Dec 27 - Sentry Trail (Antelope Island)

Well Mother Nature finally brought us some snow and cold (i.e., winter FINALLY) and on the perfect day, Christmas. (No, dreaming out a White Christmas in SLC.)

So today I get to enjoy that snow on Antelope Island. I don't really have a plan today. It's cold, 20 degrees when I left. I'm hoping for a hike but the sun must come out because 20+ degrees and sun is nice weather; without the sun, it's coooooold.

Luckily for me, the sun is out and its clear. I think its supposed to be that way the entire day.

I get through the park entrance and boy is it different looking! There's the usual dry lake beds at the beginning of the causeway but there's some snow. Not alot, just a dusting.

I see a bird of prey flying. He's been here the last few times I've been here (near the entrance) -- I need figure out what kind of bird he is since this seems to be his home turf.

As I get further along the causeway, there's more water puddles (of course frozen) on the Farmington Bay side and there seems to be more water in the Salt Lake (unfrozen -- salt water).

I see rain/snow showers rolling in to the north -- I hope they're going straight east or its going to be a very short day.

There's not a lot of open water on Farmington Bay but the small open areas are packed with ducks.

Head down the east side of the island towards the Ranch - I wanted to go to the west side first but there are cars ahead of me since they all went west, I have to be different.

It's pretty clear out; the Wasatch mountains are finally snow covered from top to bottom.

The landscape is lightly snow-covered; the sagebrush and other grasses standout amongst the snowy ground.

I'm scanning for animals but see none.

I get to an area past Frary Peak where I have good luck spotting coyotes and deer; I slow down to really look for anything moving. There's a coyote moving thru the grass!!! I stop and cross the road to get a better look. But the coyote disappeared in the tall vegetation.

I continue heading towards the Ranch. As I get closer, I see a large herd of bison in the distance closer to the mountains.

When I get to the Ranch, the gated dirt road to the Sentry Peak Trailhead is still open so I decide I'm hiking Sentry Peak today.

Before I start the hike, I look toward the water line just south of the Ranch. There's deer! A small herd of females - 5 of them. For some reason, one deer trots away from the herd heading for the Ranch. The rest keep on grazing.

I start up the trail heading toward the mountains. A little way in, I see something out of place a head of me just off the trail. It's lighter in color but hard to tell because of the snow and glare of the sun. Could it be a pronghorn or deer? I grab my camera and zoom in; it's a pronghorn!!! I glance left looking for other pronghorns since they do form harems in the fall. And sure enough, there's a whole herd of them -- I count 12 (but there could be more). And only one with a set of horns.

I stand and watch as they slowly move south -- I'm sure its because they sense my presence. After a few minutes, I continue slowly down the trail. They gather up and continue southward.

Just a few 100 feet later, I hear the howls of two coyotes. One howling and the other returning the call. Its pretty loud and they can't be that far away. I step off the trail a bit, there's a little downhill section and I'm wondering if they're down there. Unfortunately, I see nothing -- but the howling continues. It's frustrating because they have to be very near. (Maybe the pronghorn moved on not because of me but because of the coyotes.)

As soon as I get maybe 50 yards away, the howling stops. I look again and still see no coyotes. Guess they didn't like me walking by either.

The trail is a mixture of light snow and open dirt. Easy moving. There's lots of animal tracks around: hoofs (deer and pronghorn), bison, and coyote. There are other tracks, especially further up the trail. I can only image they are small mammals (like rabbit), rodents and perhaps some birds (Chukkars). And there are some human footprints as well -- makes me feel like I'm not the only crazy person trekking through the snow and cold.

The skies are still clear; the sun nice and warm. As I get higher, the views only get better.

I'm coming upon the last section and there are 3 horseback riders heading down. I ask if there are any animals up top; the guy said there is a small herd of bison by the picnic table. Cool, I will see them as I crest.

The snow is a bit deeper up here - still only a couple of inches.

As I crest the top, I see great snowy view of the mountains to the west.

Much clearer to the west too. Less clouds over the mountains and less inversion in the valley. But I don't see any bison - maybe he meant the picnic table on the other side of the ridge.

I've never been hiking on this trail with snow on the ground, it's pretty incredible.

I get to the picnic table and decided I wasn't stopping to have lunch; it's really windy and cold. I put a fleece on, grab my sandwich and continue along the ridge. I stop occasionally to check out the views and on my first stop, I finally see the small herd of bison. They are below the picnic table. Looks like they're all taking their afternoon siesta - with one bison flat on his side.

It's starting to cloud up now or perhaps the inversion haze is just getting thicker.

I get to the other picnic table and start heading downhill on the east side. The views are much hazier now.

