March 28 - Sentry Trail (Antelope Island)

Heading back to Antelope Island today to hike the Sentry Trail. Weather is partly cloudy, mid-70s today with a north wind.

I can see bugs - there were swarms of them - driving along the causeway this morning. I do stop to look at the reflections in the water. (You can see the bugs in the photo.)

They look like mosquitoes but maybe they are the midges I was told about last week. They were lined up on the other side of my car when I went to get back in. (Hopefully, the trail isn't bad.)

I head straight down the east side of the island. I see 4 bison still in the same spot as last week - along the big fence.

And a little further along there was a solo bison, then a couple heading downhill through the rocks. Basically, there were scattered small groups all the way to the Ranch. And they were far away from the road.

Also, spot a lone pronghorn.

As I get closer to the ranch, there's a very large herd on the Farmington Bay lake bed. I wonder why they are out there -- there's no water, no food.

And then a smaller one next to the road. I stop to watch. They are slowly moving south -- I can hear the one bison breathing.

I get to the Sentry TH. I'm the only car (yea!) and start my hike. (No bugs!)

There's 2 herds of bison I have to deal with on the trail down the Mushroom Springs. The 1st herd probably 20 animals - they are 20-30 yards of the trail. As I get nearer some of the bison start looking at me, I veer off the trail just to give them some room. The herd simply starts walking a little south (20-30ft)  and stops. (Guess we both gave each other a little space.)

I go back to the trail and continue.

I'm seeing lots of sulphers today..

The other herd is near Mushroom Springs and as I get closer I can tell that they are blocking the trail. So off-trail I go taking a line past Mushroom Springs and the herd of bison. I find some of bison bones along the way.

I get back to the trail and look back.

My trail is clear (at least for now) so I continue. Seeing Tiger Beetles, Ground Beetles, lots of wasp-like flyers.

The larks are sure singing this morning. I pass one belting out its song from a rock.

Seeing a few orange Mylitta Crescents along the way.

I get to the ridge - always beautiful to the west.

And no animals to be seen other than lizards -- lots of lizards.

I take a quick break at the picnic table before continuing south along the ridge behind Sentry Peak.

I finally spot a small herd of bison far below in a valley. They look like they are laying down.

I find one purple daisy just starting to bloom -- it's the only one I see.

I'm past Sentry Peak and on the last stretch before the trail turns and heads downhill completing the loop. I see some bison ahead (maybe a group of 10-15). Can't tell yet if they are by the trail or further south.

I finally see the picnic table marking the turn downhill and the bison are definitely further south. As I get closer, they start to move west and downhill. They start running. Hey, there's babies!!! Yep, I see two babies running with their Moms.

They can't be that old - the other herds I've passed haven't had young.

Now I'm wondering if that large herd of bison on lake bed have babies too. It's open; they can see approaching predators and protect the young. Will have to check-out that herd on my way out.

Now its time to head downhill.

I'm almost to where my trail closes the loop when I spot something bright white basically in the middle of the loop. It could be a rock or a pronghorn (they seem to glow in the sunlight). It is a pronghorn laying down!

He was not visible from the side of the loop I went up but very near, just on the downside of some junipers. (I think they're junipers.)

As I get further down the trail, he gets up and starts slowly walking up to the ridge.

Still seeing Mylitta Crescents flying. Also see a Becker's White and a Cabbage White.

I'm on a long flat switchback heading south. I look down and the bison that were by Mushroom Springs have moved further north. I'll have clear sailing when I get there.

Then I look to my right and there's a coyote!! Only 20-30 ft from me walking southwest very calmly and slowly. Looks like he is hunting. He stops and looks back at me but doesn't run. Just continues. And he is hunting, I see him drop his head into the vegetation and he come up chewing.

He's got to be hunting the lizards - there's so many out.

He slowly keeps moving southwest and I move with him down the trail trying to keep my same distance. Occasionally, he turns to look at me but resumes his hunting. Very cool!

