Its supposed to be a sunny day (they said that yesterday too) and near 50 - I'm sure it will be a little cooler on the island as it usually is. And a sunny day is needed; the South End Trail is 5 miles down the east side of the island to the southern tip - called Unicorn Point (and then its the walk back - 10 miles total). So its a long day in uncharted waters for me as I've never taken this trail before.
It is sunny this morning and as I cross the causeway, 2 of those bird of prey are flying.
As I start heading down towards the Ranch, there are 2 bison laying and watching the cars go by.
The bison herds are again far away close to the mountains. I see 2 larger herds.
I start the trail around 11am. Hoping to get to island tip by 1pm but that will depend if there are any hills to climb -- I'm thinking it'll be pretty flat.
And I'm correct. The trail follows an old dirt road down the coast. Look east and there's Farmington Bay (more mud flats than water) and to the west, mountains. In between, sagebrush, several natural springs (this is where most of trees are -- and the birds; lots of birds singing. They must think its Spring but unfortunately, its only the end of January.)
Going thru one of the tree'd areas, I spot a coyote crossing the road heading west. He spots me, pauses and continues trotting along. I look to the east and see the other part of the pair. She's much more cautious and it takes her awhile to cross the road. In fact, the mate is a good 200-300 yards away before she crosses.
Once she does, I watch for a while and then continue on and let them enjoy their wide open space.
I see hoof prints (antelope or deer) in the dirt along with horse and bison. Not a lot of fresh bison scat around --- it's been a while since they been down this direction.
I pass one really large "wetland" -- definitely a spring here.
It's about here when I have to step off the trail for a car. Not sure why there is a car coming; the road closed. But they stop -- trail patrol; they're taking the easy way down to the island tip. :)
Lots of little birds flying -- no other animals though.
I kinda think the landscape is a little creepy with the leaf-less trees -- pretty but creepy.
I know I've been walking for over an hour --- I've got to be getting close (and running out of time to find some Pronghorn). That would be bummer.
I stop at an icy puddle for a look, when I look up in the distance - Pronghorn!!! They are far in the distance climbing up a mountain. I count around 19 of them. They are spooked. Some run for a bit while other are grazing and walking. They are looking my way.
I take a seat on the ground to watch. Some of them have horns and others do not (only 40% of females have horns). Up, up they go to a peak called Molly's Nipple.
I continue down the trail. Not much water around here.
I can see the old southern causeway which was used to haul material when I-80 to Nevada was being built. Unused now.
I finally make it to the southern tip. Lots of wetland vegetation.
Very hazy but I can still see the mountains to the south (barely).
I find a good rock and have lunch. Nice view up the west side of the island from here.
Before I leave, I go to look at some of the rocks. They are metamorphic rocks called Gneiss -- they are 1.7 billion years old.
Time to head back.
I spot a bird of prey flying. (I think it's a Cooper's Hawk.)
I get to the spot where I saw the Pronghorn earlier. I notice a curved form on the mountain -- it would be a strangely shaped rock -- and take a look. It's the Pronghorns. They are on a terrace -- most are laying down but one is standing (the odd shape). I can only see little heads looking down on me.
But I make it back -- I didn't see 100 pronghorn but 19 are better than nothing.
Good day!
No comments:
Post a Comment