Sept 14 - Sentry Peak (Antelope Island)

 The cool front blew in last night and left us if a morning that's 55 degrees with a high in the low 70s. Picture perfect weather. I have the day off and was planning on heading towards White Pine Lake with the goal of reaching the cirque. But when I woke up with such ideal temps, I decided it's a Sentry Peak day!

I arrive around 8am and head down to the Ranch. 

There were 3-4 bison behind the VC but near the lakebed and they were very hard to see without the right angle.

Otherwise, super quiet drive. That huge herd of bison in front of Frary Peak last week are a bit south and about 1/2 way up the mountains; tiny little dots this morning.

I arrive at the Sentry Peak parking and I'm the only car (yea!) and it's in the low 50s and a pretty good north wind. The wind won't feel good now but it will as I start the climb. No critters in view.

I start up the trail and there are lots of sunflowers and other yellow composites. I even see a Sulphur butterfly zipping past in the wind.

I pass Mushroom Springs, I find a lone Rocky Mt Bee Balm

 Then it time to start heading up the first 1/2 of the climb where I quickly spot a lone Pronghorn to the south watching me.

As I'm peaking the 1st little climb approaching the trail heading to Mushroom Springs from above, I come across 3 more Pronghorn. They trot away to the north. And they disappear! I thought I'd see them again from other points on the trail but simply gone!!

I see another butterfly; small greyish underwing; almost Copper like but never stays long enough. Perhaps a Grey Hairstreak. I just don't know but it was exciting!

I continue the climb reaching the switchback. I look up and to the west and I see a lone bison along the ridge. Hoping I don't meet him today; will keep my eyes open.

Many dragonflies as I cross the switchback.

Soon I'm climbing again to reach the circle trail. As I climb, I'm following a flock of Chukkars!

I reach the circle and I see no bison so I start up counterclockwise as always. No critters, but lots of flowers including this white one.

As I'm about ready to reach the ridge, I see a hawk flying across the ridge; pretty cool!

Yea! I'm finally at the ridge and the views are wonderful as always!

After a brief rest, I start across the ridge and behind Sentry Peak and to the picnic bench on the other side. Time to start my way down and keep my eyes open for the bison.

I just don't see the bison which is great but confusing.

I see a Skipper on the way down.

And soon I'm back at switchback and never saw a bison.

However, on the other end of the switchback, I look up and see 3-4 bison on the same ridge. I'm confused but it's all good.

Now its back down to my car. I do see a couple more Sulphurs and a White (probably Checkered) on my return.

On the return up the Island, those bison moved over to the lakebed.

Awesome choice! Awesome day!

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