Aug 29 - Walking to Park City (from Millcreek Canyon)

Beautiful morning. I have plans to try a new trail in Millcreek Canyon today. Its the Mill Creek to Park City Overlook. It's 5.2 miles (1177 ft) round-trip to the ridgeline (overlook above Park City) and another 1.4 miles and 800 ft to Murdock Peak (which is my goal today).

I've only hiked in Millcreek Canyon 3 times (Grandeur Peak twice and White Fir Pass). Both trails are accessible during the winter. Today's hike is beyond the summer gate (i.e., closed to cars during the winter) and at the end of the road. The trailhead is Upper Big Water Trailhead. Elevation is 7623ft.

The drive up was good. Hard to see because of the morning sun. But I did have a deer run across the road in front of the car ahead of me. She was in full-stride. I slowed down to get ready for others, but fortunately none came.

The road after the gate gets narrower. But it's a beautiful thick aspen, fir, pine forest; with lots of under story plants. Pretty moist from all the trees and there's plenty of streams and water holes.

The road gets even narrower once I get to Lower Big Water parking. But its not much further to the Upper parking. It's 9:30 and I get one of the last 2 parking spots (I wasn't expecting the crowd on a Friday; all the other trailhead parking along the road was empty; this is definitely the place to be today.)

There are 2 THs here. My book says to leave the Mill Creek/Red Pine Rd TH but the name does not match either TH sign. So I take the trail to the East and in a few moments, the trail splits and I go left following the Red Pine Rd Trail (yea!).

I follow a creek for a little bit before the trail splits again. Not sure which way to go but decide to go left as it was uphill and I knew I needed to go up.

Really hard to enjoy the trail with the sun in my eyes (at least the part in front of me) but I'm scanning as I pass. Don't think I'll see any wildlife besides chipmunks and squirrels because it's later and people have already been through.

Although its late in the season, there are still a bunch of flowers blooming (maybe not in the same numbers as several weeks ago but still some blooming): Geraniums, mints, goldenrods, paintbrush, a few lupine and lots of yellow composites and asters. It looks beautiful. Even the fading plants in their orange/red colors and their seed heads looks great. Pretty impressive scenery -- I can only image what it looked like in July and early Aug. (Note to self: Remember to come earlier next year.)

I finally make it to a break in the forest to a little wet meadow. Not much blooming here but there is a little (approx) 6ft X 5ft pond in the middle. It has small willows around the southern edge. This looks like a great spot for moose! But no animals, however, there are a couple of animal trails leading to the little water hole.

The trail weaves in and out of the forest, then across a cliff --- I can see the Great Western Trail about 100 ft below. Along this cliff, I spot a few bright red flowers. I risk sliding down to the Great Western to take a photo only to find a few more plants on the uphill side of the trail (always good to pay attention to your surroundings).

Lots of Scrub Oak along this portion of the trail. I look up and can see the ridge but I still have trail to go.

The Fireweed is all but bloomed out. All that's remaining are the seed pods. I was expecting little seeds inside the pods; instead "fluffies" -- like milkweed; the seeds spread by the wind. I learned something today.

I finally come to a bigger meadow. There are aspen trees on the uphill side, followed by more meadow and the round mountain tops. Much different than Big & Little Cottonwood's jagged, rocky tops.

I come across a couple more meadows some totally yellow in large patches of fall blooming flowers. It's really pretty.

The final meadow has a stream running down by the trail. The yellow Monkeyflowers are still in bloom in/near the water. Also there are more Yellow flowers and Asters blooming here. I see some Frits flying.

After 2.2 miles (according to my book - I wish I had my GPS today), I arrive at a trail intersection, south continues on the Great Western into Big Cottonwood Canyon, East continues to the overlook and Murdock Mt. I go east (left) and I'm immediately at a viewpoint over Park City. I can see the ski lifts below. It's a hazy morning view though. I follow the trail but it starts going downhill towards Park City. I wasn't expecting that. My book doesn't mention that - it just shows a trail that curves. Hmmm. There's a big mountain to my left - probably Murdock -- but it seems to early. I'm really not sure if this is right trail -- definitely NOT matching my book. So I turn back and head South. I'll give myself an hour or so.

