny and it's only in the upper 20s.
Heading up thru the foothills is very pretty - lots of snow on the north facing slope and a bit of snow on the south facing. We are definitely in need of some more snow (and it's coming soon).
I park and start down the snow packed/icy dirt road. Seems like there's probably around 6-9 inches of snow on the ground and it's really pretty.
I see a few Golden Eye and Mallard ducks in the stream as I head down the road.
Keeping my eye out for deer/elk/moose and birds - perhaps I'll get lucky.
It's really quiet out; not sure where the birds are hiding.
The views are really nice.
I finally reach the part of the road that's right next to the stream, a good spot for birds last year. But absolutely nothing today. (Darn, I was hoping to see a Kingfisher; saw several when I was here last year.)
Time to head back.
I'm at the point where the stream crosses under the road to the east side and there it is - a Kingfisher!! He's flying down the east side of the creek, flies over the road, and continues flying along the stream. Well, that made my day!
Nice walk...now back down into the haze.
Sunday, December 18, 2016
Dec 18 - Sentry Trail (Antelope Island)
The snow keeps flying around here on week-ends. That's a good thing; 135 inches at the resorts so far - not much in the valley though as we've been getting rain.
But today, although cold, is supposed to be sunny so I'm heading to Antelope Island to hike the Sentry Trail (tried a few weeks ago but it was too cold - and not sunny).
It's a chilly morning (7 degrees) but the sun is up as I head north. As I arrive on the causeway, there are snow clouds (squalls perhaps over Frary Peak and more to the west).
The first part of the causeway is just frozen ground - not even snow flakes around. As I go farther along, I start seeing puddles of frozen water of various sizes. Finally, I reach the water -- all frozen -- on both sides of the causeway. Looks really pretty on the Salt Lake side!
There is open water near the island around the bridge with a few ducks swimming around.
I arrive on the island and head south towards the Ranch. It's sunny but I'm heading towards the clouds.
There no animals to be seen on the northern part of the island.
But a few miles in, I see a single animal moving towards the road from one of the water bins. It's a big buck! I speed up trying to get closer before he crosses the road. I can't see him anymore so I stop and wait hoping that I haven't passed him. A few seconds later, he struts up and across the road
then into the sagebrush where he disappears.
I continue down the island. Around Frary Peak, it's starts to snow. Nothing hard but it's snow and it's covering the road. Still no animals to be seen yet.
Finally I see a herd of bison against the mountains. They are hard to see with the snow falling.
There's another herd in the fields near the Ranch - in the distance.
I park at the Ranch and head to the Sentry Trail.
The dirt road has a light covering of snow (just enough to cover the icy spots - oops, slippery).
I see 2 deer in the trees on the south side of the Ranch. It's a typical spot to see them.
I also scare 2 hawks off their fence perches as I near.
I reach the trail and start my way up to Mushroom Springs. Beautiful day!
Just before I arrive, I see another herd of bison 1/2 way up one of the peaks. I'll get a closer look when I get to the long flat switchback.
Definitely a wonderful day with the snow on the ground.
I'm sure it'll be falling on me soon.
I get up the hill to the flat switchback and start to cross. Those bison, well they are on the move towards Mushrooms Springs. (I might have a challenging time getting by them on my way back.)
As I cross the switchback, it starts to snow. When I reach the remaining uphill portion, the snow clouds look like they are heading my way. I don't mind the snow but I do mind the sun going away as it's only 20 degrees with a light breeze. I decide to turn around.
By the time I reach Mushroom Springs, the bison are already there.
As I'm watching them, I hear barking. It's near but I can't find the source. Not the first time I've heard barking on the island; have to assume its a coyote.
I pass and continue back to my car. (Those 2 deer near the Ranch are now 5.)
I reach my car and head back north. Lots of clouds now and snow -- again nothing heavy, just very pretty.
I see 5 pronghorn along the way. They must have just crossed the road and are continuing south east.
And then there's the coyote walking thru the grasses!!!
