Its a new year and "My UT Adventure 2013" is a closed chapter.
The 2014 Adventure is at: http://jeanetteklodzen2014.blogspot.com/
Happy 2014!
Sunday, January 5, 2014
Sunday, December 29, 2013
Dec 28 - Little Cottonwood Canyon Trail
Today I'm heading back to the Little Cottonwood Trail. I'm hoping the parking area is open, if not I've found another "official" entrance.
Supposed to be sunny and low 30s today but we're also in an inversion with yellow air quality so getting into the mountains (even a little) will be cleaner air to breathe.
I get to the gate and once again it is closed. So I try to find the alternate entrances.
There's a pull-out just down the road, there are cars parked by the building and since its listed as an entrance from the research I did, I pull-off. I didn't get out but I'm just not sure how these people are getting across the creek, so I continue to the next possible entrance.
I find the small parking area; just one car parked. I get out and see the trail (which is pretty steep grade as it needs to get to the bottom of the canyon) is pretty snow- packed. I asked the guy (the owner of the only other car around) if I'm going to need snowshoes and he comments that it pretty packed. Yea -- I didn't bring the snowshoes! So I put my boots on and I'm off for some snow hiking!!
Its pretty steep to get down to the trail -- probably would've been easier to go down on my butt. I've always wondered where this trail went --- see it every time I've been on the main trail and have never taken it. It was re-done sometime in the summer and made wider (and easier to see). So now I actually know where it goes.
The sun down on the trail is blocked by the mountains to south - and the mountain base is really close. Still a good amount of snow down here. I decide to go left towards the old building. Its not that far since I've driven along most of the trail.
Since there are no leaves on the trees and the trail is so close to the road, I hear lots of cars heading up towards the ski resorts. There is also so bird chirps here-n-there; and of course the sound of the creek. Up in this section the water is flowing.
I take a side trail to get close to the creek. The views are nice but there are lots of branches in the way. So I move through mid-calf deep snow to try and get better views downstream. But it doesn't really help much.
Back on the main trail again, I get to one of my favorite creek viewpoints. Its down some rocks to bigger rock -- its tricky without the snow but someone with snowshoes has already went part way down so I follow but I try to get one step further and end up to my hip (almost) in snow -- (Oops) The view was still good.
As I tried to get back to the trail, I noticed the snow here looked like little shards of ice - very fine and delicate. Felt guilty stepping my way through.
I continue upwards to another side trail, this one leading to a small bridge that crosses the creek to the old building. Noticed this bridge in the fall (newly built). The view from the middle of the bridge upstream and downstream was pretty awesome - little waterfalls, ice-capped rocks,
snow covered logs and very large icicles hanging of branches near the water. And of course, the view of the old building.
I didn't cross to investigate the building -- I don't know just felt like I wasn't supposed to be there. So I just went to the end of the trail (which is directly across from the building).
Time to turnaround and check out the right side of the trail.
The sun is up over the mt tops now but just in one section of the trail.
The trees are all covered in this heavy-duty frost. Its looks so pretty.
The sky is blueing up and the mountains are visible now.
The frost is everywhere covering plants and entire small bushes.
I get to the waterwheel which is obviously is not turning. There is a circle of open water near the wheel and some interesting icicles. The ice-shard snow is here as well.
I continue down the trail to the 1st bridge. No water visible here -- just a snow-covered creek that has some animals tracks --- definitely not rabbit or deer/moose.
After I cross the bridge, I can see the sunny mountains to the north. A nice change from just trees.
I come to the 1st parking area -- there are voices across the stream --- I still don't know how folks are getting across.
I continue downhill but the trail is much less used here. I do see some moose tracks but its time to turn around and head back uphill to my car.
Along the way I notice 2 men walking up the creek near that 1st parking area. I also meet another couple, they tell me the creek is really a "step-over" at that point --- hmmm, maybe next time.
On the way back I notice these little snow crystals hanging by a "thread"-like material off a branch. Reminds me of the inch-worms that hang from trees in the summer -- maybe its frozen ones?!
When I get back to my car, there's a young couple heading onto the trail - and yes, they do go down the hill on their butts - weeeeee!
Supposed to be sunny and low 30s today but we're also in an inversion with yellow air quality so getting into the mountains (even a little) will be cleaner air to breathe.
I get to the gate and once again it is closed. So I try to find the alternate entrances.
