March 26 - Delicate Arch and the Canyonlands (Island in the Sky)

Much different day this morning, cloudy and windy in the 50s but we were heading to Delicate Arch. The parking was so much more empty than yesterday. This is not a hike for my sister so she stayed behind and looked at the old Wolf Ranch and the Indian Rock Art. The kids and I went up first the dirt trail and then the large rock -- the kids couldn't believe we were climbing that!!

There is no view of the arch along the trail but the views of the surrounding landscape are pretty incredible. Its cold and very windy but up we went. We passed a bunch of people so there really wasn't anyone that we could see in front of us.

We finally finished the climbing and headed along the back section of a large rock. We could see a pot-hole arch! Then my favorite part (not) the 200 yrds along a 3 ft ledge (w/ drop-off ) in the wind. I could tell my niece wasn't liking it but told her to stay on the wall. When the edge ended, Delicate Arch was there! Still very amazing!!

My niece said immediately that she was not going out to the arch. Took a little coaxing to get her picture with the Arch from where we were standing. But her brother went on out!! And got the Arch all to himself. I was so happy!!

Then we just headed down.

My sister managed to see us coming and met us at the bridge.

Then we loaded up and headed to Canyonlands. First stop the visitor's center for their 1st look at the canyon (lots of dust down there). Then another viewpoint (one of my favorites).

And then Mesa Arch --- my niece was "done" so my sister stayed behind with her. Ate alot of sand getting to the Arch (wind-blown). Quite impressive, and after a few pictures we headed back.

One last stop at a river overlook and we started home.

The drive up to I-70 was wind blown and I was dodging tumbleweed. Once section not to far from the hwy felt like I was in the Frogger Video game except the "cars" were tumbleweed.

Then we ran into a little rain which turned to snow as we went up the mountain. The green mountain a few weeks ago was now covered with about 1-2 of snow mostly on the brush and pine trees --- looked so pretty. Thankfully, nothing was sticking to the roads -- but the snow plows were out.

A very successful trip!!

March 25 - Arches Day

Back to Arches this morning. Still looking for the Bighorn Sheep but not finding any. We head back to our ending stop last night -- Turret Arch/Windows. The parking lot has only a few cars - yea! And we head off to the North Window. Nothing better than your niece in Windows all by herself!

With very few folks here, the kids got to do some Window and Turret exploration.

Headed back to the South Window for a look before my sister headed back to the parking lot and the kids and I took the Primitive Trail behind the Windows Rock formation.

I'm not sure if I've ever been on this trail but its primitive because you find your way by following the cairns (stacks of rocks). I let the kids lead the way, they did good except in one spot - but my niece showed her brother the way. Even less people back here. We saw cactus and blue bird and the Crypto-biotic Soil that we saw signs to "Stay on the Trail" to protect --- but of course in high traffic areas people unfortunately go where they just feel and trample it. But we saw some good section back here. Came around the corner to a sandy trail and headed to meet my sister at the car. (The kids liked the trail -- and even added to the cairns.... with some microscopic rocks :))

We were lazy and drove the car to the other side of the parking lot to enjoy Double Arch (and the Elephant) on our own.

The next turn-off was for Delicate Arch - one of the most popular spots in the park. I was hopefully there may be parking (because its still before noon) but its sunny, I wasn't going to hold my breathe. The drive to the parking area through the Cache Valley was very Green and pretty. And sure enough, no parking. Just told the kids we climb to the arch first thing tomorrow --- and they were ok with that as it's so crowded up there right now, it wouldn't be the same.

So we stopped for the short hike to Sand Dune Arch -- we could all see Broken Arch and decided not to walk to it. We stopped at Panorama Viewpoint and then the Fiery Furnace. It was time for lunch and my nephew had found a great rock for lunch at the prior viewpoint so we went back. Nothing better than a lunch in nature w/ family.

Headed down to the Devil's Garden (the other popular stop). We got lucky and someone was pulling out just as I was passing - perfect. Got everyone together and we walked to 0.8 miles to Landscape Arch (still my favorite arch). The trail got sandy, so just the kids and I walked as close as we could get. Then we turned around, picked up  my sister and headed back.

