My Utah Adventure 2026

 Mostly sunny day with temps in the mid-40s. Completed my work week early and heading up for a walk up Lamb's Canyon. Last time I was here, it was very icy so bringing the spikes with me. I arrive and I'm the only car in the lot - surprising! The gate is closed (of course) and the road is completely covered in packed unlike last time when there was about 100-150 yards of pavement. The road is snow-packed and no need for the spikes. The snow-level is maybe 6 inches. Find some moose poop on the way. As well as hearing/seeing a few Chickadees. At one point I stop to take off my coat and I see a large bird fly out of the pine trees, past me and lands on the top of a naked tree. It's a hawk! First one I've seen in this canyon. Very nice surprise! No cool ice formations along the side of the road as they were covered in snow. I reach the TH and decide to head up for a little bit. The trail is snow packed as well and pretty easy walking. I only go may be 100-200 yards before s...

 Sunny day FINALLY!! But it's only 20 degrees. :( But it's an awesome hiking day and I'm heading up to Antelope Island! Note: that we've finally had some good snowfall in the mountains over the past week or so (over 30 inches). Still way behind for the season but it's something. Again very chilly morning there is little if any wind making it a perfect day! Several hawk on the drive-in; including the one on the light pole like normal. Crossing the causeway was uneventful - no kestrels, hawks, eagles or Blue Heron (must have gotten too cold for them to keep hanging around). I reach the Island and head south. That huge herd of bison is on the north side behind the VC and before the fence. Many are moving east across the road when I arrive but I drive thru. I drive down to Frary Peak and so no critter so I head back to the Gravel Pit TH. There are a couple of cars already parked; surprises me on this chilly morning.  I gear up and start along the trail. When I'm out...

 Happy New Year! And finally my 1st hike of 2026! Not a pretty morning but it's in the low 40s and cloudy warming up to another record breaking high around 55. The sun may come out - fingers crossed. Heading up to Antelope Island to hike up to Beacon Hill. Plenty of rain the last couple days which will make some trails muddy; sticking with my "go-to" for today. There's blue sky to the northwest and I'm hoping I'll see some but cloudy pretty much everywhere else. It's after 8:15 and the moon is still visible and it's absolutely HUGE!! Awesome! I arrive at the gate and make my way across the causeway. The sun is still rising over the mountains and there's an orange hue to the skies and the water is flat. Lovely reflection including of the 2 Blue Heron sitting in Farmington Bay!! I do see 1 Kestrel on the crossing. I arrive on the Island and there are no visible bison. I drive all the way to the Ranch and the east side of the Island is dead quiet. The...