I dive into a thick conifer forest. The trail is pretty steep and has deep ruts - probably from the cyclists grooves and snow melt over the years. I finally break out of the thick forest to an aspen grove with lots of mints blooming. Quite pretty.

Then I come to another overlook onto Park City. I can see I-80 far below and the interchange with I-40. There is a peak to my left with lots of yellow flowers.

I decide to follow the animal trail to the top. There's some decent views going up.

In some spots, I'm knee-deep in flowers. The views going up are pretty incredible -- even behind me.

The top is covered in yellow flowers with great views onto Park City area.

There are butterflies too: Sulphers, Frits, Commas, a Skipper; already nectaring on the feast of flowers. I think this will be my Mt Murdock for the day.

But its time to head back down.

Now what to do? Do I continue on the trail or head back? It's only 11:00am, I'll go a little further.

The trail continues uphill to yet another viewpoint. Before I get there, the landscape changes to sagebrush and there are tons of Red Paintbrush blooming among the sagebrush. Looks great!!

Also, to the south, I can see the Big Cottonwood jagged peaks. I look behind me and its in open view down the canyon to the SL valley. I think that's the Great Salt Lake. Amazing!

What a wise choice to continue!!

I get to the viewpoint and its a mountain side of yellow. One of the most amazing flower blooms I've seen here. Maybe because its all one color -- but impressive!

The viewpoint has its own trail that continues but it goes downhill. I go back to the main trail. This goes on as well, another little uphill climb. Hmmmm. I have know idea how far I've travelled but I've been going 2.5 hours. I could continue but since I don't know where I'm heading, I decide to turn back. No regrets, I've seen some wonderful views!

So back I go, thru the aspen grove, past the 1st viewpoint (and my Mt Murdock), and to the thick forest. There some bright green moss in here. And in moss are some wintergreen plants w/ flowers - lots of them.

And many of different types mushrooms.

I meet 3 cyclists and ask where they rode from -- Big Cottonwood - Guardsman Pass, I was heading that way. I also asked about where Mt Murdock and they weren't sure. They continued on (as did I but bikes are faster especially downhill). When I got down the hill, they were there with 2 other bikers. The one told me that I was originally headed in the direction of Mt Murdock but there is a downhill section first. Note that for next time. (Honestly, I think I had the better walk today anyway.)

They headed down to Park City and I headed West back to the trailhead. I can enjoys the views now since the sun's not in my eyes. There's more bflys out now; I see a couple of Coppers and another Skipper.

I also see a bird of prey in the trees. Unfortunately my camera wouldn't focus on him -- too many branches.

The commas I've been seeing are definitely very fresh and bright Hoary Commas as one finally stops. The Skipper looks like a Juba and the Sulphers - Clouded. I also saw 1 Common Checkered Skipper on the way back.

Just before getting to the parking lot I see a Hoary Comma alit on a piece of tall grass.

Great day -- what took me so long to get here?! Will be back!

Aug 30 - Sheepdog Championship - Soldier Hollow

I'm going to the Sheepdog Championships at Soldier Hollow today. I went last year and had a blast watching sheepdogs (mostly Border Collies) work a herd of 5 sheep (all Ewes) through 3 gates and other sheepdog chores (splitting the herd and the big finale is penning the sheep) in 12 minutes. Its a 4 day event with the Prelims for 3 days and the top 15 dogs heading to the finale on Monday where they have to work 2 herds of sheep.

Thankfully, this year's Championship is a little later in the year (and hopefully a little cooler).

As I headout, its sunny to the East but very cloudy over the Salt Lake valley. There's no rain in the forecast (although they did say mountain showers in the late afternoon), but it sure does look like rain's coming. I check the weather at Soldier Hollow and it says dry for next 6 hours and its a cool 46 degrees -- better bring a jacket.

