Matthiessen State Park 10-20-2016

Today's hike, left the Lodge's Lobby and went to Matthiessen State Park.  We hike the Lower Dells area first and then proceeded to the Upper Dells area.  There were 37 hikers and 3 dogs.  Fall Colors were great.  Still some green, but hey, green is a color also......

37 hikers and 3 dogs

Today we didn't go all the way down before taking the trail to the Lower Dells

Most of the hikers coming down the stairs from the fort area.

Soon it will be time for the Cross Country Skiing. (note the signs on the trees and markers)

A very large Sassafras leaf

Making the turn by "Strawberry Rock"

If I tinted this rock just right, it might look like a Strawberry???

The Bridge over the South end of the Dells area.

Devil's Paintbox

All had to cross the creek.  The smart ones used trekking poles for balance.  I just got my feet wet.

Cascade Falls. The leader of this group was helping the kids under the falls.  I mentioned that they weren't suppose to be there.  They didn't seem to care.  Wading, Climbing and Swimming is prohibited at both Starved Rock and Matthiessen State Parks.

Looking back out of the Dells area the way we came in. Nice fall colors.

When your in the Dells area, if you come down.... you have to come up and out.

While on the bridge (prior photo)  looking south.  This water flows into the Vermillion River.  Notice the wood, that looks like a fence? That was part of a bridge, up the creek a ways that washed out a few years ago.

At the same bridge looking North, towards the Cascade Falls

Cedar Point area on the Upper trail

Matthiessen Lake

Matthiessen Lake Falls

Matthiessen Lake Falls

There was a painting class going on while there.  This was Dave. Wish I could have stayed to see the finished work.

Standing above Giant's Bathtub

Looking back at Giant's Bathtub waterfall.  I think this is my favorite waterfall here.

Couldn't decide which photo I liked the best, so I kept both.

This is Kurt to the left, he also was in the painting class.  Nice job!

Yes we had to maneuver through the roots.  Then there was a stream with rocks.

A few of our hikers took the easier, shorter route back from the Lake.

The fort at Matthiessen State Park (ending point, about 11:30a.m.)

This cabin will soon be used to rent snow skis for cross country skiing.

"Edna's Tree" on the way back to the Lodge today.  In case you were wondering, this tree is at the back entrance to the park, right off of route 71.  It has a bit of green still left to turn.  Should be peaked out this weekend.

       
I will leave you with this: If you always put limits on everything you do, physical or anything else.  It will spread into your work and into your life.  There are no limits.  There are only plateaus, and you must not stay there, you must go beyond them.