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!!!!