LaSalle and Wildcat Canyons, Lover's Leap, Eagles Cliff 04-26

Today was Mega Hike day.  We had 3 mega hikes leave for 13.4 miles.  That puts me guiding the Take a Hike and Lunch.

9:30a.m. Mega Hike Departure

Once all 3 Mega Hikes left, I concentrated on getting all the lunches lined up for the Take a Hike and Lunch.

21 lunches ready to go

It started out being a sold out hike -21pp.  There was a group of 15 from out of town and they got lost enroute, so they didn't join us.  One party of 2 was missing.  I ended up hiking with 4 people.  What a great day!  Perfect actually.

Top of Wildcat

Wildcat Canyon Overlook

There is a hollowed out tree on the bluff trail and the regular guide Joe says that it is a great photos spot.  So we took advantage.

When we arrived at LaSalle Canyon it was time for lunch.  What a great waterfall.

LaSalle Canyon

Lower LaSalle Canyon

There were many people at LaSalle Canyon.  They just kept on coming. 

Lunch in LaSalle Canyon

Just about ready to leave

Mega hikers through the trees

 

It is after all Wildflower Weekend, so yes there were wildflowers.  Here are a few photos.

Pussy Toes

Jack in the Pulpit

Little bit of a bloom for the Wild Geranium

After leaving LaSalle Canyon our next stop was Wildcat Canyon.  Again lots of people in the canyon.  I took a photo of the overlook we were standing on when we first began the hike.

Overlook in Wildcat Canyon

On the way back to the Lodge we saw this Raccoon.  He or she was really close to the trail.  There was a couple ahead of us who walked right by it and didn't see it.  I have never seen a raccoon so close in the daytime while on the trails.  On the parking lot at night, Yes, but never on the trail during the day.  I must say, that is an awesome photo.

Back end of the Raccoon

In this above photo you can see how close the trail is to the tree with the raccoon.

Raccoon

Top of French

We were almost back to the Lodge and both parties wanted to get a group photo.  We had such a great hike.  

Group photo

Our hike was finished, so I thought I would welcome the Mega Hikers back from their long 13.4 mile hike.  Took a few photos later in the day.

Terry (front), Jim and Jack (back)

Terry has been working up to walking the Mega hike the last few years (ever since retiring from teaching.)  He finally earned his t-shirt.  Go Terry!  I knew you could do it!

Most of the 9:00a.m. Mega Hike  (Don't they look proud!)

Arnie leads the last Mega Hike group back to the Lodge

What a great day!  Perfect day to hike!  Glad I got to be a part of it.  

I will leave you with this: Wherever you may hike or walk, just put one foot in front of the other.  It's all about the experience not the destination.

Wildcat, LaSalle Canyons 04-26-2014

Today was Mega Hike day.  We had 3 mega hikes leave for 13.4 miles.  That puts me guiding the Take a Hike and Lunch.

9:30a.m. Mega Hike Departure

Once all 3 Mega Hikes left, I concentrated on getting all the lunches lined up for the Take a Hike and Lunch.

21 lunches ready to go

It started out being a sold out hike -21pp.  There was a group of 15 from out of town and they got lost enroute, so they didn't join us.  One party of 2 was missing.  I ended up hiking with 4 people.  What a great day!  Perfect actually.

Top of Wildcat

Wildcat Canyon Overlook

There is a hollowed out tree on the bluff trail and the regular guide Joe says that it is a great photos spot.  So we took advantage.

When we arrived at LaSalle Canyon it was time for lunch.  What a great waterfall.

LaSalle Canyon

Lower LaSalle Canyon

There were many people at LaSalle Canyon.  They just kept on coming. 

Lunch in LaSalle Canyon

Just about ready to leave

Mega hikers through the trees

 

It is after all Wildflower Weekend, so yes there were wildflowers.  Here are a few photos.

Pussy Toes

Jack in the Pulpit

Little bit of a bloom for the Wild Geranium

After leaving LaSalle Canyon our next stop was Wildcat Canyon.  Again lots of people in the canyon.  I took a photo of the overlook we were standing on when we first began the hike.