Lots of folks on the expressway this morning travelling for the Labor Day week-end. But it was a quick drive for me. The trees are actually changing into their Fall colors on the Wasatch back -- splatches of red and yellow among many many green leaves.

I get one of the first 10 spots in the "normal" people's parking -- I wanted to get there early to avoid the crowds, my planned worked. I missed the 1st two dogs run and arrive with the 3rd attempting the last 2 tasks; splitting the herd and penning the sheep. Both tasks require a lot of skill for the dog and handler and a LOT of patience. (It's also quite nerve-wrecking from a spectator point of view --- the sheep just bolt at the last minute.)

The course is the same as last year. The dog runs uphill to the sheep and drives them down and through a gate,

then down to the "main area" where the handler is, then uphill through another gate,

across the field and through another gate and back to the "main area" where they have to split the herd and finally pen the sheep.

They get points for each task completed and how they are working the sheep (good lines, etc).

The first dog I see, Tess, pens the sheep and receives an 86 (out of 100) for the high score so far. (And that's a really good score.)

The dogs appear to be doing much better at penning the sheep this year. (I only remember a few successful ones last year.)  But there are dogs having a bad day as well, like a few of the finalists from last year -- missing gates, can't get them penned. But I think they do get at least 2 attempts over the 3 days (maybe more).

But some dogs had feisty sheep that didn't want do what the dogs wanted them to do -- made for some interesting runs. And there was one dog that got challenged by one of the sheep - nose to nose -- and the dog had show her whose boss (the dogs are not allowed to nip/bite the sheep unless its to protect themselves as in this case -- but this dog maintained its cool and didn't bite).

Other dogs, well they simply weren't very good at listening to their handlers.

But at the end of the course, they all get the water bath to cool off.

Mick scored an 89 on the course, it was a beautiful run and he had the top score for some time.

My favorite of the day was Cole, he was from Indiana (OK he was my favorite by default). I noticed when he walked onto the course that he seemed to have a limp. And then they announced, he only had 3 legs!! What a champ -- what a breed of dog!!

And he ran like a cheetah, stretched out with every stride. Absolutely no handicap for him. He didn't pen the sheep (ran out of time) but he made 2 of 3 gates and split herd successfully. Wow!

Sis scored another 89 on the course. But Mick held the top spot because of tie-breakers (maybe faster time).

I watched for 3 hours and took a break for lunch. It drizzled for a little bit and there was more rain looking clouds moving our way. I then watched a couple more dogs from the tented area. The wind was really starting to pick up now so I headed for the exit. (Lots of people still coming in.)

The whole way drive back to SLC was in the rain. But as I entered the valley, hazy sunshine.

Great day! This is so much fun. And even more so because the people cheer when the dog gets the sheep thru the gate, splits the herd and pens the sheep. They also moaned when the sheep miss the gate or they don't get penned. Fun time!!

Next year, finals!!

Aug 23 - White Rock Trail (Antelope Island)

My plans totally changed today because the weathermen were thankfully wrong. They had an all-day rain for today but when I woke and looked at the forecast - partly sunny, dry, and map looked clear. With a high 70-74 (about 15+ degrees below normal) forget a day at home, I'm going to Antelope Island.

Curiously, the paper this morning had an article indicating that the Salt Lake is close to breaking the record low water levels of 1963; guess that's what 3 years of drought does. Hopefully, all this rain we've been getting this month (in SLC we're over 300% for Aug) continues into the winter and brings lots of snow (in the mountains not the city) to end this current weather cycle. (Also we've had the coolest summer in many many years.)

It was 59 degrees when I left my house. The sun was out but there were still plenty of clouds out.

I get to the causeway and there's actual some water along it -- last time it was totally dry. I'm sure it was due to the rain. And it looked "fresh" as many plants are now green again.

