Sept 7 - Gravel Pit to Beacon Hill

Mostly cloudy morning with highs near 80 at Antelope Island today. So today marks my Fall return to the Island. I'm really excited to stretch my legs on a flattish hike and of course, see some critters.

On way way there, just off the highway exit is a small cattle ranch. Love seeing the cows as I pass the intersection. However, my heart is sad as I approach today as the cattle rancher sold out and the site is being prepared for a Costco. :( It was a matter of time with the new highway and the interchange but it goes from nice and peaceful to chaotic when the Costco opens. Signs of progress???

I reach the Island and with all the news talk about how much the Salt Lake has dropped, I'm expecting the worse. However, there's still lots of green grasses, large areas of water and absolutely a ton of waterfowl! Even the marina still has water in it on the back half so it is lower but we are ending a very dry summer.

I reach the Island and head south. I'm not driving the Island today as I want to start/finish my hike before it get too warm. As it is, it's 67 degrees which it much warmer than the Internet weather said it would. 

No bison behind the VC. I go past my TH turn-off to check out the Burrowing Owls just downhill from the TH and success!! Two colonies are out!!

Then it back up the hill and short wait for the Chukkars to cross.

In the parking lot is a single car and that guy is shooting arrows. I have the whole trail to myself!!

I start up the trail and the Rabbitgrass is still a little ways from blooming but the shorter yellow composite plants are just starting to bloom. 

The sun is somewhat but there are clouds to the west which to darken it up shortly.

There are no animals to be seen as I start my way out to the Pit.

Once out, I scan for critters and I don't see any; it's a clear path forward unless something pops out. There's a nice morning glow this morning.

Nice to be back on this trail with it's wide open expanses. It's quiet with a light breeze to keep the bugs at bay.

I reach Beacon Hill and when I reach the west side and walking north, I see a very large flock of Chukars; at least 20, crossing the trail. I wait until they clear.

Then it's up Beacon Hill. At one point when I look north, I see a lone doe looking at me. Very cool!

Soon I'm at the viewpoint. Downhill and across the road is a huge herd of Bison!



Time to head down. I stop for one of many sunflowers that are in bloom.

As I near the corrals, I see some large brown patches. These can't be bison; nope just piles of poop!

Soon I'm back at my car and heading for the causeway. Just before reaching it, in a large green patch, is a large male bison giving me a send-off (actually he's eating the green).

Awesome day!

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