April 27 - Rock Canyon (Provo UT)

Another day in the 70s, time to go looking for more bflys and see more UT. Heading to Rock Canyon as it has been recommended as a good bfly stop.

This site is truly a canyon big towering walls and the canyon get narrower the further you get in.

The trail looks like an old road mostly rocks -- about the last 3/4 mile it finally gets to a narrower dirt path. The trail follows a dry creek bed -- its not until you get about 3/4-1mi from the end is there water running -- and it has to be siphoned off because one minute it's there, and then there's no water (so much for subdivision and watering lawns in a desert climate :()

But anyway, the trail was all uphill (elevation at TH 5073 -- end 6769) for 2.8 miles. Mostly forested but the trees still have no leaves. Some are starting to get them and those trees kinda stick out - basically adding a little color to a very brown environment.

Not many flowers  on the lower part of the trail. Saw several Anise Swallowtails zipping by. These are yellow in color with alot of black. Also, saw a couple Rky Mt Duskwings, a few Mourning Cloaks and one Orangetip. When the water starting flowing (around the 3rd bridge) the bfly activity rose.  Added a Silvery Blue on a blue forget-me-not flower and Commas (both Hoary and Satyr). The commas were onesy for a bit and then what better draws the Comma family together than dog poop. :)

At one point heard a bird pecking at the tree -- I looked up, not a woodpecker but what looked to me like a nuthatch. He (or she) was pecking at a hole in the tree as if to enlarge it for nesting.

When I finally got to the single path dirt trail, things changed. There wasn't much flying but we got flowers now -- Yellow voilets, Glacier lilies, forget-me-knots, Spring Beautys - wonderful. The path went up the side of a hill/mt -- pretty nice drop off one the one side but at least there was plenty of trees to stop a fall. Once off the ledge (so to speak), it was uphill just a little more to a wonder view of snow covered mts and a waterfall and flowing stream (in the distance).

Continued to a campground - it had sites, outhouse, said "reservation required" - and decided it was lunchtime (and the turnaround point). It was beautiful and I had it all to myself (not sure where the folks went that past me -- or the ones I past, they never made it to the campground). Some might have gone further as there 2 other trails that kept going to somewhere. But the solitude was nice w/ snow covered mts off in one direction.

Oh yes, there was snow in spots on the trail especially towards the end!!

The trail back had many more bflys flying (warmer, sunnier). Lots for M Cloaks and Commas and many more Orangetips flying (there was one that landed o' so briefly but I just wasn't quick enough to get a photo). Lots more people heading up now. Many had rock climbing gear; others just out like me.

Almost back to the TH, I got off the trail just to look down to the dry river bed. A small flyer caught my eye. Definitely a bfly but I just couldn't get a good angle of it. So I made it fly :) It landed nicely on a flower -- a Desert Elfin (little cutie).

That's the day.

April 26 - Corner Creek Canyon (Draper)

Today is a great day to have a Friday off. Heading to Corner Canyon which is a Draper City Park. Have no idea what to expect so I'm exciting.

The trailhead is in back of a Mormon Temple with some very huge houses behind. Not sure what people do with all that space.

But off I went with the plan of leaving Coyote Hollow (the trailhead), heading off on the Canyon Hollow Trail, crossing over the canyon on the Burnham Loop Trail, following the Ghost Falls Trail to Ghost Falls and then back on the Canyon Hollow Trail.

The trail started in a very wooded section -- no leaves on the trees yet (not even baby leaves) so very sunny. Spotted some yellow lilies  along the trail.

Butterflies!!!! Spotted a little blue butterfly zipping along, in circles (probably a male patrolling his turf). Finally, after several minutes, he land of course of trail and in a tough place to reach. But I did manage to sneak in on him close enough to snap a picture or 2. (A Spring Azure).

Orangetips were flying (these are little white bfly with orange tips on their wings). These wouldn't stop.

A little while later came up on a creek and there was another Azure and duskywings. There were 2 of them. They'd have their battles in the air until one would fly away. The one I was following would at least land but always facing the opposite direction of me - handy so when I tried to get to the other side, he'd fly off... Constantly! But finally my persistence won, and I was able to get good shots. Rocky Mt Duskwing and very fresh (just emerged); had lots of grey coloring which (unlike humans) wears off with time. Saw several more throughout the hike.

There was also a Mylitta Crescent flying (orange with black marking).  Saw 2 of these on hike.

