March 20 - White Rock Trail (Antelope Island)

 It's an off-Friday, sunny and heading for record-high temps again today (upper 70s).

Heading to Antelope Island to hike to Beacon Hill.

When I arrive at the gate, it's in the low 50s. No activity along the causeway other than the shorebird populations are growing especially the Avocets.

I arrive on the Island and head around the north side of the Island to see if the Burrowing Owls are back behind the VC. There are bison on the north side of the VC but no Burrowing Owls yet. But I do see some Chukkars!

I also check to see if that big herd of bison that has been hanging around all winter is still around and if so, if they're impede my hike to Beacon Hill. And I believe I see lots of little bison dots in the distance and it does not appear that Beacon Hill from the Gravel Pit will be possible. So I'm heading to hike the White Rock Loop (and to be honest, I'm not sure I'll be able to get thru on White Rock either).

Not many cars yet in the lot; I gear up and take off in the counter-clockwise direction.

Lots of little pink flowers, Spring Parlsey and Bisqueroot another the way.

Still very quiet bird song wise; Spring has not yet sprung yet despite the extremely warm temps.

I do find that large herd of bison finally and I'm in the clear but coming from the Gravel Pit would not be possible. (Note: my hike was really close though).

So since the bison are around, I decide to hike the entire loop today for the 1st time this year.  Just a quiet hike.

On the inner loop, I find Death Camas stalks and carpets of the pink flowers. Strangely no beetles or lizards but lots of Common Checkered Skippers!

Soon I'm back at the loop. Funny: I followed about 200 years behind 2 men at the start of the hike. They went counter-wise though. We met along the ridge and there they are finishing the loop just before me. I did gain ground but amazing that we walked 6.5 miles basically at the same speed. That's pretty cool!

I did complete the hike behind they did only because they were stopped by someone they knew and I skirted past.

Great day!

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