All day I've seen moving lizards, I finally get a good look at one with a touch yellow/orange.

I spot a grey/blue bfly flying. He stops -- a Grey Hairstreak (very fresh).

I'm back at Mushroom Springs and heading for the trailhead. I stop at the herd of bison, still in the same spot as earlier in the day. Need to check for babies -- No babies. Just a bunch of bison rolling in the dirt.

As I head back down the road, I find a herd of 4 pronghorn and further down a herd of 3. They too should be having their babies soon.

Another great day on Antelope Island.

(When I get home, I check the photos of the bison I took down below the Sentry Peak ridge. Not only are they laying down, there's a baby bison standing by his Mom!!! Guess the Moms with young are on the West side today
 

.)

March 27 - Grandeur Peak

After much debating about where to go today, decided to head up to Grandeur Peak today. I was there on Feb 8 and the trail below was snow packed but once out in the sun, it was pretty clear until just before the first summit. Had no intentions of going past the 1st summit, but today, I'm getting to the summit! (It's 3.2 miles one way and 2450ft in elevation.)

Another beautiful day expected: sunny, clear near 70 degrees. Hoping to see some Spring wildflowers and bflies and hoping the snow is off the trail (especially the upper part because I've never been  past the 2nd saddle because of snow).

Start off just before 10am -- a little cool (40s) and the shade at  the start is not helping. Can't wait to get the lower part over and head into the sun!!

But lower part is pretty - thick conifers and still bare maples. I'm looking for some wildflowers but the only ones up are the OregonGrape and some are in bloom. The creek also seems a little higher than last time -- but more snow is melting. Lots of birds singing.

Finally make it to the switchbacks and there's sun!!! Still surrounded by forest - mostly oaks now. They are typically the last to have buds and true to form, there are no buds. I see some black moths (with white dots) flying. They're just like bflies - hardly ever stop very long. I also see these little (1/4 - 1/2in) moths - their wings are red when open). I make friends to a older yellow lab who's on his way back to the trailhead. (His black lab buddy could care less.) I actually had to keep walking or the dog wasn't going to keep heading the trail. :)

A little further up, I get into full sun and I start seeing plant life. There's vetch peeking out of the ground and lupine (and other plants I can't yet ID). With the sun comes the views of the mountains to southerly directions.

There's a bird calling and I finally find him singing in the trees - it's a Spotted Towhee.

I'm finding flowers blooming now -- Yellow Violets, patches of Yellow Frittilary,

the elusive dandelion (smile), and many others (all plants with yellow flowers though).

The view downhill into the canyon is more green (evergreens) than snowy white. Is that my car down there?!

I get to the sandstone outcropping and start finding grasshoppers. These guys have red wings in flight.

After the outcropping (around 7000 ft) I see a flutter that lands. It's a lime green bfly called a Sheridan's Hairstreak. This one's a White-line Sheridan's Hairstreak!

It is found at high elevation near melting snow. Well, there's no snow here but a few weeks back there was. I count 5 of them flying down this one stretch of trail.

I'm now on the final stretch to the first saddle. Finally, my destination comes into view.

Looks a little snowy on one side -- hopefully that's not the side I'm heading up.

Arrive at the 1st saddle and have a quick look around before heading up the trail and to Grandeur Peak - the trail looks clear now (this trail was snowpacked in Feb). But there's still plenty of snow on northern sides of the mountain.

Just past the saddle I start finding Spring Beautys -- pink early Spring flowers. And considering this section of trail had snow a few ago,....

I pass the 2nd saddle. The trail has snow on it now. I watch 3 people coming down. They tell me it's just this one little section and then the trail is clear. Maybe 1/2 mile to go.

I trudge through the snow. I make friends with a 7yr Border Collie who already made it to the top.

