Friday, December 18, 2015

Dec. 18, 2015, St.Louis Canyon, I & M Canal

photo of the day

For today's blog, I am combining 2 hikes that I have done this past week.  Hike #1, is a hike that I did with some friends to St. Louis Canyon.  And, hike #2 is with the Walker's Club on Thursday, whereas we went to the Illinois Michigan Canal.  Enjoy!

 Hike #1
We left the Lodge and went down into Aurora Canyon, then proceeded through the picnic area.  We then took the old road, up and over the entrance road to the park and into St. Louis Canyon.  We returned on the West Bluff trail.

Sheryl checking out Aurora Canyon

Looking up from Aurora Canyon. Another reason to LOVE Aurora Canyon

We saw this pair of eagles down in the picnic area on the way to St. Louis Canyon

Flat Stanley joined us today.  He had a great time and was surprised by the pair of eagles!

Little bit of creek walking and balancing.  No wet feet today.
We were rewarded with a great waterfall in St. Louis Canyon.

Look closely....  I found this little sapling and my friend Jennifer added the penguin ornament.  Merry Christmas! (we took the ornament with us after the photo.)

Headed back to the Lodge, but first we have to go up some steps.

Little bit of creek water near Sac canyon

Sheryl, Jennifer and Carol on the Sac Canyon bridge

Hike #2
Today the hike was windy and about 31 degrees.  We had the wind in our face going out, but it was at our backs on the return trip.  When we walk the canal, it is really a matter of what direction we want to go.  Either walk 1/2 way to LaSalle (split rock) or start walking toward Ottawa from Utica.  Today's walk we went to split rock.

Just about to split rock.  You don't complete the walk today unless you touch the rock.  So they say.

On our way back, well at least some of us.  Today's walk, we were spread out quite a bit.

Sideways rock at Split Rock

Pecumsaugan Creek, looking south from the trail

.4 miles to go.  These markings are on the trail with historical information on them.

Arriving back in Utica

Start and end of our walk today.


Have you ever heard of the Elf on the Shelf?  Well this is Elf on a Rock.  He is waiting for his slower walking friends for a ride.
I will leave you with this: Eventually all the pieces fall into place.  Until then, laugh at the confusion, live for the moment, and know that everything happens for a reason.

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