Overlook in Wildcat Canyon

On the way back to the Lodge we saw this Raccoon.  He or she was really close to the trail.  There was a couple ahead of us who walked right by it and didn't see it.  I have never seen a raccoon so close in the daytime while on the trails.  On the parking lot at night, Yes, but never on the trail during the day.  I must say, that is an awesome photo.

Back end of the Raccoon

In this above photo you can see how close the trail is to the tree with the raccoon.

Raccoon

Top of French

We were almost back to the Lodge and both parties wanted to get a group photo.  We had such a great hike.  

Group photo

Our hike was finished, so I thought I would welcome the Mega Hikers back from their long 13.4 mile hike.  Took a few photos later in the day.

Terry (front), Jim and Jack (back)

Terry has been working up to walking the Mega hike the last few years (ever since retiring from teaching.)  He finally earned his t-shirt.  Go Terry!  I knew you could do it!

Most of the 9:00a.m. Mega Hike  (Don't they look proud!)

Arnie leads the last Mega Hike group back to the Lodge

What a great day!  Perfect day to hike!  Glad I got to be a part of it.  

I will leave you with this: Wherever you may hike or walk, just put one foot in front of the other.  It's all about the experience not the destination.

Illinois, Kaskaskia, Ottawa Canyons. April 24, 2014

I have been looking forward to this hike for a long time.  Illinois Canyon is known for for its fabulous display of Virginia Bluebells.  Well, they are almost ready.  Maybe about 5-7 days yet.

 






I have no idea why these Hyacinths are here.  
 They are right by the Illinois Canyon sign.  

Hyacinths (I think), I'm pretty sure

Virginia Bluebells

In the big area that they were in, I managed to find one plant that was decent for a photo.  Generally when you go to Illinois Canyon, as soon as you get out of the car you can see Bluebells as far as you can see.  That wasn't the case yet.  But it will be soon.  Maybe the beginning of next week.

Prairie Trillium

This is my favorite wildflower, So I am posting two photos.  Illinois Canyon is also a great place to see these.  They can be found throughout the park also.

Field of Prairie Trilliums

Hepatica

The wildflower Bloodroot really stands out against the leaves.  We will only be seeing this flower a few more days.

Bloodroot

Illinois Canyon, Walker's Club taking a break

Waterfall in Illinois

Getting into Illinois Canyon is always a little tricky.  You have to cross the stream 3 times.  I received these boots for Christmas and have been waiting to use them in Illinois Canyon.  They were wonderful.  I no longer had to choose my steps carefully.  I walked right across, all 3 streams. 

Me and my NEW boots

Nodding Trillium or White Trillium

After we left Illinois Canyon we headed to Council Overhang.  This was the only blooming one I could find.  Those other big leafy things are early Mayapples.

Council Overhang

Before we get into the canyons we always marvel at Council Overhang.

Squirrel Corn and Yellow Bellwort

The flowers kept on coming, and coming.  It is going to be a great Wildflower Pilgrimage Weekend.

Trout Lily

I saw a few of these near Wildcat canyon on a lunch walk on Wednesday.  This is a great display on the way into Kaskaskia.

1 little yellow violet.

If you look real close in the photo above, just above the yellow violet you can see an early Jack in the Pulpit.

Joe and Kaskaskia

 Notice Joe is wearing the smart boots also.

Kaskaskia

Yellow Bellwort

Coming out of Kaskasia Canyon, we then went into Ottawa Canyon and saw this great bouquet of Yellow Bellwort.  I couldn't pass up the photo.

Ottawa Canyon and Ron

Ottawa Canyon and Walker's Club

Looking back on where we hiked from.  The hike is almost over.  Check out the Sandstone.  I always think it looks like it was cut with a knife.

The BOOT

Use your imagination for this one.  Can you see the sandstone boot?  We are on our way back to the car.  This is on the other side of Council Overhang.

I hope you enjoyed this post.  I will leave you with this: Wherever you may hike or walk, just put one foot in front of the other.  It's all about the experience not the destination.