The trail gets tricky with small climb up a rock and then another. Exiting the 2nd climb, the dirt trail is really steep - my non-Mt Goat brain is wondering if I should turn back. But I decide that if I go off trail a bit, it's less steep. Off I go and I quickly find the "real trail"; it went over a couple rocks instead of going up the big rocks. Just couldn't see it from below. But I'm glad I found it, I wasn't looking to going down that rock.

But once I'm up, I'm treated to an awesome view of the peaks to the south and southern views of the Salt Lake Valley. But I'm not to the top yet.

I find several piles of moose or elk scat. What are they doing up on this peak??

The trail continues to climb as it curves around. A short hop over some rocks and I'm on top of Grandeur Peak for the 1st time!!!!

And I'm greeted by 3 White bflies (unidentified because they never landed) circling round and round and then chasing each other. Probably males hill-topping.

And what a hill it is -- 360 degrees view. The SL Valley to the west,

Mt Olympus to the south,

Millcreek Canyon to the east (I've been looking at this the entire trip).

And I can see Mountain Dell and Little Dell reservoirs to the south. Nice blue water.

And peak is all mine!! There's is no one else up there. So I find a nice spot to have lunch looking south and west. Well, it's mine for about 15-20 minutes before 4 other people arrive. Luckily I'm done with lunch and start heading down.

I have my hopes up for more bflies -- its after noon now and warmer. I don't have to wait long because not far under the summit I find a Anise Swallowtail flying.

And I get a nice view of the trail I arrived on far below.

Boy am I glad I came early this morning, as I head down there's many people coming up.

I'm seeing lizards scurrying across the trail. They're shy as they keep hiding under rock/branches/etc.

I'm seeing more Anise Swallowtails and Whites on the way down.

I'm getting close to the area where I saw the Hairstreaks earlier in the day and sure enough I find them still flying. I also find a Brown Elfin on an dry Oak Leaf!

Further down, I see an orange flash and then another. They're Mylitta Crescents. And I see a Milbert's Tortoiseshell.

I'm down back into the conifer forest and I'm seeing Mourning Cloaks flying. And one Satyr Comma.

Heading back down the road to the my car, I do find flowers blooming -- purple violets. And more Mylitta Crescents and Mourning Cloaks.

Awesome day!! Spring wildflowers, Sheridan's Hairsteaks, gorgeous views and I bagged my peak :)

March 21 - White Rock Trail (Antelope Island)

Forecast is for yet another beautiful day -- a little cloudier but still up towards the 70s.

Heading to Antelope Island to do the White Rock Trail. (It's been awhile since I've been on it.)

When I get to the pay station I notice a sign announces that The bugs are back, no refunds. Ugh! I ask the ranger and she indicated that the midges have hatched on the causeway but the no-see-ums aren't bad yet. "Yet"? What does that mean? -- but I'm here, let's give it a shot. (I knew the day was near that the bugs would arrive, temperatures much too warm.)

I head around towards the Visitor's Center, past the beach, there's a few bison south of the Visitor's Center and several under Bison Point. I see 2 cars pulled over, one looking towards a bison herd. But they're far away so maybe they see something else. I drive thru slowly and catch something that looks like pronghorn laying down. I turn my car around and pull-off for a better look with my camera. Nope, they're just rock pronghorn. :(  I turn around and continue to White Rock Bay.

Unfortunately, I didn't know today's the Buffalo Run (a yearly event). Folks can run 50 or 100 miles on specified trails throughout the park. And, it's starts at White Rock Trailhead. Ugh! Lots of cars. But I came here to do White Rock, I'm doing White Rock -- chances are slim for animals though -- too much foot traffic.

Surprisedly, "my" parking space at the TH is still open so I take it. Lots of runners completing a loop and heading east on the dirt road towards the east side of the island. I ask the folks manning the TH if I can walk the trail. They said yes and enjoy the company (250+ people running).

