Feb 19 - Gravel Pit (Antelope Island)

Sunny day with a highin the low 40s. And hey, it's in the 30s at 7am. It's be the warmest start to a hike in months!

Heading back to Antelope Island to try and get a hike in.

I arrive on the Island and its about 30 degrees and mostly sunny. There are clouds stilll moving east; it'll be sunny soon.

Again no Bald Eagles but lots of ducks.

There's a small herd of bison on the northeast corner of the Island behind the Visitor's Center.

I turn south and head towards the Ranch.

As I arrive at there White Rock area, I see bison on the ridge (middle and south end). Great to see them again. 

I was thinking about hiking Sentry Trail again but I'm going up to Beacon Hill to see how big that herd is.

As I pass Frary Peak, I count 4 Porcupines in the trees. Most I've see in a couple of years.

And those Porcupines are the last thing I see all the way to the Ranch.

I really should hike Sentry Trail but I'm heading north.

I arrive at the Gravel Pit trail head. I'm the only car. I gear up and start up the trail.

Still very snow packed/icy trail. There are more open spots but still mostly a walk on cold stuff.

When I get out of the Pit, a Ranger truck with large tires have compressed the snow drifts to make walking easier.

Lots on snow ridges in the terrain,

Looking down on White Rock trail, I see a couple of bison down there but nothing in front of my path. Yea!

As I continue, I notice an object that is darker than the surrounding rocks. Sure hope it's not a lone bison but I'm thinking it is.

I'm about 0.3 miles from the trail intersection when that block object stands up; it's a bison and he's noticed me. Shoot! I should've hike Sentry Trail.

He about 30 feet west of the trail. I could try and trudge thru the snow to give him a wide berth but he's on alert I'll play it safe. :(

Time to turn and head back to my car. and head home.

Still a good day!

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