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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