March 2 - White Rock to Beacon Hill (Antelope Island)

 Sunny day with temps in the low 60s before a storm is coming late Sunday.

Heading up to Antelope Island to hike Sentry Peak today.

It's in the mid-30s when I arrive on the causeway. Quiet drive across - no hawks, no eagles, even the duck population has shrunk - just open water.

I reach Island and head south towards the Ranch. There are two bison behind the VC down near the lakebed and one on the hilltop.

Unfortunately, I'm behind a guy in a pickup with a tiny dog looking like he's ready jump out of the window going less than 25 mph. Hoping he turns towards the west side of the Island but no luck. A normal person would pull-off so cars can pass but this guy is just owning the road this morning. I can stay behind this guy any longer so I decide to hike Gravel Pit/Beacon Hill.

There are two cars parked with a couple of runners standing by one of the cars. I also see a bison staring back. Crap! Not hiking this today. As I turn around, I see a whole herd of bison stand just beyond the start of the trail. Those runners have their work cut out for them to get past these guys.

I decide to head to the west side of the Island and hike White Rock to Beacon Hill. Should really just do the loop but I'm wanting Beacon Hill this morning.

Crossing over to the west side, I see a small herd of Pronghorn to the left. Very hard to see.

No bison behind the VC and a couple on the way to White Rock parking. 

Quite a few cars already parked. And bison just above the parking area. Hoping he's not going to be trouble.

It's 42 degrees/sunny, I gear up and start up the trail.

Quiet walk. No flowers or peeks of flowers yet. And no critters to be seen.

Soon I'm walking up Beacon Hill.

Much different than last week as the snow has all melted.

At the view, I see bison below and to the north. These couple be the herd I saw at the Gravel Pit TH.

Oh, and there's another herd just to the south of them!

I take a brief rest and start my way back.

Lots of people out - walking and biking.

As I'm dropping down from the hill on the way back to my car, I see a lone Pronghorn just east of the trail. Depending on which direction he is facing, he is either visible or invisible. Kinda of fascinating.

Great day!

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