Crossed over the canyon to the Ghost Falls Trail. The creek sometimes was running and sometimes dry. Don't understand why other than there were several creeks flowing. The hike was uphill (gained a total of 800 ft from the TH). Its mostly open now (just me and sagebrush). The view down the canyon was really nice with the Temple (the large homes) and the mountains in the background.

Got to Ghost Falls - a little waterfall.

Saw a Comma bfly (Hoary or Satyr wouldn't sit still enough to ID) and Mourning Cloak flying. At times they'd have their aerial battles again until one would fly off.

Now here's where I don't know what I did wrong. There were 2 options after passing the falls, left or right. Right would take me back to the trailhead, that wasn't my plan so I went left thinking I was back on the Canyon Hollow Trail. But nope, I was somehow still on the Ghost Falls Trail heading to the another Trailhead. This was fine, just like to know how I got there. Hmmm...

Got to the TH and had to walk briefly was a road back to the other side of the canyon where I met back up with the Canyon Hollow Trail. This was the high point of the trail at 5800ft. Walked the Canyon Hollow until it met the Brock's Point/Clark's Trail (it was a little longer hike so why not). Now this side has alot more trees (still no leaves) and more vegetatin. Reason, it faces NE so it only gets morning sun. Lots of lilies, forget-me-nots (blue), what looked like Virginia Waterleaf (Midwest native) - probably a relative, another little yellow flower and a little pink flowers.

Good day!

April 21 - Antelope Island

Yes, I love this place..... but today is was the Animal Go Wild Day as there were buffalo, pronghorn and even coyote everywhere!! A little Yellowstone :)

I was going to hike the Sentry Trail today -- tried a few weeks back but the sign said one needs a permit to hike the trail and I had no permit and so I wouldn't feel guity for 6.5 miles I turned back. But today, I'm getting the permit :)

Got into the park and was greeting almost immediantly by a bison -- solo, big guy right off the road. A little while later I noticed some people slowly walking off the road. I looked and looked and there was a small herd of pronghorn near the water. I started to go (following the very slow car in front of me who obviously was paying attention as he didn't see what I saw (better for me) which was several of those pronghorn running up to the road. I drove near to where they were heading and stopped as they were angling to cross in front of me --- unfortunately, they cross in back of me (but it was a nice rearview mirror shot).

A little while later, a bunch of bison off the road on the right. Had to watch because the slow guy in front of me stopped (yes, I caught up to him again). When he started to go, so did I but there running next to me was 3 bison paralleling my car. To avoid stressing them, I stopped and watch the 3 cross in front of me - 2 very fast and one taking his sweet ole time. (and the guy in front didn't even see them)

Off again, more bison near the water, a couple of cars stopped but the folks were looking not at the bison but something in the other direction. I pulled off the road to see what they were looking at. It was a coyote not too far off the road. He was hunting. As I watched, I was wondering if this is one of the pair I saw back in Feb on my 1st trip to the Island (it was the same area).

His head cocked to the left like he was trying to listen and then to the right,

he'd inch forward and then after about 5min - POUNCE! And then he started franticly digging and digging. He'd look up and then dig some more; then finally after several more minutes, he had lunch!!!

And yes, the bison were still off to the right.

Back in the car, soon I has a solo pronghorn running parallel to my car -- I did stop so he could chill (no road crossing this time). And then I took off and he calmly stayed still.

I guess I should mention that mountains looked really pretty. The snow has been melting off but the rain we had lately (and the record cold), fell as snow in the mts so they looked well "refreshed".

Made it to the Ranch, found a ranger and he said that permits were no longer required; they just tooked down the signs. So I grabbed my gear and was off.

The Sentry Trail is a 6.5 mile (about 1000ft climb) up and around Sentry Peak. Not alot of flowers blooming but lots of yellows ones (they look like Golden Alexanders - a spring native in Illinois) and I found out later they are call Gray's Biscuitroot and they are in the same family as the Golden Alexanders. Its the host plant to the Anise Swallowtails and based on the huge amounts of this plant -- there should be plenty of Anise Swallowtails. The other is a small pink flower called Redstem Stork's Bill.

Anyway, the first 3/4 mile was flat but I was eyeing a large herd of bison (including babies)

and I think the trail was headed their way (another blocked trail by bison). Yes, I was heading right for them. They were mostly on the north side of the trail but as I approached 3 started toward the road looking straight at me.

I was debating whether I should continue -- but there 2 other folks behind me and I didn't want to look like a whimp. (Peer pressure is sometimes good.) So I continued slowly - now the 3 were right in the middle of the road looking at me. I took another step and off they ran to the south away from the trail --- must've been my bright orange shirt! Trail is clear and up I went.