I see my 1st porcupine of the season in a tree. Too far of any sort of picture. But there's another not too far away. I stop, get out and walk to the tree for a close-up. He's being shy.
I also see 3 bison moving south near Frary Peak.
I head over to the west side of the island. Just a few scattered bison over here.
Back on the causeway, I stop for a look at those ducks (Golden Eyes I believe). There many more now, especially on the Salt Lake side.
I'm almost to the exit when I see a bird of prey sitting on the ground near the road. I pass him but turn around for a better look. He stays for just a moment
before flying off.
What a perfect ending to an odd weather day!
Awesome day!
But today, although cold, is supposed to be sunny so I'm heading to Antelope Island to hike the Sentry Trail (tried a few weeks ago but it was too cold - and not sunny).
It's a chilly morning (7 degrees) but the sun is up as I head north. As I arrive on the causeway, there are snow clouds (squalls perhaps over Frary Peak and more to the west).
The first part of the causeway is just frozen ground - not even snow flakes around. As I go farther along, I start seeing puddles of frozen water of various sizes. Finally, I reach the water -- all frozen -- on both sides of the causeway. Looks really pretty on the Salt Lake side!
There is open water near the island around the bridge with a few ducks swimming around.
I arrive on the island and head south towards the Ranch. It's sunny but I'm heading towards the clouds.
There no animals to be seen on the northern part of the island.
But a few miles in, I see a single animal moving towards the road from one of the water bins. It's a big buck! I speed up trying to get closer before he crosses the road. I can't see him anymore so I stop and wait hoping that I haven't passed him. A few seconds later, he struts up and across the road
then into the sagebrush where he disappears.
I continue down the island. Around Frary Peak, it's starts to snow. Nothing hard but it's snow and it's covering the road. Still no animals to be seen yet.
Finally I see a herd of bison against the mountains. They are hard to see with the snow falling.
There's another herd in the fields near the Ranch - in the distance.
I park at the Ranch and head to the Sentry Trail.
The dirt road has a light covering of snow (just enough to cover the icy spots - oops, slippery).
I see 2 deer in the trees on the south side of the Ranch. It's a typical spot to see them.
I also scare 2 hawks off their fence perches as I near.
I reach the trail and start my way up to Mushroom Springs. Beautiful day!
Just before I arrive, I see another herd of bison 1/2 way up one of the peaks. I'll get a closer look when I get to the long flat switchback.
Definitely a wonderful day with the snow on the ground.
I'm sure it'll be falling on me soon.
I get up the hill to the flat switchback and start to cross. Those bison, well they are on the move towards Mushrooms Springs. (I might have a challenging time getting by them on my way back.)
As I cross the switchback, it starts to snow. When I reach the remaining uphill portion, the snow clouds look like they are heading my way. I don't mind the snow but I do mind the sun going away as it's only 20 degrees with a light breeze. I decide to turn around.
By the time I reach Mushroom Springs, the bison are already there.
As I'm watching them, I hear barking. It's near but I can't find the source. Not the first time I've heard barking on the island; have to assume its a coyote.
I pass and continue back to my car. (Those 2 deer near the Ranch are now 5.)
I reach my car and head back north. Lots of clouds now and snow -- again nothing heavy, just very pretty.
I see 5 pronghorn along the way. They must have just crossed the road and are continuing south east.
And then there's the coyote walking thru the grasses!!!
I see my 1st porcupine of the season in a tree. Too far of any sort of picture. But there's another not too far away. I stop, get out and walk to the tree for a close-up. He's being shy.
I also see 3 bison moving south near Frary Peak.
I head over to the west side of the island. Just a few scattered bison over here.
Back on the causeway, I stop for a look at those ducks (Golden Eyes I believe). There many more now, especially on the Salt Lake side.
I'm almost to the exit when I see a bird of prey sitting on the ground near the road. I pass him but turn around for a better look. He stays for just a moment
before flying off.
What a perfect ending to an odd weather day!
Awesome day!
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