I'm coming up to the long switchback heading south when a female deer comes up the hill and crosses the switchback. She's not that far way. I stop to watch. She knows I'm there as she's looking in my direction.

But she keeps moving up the hill, stopping occasionally to look in my direction. When she's out-of-sight, I continue.

Well, I'm back to the final stretch to the trailhead - where I had seen the pronghorn and heard the 2 coyote on my way up. I'm scanning hoping to catch a glimpse of the coyote when I hear something and stop. It's a coyote! It's barking to the west right where I just passed -- woof, woof, woof and pause and another 3 woofs --- if that were a whistle, I'd think a hiker was in trouble. Occasionally, there's a very faint woof coming from the east. I just stand an listen for a bit. When I continue on towards the east, the woofs stop. Was this an alarm call of sort? Maybe there's a winter den nearby. But its very cool -- basically the same spot on the way up and down.

I get back to my car and start heading back up the island. The bison are still there. They've move a little towards the road but still very far away.

I get just past the bison when something catches my eye to the left; it's a coyote!! It's moving in the clear thru the grasses. I stop for a look. The coyote stops and looks back at me before slowly trotting away.

I wonder if this is the one I passed on the trail earlier this morning.

A little further along I spot another prey of bird -- kinda looked like a peregrine falcon with the brownish/red breast. He was looking for something to eat.

I get back and decide to head to the west side of the island and Buffalo Point. I can see several small herds of bison: one on the flats below Buffalo Point, one near the White Rock Trail, one up on Buffalo Point, etc.

I head up to Buffalo Point for some great views of White Rock Bay.

On the way out, I see that bird of prey again near the entrance. He's drops to the ground and is hidden by the vegetation. My guess is a successful hunt!!

Great day!

Dec 19 - White Rock Trail (Antelope Island)

Heading off the Antelope Island today. Thought about hiking the Split Rock Trail but its about 10 miles and with the late start I got and the 5pm darkness these days, I'm settling for the White Rock Trail.

Beautiful morning, it's sunny (though clouds are supposed to roll in at some point) and a crisp 40 degrees (high in mid/upper 40s).

The causeway drive was a bit different this morning - there was actually more water in both Salt Lake and Farmington Bay. Not sure why as we haven't had a lot of rain (or snow) lately. But it was definitely nice to see.

The ice that was Farmington Bay last time I was here is gone. And so is huge gathering of ducks  that was here last time. There are still ducks, but in smaller number and spread out because the water is open (not frozen).

I'm a little later than I hoped (slow getting going this morning) so I head directly to the trailhead.

I'm happy to see a small herd of bison below Buffalo Point -- it's the first bison I've seen on the west side of the island in a while. Hope that's a good omen.

I get to the trailhead and start in my normal clockwise direction. (There's a State Park truck heading counter-clockwise down the trail -- I've seen a lot of them lately here.) I don't see any bison around the trailhead or down by the water but I do see some ahead of me on the hill (hope they're not too near the trail). After walking a bit, I turn around (just wanting to see behind me) and there are bison down at the start of the trail. I just didn't see them before -- there's about 7 of them!

The visibility is pretty decent today - I can see the mountains to the west pretty clearly (and they have snow on the tops!!!). The recent inversion has either cleared or is just better north of the city.

I'm closing in on the herd on the hill - there's 5 of them (and more in the distance - probably 20-30). Two are standing and 3 are laying down. They are far enough off the trail so I pass by easily.

It's the middle of December so surprise, surprise, I see a plant with blooms and buds!!

 (Probably thanks to all that warm weather we've been having) And ironically, a few feet away, a similar plant with frosty leaves.

I'm almost to the top now and still scanning for wildlife. I'm in a section with some scattered big boulders and something that looks different. I check with my camera - yes its a lone bison laying down not far from the trail. This one, I need to go off-trail to give it a wide berth.

As I get close, he stands up and looks at me. I watch him the whole way -- no wagging tail but his tail isn't up either.  I get to watch him for some time as the trail loops back behind him. It's a pretty view behind him.

It's getting cloudy further north and looks like some rain showers -- I hope it doesn't move here until I'm done with this hike.

I finally make it to the top and I can see snowy peaks in the distance between Frary Peak and Elephant Head. And I can see the black spots in White Rock Valley - big herd of bison!!!

I stop briefly at a bench -- the wind is blowing, it's cold so I just continue on but I enjoy some great views to the east as I cross the ridgeline towards Frary Peak.

For the first time, I actually notice Salt Lake City on the horizon. I think it's standing out because the fog (from the inversion) is thick to the south and it just sticks out.

I cross the ridgeline and now am heading downhill. I can't find the bison until I look back behind me, they are under the ridgeline - I circled around them.

I see 3 bison near the trail along the shoreline -- I will deal with them soon.

