No-Antelope Island

We took a little trip up to the Great Salt Lake the other day to a state park called Antelope Island just to check it out, because well, that’s what we do.  A man made road bridge takes you out to the lake’s largest island for some hiking trails and great scenery of the lake and the mountain ranges.  There were quite a lot of hiking trails up the steep slopes of the island, but on a cold day with a couple of small children, we didn’t brave any of them.  We did drive around to check out the buffalo that roam mostly free on the island, having been introduced there in the 1800’s.  We learned a lot about the lake at the visitor’s center and checked out an operational ranch on the island that’s been there since way back when.  The funny thing was, for an island named after the wild antelope, there weren’t any living on it.  Would have made more since to call it Buffalo Island, but hey, that’s why I don’t name islands I guess.  Anyway, not a bad day trip, and of course perfect for photo opportunities.  

Paul posing with a miniature buffalo.  Actually, we tried to get him to go stand by it or even try to ride it, but he opted to keep his distance.  Probably for the best.

Getting his cheeks, apparently.  

 Adam rode this wild stallion at the ranch.  Future rodeo star, I'm sure.

I practiced my roping skills, here catching a wild Polywog, a rare species in these parts, but easy to find due to their constant, annoying ability to never stop chattering, screaming, and otherwise bouncing off the walls.

 Adam was just a little worried by this.

We explored the rocky cliffs, looking over the great salty lake and distant snowy peaks.  Our Ute Indian Scout known as "Little Screaming Boy" led the way.

Pretty amazing views from on top of the island mountains.  We'll have to go back some other day when it's warmer and hike some of the other trails.

We think this is winter, maybe?

It’s been an interesting winter to say the least, with more days of sunshine than snow.  Other than a couple snowstorms that stuck around for a day or two at a time, it’s basically been an extension of fall/spring/something around here.  But we’ve been trying to get out and enjoy it nonetheless.  So here are just a few things we’ve been up to:

 When it did snow, Paul had to make some snow angels of course.  

A little snow trampoline action and quite a bit of shoveling.  He helped me shovel the drive one night, and we built a nice snowman for Uncle Josh, who abruptly plowed through it with his car when he came home. 

 Adam had to help, naturally.

But he enjoys the sunny days much better.  Paul took some soccer lessons at the rec center, so we went down to the local field and kicked it around a bit.  Adam preferred to throw the ball, but after a while he got the hang of kicking it too.  Now let's see if he can hit a fastball...

Paul has developed his mother's love of annoying me.

But it's been good, warm then cold, cold then warm, but all good.  Whether it's winter or not, we're still out loving it.  Hope it's sunny and bright, or snowy and cold wherever you are!