Decide to go straight to the White Rock Trailhead because I'm thinking there will be a lot people (it's summer, its a good biking trail) and I want to make sure I get a parking spot.

I'm greeted almost immediately by a small bison herd along the road. Then a bit further down, I see a single pronghorn running through the sagebrush, crosses the road and keeps running. I look for a coyote or something chasing but see nothing.

There are about 20 bison scattered along the West side of the Island. Not really in herds just scattered; probably lone males.

I drive thru the White Rock campground and its surprisingly empty. Only a couple of tents. Maybe it was the weather forecast that scared folks away. But that's OK, I had no problems with parking; there was only one other car.

Got myself ready to go when about 6 horseback riders started the trail going clockwise. Well, I don't really want to follow them so I start counter-clockwise. I don't think I've ever went this direction on the trail so it will be different.

There a couple of bison between the two trails which is usual.

The blue sky with puffy white clouds and the tan grasses look vibrant. And the view is somewhat clear as I can actually see the mountains to the west. The only visible flowers are besides the trail, some yellow composite and a few sunflowers.

I see a Monarch.

The dragonflies are out. There are Green Darners, red Meadowhawks and others.

Lots of swallows flying today. But the only sound I hear is the wind. (A nice wind that makes it cooler considering it's only 60 degrees.)

About 1/2 way down the bottom stretch, there are pink flowers; some are about 1-2 ft tall and others look like little shrubs. They look like they are related to the annual Cleome which I've planted in my backyard. (I checked at the Visitor's Center, and the plant is Rocky Mountain Beeplant - Family: Cleome.)

Funny that they're only on this one 200 yrd section of trail. Must be perfect growing conditions.

There are lots of Sunflowers now. In one, I find a moth - not a bad place to hide from the rain.

I see two other species of pink flowers but cannot identify them.

I'm finally done with the long bottom stretch and turn to start heading up the valley. I'm seeing deer or antelope tracks (not sure which). They are fresh but they are heading in the opposite direction.

There are also some big ugly clouds moving in, hopefully I get out of here before it pours.

I spot some white Tufted Evening Primrose.

A little further down the trail, I see only a couple of very small purple aster-like flowers.

I finally get to the ridge and a view of the east side of the island which is just gorgeous even though its hazy with the clouds.

Along the ridge I go. Lots of water puddles -- bet the animals are liking the easy access to water.

One last little hill before I'm to the top of the mesa. I think the counter-clockwise direction is easier as its a gradual incline and then a few hills; the other direction is one big hill. But I still like the clockwise direction better; the views are nicer and I get to enjoy them longer.

I'm on my way down now and I spot a lone pronghorn in the grasses.

There's also a bison at the end of the trail and he's standing right by the trail. Not sure how I'm going to get around as there's a big fence along the trail. I have a pair of horseback riders not too far behind me so worse case I'll just follow them past the bison.

But the bison sees me (or horses) getting closer and starts moving off. He stops, turns and looks my direction a couple of timex before exiting to the other side of the fence and past my car. He's heading in the direction of the horseback riders trailers, now they can deal with him.

I'm heading out to grab some lunch at the Island Cafe and see a Mom Mule Deer and 2 fawns feeding in the fields. They're a little hard to see because of the dead plant stalks.

But I watch anyway. I can see the white spots on the fawns. And their ears, they're about as big as the fawn's head. They're so cute.

After lunch, I decide to head down the east side of the island to the Ranch. I see a couple of small herds of bison; they are on/near the ridgelines. And another lone pronghorn.

I head to the parking area for the Sentry Trail because I going to walk to the seep and see if I can find another Yuma Skipper. It may be too late but I'm here so its worth a try.

As I get out of my car, I see what I think might be a coyote on the mud flats. I zoom in with my camera and its a lone pronghorn. Not sure what he's doing out there.