There's a pull-out just down the road, there are cars parked by the building and since its listed as an entrance from the research I did, I pull-off. I didn't get out but I'm just not sure how these people are getting across the creek, so I continue to the next possible entrance.
I find the small parking area; just one car parked. I get out and see the trail (which is pretty steep grade as it needs to get to the bottom of the canyon) is pretty snow- packed. I asked the guy (the owner of the only other car around) if I'm going to need snowshoes and he comments that it pretty packed. Yea -- I didn't bring the snowshoes! So I put my boots on and I'm off for some snow hiking!!
Its pretty steep to get down to the trail -- probably would've been easier to go down on my butt. I've always wondered where this trail went --- see it every time I've been on the main trail and have never taken it. It was re-done sometime in the summer and made wider (and easier to see). So now I actually know where it goes.
The sun down on the trail is blocked by the mountains to south - and the mountain base is really close. Still a good amount of snow down here. I decide to go left towards the old building. Its not that far since I've driven along most of the trail.
Since there are no leaves on the trees and the trail is so close to the road, I hear lots of cars heading up towards the ski resorts. There is also so bird chirps here-n-there; and of course the sound of the creek. Up in this section the water is flowing.
I take a side trail to get close to the creek. The views are nice but there are lots of branches in the way. So I move through mid-calf deep snow to try and get better views downstream. But it doesn't really help much.
Back on the main trail again, I get to one of my favorite creek viewpoints. Its down some rocks to bigger rock -- its tricky without the snow but someone with snowshoes has already went part way down so I follow but I try to get one step further and end up to my hip (almost) in snow -- (Oops) The view was still good.
I continue upwards to another side trail, this one leading to a small bridge that crosses the creek to the old building. Noticed this bridge in the fall (newly built). The view from the middle of the bridge upstream and downstream was pretty awesome - little waterfalls, ice-capped rocks,
snow covered logs and very large icicles hanging of branches near the water. And of course, the view of the old building.
Time to turnaround and check out the right side of the trail.
The sun is up over the mt tops now but just in one section of the trail.
The trees are all covered in this heavy-duty frost. Its looks so pretty.
The frost is everywhere covering plants and entire small bushes.
I get to the waterwheel which is obviously is not turning. There is a circle of open water near the wheel and some interesting icicles. The ice-shard snow is here as well.
After I cross the bridge, I can see the sunny mountains to the north. A nice change from just trees.
I come to the 1st parking area -- there are voices across the stream --- I still don't know how folks are getting across.
I continue downhill but the trail is much less used here. I do see some moose tracks but its time to turn around and head back uphill to my car.
Along the way I notice 2 men walking up the creek near that 1st parking area. I also meet another couple, they tell me the creek is really a "step-over" at that point --- hmmm, maybe next time.
On the way back I notice these little snow crystals hanging by a "thread"-like material off a branch. Reminds me of the inch-worms that hang from trees in the summer -- maybe its frozen ones?!
Wednesday, December 25, 2013
Dec 25 - Snowshoe Dog Lake (well almost)
Merry Christmas!!!
And its a beautiful sunny day on the Wasatch Front. To celebrate my Christmas, I'm going for a snowshoe trip. Thinking about Guardsman Pass (basically a road they close for the winter they goes from Big Cottonwood Canyon over to the Park City side). The pass is 3 miles (roundtrip). Would've been perfect (especially with new hiking shoes) but I went for Dog Lake -- that's 5.4 miles (1200ft). (And both trails have a very low avalanche threat which is what I'm looking for especially because the threat is extremely high right now.)
The drive was very pretty. Even though we're finally getting some warm weather and the snow is melting (at the lower elevation, the canyon is so pretty). In one spot, there is an ice waterfall. Big Cottonwood creek is flowing and is visible in most spots (or it just covered by snow).
The parking area is the parking lot for the Spruces Campground. There's probably 15 cars when I pull in around 10:45am -- not bad for a Sunday (and Christmas morning). And there's some pretty nice views and I haven't travelled 50 yrds yet.
I get all bundled up (its 19degrees out) and my new winter hiking boots on and head across the street to the trailhead. Its pretty short-n-steep so I climb up to a flatter part before I put on the snowshoes. And then its just me and the trail.
