April 6 - Sentry Trail (Antelope Island)

 Another sunny mid-50s day. Heading back to Antelope Island to hike Sentry Trail.

Arrive at the gate just after 8am and again I'm waiting in line. Only 3 cars this time but waiting is such a weird concept for me at the Island (and I'm not liking it).

No excitement of the causeway. Still waiting on the migration to begin.

I reach the Island and head south towards the Ranch.

There's a couple of bison near the VC. On the curves, I have to stop for 2 Chukkars crossing the road. 

There are a few more bison across from the Burrowing Owls (which are still hiding).

Oddly, there are bison along the curves down from the Burrowing Owls. Don't see bison here that often but today is the day!

Rolling across White Rock, there is a small herd of Pronghorn on the slopes.

Across from Frary Peak is clear.

But after the outhouse, I see a herd of bison moving towards a road crossing (to the east). I wait on them as they near the road and then they stall. So I move past and they cross behind me.

I roll up on the Ranch and holy cow! The gate to the road is open! Hot Dog! Definitely hiking the Sentry Trail today. There does look to be 2 bison just south of the trail so fingers crossed.

I stop at the Ranch to look for Owls and I get lucky, there are 2 people in the picnic area with cameras. As I approach, they leave. It's a lone Great Horned Owl.

Based on his location, the nest and babies are somewhere nearby. They will be showing themselves shortly.

I head to the Sentry parking and surprise, there are already 2 cars here. Used to be a dead trail but it is Spring Break time.

I gear up and start up the trail. Those 2 bison are nearby but far enough from the trail to pose no threat.

It's so nice to be on this trail again; it's been awhile.

As I nearing Mushroom Springs, I see a lone bison moving up higher up the mountain. Need to keep a lookout for him.

Now the 1st part of the climb begins. Still not much blooming on this hike. But I do get passed by a couple on horses. Soon they will be out of my view though.

That proves to be untrue and they keep stopping and when I almost catch up, they start moving again. My guess is that the horses are old. It does prove interesting though.

See a few mushrooms along the way. Can't say I've every seen shrooms on the Island before so it's a bit exciting.

Soon I reach the switchback and head across.

And then it's the 2nd uphill. Hoping the horses go left at the circle so I have a clear path and sure enough, they go left. Yea!

And the bison I saw earlier, I have a clear view of now before I start the loop.

On the way up, I find a Biscuitroot - 1st one of the day. But no critters. :(

I reach the ridge 

and make my way to the picnic table where I take a short break.

There is a small herd of bison on the west side.

Time to move on as I see the horses heading in my directions. When we meet, the guy says that I'm walking almost as fast as they are. I reply that is because they are spotting a lot. The woman says that the horses do need rest stops.

I also see another small herd of bison on the west side.

As I'm about ready to head down, I find some large cacti. Don't ever remember seeing them but I just must not been paying attention.

Time to head down.

At some point, the bison comes into view. There are actually 2 of them. Both standing very close to the trail. Guess I'm going off road today!!!

Seeing more people as I continue to head down. Definitely a busy trail today.

I reach my car and head north.

The bison that crosses the road are now resting on the east side. I looks like there might be some babies. Ooo, that would be frustrating because if I had patience earlier, I would have seen them.

Near Frary Peak, I see a lady parking with a camera focused on something. I slow as I pass and see the head of a coyote! It's hunting because I see him jump! Way cool!

The Pronghorn are gone when I return.

Awesome day!