Feb 21- Sentry Trail

Sunny day in the forecast with highs in the low 40s.

Thought about heading up in the mountains today; it hasn't snow since Sunday. But after walking thru snow yesterday, time to be on solid ground.

When I reach the causeway, it's windy, partly cloudy, and just 30 degrees. Could be a cold hike today.

My plan is Sentry Peak; hoping to there are no bison in the way.

I see four birds of prey looking for breakfast as I cross the causeway.

It's been cold recently, so Farmington Bay is once again ice covered but there are small pockets of open water. And no ducks in sight this morning. It's been a down winter for ducks.

I reach the island and head down towards the Ranch (and my trail).

I quickly find 4-5 bison just north of the fence line.

And several (4) Pronghorn a few miles down the road under Beacon Hill.

Then its a long drive to the meadow just north of the Ranch, when I spot a couple of deer feeding in the distance. One is definitely a male.

Hmmm, no family bison herds; I'm hoping there isn't a large herd in from of Sentry Peak.

And the verdict is.....no bison near the trail. I do see a herd a bit north of the trail though.

As I roll into the Ranch parking, I see a few deer in the picnic area - cool!

I check them out as I pass as I walk to the trail head.

I reach the trail and start the trek towards Mushroom Springs. I'm about 1/2 way to the Springs, when a lone Pronghorn crosses the trail in front of me; love it when that happens.

It loitered around for just a bit before pouncing off into the distance.

The rest of the trek to the ridge is quiet. It's been 2 weeks since I've hiked this and the trail is more clear of snow making the walk much easier.

I can't see the herd of bison until I reach the flat switchback. The bison are all laying down.

And there's more bison farther north; definitely can't see those from the road.

After crossing the switchback, it's one more hill climb to the ridge. So much easier today until the last 100 yards or so; trail crusty snow-covered with icy footbridge. Tough going.

But I reach the ridge line. Not the perfectly clear day but beautiful.

As I work my way to the picnic table, I spot a herd of bison maybe a 1/4 mile from the table.

The ridge is clear but muddy (snow must have just melted).

As I cross, I notice a large bison herd about where the ridge line trail ends and far below. The bison are moving west prepping for their babies in about a month from now.

I complete the crossingand start downhill.

It's clear going until the final downhill stretch to finish the loop. There's not many tracks on this snow so I walk the edges on dry ground.

Then it down hill and back to my car. Can't forget the two Western Meadowlarks having a singing contest.

Awesome day!