I also see 3 bison way up high on a side of a mountain that's covered in light snow.  Its pretty steep -- I'm surprised to see them there though I probably shouldn't be.

I see some deer or pronghorn scat on the trail - no hoof prints though (and no animals).

Heading north now -- the scenery has changed from sunny to dark clouds with a peak of sunlight -- it's really pretty!

I closing in on the 3 bison. This one might tricky - 2 are to the right of the trail and far enough away I'm not too concerned about them (but I'd go off-trail to give them extra room). The other is to the left of the trail and just feet off the trail. I don't want to go between the bison so I'm planning on heading left through the sagebrush. I'm hoping as I get closer, the left bison - who is laying down - will notice me and stand up - I don't want to surprise him (these are older males and can be a bit testy at times - ran into a herd of them earlier this Spring that trail monitors sent me way around the herd).

As I get closer, one of the bison on the right side notices me, quits feeding and heads pretty quickly to the left bison. Oh crap - I think this one might want to "play". I'm really nervous now but keep heading forward. Then I hear something behind me. I turn and it's the State Park truck - perfect timing!! I hope they help me get through these bison.

Sure enough they pull up and ask if I'm comfortable moving through them. I say no and they offer me a ride. (Yes!!) As we pull up, that "trouble making" bison moves back to the right. Just off the road, he puts his head down and jostles with the dirt and then rolls in the dirt -- I believe this to be a sign of aggression as the ranger commented that he was being a little fiesty. (Thank goodness for the short ride!)

A few feet passed the left bison, they let me out. The bison quickly stood up and stared at me. His tail was up --- I walked as quickly as I could behind the truck to get out of his territory.

One last herd of bison at the beginning of the trail (yes, they are still here). They are far enough off trail that I just walk on by.

Back in my car, it's time for a quick trip down the east side of the island.

No sun now -- clouds have rolled in and I can see it raining in spots on the horizon.

On the east side, I finally see one bison around the Frary Peak turn-off. Further down, there are herds of bison but they are far away towards the mountains.

But the mountains to the east look pretty impressive with a bit of sunlight shining thru the dark clouds.

Then I turn a corner and Wow! this snowy white mountain peak ahead of me!! I think my jaw dropped.

It's either Stansbury Peak or maybe Deseret Peak (neither on Antelope Island).

I get to the Ranch and then turn around. On the way back, I stop to watch a bird of prey circling above. I don't know what kind but it does have a white patch underneath it's wings.

As I come up to Frary Peak, I see the lone bison crossing the road. I pull-off and watch him as he heads down the hill towards the Farmington Bay shoreline. He's seems to be limping but that could just be muddy ground.

I'm finally back to the causeway and just had to stop for the view.

Great day -- but everyday is a great day when visiting Antelope Island! :)

Dec 12 - After a couple attempts - Little Cottonwood Canyon

We're having near-record warmth here -- consistently about 20 degrees above normal - even saw a Painted Lady butterfly around work the other day (not one I'd expect to be flying on a warm Dec day).

But Friday evening things are supposed to be changing, so I took off early on Friday to do some hiking. I'm not sure how realistic either of my locations will be, but its been warm and we haven't had snow in a while so I'm taking a chance.

My first thought is to hike the Mormon Trail which is just west of Park City. The drive up Parley's Canyon looked brown, dry and snowless -- so that's promising. Once at the top of Parley's Summit (7100 ft), snow appeared on the north/northeastern side of the mountains. Not talking feet here but several inches but the south/southwestern slopes were clear - which is good for me.

I take the Jeremy Ranch exit and then head down the dirt road to the trailhead. The trail is mostly dry but around some curves (which are more shaded), its pretty wet. The landscape had a very small amount of snow on some slopes and the river was flowing (although there was some ice in spots). Then I get to the very last section before the trailhead and came upon ice - this wouldn't normally be an issue but this last section is a little steep hill (w/ big ruts); I'm not worried about getting down, but I am worried about getting my car back up -- so onto the backup plan: Lamb's Canyon.

Not sure how this will go. The canyon road is paved, narrow and curvy; and it runs north/south so the road, in spots, doesn't get a lot of sunlight. I'm pretty sure they plow it as Lamb's Canyon is supposed to be a good snowshoe spot. But its time to find out.

Heading back west on the highway, I can see snow on those northeastern faces which means I will have snow on the hike. The canyon road is clear most of the way but again, the last stretch to the trailhead is icy. I can't turn around - the road is too narrow so I continue. When I get to the parking area, I'm surprised to see another car! Hey I'll have company.

