May 14, 2015 St. Louis, Sac, Kickapoo, and Aurora Canyons

Best Photo of the post

For today's hike we met in the Starved Rock Lodge's Lobby and headed out on the West Bluff trail to Aurora, Sac, Kickapoo and St. Louis Canyon.  Upon returning, we also dropped down into Aurora Canyon.  We had 39 hikers and 4 dogs.  I also did a waterfall and canyon tour on the previous Saturday. I am going to incorporate a few of those photos as well.  Enjoy!!

39 hikers and 4 dogs head out to St. Louis Canyon

Joe is inspecting the new bridge beam.  This bridge was hit by a too tall semi last year and has been only partial open. They put in a new beam on Monday.

Still some Mayapples out there blooming

Bloom for the Mayapple.  Once the flower is gone there will be an apple (hence the name).  I read online that you can make preserves with them.  I haven't tried this.  You cannot pick them in the park!!

 

Top of Sac Canyon

Wild Geranium

Prairie Trillium - Not many of these left, they are almost gone until next year.

Wild Ginger - Notice the little maroon flower at the base.

Columbine on the trail going to St. Louis Canyon

Shooting Stars, They are a bit past their prime. 

Watch out Dave! That last step is extra deep!

Jack in the Pulpit

Virginia Waterleaf are plentiful.  A beautiful dainty lavender flower in St. Louis Canyon

Couldn't resist this photo!  The bee was so heavy, he just weighted down the flower bloom.

 

Everyone getting the best photo of St. Louis Canyon on Thursday

St. Louis Canyon on the previous Saturday

All of the Walker's Club today

Dan trying to move the rock a smidge (not really, just a photo funny)

The last of the Nodding Trillium

This cool looking flower was from a fallen tree in St. Louis Canyon.  Don't know the name.

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Real Solomon's Seal.  Notice the flowers or seeds on the center stem.  The False Solomon's Seal has a fuzzy flower at the tip (See photo below)

False Solomon's Seal - See comment from previous photo

Going down the stairway to Aurora Canyon.  This fence is new!  Pedestrians are NOT allowed on the road in either direction to the Lodge.

Doll's Eyes (I think)

Going into Aurora Canyon.  Notice the Bishop's Cap (Miterwort) lining the path

Miterwort

Aurora Canyon on Thursday

Aurora Canyon on the previous Saturday (video to follow)

We all were taking turns in Aurora Canyon

Once we came out of Aurora Canyon, we had to go back up the steps to the Lodge

The trail back to the Lodge from Aurora doesn't look so good after the recent rains.

Wild Hydrangea

 It was certainly a treat to be out hiking with the Walker's Club again after missing 1 week.  Starved Rock Lodge Walker's Club meet every Thursday at 9:00a.m. in the lodge's lobby.  

I will leave you with this: All trees fall, but Life doesn't end.  It only changes.  The fallen tree keeps giving, and in all that grows around it, rises once more.