MARCH 2019 : This is a slightly different trip report. I've taken the last two days off to do some non-ski activities with my wife and adult daughter. I will document some of the fun things we've done, all within about one hour of Salt Lake City.
3/21/19: got a late start, did a little shopping, then drove about an hour north to Antelope Island State Park, arrived about 3PM. Cost $10 per car or $5 for seniors. This place is a real gem in late winter/early spring, no bugs and tons of wildlife, up close. We made a quick stop in the nice little visitor center. I had visited this island about 3 years ago and knew how fun and scenic it could be. This wasn't the clearest of days, but still super-scenic. The island has an almost desert-like environment with only grass and scrubs, very few trees. The neatest large mammals roaming the island are Pronghorn (antelopes), Bison, bighorn sheep, mule deer. There are also smaller numbers of other animals such as coyote. It is also a great bird sanctuary. There are scenic shoreline/beaches, lots of great hiking trails and beautiful views of mtns and the Great Salt Lake.
First animals we encountered was a small herd of Pronghorn - very cool. I had not seen any of these during my other visit to the island.
Daughter is psyched for wildlife.
Then we found a very nonchalant bison who kept nibbling grass closer and closer to our car. By the way, the ski areas are loaded with snow, but down by the Great Salt Lake there isn't much snowcover and it is easy to drive around the 10-15 miles of roadway on the island.
He got within 30 feet of our car.
We then took an easy one mile roundtrip hike to Buffalo Point, super scenic for not much effort.
I built a quick and tiny cairn in memory of late family members. The causeway to the mainland can be seen in right background.
Then we took a drive towards the south end of the island and my wife spotted a large bird on the side of the road. I quickly pulled over but only got one shot before this Golden Eagle (looking away) took to flight. Huge talons!
Yours truly photographing mule deer. That's the Wasatch Front near Ogden in background.
Then we drove back to downtown SLC and ate at the Red Iguana 2. The original Red Iguana was too crowded even on a random Thursday night. We ordered three different mole dishes and they were all delicious. Beware of innocent looking little skinny green chilis, muy caliente!
We capped the day with a visit to see the free Mormon Tabernacle Choir practice nearby at Temple Square. They open this to the public every Thursday evening and produce a mighty sound and great inspirational music. There must be 300 singers/musicians on the stage at one time.
Total cost of this day, except for gas, about $75.
Day 2 to be continued...
3/21/19: got a late start, did a little shopping, then drove about an hour north to Antelope Island State Park, arrived about 3PM. Cost $10 per car or $5 for seniors. This place is a real gem in late winter/early spring, no bugs and tons of wildlife, up close. We made a quick stop in the nice little visitor center. I had visited this island about 3 years ago and knew how fun and scenic it could be. This wasn't the clearest of days, but still super-scenic. The island has an almost desert-like environment with only grass and scrubs, very few trees. The neatest large mammals roaming the island are Pronghorn (antelopes), Bison, bighorn sheep, mule deer. There are also smaller numbers of other animals such as coyote. It is also a great bird sanctuary. There are scenic shoreline/beaches, lots of great hiking trails and beautiful views of mtns and the Great Salt Lake.
First animals we encountered was a small herd of Pronghorn - very cool. I had not seen any of these during my other visit to the island.
Daughter is psyched for wildlife.
Then we found a very nonchalant bison who kept nibbling grass closer and closer to our car. By the way, the ski areas are loaded with snow, but down by the Great Salt Lake there isn't much snowcover and it is easy to drive around the 10-15 miles of roadway on the island.
He got within 30 feet of our car.
We then took an easy one mile roundtrip hike to Buffalo Point, super scenic for not much effort.
I built a quick and tiny cairn in memory of late family members. The causeway to the mainland can be seen in right background.
Then we took a drive towards the south end of the island and my wife spotted a large bird on the side of the road. I quickly pulled over but only got one shot before this Golden Eagle (looking away) took to flight. Huge talons!
Yours truly photographing mule deer. That's the Wasatch Front near Ogden in background.
Then we drove back to downtown SLC and ate at the Red Iguana 2. The original Red Iguana was too crowded even on a random Thursday night. We ordered three different mole dishes and they were all delicious. Beware of innocent looking little skinny green chilis, muy caliente!
We capped the day with a visit to see the free Mormon Tabernacle Choir practice nearby at Temple Square. They open this to the public every Thursday evening and produce a mighty sound and great inspirational music. There must be 300 singers/musicians on the stage at one time.
Total cost of this day, except for gas, about $75.
Day 2 to be continued...
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