There's a herd of bison on the Sentry Trail - but thankfully I'm not going that far. But there is a group of 4 people heading that direction. I'm watching to see what happens as a couple of bison are on the trail. And the people did the right thing, they abandoned the trail and headed up the hill past the bison. (Its a switchback so they just hooked back up with the trail.) Good!

I'm at the seep pools. There are Cabbage Whites, Field Crescents, Mylitta Crescents and Melissa Blues but I don't see any Yuma Skippers. Next year.

On the drive up the island, I spot the lone pronghorn again. I drive by slowly and notice it's not alone. There's another pronghorn behind it!

Another great day on Antelope Island!!

Aug 17 - Maybird Lakes (Little Cottonwood Canyon)

Beautiful sunny Sunday - no rain, not even afternoon mountain storms in the forecast. Perfect.

Today, I heading to Maybird Lakes in Little Cottonwood Canyon. This will be the first time I hiked this trail so I'm excited.

The trail starts at the White Pine Trailhead (along with the trail to Red Pine Lake and White Pine Lake trails). They all share the same trail for about 0.8mile before White Pine branches off to the left; Red and Maybird continue on. At about 2.5 miles (and 1400ft of elevation), Maybird Lakes branches off for another 1.25 miles (and 500ft of elevation gain) ending at 9650 ft.

I get to the trailhead at around 9am and all 35 parking spots are full and there are plenty of cars already in the road. Hmmm, early Sunday is usually a great time to hike but today it very popular (darn). I find my spot behind a police car -- hopefully this is a good omen -- and start the hike.

Its a bit cool this morning but I'm sure I will warm up quickly. I cross the first creek and it still has a good flow to it even this late in the season.

There's lots of green foliage around but the purple & white asters are still blooming as well as yellow composites. I come across this plant with little white flower balls. Since they were with the White Asters I thought they might be buds but that's isn't the case; instead they are Pearly Everlasting.

Nothing too exciting on the 1st 0.8 miles as I get to the next little creek, cross the footbridge and continue through a small wet forest. There are ferns and monkshood blooming here.

Further up the trail, I find orange berries (I think they might be Mt Ash.) and Rose Hips.

I love the Purple Asters! They are so vibrant even in the shade!

I actually meet the cop at the viewpoint - he went up in his uniform. Not sure if he just got off or just taking a break but we wished each other a good day.

At the 2.5 mile mark before crossing the footbridge over the Red Pine creek, I check out the little wet area that was filled with Bog Orchid, ElephantHead and Shooting Star about a month ago. It's all dry now, only a few yellow Monkeyflowers left.

I cross the footbridge and am in new territory. I thought (and hoped) this would be easy 500ft in 1.25 miles but most of the climb was right at the start. It a pretty trail; I'm sure it was prettier at few weeks back when all the flowers were in bloom but there are still spots with lots of blooming flowers. Lots of pine trees and rocky sections but there are little meadows.

It pretty quiet, no birds chirping, no squirrel or chipmunks just an occasional noisy grasshopper.

There's Thistle blooming and hillsides of yellow flowers.

After a 1/2 mile or so, there's a little creek flowing which I step over. There's still pink Lewis's Monkeyflower blooming here.

Finally, I'm at the beginning of the gulch as there's a large mountian in front of me with huge talus fields.

I stop here because I hear something moving on the hill above me and moving in my direction. Maybe its a deer, elk...nope, just another hiker off-trail. I continue on just a bit further I see a lake (yea!!!). I also meet the other hiker. He's the ridge of the mountain - good luck to him!

A little further and there is Pfeifferhorn's Peak (11,326 ft tall) as I peer through the trees. She still has some snow on her! A 2nd lake in front - little island with some trees. She towers above the surrounding mountains.

The ridgeline is pretty cool, all craggy and rough.

I'm tempted to follow the other hiker into the gulch to try to get to the 2nd lake (closer to Pfeifferhorn) but I stay on the trail. But soon the trail comes to a dead-end in the forest. There's a little meadow at the stopping point filled with flowers and some bflies zipping around. There are Frits; they're darker so perhaps Northwesterns (??) and some blues - at least one was a Northern Blue and the other, a Blue Copper.

