Thursday, January 25, 2018

French, Pontiac, Wildcat, Eagles Cliff, Lover's Leap, Starved Rock 01-25-2018



Today will left the Lobby and went out to the prospective NEW Interpretive Trail.  A photographer from the LaSalle News Tribune was out to take a few "action photos" for the article.  We walked on the NEW trail, about 1/2 way and then we continued on our scheduled hike. 

The Interpretive Trail is a fairly flat trail that connects the Overflow parking lot to the main park area. The Starved Rock Walker's Club is adopting this trail because of House Bill 3455 that was signed in August of 2017, allowing groups or individuals to adopt trails that are part of state land. We are developing a series of signs (11) that will eventually be placed throughout the trail.  Park guests will be able to walk this section without stairs and learn history and legends about the park at their own pace.  The Walkers Club is taking donations for the signs and possible other improvements. If interested call my office at 815-220-7386.




Looking down into French Canyon

Looking through the trees to Devil's Nose

Boardwalks had some frost, but there was no ice or snow.


Once we got to this point (top of Jacob's Ladder), we turned and went towards Pontiac Canyon and then on to Wildcat Canyon.

Top of Pontiac Canyon.

Top of Wildcat Canyon

Everyone arriving at the top of Wildcat Canyon

View of Wildcat Canyon from the East overlook

Going down the stairs into Wildcat Canyon


We made quite the impression when hiking down the stairs.  39 hikers today.


A sheet of ice is on the floor of the canyon.  Yak trax were a must.

Little icicles were forming under the East overlook

Wildcat Icefall

View looking to the East from Eagles Cliff (there are eagles on the ice in the middle of the river)

Trust me, they are eagles.  The one on the left is an adult and the one on the right is an immature eagle.  Eagles don't get their white heads until they are 3-4 years old.

Eagles Cliff looking North.  Photo is of the Lock and Dam

Starved Rock from Lover's Leap

The signs throughout the park have been replaced with fresh colorful signs.  This sign is at the top of Lover's Leap telling the reason why the park is called Starved Rock State Park.

Coming down from Jacob's Ladder and over French Canyon creek, on our way to the top of Starved Rock.

Flags at the top of the Rock

Our last stairway today.  This is behind the Lodge. 150 steps.
I will leave you with this: The time is always right to do what is right!

No comments:

Post a Comment