But the road is ice -- probably from packed snow that melts then freezes or it simply could be from mountain run-off but it's slick. I skate my way to the start of the trail, this is not looking good. The trail is also packed snow/ice. And I wasn't a smart hiker today as I didn't bring my YakTrak to make this hike doable - the trail is about 15-20% grade and on ice, time to figure out a Plan C.

So back up the canyon I go, then back towards Salt Lake, and then south on 215 towards Little Cottonwood Canyon -- it's barely 1pm so I'm heading to the Little Cottonwood Canyon trail. And I don't expect any snow here as its at the mouth of the canyon.

The parking at the mouth of the canyon is closed for the winter (we're supposed to have snow by now) so I head up to the secondary parking. I park and am greeted by the dirt trail.

I decide to head downhill first. I can here the sounds of the river running. Its low at this time of the year. And in portions of the trail, its not flowing at all.

I get to the first bridge -- lots of berries overhanging the water.

Further along the trail in a spot with lots of berries, there are signs all over the trail of birds enjoying these berries -- berry skins.

My favorite little creek is still flowing and the little pool of water, it's frozen.

Otherwise, the trail was quiet: no squirrels, chipmunks or birds.

I make it to the final bridge; there's just a little stream of water flowing.

Time to head back. When I get to my parking area I continue along the trail to the old rock building. There's a little more ice on this section as there's less branches so more snow hits the ground. There are some birds chirping. One is definitely a Black-capped Chickadee. The other bird, I'm not sure what it is but it a short chirp.

I make it to the end -- the building is still standing. Looking upstream I can see snow in the higher elevations.

Time to head home.

Took awhile to get started, but a good day!

Dec 6 - Bighorn Sheep Watch

Today is the annual Bighorn Sheep Watch hosted by Utah's  Division of Wildlife Resources. The watch is along an 8 mile stretch of dirt road along the Green River outside of Green River UT. During this time of year, the sheep are in rut and come down from the higher elevation which obviously makes for easier viewing. Also adding to the easier viewing, is the fact that sheep are simply pre-occupied with breeding and therefore less skiddish of people/cars.

I wanted to come to this last year but we were having snow and driving through the mountains in snow, was not worth the 3 hour drive for me.

I left Friday afternoon since the trip was leaving at 8am - if I left Sat, it would mean me driving at 5am on non-lit highway thru the mountains, with towns few and very far between - that's not high on my list of things do -- not to mention having to deal with 4 legged ungulates (deer, elk, moose) crossing the unlit roads.

The trip down was a breeze and the mesas and rock formations looked glowingly at dusk.

Cloudy Saturday morning and in the 40s - not bad. Lots of people (over 90) going on the trip. We met at the John Wesley Powell Museum in Green River. As we were herded up, the Lead DWR guy said that the last 2 weeks of Nov and 1st of Dec were always good viewing EXCEPT for this year. The unexpected record Nov warmth, for some reason, had cause the rut to occur 2 weeks earlier than normal and many of the sheep have headed back into the high country. He had said that on Monday, scouts reported 100 animals, Tues: 25, Fri: 4; so today would be tough going. Boo! But at least I would know where to go come next year. (yea!)

Since there were so many folks, I rode in the DNR SUV (just trying to save a car -- we had about a 30 car caravan). We were the trailing vehicle of the congo-line.

The road starts as paved and after about 6-7miles turns to dirt. The road is on the eastern edge of the Green River. Extremely pretty country even on a cloudy day.

It was a little hard to enjoy the scenery as my eyes were glued to the cliffs hoping to see a bighorn sheep that one of the 29 cars ahead of us somehow missed. Saw tons of rocks!!

Finally, the caravan stopped. A couple of us (including myself) got out to see what was up ahead. Success! Two sheep up a cliff. Everyone heads cranked looking upward. I asked many people where the sheep were but most had no clue but they were looking anyway. Someone finally tried to explain where the sheep were to me, but I couldn't find them.

Then one of the scout cars found 4 more further up the road so everyone packed up and headed on. Except my car; we moved up to where the 2 sheep were, got the spotting scope out and found them. I was actually able to find them with my binocs. A male and female, a few apart and both laying down looking at us, chewing their cud. Boy, do they blend into their surroundings.

After everyone had a look, we continued on. Our car decided that we would bypass the next 4 sheep (they were in the distance as well) and forge ahead in hopes of seeing some down low. And so we did and saw absolutely nothing but of course, more rocks.

Just before the road ends, we stopped at a petroglyph. A very nice one with deer, elk, and a snake.

Time to turn around and head back. We still had hopes that we would see something and we tried but nothing more. The sun did come out for just a bit.

Definitely not what anyone was expecting. But nature isn't predictable. I saw 2 sheep; that's cool. I call it a success!!

(On the way home, I saw 2 mule deer (doe) just outside of Spanish Fork).