Fun at the Antelope Island Stampede

Sometimes I forget that I live by a Great Salty Lake and just 20 minutes away from an Island.

This year we decided to check out the Antelope Island Stampede which goes on during Labor Day. They have hot air balloons and professional kite flyers as well as lots of food and entertainment out on the island. We had heard about this event the last couple years and decided we would take a look and see what was out there.

The Stampede itself was a bit of a bust, but we made the best of it. I found it interesting with so many sponsors and so much hype that it was not better organized (my brain just goes there). The majority of the festivities were held at White Rock Bay which is on the west side of the island. The water has receded so much that you have to hike out to stick your feet in the salty water. We did not get a chance to do that this time.. Jake and his cousin Richy had a great time doing on the activities and Jake won a prize during one of the trivia contests. The unfortunate part of that prize was that they were cinnamon and sugar roasted almonds which were polished off by yours truly by the end of the day. My thighs grow in size just thinking about it.

Over the years I have come to appreciate the beauty of the desert landscape. Antelope Island is no exception. Although I prefer the lush shades of green in the Northwest, I have come to love my desert home.

While we enjoyed the festivities on the bay, the best part was being on the east side of the island at the Fielding Garr Ranch. They taught the boys how to rope and there was a bunch of historical homes and information regarding what the state use the island for. While driving to the ranch we also saw several herds of buffalo and we got to see the landscape of the Wasatch Mountains across the lake to the east to which we call home.

The jury is still out as to whether we will return next year. We missed out on watching the hot air balloons because the launch was early in the morning and then later in the evening with fireworks, but it was still a fun day to see something different. Another successful "staycation" for the Isom family.

                         These two think they are comedians! It's fun to have them such good friends!

Jake's prize that added several inches to my thighs.

Jake, climbing the wall.  He did great till he looked down.

White Rock Bay.  See what I mean by dessert beauty?

Since I such a history buff, I liked visiting the ranch the most.

The view of the Wasatch Range from Feilding Garr Ranch on Antelope Island

Jake is such a poser!

A professional roper teaching Jake how to Lasso.  So much fun!

Fun little Museum.  People lived out here in the 1940's and 50's.

Three tired boys at the end of the day. Love them!

Did you know there are no rattle snakes on Antelope Island?  Neither did I.  There are some fun hikes we'd like to go back to do and take our bikes.

Another view of the Ogden / Layton Mountains right before we got back on the Causeway to go home. I love the reflection of the mountains in the lake.  Gorgeous!