Matthiessen State Park Dells Area - Club Picnic

Feature photo for a great hike!

 
Hot day today!  It wasn't really the heat it is the humidity.  Who's kidding who, it was HOT!  There were about 40 hikers today that joined in for the hike to Matthiessen State Park Dells Area.  The waterfalls were fabulous.  Today was also the Club's Annual Picnic.  Everyone brought a dish to pass.  Great job everyone!  Special thanks for those of you that brought extra table service and tablecloths.

First we hike the upper dells then the lower dells

A little bit of catching up from the previous week.

This tree is near the bridge by the Lake Falls

Matthiessen Lake Falls

Matthiessen Lake

Joanne was the recipient of a butterfly landing

Were all heading down to the water by the waterfall.

Lake Falls from in the dells area

Giant's Bathtub

I have never really noticed this root ball before.  Kind of interesting.

Rock hoping is always a challenge

We are all so grateful for these stepping stones.

This fungus was almost clear.  Very interesting.

Yes this is a stroller!  The trails at Starved Rock and Matthiessen State Parks are NOT suitable for strollers.  The walker's club ended up carrying this broken stroller and 5 bags of garbage out of the park today.  Thanks to all who helped.

Cascade Falls.  There is no swimming and wading in any of the waterfalls, canyons or dells areas. 

This yellow wildflower is abundant here.

All waiting in line for a great lunch

We sure know how to fill a shelter

One of our Walker members brought his grandson.  It was his 7th birthday. "Happy Birthday Jett"

Today was Cocoa's 7th Birthday also.  "Happy Birthday Cocoa!" Yes she got her birthday cupcake just like Jett's blue one.

I will leave you with this: Last summer one of our Walker Club members wrote a poem.  I think it is time to re post it.  I hope you enjoy. 

Leave No Trace

Parks are gifts to you and me, 

a haven to go with sights to see.

I am glad there is a place, 

where I can go and leave no trace.

John Muir said our soul restores

 when we share the great outdoors.

Yet there seems to be some space

where green gives way to others trace.

A plastic bottle, a soda can, 

a candy wrapper in the sand.

Why would one behold such beauty 

and disregard a greater duty,

to stow the trash in its place, 

and keep the park without ones' trace?

Perhaps we'll leave this legacy, 

for generations yet to see.

I hope my children visit this place, 

and say, "Dad came, but left no trace."

"He loved this place, but left no trace."

Thank you, and well said Jack!