The trail starts immediately uphill (gently) and in full/partial sun. I quickly lose my layers (outershell and fleece). The trail (which is a snowy road at this point) passes through a bunch of summer cabins (all empty now). Then I finally hit the "real trail" -- aspens, fir trees everywhere. And its just a steady uphill.
The sun is behind me and there are shadows from the trees. There are also 2 large mts behind me as well. Tough to get a clear view without trees in the way but possible.
Its pretty quiet --- I know there's a stream near the trail because in spots it pokes through the snow. And sometimes when I stop, I do hear it.
My plan was only to go part way but my feet are warm (yes, new boots) so I keep pushing on despite knowing I'm starting to get blisters (boo, new boots). I taped the usual hot spots before I left home but I've got "unusual" hotspots now :(.
I'm seeing rabbit tracks and the occasional deer track.
I think about turning around several times but there's always one more corner. I finally come to a sign that says Dog Lake is 0.6miles further ....and it is time to turnaround. (The blisters have won today.) Just gives me more incentive to come back later.
There were alot of people coming up as I was heading down --- hey, its afternoon now. I finally get to the parking lot about 1:30 --- fun day! Can't wait to come back!
And its a beautiful sunny day on the Wasatch Front. To celebrate my Christmas, I'm going for a snowshoe trip. Thinking about Guardsman Pass (basically a road they close for the winter they goes from Big Cottonwood Canyon over to the Park City side). The pass is 3 miles (roundtrip). Would've been perfect (especially with new hiking shoes) but I went for Dog Lake -- that's 5.4 miles (1200ft). (And both trails have a very low avalanche threat which is what I'm looking for especially because the threat is extremely high right now.)
The drive was very pretty. Even though we're finally getting some warm weather and the snow is melting (at the lower elevation, the canyon is so pretty). In one spot, there is an ice waterfall. Big Cottonwood creek is flowing and is visible in most spots (or it just covered by snow).
The parking area is the parking lot for the Spruces Campground. There's probably 15 cars when I pull in around 10:45am -- not bad for a Sunday (and Christmas morning). And there's some pretty nice views and I haven't travelled 50 yrds yet.
The trail starts immediately uphill (gently) and in full/partial sun. I quickly lose my layers (outershell and fleece). The trail (which is a snowy road at this point) passes through a bunch of summer cabins (all empty now). Then I finally hit the "real trail" -- aspens, fir trees everywhere. And its just a steady uphill.
The sun is behind me and there are shadows from the trees. There are also 2 large mts behind me as well. Tough to get a clear view without trees in the way but possible.
I'm seeing rabbit tracks and the occasional deer track.
There were alot of people coming up as I was heading down --- hey, its afternoon now. I finally get to the parking lot about 1:30 --- fun day! Can't wait to come back!
Tuesday, December 24, 2013
Dec 24 - Zoo Lights
Its Christmas Eve and what better way to spend it but enjoying the light display at the zoo. (And I'm not the only one with the idea as the place was pretty crowded.)
The lights were actually pretty impressive -- all animation -- wolf chasing rabbit, monkey eating banana, Santa (in sleigh) zooming past, ....
They even had the 12 days of Christmas all animated and with the music (took awhile to watch that one play out).
Saw some sleeping lemurs and monkeys, I think a grizzly bear (it looked too furry to be a log).
The seals were barking with the music.
They had the reptile/small mammal house (strange combo) open thankfully cause it was cold. Mostly sleeping animals like this sand cat all curled up in a blanketed tire;
the blacked footed cats were up as was a spider monkey (he was eating).
Back outside, the Amur Leopard was right by the glass -- couldn't tell if he was just meditating or sleeping.
But the highlight was the Amur Tiger. Big beast was pacing up high and growling (a loud deep growl --- but having hear a lion roar, the lion wins hands down). The tiger finally came down, took a drink and started walking across the enclosure still roaring. There's a bridge that crosses over the sidewalk -- I didn't realize it was actually functional until the tiger started crossing (still roaring). He stopped in the middle and looked down on us (looks like it was just a net between us and him but hard to tell in the dark). Kinda freaky in a way. Then he laid down. Could barely see his head but he was still roaring. Pretty cool!!
Merry Christmas!!!
The lights were actually pretty impressive -- all animation -- wolf chasing rabbit, monkey eating banana, Santa (in sleigh) zooming past, ....
They even had the 12 days of Christmas all animated and with the music (took awhile to watch that one play out).
