Feb 28 - Fresh Snow! Solitude Nordic Center

Yesterday, got over an inch of rain in SLC (the most I've seen in the 13months I've been here) and the mountains between 6-8 inches of snow. And lucky me, its my day off and I'm going to check out that fresh snow --- I'm so excited!

Its sunny today - at least until late afternoon when the next storm is supposed to roll in. Lots of people playing hooking from work today as there's a conga line of cars headed up Big Cottonwood Canyon this morning to ski in the fresh powder. And slow traffic is fine with me as its a simply beautiful drive. The south facing slopes are powdered up with snow (from bottom to top). Its very steep slopes and along the way I saw many many mico-mini avalanches (snowball-size (or smaller) rolling on down). The pine tree branches are heavy with 2-3 inches of snow. The rocks in the creeks are covered with snow as well. Perfectly pristine - gorgeous!

I get to the Nordic Center (only a few cars in the parking lot) and the mountains are covered in white. Last time I was here, I could still see rocks in the mountains and there was no one skiing on them. The 3+ feet of snow we got in Feb sure made a difference!

As I was changing into my boots in my car. I heard a BOOM!. Thought it was a garbage truck or something. And then there was another BOOM! And that's when I realized that it was just the Avalanche Prevention patrols for the ski resorts at work. And that's why I came to the Nordic Center as the Avalanche risks have been extremely high since all the Feb snow -- in fact just this week 4 BYU students triggered an avalanche while snowshoeing. Three made it out OK, the 4th didn't make it. Very sad.

But the BOOMs continued (in fact for the whole 2+hrs I was here).

Well I paid my entrance fee, put on my snowshoes and headed for the yellow flags of the Lake Loop. But first I had to enjoy the view of the white mountains and the untouched snow behind the center.

The flags are usually just out the door but today they weren't there. I wasn't quite sure which way to go but I just headed in the direction of the lake. I was walking along the edge of the groomed trail for X-Country Skiiing (and you're actually not supposed to) so I cut into the fresh snow. I've never broken a trail before; my shoes were still sinking in a good 4 inches. I was a little nervous about this but it was kinda fun. Things were going pretty well .... until my right snowshoe fell off! Well its too hard to put it on here, I'll just walk back to the groomed trail...my first right step, without the snowshoe, I was over my knee in snow -- then the step with the left, I'm above the snow, then below the snow, above, below....ahhh the trail. Kinda embarassing -- but luckily there was no one around - I think. Put the shoe back on and was getting my pack and all ready when I heard another snowshoer. She was following my brief tracks in the snow. I soon followed.

The lady was from SF. She came out with her husband because there simply isn't much snow in CA this year. Her husband was downhill skiing and she was at the Nordic Center. We were teaming up to break this snow (it's actually hard work!). She stopped for a picture so I continued and came to a dead end at a road. I knew I was off so I headed to the lake and finally saw the yellow markers - yes!!! I could barely see the snow-covered previously broken trail -- the one we were supposed to be on. Oops! Our trail was much more interesting :) (Others will have an interesting adventure if they follow our track.)

The lady caught up and started leading again around the lake. We soon found a half broken trail and followed. I thought we were a little off because we were above the ropes (which if I remember from last time, said don't cross avalanche area) but we continued ( at least we were heading around the lake) until the tracks started uphill. We figured they were downhill skiiers or snowboarders trails. So I blazed a way down the little hill and under the ropes -- which did clearly said "Don't Cross - Avalanche Area" -- BOOM!

Well now we were on the main yellow trail  - finally! Met that snowboarder -- asked him how the snow was - "Nice!".

Around the lake we went -- the views at times were incredible. The one tall peak, I could see the snow blowing off the very tip!

We finally got to an intersection and decided to take the Cabin Loop --- this trail was already broke (thank-you!) So moving was easier. Ran into a few folks heading the opposite direction -- one asked if we liked the trail she broke - yes, thanks. Went through the cabin area, a good 3-4ft on the roofs. And came to the next intersection. I really wanted to take the Solitude Trail (and at this point, although I'm enjoying the company, I really wanted to be on my own to enjoy the silence - and perhaps she did too) but since she was taking the Solitude Trail, we parted, and I took the Creek Bottom trail like I did last time.

A few squirrels moving around -- and many "talking". Saw some tracks in the snow.

The BOOMs are still happening though more infrequent.

The snow covered trees and the sun breaking thru the treetops is beautiful

The snow is melting and starting to fall from the trees creating holes in the snow and wet spots on my head :).

Its soon time to turn around and head back to the Center. I get back to the Cabin Loop and complete the other half. I thought about taking the Solitude Trail now but I had enough for today and took the rest of the Yellow trail back to the Center. The sun is about gone as the clouds (dark clouds) are rolling in -- It's only 12:30 and its looks like snow. Time to scram!!

Had to go past the Alta Ski Resort on my down -- yes, lots of folks playing hooky, the parking lots were absolutely full; further down, the parking for Dog Lake, full. Just out enjoying the fresh spring snowfall!!

Today was great! Breaking snow, fresh snow, snowy mountains and quiet. (Thank-you to the lady that helped me break snow -- definitely helped keep me calm.)

