Oct 3 - White Rock to Beacon Hill (Antelope Island)

 Sunny day with highs in the low 80s. It's a 55 degree morning so heading up to Antelope Island to hike Gravel Pit to Beacon Hill.

Easy drive up despite being a Saturday.

No critters along the causeway except a N. Harrier gliding west along the causeway.

When I arrive on the Island, I head straight to the TH passing a couple/three bison near the lakebed.

When I pull into the parking lot. I see a small group (5-6) bison on the hill near the TH. They are grazing slowly toward the trail so I need another plan. I'll get to Beacon Hill from the White Rock Trail. It's longer and more elevation but it's a go!

I head over to the new trail. There is a herd of bison in the meadow before the parking.

Not many people hiking/biking yet but there sure is a bunch of horse trailers.

I gear up and start along the trail.

As I'm walking the flattish section before the hill, I spot a lone Pronghorn on the other side of the fence. Sweet!

Then it's up the hill, passing a Pink flower

and left turn towards Beacon Hill. 

Two horses pass me up on this section. They horses are trotting which you don't see much of on the Island. They are the only couple I have as I reach the top of Beacon Hill. Beautiful day!

No critters to be seen anywhere in view.

Time to head back. As I'm going down Beacon Hill, I see glints of whites in the distance. It's a small herd of Pronghorn heading northeast. On that trajectory, I might run into them. There's a male at the front and back and about 4-5 females between. 

Unfortunately, they must have seen me and one of the females spooks and runs south, followed my another. Then they are all heading south. Too bad, but that was fun.

Lots of "trotting" horse on my return. Must have been horse day at the park today.

Awesome day!

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