Nov 26 - Antelope Island Drive

 Cloudy morning and 29 degrees. The sun is supposed to come out at some point today; hoping sooner than later.

The plan is to hike the Gravel Pit trail up to Beacon Hill providing the bison will let me.

I arrive on the causeway and it's gray and 26 degrees. The mountains are covered in a couple of inches of snow which looks awesome! On the ground, it's clear.

The water has dropped along the causeway with just pockets of water on the south side.

I pass a Kestrel perched on a road marker not far from the entrance.

About high way across, I see something on the frozen Great Salt Lake. It's moving and it's a coyote!! I stops as I pull up and doesn't move while I watch.

After a bit, it's time to move on.

Quiet the rest of the way across. There are some birds but the big group of Shovelers is not there today.

There is also a small stretch on the south side that appears pink.

I reach the Island and head south towards the Ranch.

There's no critter in the VC area; actually nothing until I reach the Frary Peak area where I see several deer on the east side of the road. I count 7 of them and they are moving south. That's exciting and more deer than I probably saw all of last year!! They look like all doe but the lead one might be a male with all the grass and branches I just can't get a good look.

I continue on and as I near the potty spot, I drive past two bison one on the left side and one on the right side of the road. I stop to listen to them eat.

Just a bit farther down the road, I see a herd of bison in the foothills to the west AND there's a bunch of bison near the road. I have to drive thru them. Definitely not a bad thing. :)

I continue on to the Ranch without spotting any other critters. Not bad though, coyote, deer and bison!!

The road to the Sentry trail is now closed as I expect.

I turn around and head back to start my hike BUT I realize that I didn't bring the sunscreen - shoot! :(

Oh well, it's been a great day anyway.

I  head back thru the bison herd. The 2 bison that split the road and now together on the west side of the road. The herd of deer are still visible.

I reach the north end of the Island and head over to the west side. There are bison behind the VC and along the road to Bison Point.

I drive along the west side to the top of the Island and then back over the causeway. The coyote is still there standing. I don't think his moved. His feet are close together and his back hunched. I wonder if he is hurt. Hmmm.

Good day

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