I was thinking about heading to the Canyonlands (and eveyone was game) but it by the time we got there, supper, etc - it just wasn't practical so we headed back to Moab for a little last minute sovenier shopping.

March 24 -- Off to Goblin Valley and Arches National Park (at sunset)

Heading down towards to Moab today -- the kids chose Arches/Canyonlands (SE UT) over Snow Canyon/Zion (SW UT). The first stop will be Goblin Valley. I went there last year and had a good time --- just a good place to wander and climb around if you'd like (and my niece and nephews are mountain goast :))

Took Rte 6 just south of Provo SE toward Green River. This is shorter than driver I-70 and it'll take us thru the mountains --- which I wanted the kids to see. No snow left here until we got close to the summit --- but the views were clear. Hit the desert on the downside, drove thru Price, had lunch in Green River and down to see the Goblins.

Everyone's eye's lit up when they saw this little valley full of goblin-like rock formations and we began to wander.

My sister and I just followed where the kids went. And they went up/over, thru holes, up to holes just investigating. I even found a nice spot along the backwall in a little hole to snap a photo of everyone (excluding myself of course).

Spent a several hours just walking around. Or just "chilling".

Then off to Moab and the hotel (yes! -- I've had a bad cold for over a week, so yes, hotel!!!)

After a quick rest we had supper and the consensus was to head into Arches to see what we could before sunset (and we didn't have alot of time). But let's go!!

Up the switchbacks --- quick view of the 3 Penguins -- had the kids looking for Bighorn Sheep because they're here - but none were saw.

Shadows were pretty fantastic! Our 1st stop was the Courthouse w/ the shadows of the 3 Gossips on its side. And my nephew had one of my favorite very genuine comments when he got out of the car and realized the size of the rocks (and Courthouse) -- "These are sooooo big!!"

Next stop was Balancing Rock and boy was it ever pretty in the evening light.

We all took a short walk around Balancing Rock and headed over to where Turret Arch and the Windows are. The glow of the valley beautiful unfortunately I don't know how to take a good sunset photo --- but its still a memory.

The parking lot for Turret Arch/Windows was packed --- for sunset. We looped thru -- we'll be back tomorrow, hopefully when its less busy.

Great day!

March 23 - Company at my House!!! Antelope Island w/ Family!

Last night, my sister and her twins (my nephew and niece) arrived to spend their last high schoold Spring Break with me.

After some excitement about the snowy mts views from my living room window (my niece and nephew have never been out of IN/IL/WI/MI), we took a short PJ roadtrip along the Wastach front to see the beautiful Oquirrhs Mts in the morning sun.

Then we got ready and headed up to Antelope Island. It was sunny and in the 40s when we got there. The drive across the causeway was pretty dry but still pretty as the mountains look like upside down snowcones with white ends (i.e., no snow in the foothills).

Upon entry, we watched a beautiful hawk gliding over the ground probably looking for breakfast. Had the kids on high alert for coyote but nothing along the causeway.

Stopped for a quick photo at the bison statue and we headed down towards the ranch.

We saw a couple of bison off the road and as I was slowing down to pull-off, there was a chukkar (game bird) running along with my car. Then he ran into the grasses and perched on a rocks and started calling.

The Western Meadowlarks were also singing this morning and there was another bird and I don't know it name.

Well, the bison we out-of-view so we had to walk into the grasses to get a look.

A little further along were a couple more bison and I spotted a pronghorn just off the road. I pulled off and my niece snuck out of the car for a photo.

I think it was about here when the 2 blue heron flew by.

We saw 2 more pronghorn and a larger bison herd by the fenceline.

Approaching the ranch, there was another large herd and it looked pretty close to the Sentry Trail --- we might just have to investigate.

But we're looking for the Great Horned Owls --- the DNR lady pointed us in a direction but I was pretty confident she didn't know OR wasn't supposed to tell where they were. But we went out to the area she pointed, and saw nothing.

Behind the ranch, there was a Flicker pounding away on the barn. And....I've never seen these before, they had the lassoes out. The Steer had metal heads and horn mounted to saw horses and they even had a "horse" made from a metal barrel (and other metal). We had to give it a try. My niece was the best -- she really had the throw down -- but we were far from good.

