Buffalo Rock State Park 11-13-14

For Walker's Club today we had 18 hikers and 1 dog.  Temperature was about 22 degrees or so and windy.  We met in the Lodge's Lobby and carpooled to Buffalo Rock.  

Buffalo Rock true to its name has 2 Buffalo or Bison (see below)

 Bison (also called buffalo) are large, even-toed ungulates in the genus Bison within the subfamily Bovinae.

A little bit of history about the Effigy Tumuli.  The Effigy Tumuli, one of the more unique attractions in Illinois, can be found at Buffalo Rock State Park.  This earthen art exhibit recreates sculptured earthen effigies dating back more than 3000 years.  Effigies were created by native peoples as temple platforms or burial mounds.  

A result of a creative coal mining reclamation project on land donated by Ottawa Silica Company, the site contains a 2,070-foot long snake, a 140 foot long frog and a 770 foot long catfish.  Also located along the mile and a half long bluff are a water strider and turtle.  This project was completed in 1985.

Diagram of the Catfish

Being a little chilly outside it calls for some reinforcements- Flannel lined jeans.

Some of our 18 hikers today all bundled up

 

Most of the trail here is prairie like

Most of the trails here are flat.  Some are even handicapped accessible.

Taking a break at one of the viewing points overlooking the Illinois River

Peggy waits for us to get caught up

Joe says "My favorite Illinois slot canyon! The sides don't match so it could be a vertical fault with deformation at the head. The old mine may have diverted storm water through this."  Photo is of Kevin in the background.

At the only viewing deck at the end of the walk we found these 2 pelicans.  We think they are contemplating when to head back south.  If they don't get a move on, we may see them frozen to a rock soon.

A beautiful Oak tree in the picnic area

Today's hike was a little chilly, but if your dressed for the weather it's better than being inside.

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.