Saw some sleeping lemurs and monkeys, I think a grizzly bear (it looked too furry to be a log).
The seals were barking with the music.
They had the reptile/small mammal house (strange combo) open thankfully cause it was cold. Mostly sleeping animals like this sand cat all curled up in a blanketed tire;
the blacked footed cats were up as was a spider monkey (he was eating).
Back outside, the Amur Leopard was right by the glass -- couldn't tell if he was just meditating or sleeping.
But the highlight was the Amur Tiger. Big beast was pacing up high and growling (a loud deep growl --- but having hear a lion roar, the lion wins hands down). The tiger finally came down, took a drink and started walking across the enclosure still roaring. There's a bridge that crosses over the sidewalk -- I didn't realize it was actually functional until the tiger started crossing (still roaring). He stopped in the middle and looked down on us (looks like it was just a net between us and him but hard to tell in the dark). Kinda freaky in a way. Then he laid down. Could barely see his head but he was still roaring. Pretty cool!!
Merry Christmas!!!
Saturday, December 21, 2013
Dec 20 - Red/White Pine Trail (Snowshoe)
It snowed like crazy yesterday (started out as freezing rain) -- even the airport was basically closed for a period of time. But we got about 6-7 inches of new snow --so today is a good day for my 1st snowshoe event of this winter.
My target is Little Cottonwood Canyon Trail. I've been on it plenty of times hiking (but this time there will be no bikers). And its really not back-country hiking (so its safer).
Its still a bit hazy this morning -- supposed to be partly clouded with snow Fri night/Sat. I take the turn off for the trailhead and the gate is down = trail is closed. Shoot. Now what.
I start to head back home but decide to head up Little Cottonwood to the White & Red Pine Trailhead. I'm planning to go only to the creek where the Red and White Pine trails split. Its about a mile with some elevation. (There are tons of folks heading to the ski resorts - I've never seen so many people of this road.)
There are a couple of cars in the parking area. Pretty hazy/foggy. The trees look fantastic as the snow (2-4in) is laying on each branch.
The avalanche danger beacons are not blinking so I strap on my shoes and head off into the wilderness.
Its so beautiful here -- aspen, pines, bushes all covered in snow. Its very quiet -- just a few birds chirping occasionally. I'm walking in a some path that appears to be made by cross-country skiers.
I come to the first bridge at the start of the trail. The bridge is covered in snow except a padded down trail over the top.
It's just pristine -- no one that made the tracks before me, disturbed the 4inches of snow that still covers the handrails. The flowing creek -- breaks the silence. The rocks in the stream are covered in snow as well. It looks ... like the perfect winter scene.
I see a few rabbit tracks and what I think maybe moose tracks on the trail (or they could be ski poles). I follow the trail uphill through the forest. The meadow below is hard to see in the haze and I know I'm surrounded by mts but I can't see them either -- just white and trees.
There are a few bushes that have red berries -- and all covered in snow (the theme of the day).
The sky is starting to open up as there are peeks of blue. The contrast of the blue sky and the white snow is perfect.
I get to my destination, the 2nd creek. I can hear it flowing but it is simply covered in snow.
There are a few open holes in the snow where I can see water.
The foot trail to Red Pine Lake goes up a bit and over another footbridge but the trail is not broken -- I'm actually not sure how one would find the footbridge in this snow (and keep dry feet). Instead, the trail goes across the lower part of the creek. Its a bit eerie to walk across -- I hear and see the water. But I go across -- hey its only a couple of inches in the summer anyhow in this section.
This is turnaround time. I meet 3 snowshoers and 2 xcountry skiiers aheading up while I head down.
The sun is coming out now (and even more blue sky). The meadow is now visible
And I can see peeks of the surrounding mountains -- its so pretty.
There is part of me that wishes I waited a couple of hours before I walked this just because of the sun/blue sky but I think I got right, because I got a taste of both worlds today - a pure white and blue-ing up -- both equally wonderful.
The trail is definitely different now than on the way up.
My target is Little Cottonwood Canyon Trail. I've been on it plenty of times hiking (but this time there will be no bikers). And its really not back-country hiking (so its safer).
Its still a bit hazy this morning -- supposed to be partly clouded with snow Fri night/Sat. I take the turn off for the trailhead and the gate is down = trail is closed. Shoot. Now what.
