A Spring Trip to Antelope Island

This week is spring break for the school districts around Utah so while Daniel and Grace have their kids in the Philippines for a family reunion, we thought a day out with Ana and Livi was in order.  The best time to visit Antelope Island, situated in the Great Salt Lake, is either in the spring, before the bugs hatch or in the fall when they have disappeared.   The grandkids hadn't been there before so we gathered the normal picnic fare, hiking shoes and cameras and off we went.

We stopped for our picnic on a bluff overlooking the beach and camping area of the lake.  The girls took off to explore and climb on the rocks while we enjoyed one of the best weather days of the year so far.  Fabulous!!!!

 We didn't see as many bison on this drive as we did in the fall when Kim and I visited the Island, but this big one stopped us short for awhile as he began his stroll down the slope to the road.  We thought he might cross right in front of us but stopped to munch on the grass at the side.  As we slowly drove by, I lowered the window and took this photo from the relative safety of the car.

 The ranch on the far end of the Island was our final destination.  While the trees were still leafless and a winter grey, the grass was green and full.  The girls loved exploring the old farmhouse and outbuildings of the ranch museum.  The farmhouse had a few of the old hand cranked and early electric washing machines on exhibit that had been used on the ranch.  The girls loved the fact that Grandma (me) remembered her Mom (Great Grandma) using the roller wringer addition to the washing machine which moved the cloths from the washer side to be rinsed in the second large tub.  I could tell they thought I really must be OLD!!!!

 They even found some evidence that the bison had visited the ranch.

 They spent time roping the wooden horses as well as each other.

 This is a favorite photo.  I just had to add it.

After our donut treat, Ana and Livi ran off to a wooded area to explore.  Quickly Livi returned saying in a very serious tone that Ana needed Grandpa to hurry and come help her.  Ana had gotten stuck in mud up to her calf and couldn't pull herself out.  Grandpa not only came to her rescue but after a quick clean-up gave her a piggyback ride back to the car.

Spring, summer, fall, winter - views from the island are always amazing and
it's fun to know it's right in our backyard.