Oct 6 - Gravel Pit Trail (Antelope Island)

Cloudy day predicted with temperatures in the mid-50s and rain predicted later in the day and into Sunday. Getting out early to head up to Antelope Island to hike the Gravel Pit Trail to Beacon Hill (~4.4 miles round-trip).

When I head off it's cloudy (the dark rainy looking ones) and in the 40s.

As I near the gate, I can see many folks dressed in their hunting gear/guns heading into the grasses outside the park. I can also hear the pop, pop sounds of rifles firing -- hunting some kind of birds.

I just pass thru the gate when I see a lone male pheasant on the right side of the road. He looks a bit ruffled and panic'd as he looking in the direction of the gun shots. Poor bird.

Heading across the causeway the shorebird/gull population is definitely down a lot from the last time I was here. But on the plus side, the number of Shovelers has drastically increased.

These guys usually stay the winter (and are preyed on by the Bald Eagles and Coyotes in the winter).

As I approach the island, the truck (hauling 5th wheeler) slows to a crawl. I'm unsure why the slow down but when he left (south) I find out why. There's a lone bison standing/greeting every visitor at the point where the causeway hits the island. Pretty funny as in the same location their are colorful fake bison for folks to take their pictures with on arrival. This "real" bison must want some attention today too!

I turn left as well and head south towards the Ranch. The male bison that have been claiming this area with it's Farmington Bay for weeks are not around this morning. Perhaps the big change in the weather from records highs to 15-20 degrees below normal have caused the animals move with the weather change. Or they just haven't come down yet from the west side. Will find out when I return.

The island is really quiet this morning. I only see one other bison before I come upon 3 female deer feeding on trees just past Frary Peak.

A bit farther, I see a couple of more doe feeding in the Phragmites (tall grasses).

Continuing on, I finally see a small herd of  bison near the lake bed. The herd looks to have a couple of yearlings in it.

That's the end of the sightings until I reach the Ranch. There, I see a large herd of bison south of the Sentry Peak Trail head.

I decide to check on the Great Horned Owls but do not find either of them. But I do find hawk perched in the trees.

Time to head north to the Gravel Pit trail head.

Along the way, I see 3 male deer feeding on a ridge.

And I see what I think is the top of a bison along the White Rock ridge. But nothing else new.

I reach my trail head and start up. As expected, not many flowers in bloom other than some Rabbitbrush.

On one plant, I find 3 white moths but they all take off as I arrive.

I'm seeing a lot of Pronghorn scat and some looks fresh. I need to keep my eyes open!

I also what I think is a top of a bison up the hill from the trail.

I confirm that bison when I get high enough - a lone bison.

As I crest my hill, I'm greeted by a lone Pronghorn staring at me. There looks to be one laying down. I stop and the laying Pronghorn rises. Cool!

They don't stay long as they take off running east.

I'm over the White Rock campground with views of Bison Point. I can see many bison around the campground area.

As I get close to my destination, a bison stands up in the rocks to the east. Then he starts walking in my direction. I sure hope he stops. He disappears behind some rocks and I get past.

I'm nearing the Beacon Hill spur when I see a flock of blue birds (Western Scrub Jays I think) but they fly off quickly.

Frary Peak and the White Rock meadow comes into view.

And down in the meadow, is a very large herd of bison - just tiny little black dots far in the distance.

Time to head up Beacon Hill.

I take a break on the picnic tables and enjoy the views!

South towards Frary Peak.

East over Farmington (or what's left of the water)

That bison I thought was up on White Rock Ridge - well, I was correct. There are 5 of them.

Time to head back to my car. Nothing new or exciting on the way back other than I think that last bison did cross the trail and is now in some rocks on the west side of the trail.

And the bison that I saw when I first started the trail has moved lower and I have to pass him with him staring at me.

Nice hike!

Back in my car, I head over to the west side of the island. I quickly see 3 Pronghorn after I make the turn.

I head over to check out the bison in the White Rock Campground and find a lone Pronghorn nearby on the south side of Bison Point.

On the north side of Bison Point are several bison.

I check on the Burrowing Owls but none this week. I image they are migrating by this point in the year.

Good day!

Oct 5 - Happiness is the 1st Snowfall! (Twin Lakes - Big Cottonwood Canyon)

After a September with zero measurable rain, October arrived with rain everyday so far. And not sprinkles, thunderstorms and "real" rain. Hopefully, that will keep up through the winter.

Last night a cold front rolled thru bringing rain and snow in the higher elevations. I'm so excited to get out today and experience the 1st snowfall of the season!

I got up early to be out on the trails as the sun comes up but it's still very cloudy in the valley so I just kill time. Finally, I see the sun, grab my stuff and head off into the mountains! There are still lots of clouds moving through but they will eventually clear.

Heading up Big Cottonwood Canyon, the Fall leaf color has moved down to the mid-elevations. Lots of yellow on those aspens. All the rain we've had recently has water flowing in the Cottonwood creek and the one waterfall again.

The drive is a mix of sun and clouds.

As I hit the ski resorts, I reach the snow! Not terribly a lot - maybe 2-3 inches. But it looks awesome!!

