Feb 23 - Sentry Peak (Antelope Island)

Sunny day with temps near 50 degrees. 

It's 37 degrees and sunny when I reach the causeway to Antelope Island. Lovely to see all the water on both sides of the causeway.

No eagles today but still lots of gulls. Well, there are some large black birds out on Farmington Bay. (I think they are just Raven but... after seeing 2 Bald Eagles on Sunday 25th, perhaps they were Eagles.)

I reach the Island and turn south towards the Ranch. No bison behind the VC.

I take a short detour to the west side to check to see if the bison have moved on but I quickly find bison. Shoot! But I'm hiking Sentry Peak (the whole thing) so bison on the north side is a good thing.

I backtrack and head south. I find bison among the rocks confirming they are still hanging out on the north side.

No other critter until just south of the Frary Peak road where I find a very small herd of Pronghorn.

And then there's the Porcupine across from Frary Peak. I was tempted to stop for a peek but decided not too.

I reach the Ranch and find a herd of bison of about 200 yards north of Mushroom Springs. Hmm!

Should I hike or not. I turn to head north and find another herd just north of the other herd high on the slopes. Hey, the bison are moving!!!

Hey, I might as well take a gamble on the bison not moving south towards the trail. I park at the Ranch and start my hike.


Quiet hike. The Horned Larks and Western Meadowlarks are starting to sing. 

Soon I'm on the switchback. I see the bison herd and they look like they are bedding down. However, there's another herd to the north. They appear to be walking towards the other herd. I wonder where they came from.

I reach the end of the switchback and start the final climb. 

I find a few patches of snow along the way.

I reach the ridge. It's so pretty out!!

I take a short break and then continue across the ridge.

No bison to be seen as I cross. However, when I'm crossing behind Sentry Peak I hear a screech. Never heard such a noise before. I look up to see a Chukkar landing on the rocks followed by "normal" Chukkar sounds. Boy, I must've really scared him! :)

Time to head down. 

I spot my first beetle of the year!

When I get back to the switchback, the two herds have merged together and are out of my way. Yea!

Nice to be out on the trail again.

Good day!

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