Feb 4 - Gravel Pit (Antelope Island)

 Heading to Antelope Island today. Was hoping to hike Sentry Peak but we got a bunch of rain on Friday and some sneaky stuff early Sat night so sticking with the Gravel Pit.

Forecast is for sunny skies and highs in the low 40s but it's 29 degrees when I leave my house just before 8am.

I arrive on the causeway. Sure looks wet (lots of water) this morning thanks to the recent rains. Wish it looked like this all the time.

See lots of gulls and a couple of ducks this morning. (Of course no Bald Eagles as there's no ice anymore.)

I arrive on the Island and there is a small herd (< 10) of bison behind the VC. And a few more right at the edge of the road closer to the fence.

Quiet drive until the Beacon Hill area where I find a herd (<20) of Pronghorn along the slopes happily feeding and enjoying the morning sun.

I continue on to the Ranch with no additional sightings.

However, at the Ranch, there is still a herd hanging out. 2 on the east side of the road and the rest in the garden.

I thought about stopping to look for the Owls but I really want to hike so I can get home to watch the Purdue vs WI game.

I turn around and head north to the Gravel Pit trailhead. On my way back, I see a few tiny bison dots about a 1/4 way up the mountain side and 1 porcupine.

Also, that herd of Pronghorn, there were a few that were chasing each other around. Kinda fun to watch.

I arrive at the Gravel Pit as the only hiker. I gear up and start up the trail. I'm a bit nervous that this might be a short hike as there was a big herd of bison in the White Rock meadow last time I was here and they might be in my way.

I reach the ridge and I can see lots of scattered bison in the distance. Not sure if I'm going to be able to get around all of them.

I walk a little farther to where the ridge peaks and I see a herd of bison about 50 yards away standing on the trail staring me down. Well, I guess this is the end of my hike today!

I watch them for a bit before retreating back to my car.

I think about walking a bit of the White Rock Trail but the Purdue game is on my mind so that's my short day.

Short but good day with the Pronghorn and being block by bison.

Good day!







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