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!!
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