I reach the Silver Lake parking and set off. I forgot to look at the temperature but obviously, it's less than 32 degrees!

I get to the boardwalk and it just brings a BIG smile to my face. I so love fresh snow AND this is the 1st of the season!!! Still lots of low clouds around so the mountains are in and out of view as I head over to the trail head for Twin Lakes.

I reach the foot bridge. There's a couple of ducks and some wonderful reflections!

By the time I reach the Twin Lakes trail, the low clouds have rolled in but I make my way up the trail to the switchback and then start across.

Visibility is so low that I can't even see down to Silver Lake below me. I keep moving and am more than 1/2 way across when I see what I think is a deer coming up out of the woods to the trail. When it turns, I realize that it's not a deer. It's a female moose!!!

She crosses the trail and I watch. Unless she moves off, I can't continue up the trail to Twin Lakes.

I start to move forward just a bit and then to my surprise, I see another smaller one emerge out of the woods and onto the trail. That's a baby moose! No twins!! Awesome!!

They both cross the trail to be with Mom who is feeding.

I watch for a while hoping they will move off but that's not happening. They are only a few feet off the trail so I'm not even going to attempt to go around. So I backtrack and head up to Twin Lakes via Lake Solitude Trail.

And Lake Solitude looks incredible this morning!!

Then it's up, up, up the ski cat road with a few stops to enjoy the views

and then I'm over Twin Lakes!

I head up the trail a bit to my favorite spot above the lakes!

Good thing I brought my rain coat - handy to cover the snowy rock so I can take a break. :)

It's so pretty!

After a bit, I'm ready to head down. I'm trying to decide whether I complete the loop taking a chance that those moose are still blocking the trail - just don't want to have to climb the hill again - or simply just go back the way I came. I sit and listen for people arriving at the lake. At first I don't hear anyone but then a couple of people arrive. The trail must be clear - I'm completing the loop!

I head down towards the dam. When I arrive, I take a quick look at the lake

and continue down the snow covered hill.

I am looking for those moose. They got to be around. It's after noon so I'd bet they are bedded down somewhere.

I'm heading down the last stretch and approaching where I last saw the moose. I'm still looking and yea, I see Mom with the 2 calves bedded down!!

(People heading up to the lake will never see them because they are slightly downhill side.)

I reach the switchback and the sun is shining bright - Incredible!

I hear a few Pika calls and see 2 Pika running around the rocks.

Time to head down through the aspen. Much of the snow has melted or is still melting. Sounds like it's raining out. I get hit by a few snow globs and big drops of water as I head down thru the aspen.

I reach Silver Lake again and head over to the dock. Besides the sleeping Mallards

The views are incredible!!!

I then turn and head back to the trail head the way I originally came. Boy the sun really makes a difference!!

Incredible day!! Love that first snowfall!!!

Sept 26 - Catherine's Pass (and above) - Little Cottonwood Canyon

Really want to get up to Catherine's Pass before the snow flies whenever that they be. (Last year, we already had a foot in the mountains.) And today looks like a great day to take off and get up there.

It's in the upper 40s when I leave my house (with a high around 73 today) so it'll be in the 30s when I start my hike.

The colors continue to change in Little Cottonwood Canyon but the best colors are still near the end of the road.

I drive up the gravel Summer Road and reach the Catherine Pass parking. It's 38 degrees but sunny. (The trail could get crowded today as the Cecret Lake trail closed on Monday - reconstructing the dam. Sure glad I got up there last Friday!)

The hike (~9400 ft in ~1.5 miles) will be a mix of sun and shade as the sun is still rising over the peaks when I start just after 8:30am.

The hike starts off great as I'm greeted by a patch of Purple Asters that are still blooming.

But that's the end of any blooming flowers that I see except just one other plant that has yellow flowers. Otherwise, it's just a sea of dead flower stalks/leaves and seed heads.

Very quiet trail so far this morning but it's still great to see Devil's Castle, Sugarloaf Peak and Bald Mt to my right side.

Checking for deer/moose on the slopes and meadows but no luck. :(

I finally reach the meadow and some sunshine! There are a few birds flitting around but still very quiet.

I pass thru the meadow and head up the 2 switchbacks

before reaching Catherine's Pass (10,200 ft). Awesome as always - especially with the yellow leaves in the distance.

I rest for a tiny bit - there are a few squirrels around - and then take off to head even higher to Sunset Pass (10,450 ft). I really love this part of the hike. I'm not sure why other than it's just beautiful and not many folks actually come up this way.

As I head up, the birds are definitely more active up here. I have to stop at the viewpoints looking down on Catherine's Lake. And I can see Lake Mary from here too! (Photos will be better on my way down - the sun is just in the wrong spot.)

I continue up to the Pass. From here I can see Mt Timpanagos

and over to Heber City which is visible through the bright, hazy sunshine.

I love sitting here but I want to continue south over to Devil's Castle (and views of the Albion Basin). I've actually finished the climbing for the day as the trail now is basically flat hugging the slopes.

I haven't gone far when I'm surprised by a grouse next to the trail but he quickly moves into the brush. I like!

A little farther, I get some incredible views of the Basin and down canyon!

