Jan 7 - Gravel Pit to Beacon Hill Trail (Antelope Island)

 Yea!! It's the first hike of 2023 (finally)! But it's all good because we really really the snow/rain and we've got plenty of it so far - 328 inches up the Cottonwoods (the average is 500 inches). Hopefully it keeps up though I wish for more sunny week-ends :)

Sunny and mid-30s today. Heading up Antelope Island to hike up to Beacon Hill. Not sure how much snow is out there. I know a lot of it has melted here in valley so I'm thinking it'll be pretty clear (except the mountains) but planning for the worse.

I arrive just after 8am. Not quite sunny yet --- some low clouds to burn off -- but it is frozen out there.

I see one perched Kestrel as I make my way across the causeway; no bald eagles or other hawks.

I reach the island and head south towards the Ranch. Not really expecting much since the last couple times the bison have not been on the east side. But perhaps all the snow is pushing them around.

The landscape is pretty much free of snow except the mountains and the spots that receive less sunlight. Should be an easy hike.

No luck - not a single critter seen on the way to the Ranch :(.

Time to head back north to start my hike.

I reach the Gravel Pit trailhead and surprised to see 4 cars already there. I've not seen so many but it's Saturday and I usually come on Sunday.

It's 29 degrees as I start up the trail. Quiet and peaceful out.

I climb out of the pit, pass the lion 

and I see a bison up ahead -- near Beacon Hill! Yea!

When I reach the intersection with the White Rock trail, I get a look at a herd that's 30-40 bison. They are having their breakfast.

I also get passed by about 10+ women joggers - perhaps it's a Saturday thing.

Oh, there also a smaller herd down the hillside and farther west. If I were walking the inner loop, I'd pass right under them.

I make my way up Beacon Hill -- it's so pretty out with the blue skies and snowy mountains - Incredible!

I stop briefly at the overlook


the wind is a bit chilly for a longer stop - it's seems to be picking up in speed.

Time to head back.

Awesome day!

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