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.

Dec. 10, 2015 Starved Rock, French, Wildcat and Pontiac Canyons

 

photo of the day

Today's walkers went to the top of Starved Rock, French, Pontiac and Wildcat Canyons.  Today was also our Christmas Party.  After the hike, we went to the Main Dining Room of the Lodge for Lunch. We also hosted a cookie exchange, where if you brought dozen cookies, we would mix them up and you would go home with a mixture of 2 doz cookies. 

43 walkers today.  The weather was about 52 and windy.  

View of Lover's Leap from Starved Rock

We were lucky enough to see 2 eagles flying while we were at the top of Starved Rock

Lock and Dam

Windy flags at the top of Starved Rock

View of the Lodge from the West side of Starved Rock

Take out what you bring in.  This is the last can, just like the sign says.

Going into French

Almost there

Joe is telling the story of how French Canyon got its name.

My friend Jennifer on the left with her friend Sheryl (now my friend also), celebrating Jennifer's birthday with us today.  Happy Birthday !!!

Coming out of French, be careful of these steps in the winter when the ice forms. Last year it was a very slippery ice slide.  If you slid in, you had a very tough time getting out. 

We couldn't decide if something had a fight here, a dog was brushed here or Santa trimmed his beard.

52 degrees was pretty toasty for Gary

Pontiac Canyon

I'm on the East overlook, taking a photo of the West overlook

Wildcat Canyon, looking good!!!!

Move em out!!! It's time for lunch!!!  How many people does this platform hold????

We took an additional walk on the flat trail coming from the overflow parking area.  The biggest burl in the park is located here.

They brought their cookies in the morning.  While we were all hiking, my office mixed them up and repackaged them.  We even had a few that didn't make it in the packages, those were great for dessert.

Some walkers had their spouses meet them for lunch.  48 enjoyed lunch.  We also took up a collection for the local homeless shelter (IV PADS) $330.00.  This was a great day.  How many times does one person get to be in a room filled with their friends?  I am totally blessed and grateful to be able spend my Thursdays with this group of people. 

I will leave you with this: For one minute, walk outside, stand there, in silence, look up at the sky, and contemplate, how amazing life is!

Dec. 03, 2015, LaSalle, Tonti & Wildcat Canyons

Today at Walker's Club we had 31 hikers and 2 dogs.  The day was a bit gloomy but the temperature was comfortable.  Great day for a hike.  No ice to speak of, just some GGRREEAAATTT! WATERFALLS!!! It was a 3 video hike.  Enjoy!!!

Photo of the day!

31 hikers on this gloomy day

When leaving the Lodge we headed out on the Bluff Trail.  This stream is the water that feeds French Canyon

Devil's Nose

View of Starved Rock from Lover's Leap

'

After a brief rest we were on to Eagle's Cliff (no eagle sightings anywhere today)

View of the Illinois river looking East from Eagle's Cliff

Lock and Dam from Eagle's Cliff

These are the fastest walkers, we are waiting for a few more to catch up, so we can all make the turn into Wildcat Canyon.

 

Wildcat Canyon

There is quite the debris / sandy, mud pile getting in and out of Wildcat Canyon

Small drips on the East wall of Wildcat Canyon

  

These steps can get a little sketchy in the winter

Stairway leads from the river trail to the bluff trail

I was surprised to see this little sapling gnawed off by a beaver

Tonti Canyon - Main waterfall on West wall (video worthy)

Tonti Waterfall

LaSalle Canyon

This was such a great shot, I had to take 2 photos and 1 video

Behind the waterfall in LaSalle Canyon

Heading back to the Lodge, going over the bridge near LaSalle / Tonti Canyons

The hikers spread out as the hike goes along.  Photo of "Burl"

fungus on a log

Top of Wildcat Canyon

I will leave you with this: Looking for a Christmas gift ?  How about taking someone hiking or walking --
"Nature never goes out of style"