Wildcat, Lover's Leap, Eagles Cliff, French Canyon 09-30-2016

 Today's hike was scheduled for Buffalo Rock State Park.  We rescheduled that hike for next week, because of the road construction and closures.  We stayed here and hiked to Wildcat, Lover's Leap, Eagle's Cliff and French Canyon. It was an absolutely beautiful day.  One might say PERFECT!

35 Hikers left the Lodge

Going down the steps immediately prior to Wildcat Canyon

Upper falls of Wildcat Canyon

View of Wildcat Canyon from the East Overlook

View of the West Overlook of Wildcat Canyon

When crossing the streams, careful of using the rocks for a safe crossing.  We did have 1 hiker fall on the unstable 3rd rock.

Group photo in Wildcat Canyon.  What a great group of people, more than happy to call them my friends.

Small waterfall in Wildcat canyon.  Some were commenting that it had water all summer.  I am going to have to agree

Some old beaver damage

This picturesque spot is located al0ng the River Trail

First set up steps to Eagle's Cliff

Long walker's club member Suzanne will be leaving us to return to her homeland, the Netherlands.  Once she arrived about 5 years ago, she was looking for something active to do.  Thankfully she found us.  She joined us most weeks, and even brought her family when they came to visit.  We will miss Suzanne's stories and smiles.  We all wish her well.  She will always have friends at Starved Rock!

Edna, Suzanne and Joe at the "Best View in the Park" Eagle's Cliff

Coming off Eagle Cliff and heading to Lover's Leap

View of Starved Rock from Lover's Leap

Listening to Joe tell the Legend of Lover's Leap and Starved Rock

Everyone on Lover's Leap

Looking out of French Canyon

Going into French Canyon

Going into French Canyon. Not much color, but lots of leaves on the ground today.

French Canyon Waterfall. Yes there is water falling.

Coming out of French Canyon, almost back to the Lodge

18 of us enjoyed a farewell lunch with Suzanne.

I will leave you with this: Let go of those who bring you down and surround yourself with those who bring out the best in you!

Today's hike was a first.  We met in the Lobby of the Lodge.  The idea was to walk from the East end of the park to the Lodge and then walk back.  Well the ones that wanted to do it in full, drove their cars and left them in the parking lot, so they would be there when they returned.  I drove the trolley with the rest of them to Ottawa Canyon parking lot so they could walk back.  The Cafe at the Lodge offered $10 lunches for those that were interested.  We had 39 people walk to the Lodge and 9 people walk both ways.  

These are my one way travelers on the trolley

The "Boot" At the intersection going into Council Overhang

We couldn't help but go into Council Overhang

There were many "Fun Guys" on the hike today

More "Fun Guys" taking over this log near Hennepin Canyon. Turkey Tails

Hennepin Canyon Bridge

Nest above Hennepin Canyon

Hidden Canyon

Coral Fungus

Today would have been a great day to know your mushrooms

On the way back to the Lodge

Can you see the full snake and the tale of the second one?

View of the Illinois River from the LaSalle Canyon Bridge

Lots of Asian Carp or Cattfish sucking at the air under the LaSalle Canyon Bridge

View of Eagles Clif from the river trail

From this point, it is 10 minutes to the Lodge

Bright colored mushrooms

We are on our way back to Council Overhang for the 2nd half of our hike.  Photo of the top of Wildcat Canyon

View of Wildcat Canyon from the East Overlook

Nature's Photo Opportunity.  No one wanted to take a break yet.

I forced them all to stop for a photo.  Lester, Tom, Joane, Regina, Dan, Jack and Ron at the top of Lone tree Canyon

Our friend Burl...

Going down 155 on our way back.  It seems like the way back is taking less time.

This is one of the largest turtles I have seen on a log in the park. 

Paw Paw Tree on the River trail

Jewelweed / touch me nots.  This plant has seed pods that when ready, they will pop open when you touch them.  This is how the plant spread their seeds.

Bridge over the water coming out of LaSalle and Tonti Canyons

I took a photo of this little pink flower, in hopes of looking it up.  Sorry couldn't find it.

More fish, in the river close to the river trail

Common Aster, this plant is everywhere in the park.

Banded Woollybear Caterpillar (moth)

Fall is on its way!

For the most part, we didn't have much mud today.  This was the worst of it.  Found this coming in/out of the trail to Ottawa/Kaskakia Canyon

Wedding Cove.  Right near the parking lot of Ottawa / Kaskaskia Canyon

Another photo of the Wedding Cove.

I will leave you with this: Whatever you give to life, it gives you back !Do not hate anybody! The hatred that comes out of you will someday comeback to you! Love others and the love will comeback to you!