Afterwards, the kids and my sister were game to walk just a bit of the Sentry Trail to see the bison, so I drove down the dirt road to the parking area. We saw 4 female mule deer!

When I parked I realized that the bison were not by the trail but we walked anyway maybe a few hundred yards towards little high point clearing. Along the way, my niece spotted a coyote running towards the trail (but in the distance). I've seen bunches of coyote here but never one running; curious what he was running from (or to).

We got to the "high" point, my nephew went up first and was greeted by 6 pronghorns staring at him. He tried a belly crawl but before he got down, the antelope were off and running south down the island. That was pretty exciting.

On our way back north, we stopped at the Frary Point Parking (it the highest parking on the island) for the wonderful view. The kids spotted a rock outcropping and they were off to investigate.

Then over to the other side of the island for a quick bite to eat and then climb  Bison Point Hill. Told the kids to head on up and I'd walk with my sister (she's not a hiker/walker) but they decided to do it as a family which was nice. We all got to the top together - including my sister (yea!)

before they went off to explore and ham it up a bit.

It was finally time to head down.

But I made one last stop because there were 3 bison off the White Rock Trail. Perhaps we could get somewhat. And we did! And we managed to see yet another antelope running through the meadow.

Good day had by all.

March 3 - Following Moose Tracks on the Little Cottonwood Trail

No work today -- Personal Holiday!

Didn't think I'd do any hiking because last night the weatherman said Monday will be cloudy and sunning up in the afternoon -- so I made alternate plans. But when I woke up --- it was sunny! (The weather has been totally opposite what was predicted for the last 5 days -- I got lucky today.)

I head off to Little Cottonwood Canyon --- the canyon trail. Haven't been here since the end of Dec so its time to check out how the trail is --- its at the lower part of the canyon so I curious about the snow -- how much is left.

I check the main entrance first --- the road is clear but the gate is still down. So I drive up the canyon to the alternate entrance. No snow at the lower end of the canyon and none on the south facing slopes. But for the north facing slopes there is snow and the further up the canyon I go, the more snow there is.

I park and check the hill I have to go down. I can actually see gravel on the upper part; but the lower part is still snow packed. I get to the bottom and it really doesn't look like there's been a lot of traffic down here in a while. There is a trail thru the snow but its a tiny one and none of the shoe prints look very fresh. And there's a fair amount of snow down here 

-- but definitely melting (its about 44 degrees).

But onward, I go towards the end of the trail at the old brick building. Even though there are few footprints, I'm following moose tracks -- they are actually going the opposite direction and they're big. Even wider when their toes are splaid. Kinda of fun to think about a moose discovering and easy way through the woods made by humans. :)

The snow is hard to walk on because its melting -- in some spots its icy (but I have my YakTraks which grip me in), in others its hardpacked and easy walking, and in the rest, just wet melting snow - slip, slip.

The water is flowing pretty good.

I wander thru the snow to the creek -- I'm in my favorite position, over the knee in snow -- but I get to the river and hop on some rocks in the middle of the creek for a better view.

Further up the trail, I got off the trail again to get to the little bridge that crosses to the building.

I don't go across but rather head to the end of trail viewpoint just ahead. I can see the thick snow along the river -- seems like its in many layers than on solid piece. I'm assuming it reflects the amount of snowfall for each storm over this winter. 

The little box where I've eaten supper many times is just packed in about 3 feet of snow -- I'm standing on it to view the river (I was actually expecting to fall thru the snow but it never happened.) Time to turn around and head down to the other end -- and maybe find that moose.

Now I'm heading in the direction of the tracks --- I'm scanning the woods because although I'd like to see a moose -- I don't want to run into a moose. :) I do find Fir cones; Douglas Fir cones with their little mouse tails sticking out and a bird's nest from last season. I do find a moose track showing that they do slip sometimes. And perhaps a raccon track.

Nice to follow the trail and hear the creek flowing. I get to the first water station -- see a Milbert's Tortoiseshell (bfly) amongst the snow --- he finds an unsnowy rock to soak up the sun. 