So off I go. It's such of beautiful morning in the low 50s just before 10am. (And no bugs! Yea!) Lots of people heading down the trail towards and then past me (I'm going up the trail.). Most look pretty happy -- a downhill section always does that. I say "hi" to them as they pass and most say "hi/good morning" or give me a little hand wave. It's kinda fun especially the lady with a tutu over her running shorts :)

I continue to climb, lots of the pink Redstem Stork's Bill and tons of yellow Spring Parsley (Biscuit Root).

These plants are in the Parsley family a host plant of Swallowtails. Hoping to see some today.

There's a herd of 5 bison below.

As I'm going up, I'm still looking for critters, even with all the traffic, you just never know.

But then the hike gets very humbling for me -- it's not that I've never got passed on trail by people jogging up the trail. But today, I'm getting passed by folks that are on their 2nd loop of their trail - I'm not even sure I can do this trail back-2-back. Very humbling.

I make it too the top. Views of White Rock Bay are stunning as usual - much more white along the ever expanding beach line -- we need rain!! And the snowy mountain top peaking out between Elephant Rock and the island's rocky slopes.

In front of me are Dooly Knob and Frary Peak. Lots of folks on the trail down beyond across the ridge -- a whole herd them. Not sure if that's a checkpoint or there's just a bunch of people running as a group. But after a little bit, they all take off running again to complete the upper White Rock loop (I always do the longer lower loop.)

There are more people coming up the trail below -- kinda looks like an ant farm with all these tiny moving dots (i.e., people) marching along in a line.

I can see the east side of the island now and start the little curve north (before the lone switchback which then heads south down the ridge). There's a group of bikers at the switchback -- are they resting, looking at something,.... I look up (Beacon Knob is a 100-200 feet above) and there's a lone pronghorn looking down seeming at the group of bikers. (Always pays to keep looking!)

I wonder if the group sees him. I keep going forward slowly hoping to get closer -- he stays enjoying view (hey, there's bikers and a line of runners below). As the bikers head in my direction, the pronghorn moves from the edge and disappears. Fun!

The views east are great -- lots of lake bottom to look at (little water in Farmington Bay) but still pretty.

Looks like there are some fires burning south towards SLC and a few north of the island. I'm guessing they're wildfires -- we've already had several this winter.

As I continue across the ridge, I have a few runner coming up behind me (the two loop folks) and lots of people coming at me (north on the trail). I'm finally meeting all those "ants" as I go downhill; and they as climb. Some are walking now, others still jogging -- huffing and puffing upwards. But still they say "hi"! One after another after another.... They are coming down from either Elephant Rock or Split Rock. I try to give them the trail and move off if there's someone coming from behind me --- they're working way harder than me. One guy even thanks me for giving the trail to them today -- that's pretty nice and thoughtful after running that far.

I finally make it to the bottom and start the hike back towards Buffalo Point and the TH.

Now I can have some peace because there are no runners along this stretch. I didn't think I'd enjoy all the company but it's kinda fun!

I start hearing the Meadowlarks/Horned Larks and some Chukkars. And I see my 1st bfly of the day - a Cabbage White nectaring on the Biscuit Root.

I also see a lizard.

I make it back to my car and head to the Buffalo Grill for their Bison Burger - yum :)

Afterwards, I decide to drive the east side of the island and take a short walk up the Sentry Trail to Mushrooms Spring. I'm curious about what bflies are flying now -- saw Checkered and Becker's White last time I was there a couple weeks back. I suspect Crescents and Checkerspots might be flying now.

The bison are out and near the road today.  There are 3 laying down (I had to stop) and 4-5 by the trail the runners are coming down to cross the road and head to the Lakeside Trail (I stopped too.) More bison under the White Rock Ridge -- probably driven off by the running traffic. Little herds all down to the ranch.

And still lots of runners on that Lakeside Trail which goes the 12 miles to the Ranch and then they head back.

I get to the Ranch, the parking lots were overflowed into the horse parking area --- some event going on -- guess I'm not checking on the Owls. I head to the Sentry Trail parking which is empty and start heading up the trail.

