Jan 15 - Gravel Pit to Bison Pit (Antelope Island)

 I have the day off and although a cloudy day that is in-between storms, I head up to Antelope Island hoping to sneak a hike in this morning.

It's in the low-30s and we got rain/snow last night. About an 1-2 inches of wet stuff at my house but I'm driving north anyway as the forecast says 20% showers unto around noon when the chances increase.

I arrive after 8:30 am. Lots of low clouds and a grey day but I can see that big ball that is called the sun try to fight its way thru the weather. Probably not going to make but nice to see anyway.

I see a Kestrel as I cross the causeway. But what is even more surprising (a very exciting and happy surprise) is I see lots on water on both sides of the causeway = pretty much from start to end. I haven't seen that in years. Granted it's probably only an 1 or 2 but that just means the water table has been reached and now it's in the filling mode (hopefully). All thanks that Pineapple Express that have been pumping moisture into the state since December. Alta is over 400 inches of snow (expected is 500) and Brighton/Snowbird are around 375. So far it's been an awesome year, just need to keep it going.

I reach a snowy island and head south towards the Ranch. It's a quiet drive until White Rock ridge where a large herd over bison has moved east and over the ridge. Lovely. (Should be an unobstructed hike to Beacon Hill today).

I actually get drizzled on during the drive to the Ranch.

Down across from Frary Peak, I see the heads of 2 male Pheasant. They disappear quickly as I roll up.

And a large herd of Pronghorn - always awesome to see such a large herd.

And one Porcupine in the trees.

I also see some bison on the ridge near the potty about 1/2 down.

And a token 2 in a meadow a bit farther along.

I reach the Ranch and I turn around an head back north.

That token 2 is really 3 as there is a lone one up on a ridge - a tiny dot on the mountain.

I also spy a hawk on my way back.

I reach the trail head. I'm the only one in the lot. The ground is covered in snow - about 1-2 inches of the wet stuff. Someone has already been up the trail -- I'll try and stay in their tracks.

Still in the Pit, I see some Chukar tracks

and another critter.

The trail is mostly snow-covered but there are sections of ice and muddy puddles. It's a bit of a slog but doable.

When I get out of the Pit, I look at the corrals and all of those bison that were there on Friday are gone. As are the 4 that were along the White Rock Trail. Looks like lots of animal movement during the storm.

Quiet walk up to Beacon Hill. It's beautiful up here although there's no sunshine and its hazy.

And now I can look down on those bison.

After a brief stop, it's time to head back.

I meet a biker and a jogger as I head down and past Beacon Point.

I nearer the Puma Rock when I see something in the distance that doesn't look like all the other shapes on the landscape. Could it be a coyote that's laying down? Yep!! Hot dog!

Oh, there's another coyote to it's left. Wait there's a 3rd!! Awesome! 

That's the way to end a hike!

Awesome day!