On the other side of the station, no more water flowing. A little further is a bridge that crosses over the creek  - nothing but snow in the creekbed.

Also I'm curious what the moose does at the bridge --- will he cross? Nope, his tracks disappear and their not in the snow covered streambed below -- not sure where he went.

The lower I go in altitude, the less snow there is, especially in the woods. The creek starts to flow again --- the mountain runoff. Not very heavy but I can hear it. I come to another footbridge (smaller than the other) still following the moose tracks and he doesn't cross bridge, instead his tracks go thru the water.

I'm heading still lower to a larger bridge and waterfall --- there's actually a dirt trail now and I follow it to the bridge. There's water flowing but not a lot. I see a greyish bird on a rock in the creek. He's bouncing up-n-down. Then he dives into the water and comes out the other side of the bridge. He then continues to bounce and get into the water. At one point I thought he'd get swept down the small falls but he never did. (I think it may be a Dipper???)

But no moose and its time to turn around and head back up the hill (and back into the snow).

That hike (because of the snow) was harder than it should've been  - whew!

Decide to head up to the ski resorts to check out the mountains --- it's sure is beautiful up there. 

And I got to watch a guy shovel show off a roof.

And I make a quick stop and the Red/White Pine Trailhead --- lots of snow!!

Great day!

March 2 - White Rock Loop Trail - Antelope Island

Woke up this morning thinking it may be time to find somewhere else to go then Antelope Island (there's has to be other trails in the valley that are snow-free right?) But then I go to Antelope Island and am so amazed at her beauty and her ever changing experiences and say -- why ruin a good thing!

It's not supposed to rain -- other than early morning showers --- so when I started out, it was sunny w/ poofy clouds to the west and cloudy with a peaking out sun to the east. Looks like the weathermen might be correct today with their sunny forecast today (yesterday was supposed to be a wash-out; instead it was sunny (very windy) and didn't rain until the evening)

Lots of water around the causeway this morning; could be all the rain we've been getting or a pretty decent south wind (or both). But its simply beautiful --- wonderful reflections on the mountains in the water on both sides of the causeway.

Not too far past the gate I cruise by a male pheasant! I stopped and walked back hoping to sneak up on it but I couldn't find it. :( (But its a first for me - haven't seen a pheasant here!)

No trip down to the Ranch today -- heading straight for the White Rock Trail -- decided to change it up a bit today (and that was only reinforced when I saw the Bison Point Cafe opened on March 1 -- Bison Burgers!!!)

Oddly, there were no bison around the Visitor's Center this morning. As I drove past the Visitor's Center and passing the waste disposal (for camper trailors) there was something in the field that just didn't look right. So I pulled off in the disposal area and zoomed my camera in on a pronghorn - all alone grazing!

The island is just stunning today to the east and west.

When I turned towards the White Rock parking I stopped to take a picture to the west and I scared a bunny! (Actually the first jackrabbit I've seen on the Island.)

Got to the parking area and still no bison around.

So I started my hike by going on the eastern part of the loop. The birds were definitely singing this morning including the yellow-breasted Western Meadowlark that was belting out his song from the top of a fence post.

As I climbed higher, I spot a bison down by the corral area. And as I get even higher, I realize there are actually 2 bison, one is laying down. As I continue further, there is definitely something  in the meadow, the color just doesn't match the surrounding area. I zoom in and notice a pronghorn laying in the grass. There's another one there --- maybe a baby. But I don't think it can be a baby - if the Mom's already calved, I'd bet they'd stay together as a nursery herd for protection against coyotes and other predators.

The trail takes me higher and parallel to the pronghorn and its it 2! Only they are both adults. They're kinda cute as both are lying down facing each other about 5-10 feet apart. (like reversed Sphinx book-ends)

Finally get high enough to start seeing the Wastach Mts to the east. Nice white snowy mountains. I notice there are a couple of horses now behind me -- let's see who can get to the top first :)

Of course I lost -- the 2 horses where ridden by trail patrol in their lime green vests. I thought it was nice that they asked if I had seen the 2 pronghorn. (Which of course I did)

The White Rock bay is in full view now -- stunning with the mts to the west and the differing brown/tan colors of last year's grasses. Below I can see a herd of about 15 bison (tiny, very tiny), another herd of 4 further down and one more herd of 3 down by the trail by the lake. I'm exciting - finally some bison!!!

