Forty-odd 😉 Starved Rock Walkers drove to the River Area of Matthiessen State Park for a humid, bug spray scented, walk in the Park. The bug spray was not needed but the water bottles were much appreciated.

 Gearing up in the parking lot. 

 There is a short walk across the prairie...

 … before the trail narrows and dives into the "green tunnel" woods.

 Most trails in this Park are multiple use; hikers, mountain bikers, and horses. We didn't see any of the other users today.

 With the trail mud all dried we didn't expect to see any waterfalls but we found one on this 1-foot tall step down!

 We didn't expect any fish either, but that bottom shadow in the center is not under a tadpole!

 We kept walking on an off an old mine tailing. Walk around the block if you want level trails.

 Limestone was quarried here over 100-years ago.

 Few walkers under age 40 need a walking stick. Many hikers over age 50 appreciate the stability of becoming a tripod. 

 This UFO suspended in the understory is the work of a busy orb weaver.

 The bottom of the Vermilion River Valley marked the halfway point. That means it is all uphill from here!

 The LaSalle Limestone bedrock sensed a sudden overshadowing!

 Like everyone else, even the photographer survived the climb out of the river valley.

It is always a relief to break out of the woods close to the same place we started!

Here is a good quote from Paul Scott Mowrer concerning "Multiple use" trails:

"There is nothing like walking to get the feel of a country. A fine landscape is like a piece of music; it must be taken at the right tempo. Even a bicycle goes too fast."