My Utah Adventure 2025

 Sunny day with highs in the 50s. Yes, that's right 50s (yesterday we tied an all-time record high at 62). Where is winter? Today is an off-Friday and I don't feel like driving to Antelope Island so I'm going to check-out Lambs Road. I'm assuming is closed for the winter but due to the lack of snow, I'm not bringing my spikes. And I have hope of walking a portion of the trail. I arrive around 9am. It's sunny and around 40 degrees. The gate is closed and there's a bunch of cars in the lot. I pass the gate and the road is for the most part clear with scattered patches of ice. The south wind makes it a bit chilly especially because I'm in the shade. Actually not sure that much of this road is ever in the sun right now since the sun is heading to it's lowest. But only for a few more days then the days will be getting longer (yea!). The creek is running strong from the melting of the snow we got last week-end. About a 1/4 way about up, the road becomes al...

 Hazy day with temps in the mid-50 again. Heading up to walk the trail at Little Dell. Not the most exciting but there are lots of possibilities to see (Porcupine, Moose, Turkeys, Elk) and it's quiet and probably snow/ice free. Arrive around 9:30. Let the temps warm up a bit but not too much because I think the trail will be very muddy. The reservoir is low as one would expect and there are a couple of ducks on the water. Can't tell what kind as I didn't bring binoculars. I gear up and head down toward the water. The trail is a mix of dry dirt and frozen mud so I was smart to leave when I did. I head down the trail and then a detour towards the water. Lots of dry'sh lake bed; I stopped where the grass ended. Just one fisherman out there. Back on the trail, it's quiet and peaceful. Keep scanning for moose/deer/elk or any other critter. I do see some moose/elk/deer tracks in frozen mud, a squirrel and chickadees along the trail. I can hear the creek running at certain...

 And it's another sunny day with temps in the mid-50s extending the non-winter streak. (I guess technically it's still Fall though). The mornings have been cool though; today it's 32 degrees. Heading to Antelope Island this morning to hike either Sentry Peak or the Gravel Pit. As I drive up, there's fog layer over Farmington Bay -- looks like an ocean out there.  I see one hawk on that same pole; must be his morning perch. I arrive at the gateway and prepare to drive thru a thick fog bank. It opens in the middle of the drive and then closes again as I reach the Island. I head south at the Island. It is foggy but I do not see any critters around the VC. In fact it's quiet until past the toilets where I find a decent size herd of bison. I continue onto the Ranch; no critters near Sentry Peak. I have a clear hike but decide it's a Gravel Pit day. I head back north passes that herd of bison. Up near Beacon Hill I see a couple bison so I guess I'll have some comp...

Mostly cloudy near with temp in the mid-40s. Heading up to Antelope Island this morning. Not feeling a hike. I don't know why but perhaps that will change when I get up there. It's clear skies in SLC but looking north it's pretty cloudy. I see only one hawk on my drive up. He was oddly snuggling right next to a light pole. I think it's a strange location but obviously he was content. I roll thru the gate and there's a Kestrel perched on a large. I stop right next to the sign hoping...but he flies (as I expected). Perhaps I'll see him on my return. An otherwise a quiet drive along the causeway. Should be seeing Bald Eagles but too warm, no ice, and no snow. However, I do see that Blue Heron that has been hanging out along the causeway for over month. Lucky for me he's actually near the causeway. I come to a stop on the other side of the road for a wonderful view. Of course, when I drive off, he flies off. Sorry buddy to scare you. I reach the island and head ...

 Happy Thanksgiving! Sunny day with temps in the mid-50s. Heading up to Antelope Island for a hike to Beacon Hill. On the drive up, I saw 3 big brown hawks but crossing the causeway no hawks and no Kestrels. But I did see a lone coyote trotting east off the causeway. I reach the Island and turn south. There are 4 bison behind the VC. And nothing else but until my turn around spot in from of the White Rock mountains. (I didn't go farther as there was just too many cars around for my liking.) I head back to the Gravel Pit where I join to 2 cars in the lot. I gear up and start the trail. Just a quiet morning walk. No bison, deer, pronghorn or Chukkars along the way.  But several folks on bikes. I reach the top and stop for a break. Lovely day. Time to head back. On the drive back along causeway, the Kestrels appear; I count 5 them all perched on road posts. Good day!

 Partly sunny day with temps in the mid-60s. I thought Wednesday would be my last trip into the mountains this year but the predicted snow/rain didn't come on Friday or today so might as well head out one more time. Entering BCC there is a sign stating Solitude opens on the 19th. Funny because there's not a lick of snow on the slopes. There's still snow in the forecast but.... I arrive at Silve Lake and again only a couple of cars. It's in the mid-30s and sun is about up. I head directly towards the TH down the frosty boardwalk. Searching for deer or moose or beaver and find none. However, the lake is only partially frozen due to warmish temps. More squirrels running around today. And I see/hear Pika at all of the slides (which is cool). I do find fresh deer tracks in the mud but do not see again today. Lake Solitude is low and partially frozen - not a pretty sight.  After a brief break, I head back. (I only see 3 people on the trail on my return.) Good day!

 Since I didn't get a hike this morning, I decided to head up to Lambs Canyon Road around 11:30. It's a mix of sun and clouds and wind. Not really ideal for butterflies but what this heck. As I start the hike, I'm surprised to see my 1st Forget-me-knot of the year!! (And it's the only one I saw.) I also see a fresh CA Tortoiseshell. He too is the only one I saw. But there were many of the black spotted moths from top to bottom. There are lots more green sprouts peeking including Virginia Waterleaf. And some buds on the Oregongrape and probably Ragwort. The road is all melted until just before the TH so easy walking. The bridge too is melted; snow right after you cross but because the weather is not conducive to butterflies, I pass.

 Mostly cloudy day with temps near 70. After work took a quick walk up Lambs Canyon. Hoping for butterflies (Silvery Blue, Azure, etc -- early Spring flyers) but its mostly cloudy with peeks of sun. A lot more Forget-me-knots in bloom today. The Oregongrape are also blooming.And some Biscuitroot with buds.  And a few other buds. Quiet walks. Appears that the stream flow is getting a bit stronger. On the walk I see 5-6 CA Tortoiseshell and a Mourning Cloak!