About an hour after I was off the mountain, I could see snowfalling up there. Good thing I didn't try to complete the Solitude Trail.

Feb 23 - Spring has sprung at Antelope Island

Well it was a choice today -- snowshoeing in the mountains mostly in the shade (avalanche risk is too high for other places) or enjoy the sunny warm (55+ degree) day taking my 1st hike of 2014.....Antelope Island won and it certainly didn't disappoint (never really does though).

What a difference a few weeks of 50degrees makes! All the snow and ice of the winter is, for the most part, gone. Just a few spots of ice on the lake and touches of white in the Antelope Island mountains. If I knew that, I would've prepare for a hike up Frary Peak; instead I'm heading to the 5.5mile Sentry Trail.

It was odd to cross an ice-less causeway. Actually there really wasn't any water most of the 6-7miles. But there was my old friend the coyote trotting across the lake bottom. I watched the sides of the causeway very closely to see if there was a coyote hunting (like last time I was here) but nothing.

So I'm heading down to the ranch -- that's where Sentry Trail begins. Not too far down the road, I spot 2 pronghorn heading down to the water - 1st pronghorn since the fall! I watched for a while and then when I went to get back on the road, I noticed a white pickup pulled off looking my way. I thought it was just a park volunteer (sometimes they just watch the people and animals to make sure everyone is behaving). But as I got on the road they pulled out and started heading to the ranch. Well, I stopped where they were and they were either watching 2 other pronghorn or a couple of bison -- they weren't too far from each other.

There were scattered bison all along the road. One down by the fresh water tub, another on the other side of the road (they must have extremely warm breathe because although it was 43degrees, I could see its breathe).

The Frary Peak road is open! Maybe next time.

Just before the ranch, there was a herd of about 30 bison but they were far off the road near the mountains. (Tiny little brown specs on the horizon.)

Didn't stop at the ranch, just drove down the dirt road to the parking area. There were 4 female mule deer about 1/2 way between the road and the brush. They didn't look like they were moving fast (they looked like they were grazing) but by the time I parked my car, they were gone.

Definitely Spring in the air. There were a few  insects flying and crawling about. Some birds were chirping. Thought they were the Meadowlarks but after looking at my photos and seeing the "horns" I not sure.

The climb up the trail was beautiful with the snowy Wasatch Mountains in the background (and they are snowy as we've gotten over 4ft of mountain snow in the last 3 weeks). The climb wasn't too hard -- somehow managed to stay in shape over the winter months.

I got to the top and was greeted by a fabulous view to the east (and the Wasatch Mts) and to the west (the Oquirrhs and Stansbury Mts); snowy mountains, water, and a blue sky!! Perfect for a quick lunch.

As I start walking south along the ridge, saw some winter kill (I'm thinking pronghorn).

There was a lot of pronghorn scat - some pretty fresh but I didn't see any animals other then the ravens.

On the way down, I saw my 1st butterfly of 2014, a Milbert's Tortoiseshell (they overwinter in their adult form)! I also saw a caterpillar crawling along the trail, looked like a bfly caterpillar but I'm not sure.

Got to say there are alot of people on the Island today! I met 10 people of the trail today -- last year I probably saw 3 people on this trail in 3-4 times. Also, lots of cars driving up and down the island.

On the drive back up the island, there were about 4 bison at the turnoff for Frary Peak -- with lots of human watchers. I drove up to the Frary Peak parking, lots of folks up here -- just wanted to check out the view. Couldn't have been up there more than 10minutes, but the bison were gone and heading toward the lake when I drove down.

I'm driving back up the island and to the west in the middle of the grasses and dark brown dead tall weeds is the shiny glowing object. I looked closer and it was a pronghorn -- just one and boy was he shining in the sunlight. I stopped along the road for a better look (and helped to draw a mini-crowd of watchers).

The bison by the water tub was still there with a mountain backdrop.

And two bison Mom's with calves.

And there was the gimpy bison. I pulled over to watch 3 bison along side the road and one other bison (one with a limp), running and crossing the road to meet up with the other 3. Then one proceeds to wallow in the dirt! Never quite flipped over but he certainly tried several times.

I have not seen that before (other than on TV). He got up in a dusty cloud. Then all 4 proceeded to head down towards the water. Pretty cool!

I headed over to the west side of the island but did not stop -- way too many folks! There were bison over here as well.

Awesome day!

Feb 2- Coyotes Close-up

Finally had some snow in the mountains (12+in) and just less than an inch in the valley -- came on Wed/Thurs and a dusting on Sat. Today supposed to be sunny and 33degrees -- So I decide to go to Antelope Island.

Very sunny at my house and to the south but to the north where I'm heading, extremely cloudy -- sure hope the sunny weather pushes north. And it actually seems to be.

Crossing the causeway the water is frozen on both sides. To the north is very cloudy and to the south, sun is pushing through the clouds. Just driving along when I see a coyote on the north side on the ice.
He's close - maybe 20-30yrds. I stop my car and get out to watch.