There's a large herd of bison to the south. They are broken in two smaller herds. I'm walking parallel to the first herd - they're 100-200 yards away. As I get nearer, some of them start walking towards the other herd a little south.

I spot a white bfly. And see others flying including some Sulphers. It's mid-day so trying to get them landed is next to impossible. But I do find a Checkered White nectaring on some flowers.

And a Becker's White.

There are moths flying too.

I'm watching the bison herd when I notice an animal running right past the bison. That coyote is moving! He stops for a few seconds and continues running in the direction of Mushroom Springs. I soon lose him.

I arrive at Mushroom Springs. It smells like the bison had been here earlier in the day. I start walking around the muddy and wet areas looking for bflies/dragonflies. I see more Whites (including a Becker's White) and Sulphers and then finally my trip pays dividends - a Mylitta Crescent mud puddling!!!!

I keep walking up the stream/mud and come to a pool of water. I scare what looks like a Kildeer -- black ring around the neck - brown. Hoping to see him again on the way around the pool.

The spring water is overflowing the large metal container. The overflow is causing the little stream/mud/pool of water. I see another Mylitta right near the overflowing water - again in the mud.

I walk back down to the pool of water and start heading around hoping to find that bird. I don't see the bird but I do find more Mylitta. I counted 5.

I complete my loop and head back to the TH. Happy I took the detour!

Driving back down the island, there was one pronghorn on a ridge near where I was hiking earlier. I wonder if that the one I saw this morning.

The bison were still there drawing some crowds. Two of the bison are eating -- must be good stuff, The one is licking his lips!

Another great day on Antelope Island!!!!

And to the all the men and women who ran in the Buffalo Run today, including the lady in the tutu, the guy heading south down the White Rock ridge encouraging his fellow runners heading north, and the guy heading down the Lakeside Trail towards the Ranch carrying the America Flag on a pole resting on his shoulders - Congrats! And hats off to your efforts and your spirit! Truly impressive!

March 20 - Little Cottonwood Creek Trail (Celebrating Spring)

Happy Spring!! And to celebrate I decided to take a hike on my old Spring standby trail - Little Cottonwood Creek trail.

Beautiful day here -- near 70 and sunny.

I was hoping the main parking would be open (they close it for the winter). With the very warm winter we've had (and lack of snow), it was worth the hope, but it was still closed. So I had to drive up the canyon a few miles to a smaller parking area about 1/4 mile from the end of trail.

I'm expecting patchy snow in the shady spots but otherwise thinking it will be a pretty clear trail. I head down the hill from the parking to the actual trail. I can't hear the creek from the parking lot. And when I get down, the creek is flowing but is still very low. (The traffic is louder than the creek.) The Spring run-off will change that -- though I'm pretty sure it won't be as "watery" as last year.

I decide to head uphill to the end. Not a lot of snow - but I'm not too surprised - even though I'm around 6400ft in elevation. Besides the green evergreens not much new green vegetation yet. Just the Creeping OregonGrape.

There are white moths flying today.

I quickly spot a Mourning Cloak flying and another not too much further down the trail.

Not far from reaching the end, the trail gets shadier and there's packed snow on the trail which makes it a bit slick. But I get to the old brick building (the end of the trail) easily. Lots of snow still around the building.

Time to head down all the way to the 3rd bridge.

I spot  the Mourning Cloak again. And then a Comma - not sure whether its a Hoary or Satyr, but hopefully I'll find out.

Then I see another Comma. And then another -- I get a good look at this one and it's a Hoary Comma.

I take a side trail over to the creek for a quick look. And Comma#4 flies by!!

Back on the main trail again, I see the 2nd Mourning Cloak  resting on a branch. Then the dull orange flash of a Comma flies by the Mourning Cloak and a chase begins. The Mourning Cloak takes off and chases the Comma -- a couple of aerial loops and then a straight shot into the forest.