Frary Peak is now in front of me -- just tiny specks of white snow left ; otherwise gorgeous especially in a blue sky with spotty clouds (there looks like some thunderstorms brewing to the south - hmmmm, there was no rain in the forecast.)

I come around to the apex, right in the middle of the island with an unbelievable view of the snowy Wasatch front to the east with a fantastic looking Farmington Bay below and to the west, White Rock Bay. Not a bad thing to look at for the 1/4 mile I'm heading south on the ridge above the valley. It's really unbelievably pretty!

More signs of Spring --- tiny little plant getting ready to bloom.

I turn to head down the valley and start scanning for animals other than the bison. Nothing....yet.

I notice that the trail patrol has stopped near the bison. Were they just resting the horses or were the bison on the trail and they were waiting to help me get thru safely. I guess I'll find out in a few minutes.

I continue scanning and notice a brightness in the middle of the valley -- I zoom in and there's a lone pronghorn walking down the valley. There may be others but its far away and I only see this one because he turn into the sunlight. I lose him and don't find him again.

As I got closer to the trail patrol, I noticed they were talking to a guy with a dog. And that the bison were very near the trail. The guy finally started walking my way -- mentioned that the bison were all adults (no babies).

I notice that there are 2 bison standing on the trail, both looking at me and not moving - there were bison on both sides of the trail. The one trail patrol person said that these are all young male bison and its Spring and they are looking to play .... with anything. Since the 2 bison had no interest in moving off trail, she recommended I go up the hill to the rocks (which is above the bison -- giving them a wide berth) and than walk past. And I certainly complied - don't want to mess with feisty bison.

And boy was I getting the eye from several of the bison as I went around. A couple jogging behind me were given the same instructions and we all got around the bison and back to the trail.

There was lady on a horse with another horse she must be training that past me going in the other direction. I looked back a few moments later, and the trail patrol were directing her around the bison as well.

I turned south to head back to the parking area. There were 4 bison well off the trail. They were just marching down towards the water.

I looked ahead and saw 3 bison in the middle of the trail and a group of hiker either watching the bison or simply blocked by them. I had a ways to go so I was hoping the bison will move off. And that they did -- the people just seemed to be resting. They had a little dog, not sure how the dog (and its tiny legs) made it that far but I'm sure they were taking a rest because of the dog.

The 3 bison were not that far off the trail but far enough. I stopped when the one  laid down and wallowed -- all I saw were legs going back and forth. He got up right way and then stuck his head into the grasses. Then he laid down again.

The 2nd bison then proceeded to take his turn at wallowing -- more flailing legs. He stayed down.

Then the first bison proceeded to wallow again. Then he got up and stared right at me. Thankfully, the 2nd bison got up and then all three walked down towards the water.

I continued on past White Rock and enjoying the views of Bison Point ahead of me. I met up with another Trail Patrol person (this time on foot) and we talked. Told him of the pronghorn I saw and the detour around the bison further up the trail. There were some birds calling. He said that they were the Chukkars. One usually takes look-out while the other feed. Well we didn't see any look-outs at first. But one did finally fly up onto a rock to take the scout role.

I see a couple of green tiger beetles!

I met one more guy on horseback just coming over a little hill entering the valley as I was exiting. I asked how he was doing and his answer is one of my new favorites "I'm awesome on the verge of spectacular right now". I could only think it was in reference to the incredible scenery.

On the final leg back to the parking area, there was one bison.

Couldn't believe when I got to my car that it was almost 2pm -- I left at 10:30 --- the trail must be longer than 6.5 miles because I don't walk that slow! But its time for that Bison Burger!! Hmmm....

The way back across the causeway was even more incredible! Yes, someone on the south end of the lake was getting dumped with rain. But it was sunny with poofy clouds everywhere else. And the poofy clouds, white mountains reflected so beautifully off the calm lake.

Frary Peak....

North Side on causeway...

A little slice of heaven.