I think the coyote spooks a little when I stop because he starts trotting east (I was heading west.) I'm watching him when I notice something in the brush along the road - maybe 20yrds. It's another coyote!! And he's hunting! I can see him jump into the air and onto the ground! I'm watching him but he's barely visible from where I am until he jumps. Hmmm... how am I going to get a better look.

I'm the only car on the road at this point so I u-turn my car to the other side of the road. And then cross the road slowly to watch the hunting coyote. His head goes from the left to the right as he tries to hone in on his little prey and then pounce,

pounce!

And he was successful!

I look up to find the other coyote about ready to cross the road. He crosses and heads out onto the ice.

Another car stops as they see the coyote on the ice -- but they have no idea what I'm looking at because although the hunting coyote is right on the edge of the road, the ground dips so he's invisible. Another car heading west, stops behind me and is watching the hunting coyote.

The coyote on the ice, seems a bit confused. His mate is still on the other side of the road and he seems to be waiting for him to come across so he's pacing.

The hunting coyote gets at least 2 rodents and looks up and searches for his mate. Since he's not on the north side, the coyote decides to cross to the south side of the road. Ironically at the same time, the other coyote decides to cross back over to the north side. And they never see each other.

The hunting one continues to hunt just off the south side of the road. (He gets another rodent.)

And the one on the north side, still seems confused. Finally, the hunting coyote howls, but no response. He howls and yips some more, but still no response. I'm not sure why the other coyote isn't responding or crossing the road. The hunting coyote heads out onto the ice

and he howls a few more times.

And now both coyotes are heading in the opposite directions.

By now, my hands are freezing! It 29 degrees and there's a nice wind blowing up the lake, time to take cover in my car and find some more animals!! (Can't beat this!)

I head down towards the ranch. With the fresh snow fall, the mountains on the island and the ones on the mainland look wonderful.

I see a lone bison coming down the hillside near the Frary Peak turnoff. He stops and lays down in the snow. A little further along there a pretty big herd of bison far from the road near the mountains. And nearby a smaller herd which was closer to the road.

I see another lone coyote on the ice.

I stop at the ranch and check on the owls and sure enough they are in the same tree where I saw them last (must be their home). The male still on the bottom branch and the female on the upper branch.

I thought about walking the Sentry Trail but the wind is still too cold -- even with the sun fully out now. But I do walk down to the end of the ranches fencing to get a better view of the mountains. On my way back, I hear a chorus of coyotes howling out towards the mountains.

I get back in the my car and head back up the road and over to the Bison Point parking area. I see 2 bison on the hill below the Bison Point Road. And can see about 4 bison near one of the White Rock campground roads. And a few more near the Sentry Trail.

I climb part way up the Bison Point trail. The views are nice but the wind turns me around. I drive into the White Rock Campgrounds -- the road is very icy. I spot and think about a short hike because its so white and pretty but its too cold.

Just past the Visitor Center, there's about 10 chukars (ground birds) by the side of the road. They quickly cross and disappear into the brush.

I make one final stop at a short hike that leads to a viewpoint to Egg Island -- its a breeding ground for the California Gulls. Easy trail but rocky in spots.

Now its time to head out.  As I get to the causeway I'm wondering if the coyotes will still be there.

<Warning: time for a rant about people who just don't pay attention>

I start east down the causeway and get about half way when one of the coyotes appears (yea!).

He's on the south side of the road. So I stop to watch. He's still hunting. I look around and cannot find his mate. As I'm watching, he decides to cross the road and is facing south. His backfeet are on the pebbles and his front feet on the 3foot pull-off pavement. So he's basically right on the road.


I see a car coming towards me -- the road is 45mph --- and they're zipping along. And they just fly by the coyote -- I don't know how they missed him, he's right there (and if anyone has even a part of a brain, they'd wonder why a car is pulled off; they'd slow down and try to find what I'm looking at - that's the easiest way to find animals).

Well kudos to the coyote because he really didn't seem rattled that a car just buzz 3ft from his nose. And he actually moves up and now has both feet on the pulloff pavement. Clearly visible -- too most people, I guess; because here comes a big black SUV zipping along and buzzes by the coyote. I'm screaming inside because he's on the pavement. I see the coyote jump in the air away from the road. But he's OK and kudos again, because he didn't run.

But he did drop down into the grass. Whew!

Ok now the folks that almost hit the coyote (who I assume are coming to Antelope Island to look for animals and it takes almost hitting one before they noticed it) back-up down the causeway to see the poor animal they almost hit. And of course, they are clueless when they stop parallel to my car blocking my view. Grrrrrr! Then they proceeded to get out of their car and walk into the grass where the coyote was hunting! One was even waving his arms. I so wanted to yell at them. The coyote was hunting and he has no where to run from these folks, the ice is now water, the people are blocking the grass to the west, all he has is to run east down the road or cross the road but the ice on the other side is pretty much melted as well. I just couldn't bare it anymore and so I didn't get out of the car to confront them, I just drove away.

Darwin's theory has a definite hole in this urban world --- stupidity, lack of awareness and common sense continue to move forth in the human race.

People pay attention!! And give an animal its space, it just trying to survive!!

<<Rant done>>

All in all, fantastic day -- and the coyote lives for another day (at least I hope so).