Views were wonderful (as usual). It got rockier the higher I got. And then finally (2.75miles) there was Sentry Peak and I had to go right or left (this is the circle around part). I went right and got to go uphill again. There were pine trees up here now. I was scanning for deer and bighorn sheep (it's been a great day for animals, those were the only 2 left). But no such luck.

And then, no more uphill!! And a spectacular view of the lake to the east (note the bison below)

and one to the west.

Wow! And a conviently placed picnic table -- must be time for lunch. :) (Elevation: 5203).

Finally, there was some Red Paintbrush up on top just about ready to bloom.

After lunch, followed the trail around the backside of the peak. A little windier (and cooler) on this side. And then it was back down the trail. Its so much nicer going down. And since the sun was coming around the mnts to the east, looked even prettier.

There were some folks on horses off the trail and the bison had all moved off (except one lone one). And then I saw coyote crossing the trail trotting off downhill. He was watching me.

And the Western Meadowlark were still singing away today.

Nothing too exciting the rest of the way down. The drive back just more bison, bison, and bison -- they were all over the island today, even on the beach near the visitor's center.

Good day!

April 14 - Joshua Trees

Decided to try and find the Joshua Trees in UT. I know there's a National Monument but the lady at the Visitors Center said there wasn't. Well I was right and its right off highway 91!

Took I-15 through the Vigin River Canyon (love that drive thru the canyon) and then took Hwy 91 N and the Joshua Trees were there. About 8.5 mi a right turn led to a Joshua Tree Scenic ByWay. I didn't take the rocky road to whereever it was going, I just stopped about 1/4 mile in and walked around. (I know now its a 16 mile road that ends back on 91 - good to know for next time.)

I wanted to go here because 1) I never saw a Joshua Tree and 2) I saw on the news just this week about how they are blooming enmass and bontanists don't know why. Well I was a little too late (or the news report was a little late) because they were done blooming and even had seed pods already.

But they were still cool. And yes, their "leaves" are hard and pointy; I wouldn't want to fall into one.

All week-end I was searching for a blooming cactus (one) but saw only buds. Finally....ok its not in full bloom but at least its close.

April 13 - Snow Canyon State Park

Oh what a beautiful morning and a wonderful park.

Started off on the Petrified Dunes trail --- this was basically a "make your own way" trail up these huge petrified orange dunes. Once to the top, the views were great of the area.

Wasn't quite sure which way to go but just simply go in the southernly direction. There were metal markers once in a blue moon but at least it kept me on course. Then to get off, I took a narrow crack in the rock -- this was sketchy as at one point I had my back against one wall and my toes against another and I was basically stuck. I had no choice but to drop down and hope I didn't break/bruise/scape anything -- I made it with none of the before mentioned happening :)

Then a quick stop at a viewpoint and then down the 3 Ponds Trail. (I think I know what to expect at the end :)) But first, a sego lily

AND finally a butterfly (a duskywing, one of those I couldn't catch up to yesterday) basking morning sunlight - got him!!! (He's a Rocky Mt Duskwing -- another lifer!!)

Then lots of sand...deep sand for about a mile up a wash. It was my workout for the day. The views great!

Snuck up on a jackrabbit. Actually I didn't see him until his buddy off hopping. He really didn't care that I was there.

Also saw another checkerspot - this time a Sagebrush Checkerspot (or Desert Checkerspot subspecies/variant). I've seen Sagebrush before but the Desert is a lifer.

The trail ended at a pond, more like a little hole with water that hadn't quite dried up.

But it was cool. I could see over the rocks in back of the pond and there appeared to be another but without a sure way of getting over the rocks, I leave it to my imagination. I tried the trail on the left but it got too rugged and the trail on the right led to a dry up pond (and a cute little redbud tree in full bloom). Snacktime; it was shady and quiet; and I saw a Mourning Cloak (actually saw 2). Then backtracked to the trailhead.

Walked the bike trail (gravel yea!) until it intersected the Lava Flow Trail. And back to sand and uphill. Could see black lava rocks and when I got on top there was a lava cave which was pretty neat.

There were a bunch of folks down in the cave so I decided not to go down. Just took the Butterfly trail back (no bflys on this trail). Finished back on the Petrified Dunes Trail; enjoyed the view and aor a quick lunch then back to my car. (About a 5.5 mile loop) Fun place to visit!

Drove out of the park and stopped at a trailhead for the White Rock Amplitheater.  Fantastic!

Good day!

