Feb 23 - White Rock to Beacon Hill (Antelope Island)

 Sunny early morning than turning cloudy with a slight chance of rain with temps around 35 degrees. Heading up to Antelope Island for a hike before it gets cloudy (hopefully).

It is sunny on the drive up. I see a Pheasant (male) along the highway.

As I cross the causeway, I see a Bald Eagle who looks like had breakfast this morning.

And tons of ducks. The numbers seem to be getting larger now though it seems early.

I arrive on the Island and head directly for White Rock TH. The plan is to hike White Rock up to Beacon Hill and then back. Just hoping the trail is clear.

There are 2 bison behind the VC along the shoreline.  

And a couple uphill.

When I cross over to the other side, I find a large herd behind the VC.

There are also a few near Bison Point.

I parked (there are probably 5-6 cars already there), gear up and start up the trail.

It is a beautiful morning and the trail (at least at the start) is clear even though there's snow on the grass.

I make it up the hill with a wonderful view of the "white rock".

And I see that the trail heading east is clear. I wasn't expecting that and I start up it.

I can see critters ahead of me but I do see two "things" moving fast to the south.. Wrong shape to be Pronghorn/Deer and definitely not bison. They are either coyotes or bikers. 

I walk a little farther and see 2 more zoom south. I think they are too fast for bikers but I just don't know.

The trail is clear, sometimes very skinny but there are only a couple of sections of ice.

Soon I'm at the intersection and now heading to Beacon Hill.

As I start up, the views are awesome!

Along the way, I hear and spot Chukkar.

And when I reach the top, there's a Chukkar waiting for me.

Also a guy doing his boxing exercises. ;)

The view is awesome AND there's a herd of bison below - they have moved since Friday.



I don't stay long before making my way back to my car. The clouds have rolled in now. Good timing on my part.

First 6 mile hike of the year - Great day!

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