I'm back to my starting spot (my car is a short walk off the side trail) but I continue down. I take another side trail to the creek. Its shady here so there is some snow to walk over. I make my way down to the creek. There I spot another Comma basking on a rock in the creek. I make my way over some rocks and across a bit of the creek for a closer look. Of course, when I get there, the bfly flies and heads to a rock further down the stream (oh well).

As I head down, the trail get more snow-covered. It's in the shade! It curious though, only the trail has snow on it. Why is there none on the vegetation?

I'm seeing piles of moose scat. I actually counted the piles down to the 3rd bridge (just over 2 miles) -- there was 8 of them. I wish I could find that moose.

I get to the small hydro plant -- they done some trail maintenance here. It's nice! Washed out the summer 2013 (I think) and was getting "interesting", but now its all good!

It's so quiet out now I can hear the little waterwheel going round and round.

I get to the 1st bridge. The water is very low -- barely flowing. Three little waterfalls are upstream and just pools of water on the other side.

I'm in a sunny part of the trail when I see shadows of two bflies circling in a "fight". I look up but can't seem to find them but I can see their shadows. I finally find them spinning higher and higher and finally into the trees. I wait again hoping at least one would return. It pays off as I see the shadow of one but quickly disappears. Then one comes back! It right in front of my face and flies up. I lose sight of it but I can see its shadow go above me and then nothing. I think it landed on my cap. So I slowly take off my cap, get it down to eye-level and then the bfly flies. It did land on my cap!!!

I continue down and find one of the Commas basking, this one is a Satyr Comma!

I finally find some signs of Spring.

When I get to the 3rd Bridge, barely any water flowing. There are two guys fishing in a pool of water. Not sure if they were catching anything.

Well, I've seen 4 Mourning Cloak, 9 Commas (Satyr and Hoary) and 8 piles of moose scat (and a squirrel). Not a bad trip. And I still have the return trip.

I see only 1 bfly on the return trip -- a Satyr Comma.

Great day for the first day of Spring!!

March 14 - Mormon Trail (Maybe just a bit optimistic today)

With an entire winter of warmer than normal weather and not enough precipitation, I've decided to head to the Mormon Trail (6000 ft). This could be a win (especially for butterflies) or not -- depending how much snow is around. Maybe I'm a bit optimistic on March 14 but got to give it a try.

Supposed to be mostly sunny and close to 70 degrees in the valley -- it'll be probably 10 degrees cooler up here.

There's no visible snow on either side of Parley's Canyon (easy drive). Although when I hit Parley's Summit, I'm seeing snow -- only on the north facing exposures.

Hit the dirt road to the trailhead is pot-holy as expected but dry. There's snow on the north & east faces. The willows along the stream below are pretty -- orange/yellow/green.

I get to the parking lot and there's a single car there. The creek is flowing nicely and has snowy mountains to the north.

And I head off. Last year when I came in early Spring, I was stopped by snow and the Spring run-off. It flooded the trail and made small ponds that were, in some cases, pretty impossible to get around. I'm not sure what month that was but I know I've never been here mid-March.

The beginning part of trail is very muddy but still somewhat solid from the low night-time temps. This will get mucky on the way out.

I was hoping the mud might stop once I get to the actual trail which is more sagebrush hill on one side and creek/aspen on the other but no such luck. The stream is dry which is surprising. Obviously, the south hillsides have already melted, but the rest of the snow hasn't.

I don't get too far along before I run into snow. The hiking went mud, dirt, rocks, snow all along the way before totally switching to snow before the 1 mile marker.  I wish I had my Yaktrak - would have certainly helped with the packed snow - but wait,  I do have them - they're just in my car :(

I do see a Milbert's Tortoiseshell (an overwintering bfly) -- but my optimistic hope of seeing Spring flyers is gone. But overwintering bflies are good too.