I start to head back home but decide to head up Little Cottonwood to the White & Red Pine Trailhead. I'm planning to go only to the creek where the Red and White Pine trails split. Its about a mile with some elevation. (There are tons of folks heading to the ski resorts - I've never seen so many people of this road.)
There are a couple of cars in the parking area. Pretty hazy/foggy. The trees look fantastic as the snow (2-4in) is laying on each branch.
Its so beautiful here -- aspen, pines, bushes all covered in snow. Its very quiet -- just a few birds chirping occasionally. I'm walking in a some path that appears to be made by cross-country skiers.
I come to the first bridge at the start of the trail. The bridge is covered in snow except a padded down trail over the top.
It's just pristine -- no one that made the tracks before me, disturbed the 4inches of snow that still covers the handrails. The flowing creek -- breaks the silence. The rocks in the stream are covered in snow as well. It looks ... like the perfect winter scene.
The sky is starting to open up as there are peeks of blue. The contrast of the blue sky and the white snow is perfect.
I get to my destination, the 2nd creek. I can hear it flowing but it is simply covered in snow.
There are a few open holes in the snow where I can see water.
The foot trail to Red Pine Lake goes up a bit and over another footbridge but the trail is not broken -- I'm actually not sure how one would find the footbridge in this snow (and keep dry feet). Instead, the trail goes across the lower part of the creek. Its a bit eerie to walk across -- I hear and see the water. But I go across -- hey its only a couple of inches in the summer anyhow in this section.
This is turnaround time. I meet 3 snowshoers and 2 xcountry skiiers aheading up while I head down.
The sun is coming out now (and even more blue sky). The meadow is now visible
And I can see peeks of the surrounding mountains -- its so pretty.
There is part of me that wishes I waited a couple of hours before I walked this just because of the sun/blue sky but I think I got right, because I got a taste of both worlds today - a pure white and blue-ing up -- both equally wonderful.
The trail is definitely different now than on the way up.
Sunday, December 15, 2013
Dec 14: Antelope Island
Well its probably been a month since I've been out. Between bitter cold and winter storm warnings on week-ends I've been cooped up (except Thanksgiving which was with family -- great time). So today, despite a heavy inversion and temps in the mid-20s (which is actually a heat wave for us lately), I'm going out. And I'm heading to see the animals of Antelope Island.
Crossing the causeway to the island was like being in a blizzard without the snow -- a total white-out caused by the haze. The water by the first few miles of the causeway is frozen and there is absolutely no view other than a few 100 yards ahead -- actually a little eeery.
The closer I get to the island, there is now water but still no views --- that's OK I'm here looking for animals. :)
Decide to head down the east side of the island to the Ranch 1st. The roads are plowed but snow packed and slippery so its slow going today. As soon as I make the turn, there's a coyote trotting across the road from the lake into the sagebrush behind the Visitor's Center. His fur and tail are so much more fluffy than the scraggedly looking fellow this summer. I hurry to where he crossed hoping to get a better look. I finally see him for a brief moment before he disappears into the brush.
I drive only a few feet down the road scanning and something on the icy lake catches my eye -- its another coyote!! Bet they're mates as they are very close (my car didn't move much on the road). He (or maybe she) stops, looks around, trots a little further out onto the ice, and repeats.
Not sure what's she's looking for on the ice but she continues to do this as she travels further onto the ice (maybe heading to Layton for some Christmas shopping :))
I continue down the road. The visibility is a bit better -- I can see the hazy outlines of the island's mountains. And boy, are there a lot of ravens out today.
I come to the first fence and can see my 1st 2 bison of the day, figured I'd cross to the other side of the fence and then stop for a better look but unfortunately, its a hill and I can't find them so I just continue. As I get closer to the ranch, there's another fence and a herd of bison near it. They are pretty much all laying down - must be naptime.
Just before the turn into the ranch, there are a few bison right next to the road. I stop just ahead of them and get out of my car. It's so quiet and still out I can hear the bison breaking the grass and chewing on them. (I can also hear the ravens flying in the air -- weird noise their wings make.) The bison slowly move off away from the road and down to the ranch.
There is only 1 car in the parking area -- probably a worker. I check the spot where I saw the Great Horned Owl last time but nothing. I walked down to the ranch and meet the DNR guy. He tells me that they haven't seen the owls in a few days but go ahead and take a look in the trees. The area is fenced in (don't know why) but I start to wander looking up into the branch for the owls. I looked down and noticed that I'm being watched by a doe - a mule deer and the big ears are cute.
