Council Overhang, Ottawa, Kaskaskia and Illinois Canyons

Great day for Waterfalls

Today's hike we all drove to Council Overhang parking lot and walked in to Ottawa and Kaskaskia Canyons.  Then many of us drove to the next canyon to the East and walked into Illinois Canyon.  Over Memorial Day weekend there was an influx of graffiti in Council Overhang.  A week or so later River Forest-based Conservation of Sculpture and Objects Studio Inc, used a laser to remove most of the graffiti.  We rearranged our hiking schedule to view the sandstone free of graffiti.

Almost to Council Overhang, just around the corner from the "boot"

We had around 45 hikers today.  We were just taking a short break, letting them all catch up.

Going up to Council Overhang

Look no more grafitti, (for now)

I have always loved this shot.  Looking out from Council Overhang

My cousin Debbie came to hike with us today.  She came all the way from New York.  It was great hiking with her.  I ran into her and her husband last year and I told her the next time she was back home she needed to join the walker's club for a hike.  Thanks Debbie!

Regina's family joined us today.  Photo in Kaskaskia canyon. The kids loved all the mud, they had a great time.

Rock formation coming out of Kaskaskia Canyon

Ottawa Canyon

Ottawa Canyon

Ottawa Canyon

Junction of Ottawa and Kaskaskia Canyons

Lots of mud on the trails today, especially going into to Kaskaskia and Illinois Canyons

Mulberry tree in Illinois Canyon parking lot

Chicory lines the highways.  Found this in the parking lot in Illinois Canyon

Blue Damselfly

Check out the base of this Jack in the Pulpit.  There is a green seedpod.  Later in the summer this will turn bright red.

The first stream in Illinois Canyon was too much for most of us.  No crossing. 

We have some new flashing signs at both main entrances to the park.  Hopefully this will help with some of the climbing, swimming, littering, going on the trail late at night and going off the trails.

I will leave you with this: Never be afraid to try something new.  Remember amateurs built the ark and professionals built the Titanic.