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ANTELOPE ISLAND, UTAH
Back in the 90's when I was very immersed in endurance riding, every 3rd weekend in April, there was a race on Antelope Island, a wildlife refuge on the Great Salt Lake. For 3 (!!) years, I tried to haul my horse there to the ride. And every single time, we had a 2-3 foot snowfall so no way was I getting out of my driveway, let alone driving truck and horse trailer to Salt Lake City. So, Antelope Island has been on my bucket list for a VERY long time. We stopped there on the way home this trip.
Of course, there must be antelope on Antelope Island? We saw only one, an older fellow, but it is an antelope!
When we drove onto the Island and paid our entry and camping fee, the gal at the kiosk said, "Just so you know, there are no refunds!" This despite the fact they had a) turned off all the water on the Island; and b) they just had a gnat and mosquito hatch! Oh boy, we had no idea what that meant exactly.
This is our windshield after a momentary stop on the causeway!
But we were there, so it was time to brave the outside world and explore! I geared up with my bug shirt that I've never had the opportunity to use. Louie got his own head net, which he patiently wore.
Within seconds, I was swarmed. Here's me taking a selfie. Would have smiled but was intently trying to figure out how to get the mass of bugs in focus.
The most populous birds on the Island at the time were American Avocets. Their favorite diet are brine shrimp and brine flies. The Great Salt Lake is a perfect habitat for foraging salt-based creatures.
What is a body of water without some kind of gull?
So, right from our campsite, we watched the sun go down on Great Salt Lake.
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Antelope Island was quite different from what I was expecting, and we only saw the North end and for a short while. But it has splendid beauty. Definitely a good idea to visit before the insect hatch!
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