What a great weather day. There were about 38 hikers today that started out in the Lodge's Lobby. We first went to Aurora Canyon, then through the picnic area. We scared up a mature bald eagle here. Went on the old road trail over the entrance road and into St. Louis Canyon. When we got back to the Lodge about 16 of us when to the main dining room for lunch, coffee, hot chocolate or tea.
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| Ice is almost gone- Aurora Canyon |
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| Couldn't help but post this photo today. Stopped on the side of the rode on my way into work this morning. Eagles eat more than fish. This deer has been feeding the eagles all week. A few daring crows wait their turn. |
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| Hikers waiting at the trailhead for the end of the group to catch up. 38 hikers in all. At least I think there was 38 or so.... |
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| Today we went into Aurora Canyon first. We usually save it until the end and then people opt out. What a great Canyon, shouldn't be missed!!! |
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| Ice in Aurora Canyon. Later in the hike we will be walking on the upper trail, looking down into the canyon. |
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| Aurora Canyon |
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| As far as people space in the canyon, Aurora is the smallest. We had to take turns. |
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| And here's the rest. |
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| The parade is in town!!! |
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| When we went across the bridge to the old road (trail) this sign alerts us that weapons, vehicles, pets, horses and camping are prohibited. |
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| There was some beaver activity east, right off the old road (trail). |
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| The hill stairs climbing up and over the entrance road is usually sketchy. No mud here today. It was still frozen. |
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| Coming over the entrance road and into St. Louis Canyon |
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| We eventually went down these steps, but first..... |
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A lady from North Chicago was telling us that in this pod is about 200-400 praying mantis eggs. They will hatch out in the Spring.
Eggs
This
stage occurs just before winter. The adult female praying mantis lays
100 to 400 eggs after fertilization. The eggs are laid safely on a firm
leaf or stem with a liquid that hardens to be a protective sac structure
known as ootheca. The ootheca is a protective casing (very hard and
able to survive extreme weather changes) in which the eggs will stay
throughout the winter. In mid-spring when the temperatures are warm, the
nymphs will hatch when the egg cases crack.
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| Entering into St. Louis Canyon |
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| We typically had to cross the creek when going in. No big deal. Everything was still frozen, or had a boards. |
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| St Louis Canyon icefall / waterfall from the sand pile. |
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| I have no idea how this ice is still up there. Video to follow of canyon. |
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| Last years leaves for the Hepatic wildflower. The little white/lavender flower will be one of the first wildflowers in the spring. After the flowers die out, the new green leaves will follow. We will see green leaves all summer. |
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| Taking a break on the West Bluff natural seats. |
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| Peggy and Jack are getting carried away with Peggy's new garbage picker upperer. |
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| How many feet is this boardwalk? |
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| Kickapoo Canyon. Kind of a blink and you miss it kind of a canyon |
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| Top of Sac Canyon |
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| Top of Aurora Canyon |
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| Can you name all 8 of the Illinois Official symbols?, bird, tree, reptile, flower, insect, prairie grass, animal and fish. If not the photo below has the answers. |
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| This carving is at the West end of the Lodge property. |
I will leave you with this: The happiest people don't necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the best of everything they have.
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