Feb 28 - Gravel Pit Trail (Antelope Island)

 Partly sunny day with temps in the low 30s predicted.

Sunny but lots of clouds out there and some look like snow clouds (grrr).

I arrive on the causeway just after 9:30; it be late as I stopped first to get my 1st Covid shot at 9:15. (One step to "freedom").

The water along the causeway is mostly water but there are still large spots of ice.

No eagles or birds of prey in sight this morning.

When I reach the island, I head to the west side - potty stop. A fair amount of scattered bison from the turn off to the 1st out house.

I head back to the east side and go directly to the Gravel Pit trailhead. (I figured the early animals are long gone so let get the hike going.)

Still lots of clouds around and I'm sure I'll run into them as some point but right now, I'm just going to enjoy the sun.

Quiet walk. Those 4 bison I've seen for a month or two are still there in the same spot.

I also see 5-6 bison closer to the White Rock Trail to the west. I think I also see more bison way ahead near Beacon Hill; I'll find out in a 1.5 miles or so.

Easy walk.

When I reach the north side of Beacon Hill, I do confirm there are bison here.

I reach the Beacon Hill turn-off and head up and it starts to flurry (but I'm still in the sun!!)

I reach the end; not too bad a view despite the snow.


I go to take a quit break at the picnic table and find bison fur on the table. It was scratching post!

It's getting windy and more snowy so it's a short break and I start my way back.

Good hike.

On the way out, I spot a Kestrel not far from the entrance gate.

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