I try to get closer and she's actually pretty accommodating for a wild animal (one that's seen 100s people before). I notice another set of legs of yet another deer. I walk to get in back of them and I realize that yet another deer is watching me! There is a total of 4 female deer --- wonder why some have a black tip on the tails and others are pure white.
The one turns its head and I can see it chewing.
I exit excited about the deer but still no owls.
Time to head back up the road to the west side of the island. This time I spot at the herd of bison --- some of them are now on their feet but most are still laying. I get out of my car and walk down the fenceline (the bison are on the opposite side of the fence and there's a small gully in between us. I'm excited to spot "Crooked Horn" from the bison physical day.
Continue back down the road to the first fence line, there are 2 bison by the fence near the water and a few up near the road. Again, I can hear them chewing.
I cross over to the west side and head to Bison Point. No one is there. I attempt to climb the snowy trail from the south approach but soon lose the trail in the snow. I cross over to the north side and see 1: the trail has been recently used and 2) there are 5 bison down there (laying down). So I follow the trail uphill to try and get myself a better view of the bison. And that I did.
I could've went further up but since the views were still very hazy, time to move on. Headed to the White Rock campground hoping the road would be plowed and it was (I know when I came on Jan/Feb, these roads were not plowed). I make my way to the White Rock trailhead. There was one other car. The trail on both sides of the loop had been used which is good, I won't have to search it out myself.
My plan is just to walk the bay-side of the trail -- didn't bring the gear for a long hike so this is about a 3-4 miles pretty flat walk. I quickly notice 3 bison just off the trail. One is standing and the others are laying down (definitely a lazy bison day). As I approach, the 2 bison quickly get to their feet and look my way -- I'm a little nervous but continue walking past.
I keep looking back to make sure they didn't decide to follow but they just decided to eat.
There were 2 more bison a little further up the trail, both laying down and they paid me no attention as I walked by.
I meet 2 bikers coming in the opposite direction and ask if they had seen any antelope. They told me there was a big herd of deer up the hill near the bench (probably another 1mile away). I wanted to see the deer so I put it in high gear.
Lots of rabbit tracks along the trail. There were signs of coyote as well. White Rock looked like a glacier on the water.
As I was going I kept watching near the bench area, I did manage to see something moving and it was 2 deer but from very far away. Looks like they were heading back up the valley (I was on the bottom). But I continued as fast as I could uphill (yes, huffing especially near the end).
When I got to the bench, no deer. I decided to head up the valley just to the treeline where I saw the deer. My brain was hoping these objects in the snow were deer laying down but when in reality they were just rocks. :( Hey, but I tried.
The views (although hazy) were still pretty nice here.
So I turned around and headed back. The 2 bison were still laying down but one stood up as soon as he noticed me -- his tail was up (a sign of aggression or poop) -- and thankful that I just scared the poop out of him. :)
The 3 others remained laying down this time.
I got to my car and heading toward the visitor center and the exit. Along the way I spotted another doe grazing in the grass. She looked up a couple of times and continue to feed.
I saw one other bison near the visitor's center. I wonder if this guy is sick because I could see his ribs. Hopefully, he makes it through the winter.
Great to be out again!
Crossing the causeway to the island was like being in a blizzard without the snow -- a total white-out caused by the haze. The water by the first few miles of the causeway is frozen and there is absolutely no view other than a few 100 yards ahead -- actually a little eeery.
The closer I get to the island, there is now water but still no views --- that's OK I'm here looking for animals. :)
Decide to head down the east side of the island to the Ranch 1st. The roads are plowed but snow packed and slippery so its slow going today. As soon as I make the turn, there's a coyote trotting across the road from the lake into the sagebrush behind the Visitor's Center. His fur and tail are so much more fluffy than the scraggedly looking fellow this summer. I hurry to where he crossed hoping to get a better look. I finally see him for a brief moment before he disappears into the brush.
I drive only a few feet down the road scanning and something on the icy lake catches my eye -- its another coyote!! Bet they're mates as they are very close (my car didn't move much on the road). He (or maybe she) stops, looks around, trots a little further out onto the ice, and repeats.
I continue down the road. The visibility is a bit better -- I can see the hazy outlines of the island's mountains. And boy, are there a lot of ravens out today.