The trail ending means the only way I can get to the 2nd lake is over the talus fields. Not too excited about this (I'm not a mt goat) but I'll give it a shot. I head down into the gulch and follow the 1st lake around to a section of talus that maybe easy to get across.

Big boulders, little boulders all stacked up with some big gaps in between some of them. Wouldn't be too pleasant to slip and fall here -- be lucky to just break a leg. I didn't get too far when I decided it time to turn around and find a nice spot along lake #1 for lunch.

On the way out I see so Baneberry with its red berries in between some of the rocks.

I find myself a nice shady spot along the lake. It's got great views

Is quiet, I can hear the wind blowing and the hiking poles of the hiker scaling the talus fields. He's hard to spot but he's moving at a pretty good rate. But soon appears to be stuck trying to figure out his next move. I see him move right, stop and go back. He goes back down a little and back up. Good lunch-time entertainment. :)

After lunch I decide to give the trail one more shot, perhaps I can find a way to bushwhack down to the 2nd lake but that didn't work out too good. So its time to head back.

I hear a pika call and find him on the rocks.

I try to find the hiker on the slopes but can't see him - hopefully that means he's found a way up.

As I leave, there are 3 hikers coming in. They say I'm the first person they've ever seen here and they've been here several times. (Red and White Pine Lake are more popular --- I don't know why because this is pretty spectacular.)

One the way down, I see more Frits, a Northern and Melissa Blue and a Sulpher (I believe Western) in some of the meadows.

I find this really neat orange fungus.

I merge back with the Red Pine trail. Lots of folks heading up. Glad I'm not at Red Pine Lake, it definitely wouldn't be very peaceful with all these people.

I get back to the viewpoint and oh my is it a stunning view. I've never seen it so clear, the view down the canyon to the city, the Orriquhs Mts, the near mountains... the colors are so sharp and clear. It's pretty amazing!

A little further down, I see my first fall colors of the year - red leaves.

I also find another deep forest beauty, the Pinedrops - another one of those non-chlorophyll, parasitic plants.

August 15 - Albion Basin

Off to Albion Basin today. Wanted to check out the flowers or what's still blooming as its going close to be Fall in the upper elevations.

Beautiful morning today.

The dirt summer access road has seen better days, getting pretty bumpy and there are large holes. Definitely a shock/strut test for the car. The small parking area has a good number of cars already; kinda surprising for a Friday. It's a balmy 52 degrees.

I get out of my car and realize there a really strong wind blowing today -- my favorite hiking cap blew off my head into a large muddy puddle of water :( (Lucky I carry a spare.) Kinda chilly for shorts and a t-shirt but I do have a long sleeve shirt. I'm sure I'll get warm with the climb.

Would be warmer if the sun were totally out but there are large poofie clouds for it to deal with. Since its windy, I'm not going up Sunset Peak; I just need that perfect day - I know I'm not going to get blown off but its still a warm fuzzy for me.

I start up the trail slowly looking at what's left of the flowers and for moose, deer and other critters. There's a fair number flowers still in bloom: a few Geraniums, Lupine, lots of Paintbrush, mint and various Asters, etc. I think the two "flowers of plenty" are:

I spot a small herd of deer (including a buck) walking up the flower-filled hill from me. (There were 4 doe.) They looked at me and slowly walked into the woods. Must be the harem for the Fall rut.

I looked further up the hill and there was a larger buck.  Both buck were still in velvet.

I continue up to Catherine's Pass. The yellow/brown of fading flowers is evident in spots. But there are more than plenty bright colors of still blooming plants.

There are plenty of fuzzy lupine seed pods but equally plenty purple flowers.

Catherine's Pass is wonderful as always. The sun is at the perfect angle and Catherine Lake is glistening in the still early morning light - ok, its around 10am but the sun is just making over the mountain.