April 12 - Leed's Canyon (and Vermillion Red Cliffs)

Got to the Leed's Canyon exit around noon and proceeded up the gravel road. The road fit 2 cars but the drop off on the upside was steep at times. Saw a beautiful looking (and smelling) flowering bush but no bflys. There were checkerspots in the road that flew when I drove past but could not get a good look because they just wouldn't sit still. Same story with the duskywings, whites, and swallowtails - flying right by me but never landing. Frustrating butterflying; but normal for midday as they are warmed up and ready to move.

Stopped at Leeds Creeks and got lucky with 2 Common Checkered Skippers that actually were on the ground and some little brownish bfly (elfin??) who wouldn't land long enough.

I kept driving...there was an official children's garden along the road (odd place down a dirt road) but I stopped for a short walk. Saw that little brownish bfly on what looked like a huckleberry plant. This time did get a good look and a few (blurry phots) and it looked like an elfin (and the only one that flies here is the Desert Elfin -- which would be a lifer!!!!).

Indian Paintbrush are blooming.

Did a bit more driving and got a 2nd look at what is a Desert Elfin - Yea!! Made my day!
And I did get a photo of a Variable Checkerspot. Yea-2!

On the way down the road, there's some excellent views looking out towards Zion -- Wow!

From there went to the Red Cliffs and walked the Red Cliffs Trail. Short trail that leads out to a little waterfall. But if you follow another trail up, you can get above the waterfall and that leads to a small canyon. I followed it up until the rock climbing started and I turned back.

Lots of lizards running around here.

I tried another trail leading up to some dinosaur tracks but couldn't find the tracks but got to some wonderful views.

April 7 - Antelope Island (and Farmington Canyon)

Off to Antelope Island -- looks different everytime I come here especially the water levels in the lake; they keep dropping. More ducks today: scoots; and there are some flowers blooming. Haven't figured out what they are yet but still nice to see color.

Can't see any Burrowing Owls out but I'll keep looking.

I'm here to hike the White Rim trail (6+ m) but I couldn't find the trailhead; but I saw 2 pronghorn antelope instead (they were individuals). So I decided to drive up the east side of the island to the ranch where the Sentry Trail begins.

Well as luck would have it, I couldn't find that trail either but I found a ranger and he pointed me in the right direction. Which he would have said I needed a permit (as the trailhead said); I figured I'd hike it anyway (only 6.5 miles) but the "follow the rules" side of me won and I turned back.

OK, I'll try the Mt View trail; it follows the road but I'll get some hiking in. I'll go 1 hour out and 1 back (as I still wanted to stop in Farmington at a bfly spot).

Saw lots of Tiger beetles - Cow Path Tiger Beetles to be exact;

heard (and saw) quite a few Western Meadowlarks. Even saw the bird puff out its chest before singing. Beautiful bird!

But not even 1mi into the trail, there was a herd of bison in my way just 20yrds off the trail. Well not wanting to tempt fate (twice since I had to come back the same way), I turned around. So much for a good hiking day! :(

But off to hopefully find some butterflies in Farmington Canyon....

Got to the entrance and the gate was closed - no entry motorized vehicles; probably because there's snow in the higher elevations. So I parked at Farmington pond; figured I just have a look around...there was a nice creek. Then a saw a trail go uphill towards the road and I climbed up. And near there top there was this beautiful flowering plant that I thought was the host plant of the Sheridan's Green Hairstreak (early flier) and a butterfly (several) flying.

Boy was I excited and I went looking for them. But they weren't near the plant anymore (which is strange). Then finally, I saw the little flyer; just a moth. :(

But there were lots of them!!! Pretty much all I saw up there but then I really didn't stay long.

So much for my hiking/butterfly day....and when I got home I found out that the plant wasn't the host plant for the bfly. Humpf!

April 4 - Another lake walk

More water critter arriving. Saw the first coromorots with breeding plumage on their faces. And a shorebird with long legs and a curled bill (American Avocet).

Also saw my first dragonfly of the year. In Chicago, it would usually be a Green Darner, Common Whitetail, or Widow Skimmer. Not sure what this one was, looked a little orangish but didn't get a good look.

April 3 - First Cabble White Butterfly

Took a walk at work today -- Decker Lake is right across the street. Its a good 1.5 mile work which fits nicely into my 1/2 hour lunch.

Lots of ducks (mallards, domestic ducks (white farm ducks), scoots).

But saw my 1st white bfly today -- if I were in Chicago, it would have to be a Cabbage White but I'm in the West were there are Western Whites, Mustard Whites, Spring Whites. But this is an urban area, I'm going with a Cabbage White.