Sun is out; clear as day. When I stop at the park gate I'm shocked to see a sign reading "Campgrounds Full!" - It's the middle of Feb! -- only proves how whackedly warm the temperatures are here.
I'm greeted as I enter the island by 3 bison resting behind the Visitor's Center.
No trip down the east side of the island today as I'm heading directly to the trailhead -- it's a long walk, around 10 miles, time to get going.
There is a small herd of bison just east of the White Rock campground. Good breakfast entertainment for the campers.
The day parking and the horse parking lots are pretty full -- actually never seen them so crowded. But my little parking spot before the gate is free, so I take it.
When I get out of my car, I am greeted by the melodious song of the Western Meadowlark. Boy is he belting out his song! Yellow breast puffed out! Sounds wonderful!
It's still cool out, barely 40, with a cool breeze -- still need my gloves to keep the fingers warm.
There are a few bison in the meadow but I'm heading counter-clockwise so I don't have to deal with them.
I can see green grasses along the trail -- Spring is definitely here. A little further a long, I see a few small pink flowers - but just a few.
It's so clear out, it's going to be spectacular when I get up high - I can't wait.
There are 3 bison in the White Rock Bay valley.
It's pretty quiet other than the songs of more Meadowlarks and the blowing breeze.
Time to head up to the ridge -- what great view of the White Rock valley and the surrounding area!
The trail to Elephant Rock is to my right, I'm heading straight - into new very rocky territory. A few feet after the Elephant Rock trail, there is another trail to the right which heads down a valley towards the beach and beneath Elephant Rock. I'm not sure but this could be my return trail -- but I thought this was a loop within the island interior. I'll find out in a few hours.
The trail, which was a dirt road, is now a single track. There's signs that bison have been here not too long ago. But they are long gone.
The trail's views are unbelievable. I can see down the western side of the island to the north and south. I can see the mountains across the lake, the beach below and rocks (big rocks) everywhere! The trail follows the curves of the island, in and out and in and out.
I keep looking for Bighorns but nothing. I hear lots of Chukkars but when I get close, they stop calling. Once I pass, they're calling again. I can't believe I can't find one.
I spot a lizard scampering across the trail.
I come up on a Park Sign and fence made of rocks -- it's actually an old horse corral.
The sign says that settlers brought the horses to the island in the mid-1800s. These horses, partly because of their adaptability to the ruggedness of the island, were prized by cowboys, soldiers, etc. It is said that the horses were very "attached" to the island and when taken away would swim back to their island home. Unfortunately, they were exterminated from the island in the late 1800s by sheep ranchers.
I keep heading west above the coast. I just love the views.
The southward walk down the west side is ending, time for the switchbacks down towards the beach. Now I can easily see the wonderful views northward!! (Towards Elephant Head and White Rock Bay). Just before I get to a hairpin switchback turn, I spot some Spring Wildflowers: the bright yellow Spring Parsley and those pink flowers again.
I finally get down and can see up to where I was walking.
Now it's just a walk towards Elephant Head
and then up a long incline to the top of the ridge.
Great views (and lots of people and horses)
On the walk back, I come across the 3 bison in White Rock valley. They've moved a little. As I approach, I notice one bison break away from the other two and walking in my direction. They are all 100 yards or so off trail so I'm not too concerned. But he is walking in my direction. Fortunately, he only had an itch and walked to a rock to scratch it.
Further along, the other group of bison are about 20-30 feet from the trail. They are just laying down. I thought it would easy going after a couple bikes and two horses pass in front of them without issue. But I was wrong. As I get nearer, one bison stands up and looks my way. Then he starts walking towards the trail. So I go off trail part way down the hill. He's still watching me and another bison stands up. I make it passed them and back to the trail. After walking a little bit further, I turn around only to watch both of them lay right back down. They were just playing games with me :)
Time to go home!
As I am coming up to the causeway, the 3 bison are still there. One is walking down to the road. I spot to watch and he does cross. He's heading for his psychedelic friend.
Great day as always! (The Split Rock Trail is by far, my favorite trail on the island!!)
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