Lots of chipmunks out today and they are not afraid of people; they're just doing their thing which today is chowing these yellow flowers.

I walk up on a few of them and they are oblivious. Must be good eats!

I stared at Sunset Peak, even talked about it to a group of 3 people - I was just wondering if the trail is exposed. They said no and of the guys even offered to go up with me. I declined but it was really nice of him to offer. (Still can't get over the wind - crazy I know, I'll get there.)

On the way down, many folks coming up -- must be a lot of folks off today or maybe it's the last hurrah before school starts.

Did find an Elephanthead plant still in bloom -- just one.

Saw a hummingbird nectaring on Paintbrush.

Short but good day. (Time to go mow my lawn, love the rain we've been getting.)

Aug 9 - Antelope Island

I haven't been here in about 3 months after I hiked 6+ miles in a swarm of biting gnats. I've been told they go away after a week or so of 90 degree days. Well, there's been a couple of months of 90 degree days so I hoping that person was correct because I've been itching to go back. And today is the day.

A hazy but sunny morning. About 70 when I left. The causeway drive was interesting because there is no water either in Farmington Bay or Salt Lake for most of the 13+ miles drive. It looks so different but that's what happens after 3 years of drought.

Towards the end of the causeway, there is water in both the bay and the lake (much more in the lake though). I do my usual thing of turning to drive down the east side of the island to the ranch. Before I go even a 1 mile there are 5-6 bison along the road at the intersection for the ranch.

I pulled off to watch. Always fun to hear them ripping the grass from the ground and chewing. One of the bison appeared to have some battle marks on his back.

I continue down the island scanning for any movement. The spot along the fence which usually has a pronghorn or bison, has nothing. But as I continue down, I run into a HUGE herd of bison all marching south down the island (in the same direction I'm heading). They are on the both sides of the road and in the road. My progress is definitely slowed but the ones crossing the road and marching in it.

With my windows rolled down, I can't hear the huffs they make while breathing and other communication sounds. But I watch. And then all of a sudden, the whole herd turns and starts running back north up the island. (I'm in the middle of a stampede!!) Once they passed, I wondered what could possibly cause that kind of panic. There's only coyote on the island, I'm driving my car in the middle of them and they don't care.... Well the big scare was caused by 2 bicyclists coming up the road - what a bunch of whimpy bison!! :)

Anyway, I continue on my way and see several more smaller herds - one closer to the bay (the summer mud flat, a very large one), one tucked near the mountains, etc.

I finally get to the parking area for the Sentry Trail; it's still a comfy 72 degrees and I'm off. I quickly spot a bfly -- it's a pretty fresh Grey Hairstreak (love the little red lines and the long tail).

Not too much further, I track down a blue flyer -- it's the beautiful Melissa Blue (quite a few out today).

There are quite a few dragonflies out which seems odd to me because there's no nearby water (that I'm aware of).

I find them all along the trail except at the very top. (I really need to learn the ID of these guys.)

Lots of grasshoppers too and if they're not hopping they are pretty camouflaged.

Not much further up the trail, I do find water. It's a little seep, very green and lush. This must be where the animals get their fresh water (besides the bay). I've never noticed it before. Hmmm.

I see a large orange flyer -- it's a Monarch!! I'm really excited because this is only the 2nd time I've seen them in UT -- I think the other time was in late summer on Antelope Island too. (I saw a total of 5 today.)

I keep seeing tiny things moving fast across the trail. Finally, I see that they are small lizards.

I find one sunflower - it has some life on it -- a beetle and caterpillar- it's own little ecosystem.

As I'm getting to the "loop" part of the trail, I see a lone bison heading down the left side. He beds down. I'll have to deal with him on my way down because I'm going up in the counter-clockwise direction.

I round a corner and scare up 2 pronghorn. They run for awhile and then stop to look at me. I think this may be a Mom and offspring since there is a definite difference is size and the smaller one is following the lead of the larger one.

