Oct 13 - Sentry Trail (Antelope Island)

 Rainy days are gone and today is sunny w/ highs in the 60s.

Mountains got around 9in of snow -- Woot! Woot! So not heading up there today; heading, instead to Antelope Island for the first time since April. I'm excited!

Reach the Island and so surprised that after a full summer, there's still water on both sides of the causeway! It's incredible to see! There are a good number of shorebirds, mostly Gulls and Avocets, but no where like Spring. I would think the Fall migration is pretty much wound up.

I reach the Island and head south towards the Ranch passing a small group of bison at the gate.

And thing to note, it is so green on the Island! It really looks like Spring w/o the flowers (and the bugs). Why is it so green? But I like it!!

I was thinking about doing the Gravel Pit Trail but that's definitely out because there's a big herd of bison along the ridgeline. They will probably be in my way. I'm also wondering, it's time for the yearly round-up; did that happen last week-end. Because if not, there won't be much of a round-up as the bison are about at the corrals (they are on the other side of the ridge). [Round-up is Oct 28 - so the bison are ready]

Continuing on, I find 1 deer, no 2 deer, no 3 deer across from Frary Peak. They are eating breakfast!

Find bison in the distance on a ridge to the north when I stop for a potty.

Next stop, Sentry Trail parking and a clear trail.

I start up the trail and again, it's so green! 

There are also Sunflowers along the trail but not much else in bloom

Soon I'm up on the long switchback.

Lots of glistening wings flying -- dragonflies! There are several different species but the only one I ID'd is the Green Darner. 

Also, lots of grasshoppers and mosquitoes. Oh! And a few moths!

Soon I reach the reach. So beautiful!

There are no animals in site.

After a short break, I start across the ridge. Behind Sentry Peak, I see (and hear) a couple of Chukkars.

One pause just before heading downhill.


Quiet on the way down but, I see 7 Sulphurs on the trail back to the car! So glad to see them back - since the fire, they've been scarce.

Awesome day! Great to be back on the Island!

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