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.

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).