Liz had a Civil Air Patrol campout at Antelope Island – with astronomy and activities.
We crashed it. Sorta.
Her squadron got the group campsite and we came along to “help.”
And see stars, baby!
Tori and Kate loved exploring the field.
It was hot and sunny when we arrived.
Evidence of bison was present.
Hoof prints!
Several ant habitats were discovered.
Pretty pink rocks were loved.
The clouds and sunset were stunning over the hills.
I’m pretty sure there was a coyote down on the beach…
The sun going to sleep
My little airman cadet lined up to check in.
The girls ready to go see the moon and stars.
I printed the night sky printable for the girls to use. There are oodles of great printables in the Outdoor Hour Challenges.
Here’s what the sky looked like for us. The clouds obscured lots.
A close-up. Through the telescope, we got to see the craters and shadow line. Amazing.
The Ogden Astronomical Society had several really cool, really expensive telescopes set up for the public to look through at all the lovely celestial bodies.
We used this one most because the owner was super nice and accommodating with our kids. We saw the moon and Saturn and Venus. Then the clouds moved in and they were tired and we called it a night.
When we got back to the tent, my husband and I sat looking up and noticed a satellite. It was the International Space Station! Check out the tracker.
Good morning. We had all kinds of critters roaming and playing in the morning.
Antelope on the hilltop…
A jackrabbit right by our tent.
Bison right beside the road.
After we cleared out, we headed down to the Great Salt Lake to explore.
It was low and the beach showed dried salt.
The kids love the little red brine shrimp.
Shore bird prints
The shrimp ride the waves over the rocks
As we were driving off the island, we spotted burrowing owls! Very near the main road too.
I would love to go back and camp on the other side of the island, nearer the beach so the kids could play more. It is gorgeous here!
