May 16, 2016 St. Louis Canyon, Aurora and French Canyons.

Today's hike was the Waterfall and Canyon tour.  We offer this tour every Monday and Saturday during April and May.  I was scheduled to be the hiking guide while Kevin was the Trolley driver.  The tour began at the Lodge at 11:00a.m. with Lunch in the Main Dining Room.  We all boarded the trolley at noon and headed for St. Louis, Aurora and French Canyons.  Enjoy the journey!!

My first Spiderwort flower of the season.

Was really surprised to still this Nodding White Trillium.  Located in St. Louis Canyon

St. Louis Canyon

Everyone loves St. Louis Canyon for photos

Couple from Colorado came to see the Waterfalls here.  I don't think they were disappointed this time around.

This water snake (non poisonous) was sunning himself on a log close to the waterfall in St. Louis Canyon.

This May Apple is hanging on.  There aren't many white blooms to be found.

This patch of Virginia Waterleaf is on the way into St. Louis Canyon.  However, it can be found throughout the park.

Columbine (red-salmon colored) with Mouse Eared Chickweed in the back (white)

Found this RARE Coral Root flower on the way into St. Louis Canyon.

Steps going into to Aurora Canyon

Aurora Canyon

Going into Aurora Canyon Miterwort / Bishop's Cap has the best showing of anywhere in the park.

Maiden hair fern isn't everywhere in the park, but can still be found in Aurora Canyon

Everyone made it into French Canyon, and didn't disappoint.

French Canyon

Of all the canyons visited today, French was the overall favorite.

We then walked to the top of Starved Rock.  There was a group of hikers on Lover's Leap finishing up their hike.

This was a black cat behind the flagpole at the top of Starved Rock

Flagpole at the top of Starved Rock.

View looking West from the top of Starved Rock

View of the Lodge from the top of Starved Rock

You would think I would be used to the raccoons by now.  Generally in the early evening, raccoons wake up and go from can to can.  Please do not feed the animals here. They do fine on their own.

I will leave you with this: Gratitude, like faith, is a muscle.  The more you use it, the stronger it grows, and the more power you have to use it on your behalf.  To be grateful is to find blessings in everything.  This is the most powerful attitude to adopt, for there are blessings in everything.