I get to rock hop across a couple of small creeks but nothing like last year.

Its pretty quiet - I see a Downy/Hairy Woodpecker.

Spotting a lot of either moose or elk scat so they're around. And I'm looking for them.

I see a flock of juncos.

The snow is definitely filling in now around the 1 mile marker. Slippery walking.

Where there is water running, it's playing peek-a-boo in the snow (sometimes visible, sometimes not).

I get to Mormon Camp area -- a good contrast of snow and no snow. I wish the trail was on the other side.

The little pond is still frozen.

But there are little holes with what looks like algae popping out. Interesting.

I try to go further but it's getting hard to get around in the snow. Wish I had my snowshoes - but wait I do, they're just in my car. Wasn't very prepared today :)

I try until I end up post-holing thru the snow over my knee. Time to head back. It's just way too early in the season to be here.

I find a log near the camp and have lunch.

On the way back, I see a Comma and 3 Mourning Cloaks flying. Always neat to see them flying over snow.

And I believe a Hairy Woodpecker.

When I get home I look and see that my first trip was on April 11 -- the Spring thaw has yet to really get started this year!

But a good day anyway! Always fun to explore!

March 13 - Frary Peak (Antelope Island)

Well today I'm finally going to hike to Frary Peak on Antelope. The only trail I have yet to be on. And the only trail where the guidebooks mention the island's CA Bighorn Sheep. I'm soooo hoping I see them.

It's a beautiful day already - 50 degrees at 10am -- sunny, clear with a small inversion layer to the east.

I head around the Visitor's Center to see if there are any animals a bout. Saw just few bison in the distance around the northeast end of Bison Point but that was it. So I head down the east side of the island towards the Frary Peak turn-off.

A lone antelope was laying down not to far off the road. Had to stop for a quick look.

And that was all I saw until I turn right at my turnoff and up the 23% grade to the Frary Peak parking. The view to the east was really pretty.

And to the west, the moon was still up.

The Frary Peak trail is about 6.6 miles (round-trip) with an elevation gain of 2,068ft to the peak which sits at 6,596. Not big by mountain standards but still the highest point on the island. My goal is the summit, but from what I've read, there's some scrambling involved -- not high on my "like" list so it'll be a last minute call. Frary Peak is the highest peak to the north.

The trail marker sign shows several flowers that can be encountered on the trail and that little pink flower I've been seeing for a few weeks now, they are Redstem Stork's Bill.

I start heading up and there's no ease into this trail, the 1st 1/2 mile climbs around 500 ft. I'm seeing those pink flowers and the Yellow Spring Parsley as well.

At the 0.7 miles, the trail splits. Going right goes to Dooley Knob, I head left to Frary Peak. The trail heads over the ridge to the west side of the island. Wonderful views of Elephant Head in front of (and below) me. To the north, White Rock Bay, Bison Point, and views extending well north of the island. To the south, not too shabby either. Dooley Peak is behind.

And I see no animals below or above. Hmmm...

But I do see a Chukkar sitting on some rocks.

I get to the 1 mile marker and am on the west side of the island heading south. I'm expecting a series of steps that will lead me over the rocks and back to the east side. But I don't see any steps, it actually looks like the trail is ending at some rocks. No, the trail actually goes under two very large boulders and than continues. That's cool!

Then there a series of short switchbacks that head up and over to the east side ridgeline. (Obviously, they've re-routed the trail.) I like this better than some creaky wooden stairs!

The trail actually curves from east to west side - always climbing.

I see a grassy rounded peak in front of me - Stringham Peak (6374 ft). There's a faint trail that goes straight up to the peak (and this is what my guidebook lists) but the well-worn trail that goes around the backside. It doesn't go to the peak but to the ridge on its north side that looks east.

I can see Frary Peak craggy summit now - probably a 1/2 mile away.