I come to the first fence and can see my 1st 2 bison of the day, figured I'd cross to the other side of the fence and then stop for a better look but unfortunately, its a hill and I can't find them so I just continue. As I get closer to the ranch, there's another fence and a herd of bison near it. They are pretty much all laying down - must be naptime.
Just before the turn into the ranch, there are a few bison right next to the road. I stop just ahead of them and get out of my car. It's so quiet and still out I can hear the bison breaking the grass and chewing on them. (I can also hear the ravens flying in the air -- weird noise their wings make.) The bison slowly move off away from the road and down to the ranch.
There is only 1 car in the parking area -- probably a worker. I check the spot where I saw the Great Horned Owl last time but nothing. I walked down to the ranch and meet the DNR guy. He tells me that they haven't seen the owls in a few days but go ahead and take a look in the trees. The area is fenced in (don't know why) but I start to wander looking up into the branch for the owls. I looked down and noticed that I'm being watched by a doe - a mule deer and the big ears are cute.
The one turns its head and I can see it chewing.
I exit excited about the deer but still no owls.
Time to head back up the road to the west side of the island. This time I spot at the herd of bison --- some of them are now on their feet but most are still laying. I get out of my car and walk down the fenceline (the bison are on the opposite side of the fence and there's a small gully in between us. I'm excited to spot "Crooked Horn" from the bison physical day.
I cross over to the west side and head to Bison Point. No one is there. I attempt to climb the snowy trail from the south approach but soon lose the trail in the snow. I cross over to the north side and see 1: the trail has been recently used and 2) there are 5 bison down there (laying down). So I follow the trail uphill to try and get myself a better view of the bison. And that I did.
I could've went further up but since the views were still very hazy, time to move on. Headed to the White Rock campground hoping the road would be plowed and it was (I know when I came on Jan/Feb, these roads were not plowed). I make my way to the White Rock trailhead. There was one other car. The trail on both sides of the loop had been used which is good, I won't have to search it out myself.
My plan is just to walk the bay-side of the trail -- didn't bring the gear for a long hike so this is about a 3-4 miles pretty flat walk. I quickly notice 3 bison just off the trail. One is standing and the others are laying down (definitely a lazy bison day). As I approach, the 2 bison quickly get to their feet and look my way -- I'm a little nervous but continue walking past.
I keep looking back to make sure they didn't decide to follow but they just decided to eat.
There were 2 more bison a little further up the trail, both laying down and they paid me no attention as I walked by.
I meet 2 bikers coming in the opposite direction and ask if they had seen any antelope. They told me there was a big herd of deer up the hill near the bench (probably another 1mile away). I wanted to see the deer so I put it in high gear.
Lots of rabbit tracks along the trail. There were signs of coyote as well. White Rock looked like a glacier on the water.
As I was going I kept watching near the bench area, I did manage to see something moving and it was 2 deer but from very far away. Looks like they were heading back up the valley (I was on the bottom). But I continued as fast as I could uphill (yes, huffing especially near the end).
When I got to the bench, no deer. I decided to head up the valley just to the treeline where I saw the deer. My brain was hoping these objects in the snow were deer laying down but when in reality they were just rocks. :( Hey, but I tried.
The views (although hazy) were still pretty nice here.
The 3 others remained laying down this time.
I got to my car and heading toward the visitor center and the exit. Along the way I spotted another doe grazing in the grass. She looked up a couple of times and continue to feed.
I saw one other bison near the visitor's center. I wonder if this guy is sick because I could see his ribs. Hopefully, he makes it through the winter.
Great to be out again!
Monday, November 11, 2013
Nov 9 - White Rock Bay Trail (Antelope Island)
Well, today I was ready to climb Frary Peak (Antelope Island's highest point - I know 6595 is not a huge mountain but the 2000ft climb in 3.5 miles makes it a bit challenging.)
Got to the island, drove down the east side to the parking area .... and it was packed. Some Buffalo Run today; lots people heading up the trail; so I'm heading back down to road to walk the Sentry Trail.
On the way to the ranch, there is a good size herd of bison off the road --- returning to normal life after being penned up for over a week for their physicals.
I past the ranch and head down the dirt road to the small parking area for the Sentry Trail. I see bison near the trail. Nope, they're actually on the trail. I've walked past them (nervously) on this trail several months ago but at least they were grazing off the trail (except for 3-4 bison). But these guys are mostly on the trail. Ok, time for plan C -- and I'm not sure what that is....yet.
