Thursday, August 18, 2016

LaSalle Canyon August 18, 2016



We met in the Lodge's Lobby and walked from there.  We started on the Campanula trail to Wildcat Canyon.  On to the bluff trail and down the 155 stairs by Lonetree Canyon.  River trail into LaSalle Canyon.  Back on the river trail, bypassing Eagle's Cliff and Lover's Leap.  Finished with a relaxing ice cold drink in the Cafe!!!  Very humid hiking today!
37 hikers start of on the hike for today.


This kiosk is where the trail begins at the East end of the Lodge parking lot


Indian Pipe. Indian pipe is a perennial wildflower with a wide geographic distribution throughout the United States, from Maine to California and from Florida to Alaska. It is absent from the southwest, intermountain west and the central Rocky mountains. However, Indian Pipe is not a commonly encountered wildflower.


I was kind of behind the group, so I didn't stay long at this plant.  Don't really know what is going on here.  But the red berries caught my eye.


Check out the base of this Green Dragon.  Right where the "dragon" was there is the seed pod now.  Eventually it will turn bright red.



Water is still falling in Wildcat Canyon.  Photo was taken from the East Overlook of the canyon.


Fern Leaf False Foxglove



Sandstone Point. Its really time for a break.


Burl at the top of Lone tree Canyon


Nice little Canyon in the stream coming out of LaSalle / Tonti Canyon on the way to the Illinois River



Ken, who hikes with us occasionally, was the Canoeist.


LaSalle Canyon, We just arrived



Ron and Jack getting a bit refreshed with LaSalle Waterfall.


All of the Walker's Club has invaded LaSalle Canyon.  No wading or swimming!


Little Fungi on the moss as we were leaving the Canyon


These Indian Pipes start out with their heads bowed down.  As they grow, they will straighten.  When fully bloomed, they will be straight up, and then they will lose their seeds.


Touch-Me-Not or Jewelweed are just starting to bloom.  Some of these blooms are also bright orange.


See the snake in the background.  We found him in the "Snake tree"  Come to a Walker's club hike to find out where this is located.


On the river trail, break spot.  Eagles Cliff in the background.


Sign in the Cafe as we enjoy a ice cold drink after the hot and humid hike. 


I will leave you with this: One day your life will flash before your eyes.  Make sure it is worth watching.

Thursday, August 11, 2016

Vermillion River Area- Matthiessen State Park 08-11-2016



Today the Walker's Club finally got to hike in the Vermillion River area at Matthiessen State Park.  It has been closed for quite some time because of erosion issues.  This park is a multi use park that encompasses, cross country ski trails, horse trails, mountain biking trails and hiking trails.   There was a smaller group that decided to hike in Starved Rock State Park, so Joe took a small group and hiked to Wildcat Canyon, Lover's Leap and Eagle's Cliff.  We all arrived back at the Lodge at the same time.
Check out Karl's hat...... that is not a tassel.  That is a butterfly!!!

Today we had about 35 hikers. 

This must have taken the trail crew a long time to clear the path.  What tales this tree could tell. 

Little stream right off the path.  Grandkids had fun looking for frogs.

Most of the hike today, thankfully was shaded.

Don't know the fungus names, but found a couple today.

This is what is left of the Jack in the Pulpit.  The green seed pod is is the center near the bottom.


Just starting blooming.  Very large and is everywhere.  Not sure of the name.

We took another break by the "Burl"  Not as large as the ones at Starved Rock, but still impressive.

We went on horse trails for a while.  There were heavily used.  We had to pay attention where we were stepping.

This is a sample section of the trail where they fixed it so it is now usable for all.
 
Couldn't resist taking this colorful group photo.
 
These yellow flowers are still everywhere.  They brighten up the place.

Good thing we were hikers, we are allowed everywhere.

Breaks are encouraged, however, be careful where you sit.  This nice resting spot is climbing with poison ivy.

Thank you! IERPB!  Nice job!

Trail courtesy!  We didn't see any bikes or horses.  All was good.
 
Little colorful mushrooms peeking out.  

I will leave you with this: There is no wi-fi in the forest, but you will find a better connection.