Mostly forty Starved Rock Walkers (0 dogs) parked in the Hennepin Canyon parking lot and walked the East Bluff Trail out to the Owl Canyon staircase and back again. All were much warmer at the end than they were at the beginning.

 It was a cold blustery trek from the parking lot to the East Bluff Trail.

 Walkers arriving at the old coal mine site behind the Hennepin Overlook.

 The trail is mostly single file as it traverses the 

rim of Hennepin Canyon.

 From here on the bluff blocked most of the 

"in your face" wind

 A trail view into the east branch of 

Hennepin Canyon.

 Not all trail bridges can pass a rigorous inspection!

 The front of the line has reached the west rim of Hennepin Canyon.

 A trail bridge view of the Rt. 71 bridge over upper Hennepin Canyon.

 Another trail bridge view down onto the floor of Hennepin Canyon.

 An upslope view of the East Bluff Trail.

 Like all forest trails, the East Bluff Trail 

just pulls you into the woods.

 A trail view down through the mouth of Hidden Canyon 

into the Illinois River.

 Another trail view from the rim of the 

St. Peter Sandstone bluff out to the river.

 Most of the forest canopy is now carpeting 

the forest floor.

 A trail view of the staircase leading to the 

LaSalle Canyon parking lot.

 Beginning the return walk across the 

headwall of Owl Canyon.

Can you please take our picture on the Hennepin Bridge?

Absolutely! 

This day felt like Indian Summer so:

"With beauty before me, may I walk. 
With beauty behind me, may I walk. 
With beauty above me, may I walk.
With beauty below me, may I walk.
With beauty all around me, may I walk.
Wandering on the trail of beauty, 

May I walk."
-  Navajo: Walking Meditation