I turn my car around and start heading back down the dirt road -- shoot, there's a herd of pronghorn!! I've always seen them as solos or in pairs. They are paralleling the road going the opposite direction (not sure how I missed them before). Coincidently, I just read this morning that in the Fall, the pronghorn form harems and sure enough here it is! They are in a straight line marching south. They blend in with the dry grass. I turn my car around and head back to the parking area, get out and watch. They stop for a bit and look my direction;
I'm so hoping they don't run off. Then they return to their southward march.They cross the Sentry Trail in front of the bison.
Another car comes down the dirt road and continues south. This spooks some of the prongies and they start to run (and other keep plugging along). Now, that was pretty cool!!
I figure out my only option is the White Rock Loop Trail which is about 6 miles and is on the west side of the island (I've never been on this trail before so it should be fun). I drove north back up the east side of the island and then west/south towards the White Rock campground. I'm not sure where the trail parking is but I drive down the road thru the campground until I find a small parking area around for the trail -- there's a bigger parking lot for cars w/ horse trails. (Think I'll see any horses today??)
The trailhead is immediately south of Bison Point -- I actually have a cool pix during the winter toward White Rock Bay (just didn't know it until now :))
Its a loop trail so I decide to go clockwise. There are 3 bison off the trail to the right but they're far enough off that I'm not worried about them. The views to the west are great --- there's a very visible inversion layer over the lake (a clean inversion layer for a change).
I'm heading south following the shore (though I'm pretty far from the shore -- if I went counterclockwise, I'd be near the shore.) I start to climb and angling back towards the shore, and above the bison. After a good rocky viewpoint, the trail starts back to the east continuing up. The views to the north are incredible! And they get better with each step higher. Just golden grassland in the foreground, the lake, mountains in the background. I can clearly see the bison pens, bison point..... (but the lake to the west disappears).
As I get to what could be the "top", there are 2 bison just off the trail. There are flocks of birds hanging around them. And some of the birds decide the bison make a good perch.
I can now clearly see the east coast and White Rock Bay (on the west side). There is a beautiful plain in the middle. At about this point, I meet a group of boy scouts going the opposite direction. One of the leaders tell me that there is a herd of pronghorn on plains -- I'm 300-400 feet above the plains so I'll have to be patient.
I get to a bench where the views looking south, east and west are wonderful.
Beacon Hill is above me. Frary Peak (my original destination) is directly south - I can see the parking lot. White Rock Bay to the west. Great spot from a quick lunch (the pronghorn await).
I notice far below are 2 people heading in my direction but they stopped - I wonder if the pronghorn are close. I pull out the binoculars and see the people are looking west. I check west and there are pronghorn down there. Not marching like the others, just grazing. OK that ends lunch. I'll eat my cookies on the way down the hill.
I figured I'd meet the 2 people but I have no idea where they went. There was also a biker heading my direction, and they disappeared as well. Hmmmm... I get to where I saw the 2 folks were looking down the plains and it really isn't a good view to see anything but grass. So I continue. I find the biker below -- she was doing something with the bike. And I spot 2 people much further down the trail -- perhaps they turned around.
I'm heading back west down the valley toward White Rock Bay. And I'm looking for pronghorn. Yes, I finally spot the white backsides of the pronghorn. This herd is definitely larger than the ones earlier. But they are pretty far off. Definitely, grazing very slowly down the valley towards the water.
I can see 4 bison below and near the trail (I see people riding horses and bikes going past them). I continue down towards the bison.
There's a car heading up the dirt road -- not sure why anyone is driving on the trail. The car stops near the bison where 3 guys get out; 2 of which are taking bison pictures. They are still there as I arrive and I do my own picture taking because the setting is gorgeous.
One of the guys is a Trail Guide. The guide asks how far I hiked and I told him I'm just finishing up the loop (he's says I went the reverse direction -- pays to be different sometimes). I tell him about the pronghorn up the valley and the ones I saw near the Sentry Trail. He wanted to know #s; I'm sure he would be reporting them back at the station.
Just about a mile left of shoreline walking. Great views of Bison Point!
The 3 bison I passed at the start of the trail are still there. Two are laying down (afternoon nap I think) and the other is still grazing.
What a fantastic day!
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