Antelope Island is once again my destination and the Sentry Trail is my plan as I hiked White Rock the last time I was there. But I'm just not feeling Sentry Trail today -- it'll be a last minute decision.
It's sunny and 30 degrees when I arrive on the island around 8:30am. As I arrive on the island, I see a couple of bison up behind the Visitor's Center. And then as I head down the island towards the Ranch, I see several other herds of 3-5 bison (including one under the White Rock Trail's ridge) and one bigger herd under Frary Peak.
As I arrive at the Ranch, whether decision to hike Sentry Peak is automatically made for me as there is a large herd of bison in the meadow near the trail -- no Sentry Trail for me.
I turn around and head back north up the island. I'm still looking for animals and while my head is turned, a flock of Chukkars decided to cross the road in front of my car. Luckily, I see them in time to stop and then watch them finish crossing and scurry away.
I then head over to the White Rock Trail. No animals in the meadow behind the Visitor's Center but as I near the road to Bison Point, I see a lone Pronghorn near the intersection.
I stop to watch as he trots across the road and continues moving across the meadow. Nice!
As I approach the White Rock, there a several bison not far from the parking area.
The parking area is almost full at 9am -- lots of bikers and runners today. (I'm although not many yet, the horse riders will be arriving soon I'm sure.)
I make my way in a clockwise direction along the trail. I can see bison in the distance to the southwest. Not sure where they are with respect to the trail but with the traffic this morning, I'm pretty sure they won't be an issue.
I also see/hear a Horned Lark singing out his song.
(Boy will he be surprised when the snow and cold returns Monday/Tuesday!)
I reach the top of the switchbacks and continue around. I pass those bison without issue as they are pretty far from the trail.
There are a few that are in the sagebrush (so closer) but still not an issue.
It's not long before I arrive over the White Rock meadow. I see 4 bison below in the meadow and a few far in the distance near the bay.
I start my way down to the ridge - we so need water! The bay is so dry.
Hey, I see signs of Spring!! Several very small Spring Parsley plants in bloom
and a Redstem Stork's Bill.
They are only present in the short section coming down to the ridge!!
Crossing the ridge I find the 2 bison I saw earlier on my way to the Ranch.
And then I work my way around the inner loop.
Just about half way thru the inner loop, I see two Pronghorn high on the slopes!
And as I near the west side, there's a flock of blackbirds soaring overhead. (Just don't fly above me please!)
I complete the hike and it's time to head home. But first, I have to checkout the lone Pronghorn that's at the base of Bison Point.
Good day! (Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!!!!)
