Starved Rock, French Canyon Day 1, Wildcat, Pontiac Canyon Day 2

We have a group in house called the Illinois Head Start / Early Head Start.  Day 1 we went to the top of Starved Rock and into French Canyon.  Day 2 was a hike to the top of Wildcat and Pontiac Canyons.  Both days hikes were at 7:00a.m.  Yes I mean 7:00 in the morning.  Great way to start your day.

Starved Rock from the Veranda

Poison Ivy can grow as a shrub, vine or ground cover.  There is a marked display on the way to Starved Rock.  Leaves of 3, leave them be.  Better yet, if it's green leave it be.  Poison Ivy is NO fun.

Poison Ivy

Spiderwort

While atop Starved Rock, we walked around the boardwalk and took in the views.  I narrated the Legend of Lover's Leap and told them how Starved Rock got its name.  I explain how the locks work and also talk about the white pelican and bald eagles. 

View of the Dam

3 of about 200 that were floating along the river

Illinois Waterway Visitor Center (the locks)

Belle of the Rock

While walking around the top of Starved Rock someone in the group spotted this little guy/gal just hanging out by the flagpole atop of Starved Rock.

Bunny

View of the Lodge

Still not sure what is going on here.  The pile of wood that was by the flagpole has been moved and is coming together.  The majority of the construction is on the south side of the boardwalk.  It also goes under the boardwalk, with a portion on the other side.  Could this be in relation to the solar panels for the flagpole?????

Mystery construction project

Just couldn't get a good photo.  Yes, we were that close!  And only 1.

Deer

Deer, just wouldn't turn around

Deer, had other things on his mind-- like food.

After the rain we had, we saw some great water flowing in French.  I gave everyone instructions on how to get in with not getting the feet wet.

Beginning of French

The steps going into French

My Group

Day 2 -  7:00a.m.Wildcat Canyon & Pontiac Canyon, Lover's Leap.  We left the Lodge headed toward the Campanula trail and onto Wildcat Canyon.

Turkey

Boardwalk on the way to Wildcat Canyon

My Group Day 2, Wildcat Canyon

Small multi flora rose bush

Pontiac Canyon

Top of Starved Rock from Lover's Leap

Top of French Canyon

Many groups come to the Lodge and reserve guided hikes.  Some reserve one hour hikes like this group and some reserve longer.  Any way you look at it, every hike is different.  I meet many new people from all walks of life.  I like chatting with them all.  How lucky I am to be able to experience 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.