After a short stint through the woods, I pop out with Devil's Castle (and the Supreme Lift) in view.

I walk over to the lift for some better views.

Well, it's time to head back to Sunset Pass to take a rest.

On my way back, I see yet another Grouse!! (Always great to see wildlife.)

And then I find a good rock at the Pass to take a break.

As I sit, I'm very surprised to see some deer/elk in the distance below. I see four. I can't tell if they are elk or deer but they do have a big white butt. They disappear in the woods. Ooh, there are more (probably 6-8) moving in the same direction as the prior 4. Some of the smaller ones are running. Very cool!

I wish I had my camera - actually I do have my camera but I forgot to put the battery in oops - I could zoom in much closer than with my phone. :( I think they are elk - they just look bigger than a deer. But only my opinion.)

I sit and watch and after 5-10 minutes, I see the 4 again! Too funny, they are actually moving towards the Supreme Lift where I just came from!

I watch them until they disappear. I don't know where the other went as I never saw them again.

I also see a single Sulphur butterfly zipping around my area. Hearty critter!

Well, time to head down. Since the sun is higher, so I take a stop at that viewpoint again with Catherine's Lake and then Lake Mary in the distance.

Then it's down to Catherine's Pass (lots of chipmunks running around now), then back to the trail head

(I see a Field Crescent not far from the trail head)

and then home.

Awesome day! Two weeks ago, I didn't think I'd make it up here because of my foot. But yea!!  :)

Sept 23 - West Side of White Rock Trail (Antelope Island)

Heading up to Antelope Island this morning. It's sunny this morning but clouds are suppose to move in later with highs in the mid-80s.

My plan is to walk the Gravel Pit Trail (5 miles RT) today.

I arrive at the causeway and the clouds are already rolling in - that's fine with me as it will keep things a bit cooler.

Crossing the causeway, the water fowl numbers continue to build.

It's so still out, the reflections on Farmington Bay are pretty cool!

I arrive on the island and head south towards the Ranch. There two bison up on the hill directly behind the Visitor's Center. A bit farther down the road, those old Bull bison are in there "normal" spots overlooking the Bay.

As I pass the Gravel Pit access road, I may have to rethink my hike. There's a group of bison on/near the road right now.

Will have to see where they are when I return.

On the other side of the road, down the hill in the distance along the Bay is a larger herd. (This is the farthest north I've seen a large herd in months!)

Down the hill near the water basin, is a lone bison laying in the grasses along the road.

In the distance is another large herd of bison.

Continuing on, I see yet another large herd across from Frary Peak heading north.

A bit farther down the road, there's a car pulled off looking at something. As I near, I see a coyote moving north along the lake bed.

Just a tiny bit farther, is the car and he's watching a Buck.

I continue on not too much farther and see two more buck!

Oops, should have charged my camera battery last night. Good thing I still have my phone's camera - not what I want to shoot with but it's better than nothing.

I finally reach the Ranch. I don't see any animals along the dirt road so I decide to turn around and head to my trail.

On the way back, I spot at least 9 deer (all doe and a couple of young ones) on the west side of the road.

See another herd 5+ deer (females) farther down the road along the lake bed.

As I roll up on the herd near Frary Peak, I see 3 doe moving in the grasses nearer to the road. (The deer are certainly on the move today!)

I pass the lone bison still laying near the water basin. As I head up the hill, something little catches my eye. I stop. Hey, it's a Burrowing Owl!!! (I pull out my battery dead camera - and guess what? It has enough life to take one picture before dying again!!)

It's the 3rd spot on the island I've seen the owls at this year! That's cool!

I get to the Gravel Pit access road again. The bison are still there. I'm thinking they will feed themselves down to their mates in the distance but I don't trust them. Last thing I want is to return and not be able to get to my car because bison are blocking me. (It's happened before.) Guess, I'll walk part of the White Rock trail.

I continue on towards the White Rock trail on the west side.

There's a few bison in the field south of the Visitor's Center. But no Pronghorn.

I turn towards the White Rock Campground and surprise! There's a lone Pronghorn!! Awesome! He crosses the road and continues moving south.

I continue to the trail head and start off. I first check the flowers near the trail head for Western Pygmy Blue. They were here last week and they're here today!!

I continue down the left side of the trail. There's a lone bison ahead but he's far enough off the trail that I'm not worried about him.

The activity around the sun flowers is almost nothing. What a difference from last week! But there's high clouds and much less sun today.

But the dragonflies are still out. Can't catch up with any of them though.

I head up the hill and reach the circle. Since I'm not walking the whole trail today, I head to the right (south). Much different view for me as I normally head north on this portion of the trail.

I'm not hearing any birds but I am following Chukkar tracks.

I see a couple of Common Checkered Skipper along the way.

I reach White Rock Bay

and turn head east. I'm hoping to see Pronghorn on the mountains along the inner trail. But I get there and see nothing. There's nothing in the White Rock meadow either.

But I do see my one and only lizard of the day.

Time to turn around and head back.

Back at my car, I drive down past the beach and then check on the Burrowing Owl behind the Visitor's Center. I don't see him today.

Great day!