I start up the next hill but pull-off the trail to let some down hikers by. I ask the couple if they had seen any sheep. They said they were at the peak about 45 minutes glassing for sheep and saw none. :( But that doesn't mean I won't see any -- it'll be mid-day, maybe they'll be more active.

After I let them pass, I turn back and notice that I passed right under a lone bison. I can't believe I didn't see him. But I will see him on the way down.

I'm seeing old dead trees now and occasional junipers amongst the sagebrush. The views of the west side are very craggy now.

I finally hit the 3 mile marker. A radio tower marks the spot. Frary Peak is directly ahead of me. I stop to figure out the remaining trail. It heads down and to the rocks. It's in the shade so its hard to see. It's actually kinda freaking me -- darn irrational fears! Even looking downhill at the wonderful views is making me queazy.

So I turn and head up another little trail to a little peak. I look at Frary Peak ahead.

As I head down, a couple (that I past earlier) arrive. He tries explaining the remaining trail - muddy, slippery, rocky scramble,..... I decide I've make it to "my" peak - about 0.3 miles shy of Frary. So close but it just isn't going to happen for me.

Not too disappointed though, I just find a nice spot for lunch with a panoramic view looking east.

 I listen to the wind blow, watch the ravens or crows soar in the breezes. I really think I see them almost turn upside down in the wind.

As I'm about the leave, I see an orange flash of a Satyr butterfly! (The first of two today.)

Time to head down.

I notice some pink flowers - they're Spring Beauties.

And a black caterpillar quickly crossing the trail.

I'm coming up on that bison. He's maybe 5-10 ft off the trail now. I head into the sagebrush to give him a wide berth - I'm watching him the whole way. He doesn't even notice me! His head is down intently feeding. Guess I shouldn't complain. When I get past, I just head back to the trail and continue down.

A little further along, I spot some yellow flowers - bell-like with flowers hanging down. They are Yellow Fritillary.

There's a stretch of west-facing slope of about 100 yards where I find them. Then they disappear.

Dooley Knob appears again - I see a couple of bison down there.

Not far after exiting the Rock Tunnel,  I see my 1st Anise Swallowtail of the year flying over a rocky outcropping.

And I see 6 bison now moving by Dooley Knob. I'm not sure where my trail is but this could be interesting. And there's more bison coming, they are moving south. I count 13 of them.

I keep going, I'm only about 1/2 mile away. I notice that the bison are basically coming right at me. They notice me - I stop. They stop for a bit and then continue on their way which is on the slope below the trail. I decide to once again give them a wide berth (I can't see them anymore) heading west (left) through the sagebrush. I think I'm safe but then suddenly the whole herd reverses direction and appears on the trail in front me. And they're all staring at me - great. (There are 14 now.)

I stop and watch. Then I try to go even further to the left (hoping they'll either let me by or turn around and head back along the slope). Nope - a few of them start walking towards me. So I stop and wait. A little while later, I try again and they start walking towards me. Ok, I'll just head back to the trail and wait.

After a while, the bison do turn back east and they disappear below the slope. I wait so they can get past me. I start again through the sagebrush and then the bison scramble back on the trail - something spooked them. Two of the bison are over the ridge so I can't go west anymore - the rest are on the trail.

I find a rock and take a seat this could be a long wait.

It's just a stand-off. After a few minutes, a few bison at the back get a little restless - I'm think good maybe they'll start moving. No, one of the bison lays down. I may never get home tonight :) Hey, at least there's lizards to watch.

Finally, they start moving again to the east and across the slope - Yea! But I wait. Then I hear voices of people coming up trail and the bison return in a stampede over the trail and down the western slope.

Well, that takes care of my problem!

I get back down and head to the Ranch to check the owls. I see no animals along way. There is a small herd of bison in the distance by Mushroom Springs though. I wonder where all the animals are today.

The owl area is still blocked off as expected. I can see one of the owls in the tree but nothing on the nesting platform. Maybe another day.

Time to head home - Great day!!!!