After a look at me, they decide to run off.

I get to the top and the usual wonderful view is still hazy over the lake. I can barely see the mountains. After a quick rest, I continue across and behind Sentry Peak. I spot a bird overhead circling; he's got a white belly and tan/white/dark grey wings. Definitely a hawk/falcon. I think he was eyeing all the birds I scared up when I went through the rocky section of the trail. (After looking at a bird book, pretty sure it was a Swainson's Hawk - light morph - maybe).

Heading down, I scare up another 2 pronghorn. These weren't the same as earlier -- they were both the same size. But they took off running and kept running.

I get to the section I expect to see the lone bison. I finally see him. What a great view he has -- it's a Lion King view of the ground below. Oops, that's one of those pesky rock bison!!

I find the real bison below in a dry wallow. He's enjoying rolling in it. But he soon notices me as I get nearer. The wallow is a few feet from the trail, I'm hoping he's in a good mood.

At about 100 yrds away he stands up and looks in my direction. I stop -- he's tail wagging which I think is a good sign (I think a raised tail equals a stressed bison.) He turns away and I continue. I'm going off trail to get the widest berth I can but there's a big hill so I'm limited. Each time he turns towards me, I stop (his tail still wagging). Finally, he starts to move -- unfortunately in the same direction I'm heading, but he's moving.

He's heading directly downhill on an animal path. So I can continue down my trail which heads downhill in a switchback fashion. This means I may run into him along the next switchback as it crosses back. Sure enough when I get to the next switchback there he is crossing my trail again but he's still heading downhill. This is a long switchback taking me north so I don't think I'll run into him again but time will tell.

I get to the final switchback and I do spot him but he's resting far from the trail (whew!).

I make one last quick stop at the seep because I saw a skipper here earlier. And I see him again resting on a leaf. This is a Yuma Skipper and it is a lifer for me!!!!

On the drive back, lots of bison made it down to the bay.

Along the fence line, there's my pronghorn standing proud. :)

Well its 12:30 I'm starving and after seeing all those bison, a bison burger sounds really good. A quick stop at the island's grill restaurant gets me that bison burger!

Great day!

Aug 8 - Lamb's Canyon (Thimbleberry Grazing)

Early work Friday so I have time to take a quick hike up Lamb's Canyon (and I hope I can beat the building thunderstorms).

Checked the mud puddles near the parking area (and they are muddy because of the recent rains). It's sadly pretty empty, only a few Woodland Skipper, a passing Mustard White and a very beaten Two-Tailed Swallowtail -- this means the butterfly season is winding down :(

The trail is very green; majority of the flowers are going to seed or will be soon. There some Monkshood, mint, and geraniums hanging up on the lower parts of the trail.

I find this curious seed head.

And the Thimbleberries are almost in full ripeness --

Yummy!!! Unfortunately the key word is "almost" but there are red ones here and there so I just graze my way up the hill.

There are a good number of Frits flying; I can confidently ID the Great Spangled and the Northwestern but there are others.

Find a couple of Lilac-Bordered Coppers but for the most part this is a non-stop hike to the top. (well almost non-stop).

A guy coming down the trail tells me that there's a black bear ahead -- kinda cool. He shows me the pictures he took. I'm excited but kinda on edge after having the moose walk out in front of me last week. I'm looking but I can't find him. :(

There this 50-60 foot section of trail 1/2 up that just filled with the petal-less coneflowers - looks pretty cool!

Lots of red (and white) berries in the forest -- not the ones I want to eat; they're Baneberries.

On the last stretch, the Paintbrush is still blooming.

On top, the valley look hazy but its refreshingly cool with a nice wind blowing.

Time to head back down -- maybe I'll see that bear.

I see a lot of Fir cone scales in piles on the trail; the squirrels and chipmunks must be having their fill.

Well I make it back down, no bear and only got hit with a couple drops of rain (and that was on the way up).

Nice way to end a Friday.