Illinois & Michigan Canal 09-07-2017

Today's walker's club went to the Illinois Michigan Canal.  There were 42 walkers, 1 rider (in a stroller) and 4 dogs. We drove to the parking lot by the school in Utica and walked to Split Rock (1/2 way to LaSalle) and then walked back.  Today was a gorgeous day to be on the Canal.

Leaving Utica

Painted Lady butterfly

Red Spotted Purple Admiral Butterfly (I think)

Lots of Milkweed plants today. Great for the Monarch Butterfly.  Wait for it.....

1 1/2 miles to the half way point. Then we turn around and go back.   Nice flat walk today.

Jewelweed or Touch me not.

Pokeweed.  Very colorful stems.  Berries are not edible.

Pecumsaugan creek flows under the Illinois and Michigan Canal

Half way point.  Sit if you wish and go no further.  But if you don't touch the sandstone wall further up the trail, your walk doesn't count.

North half of the Split Rock, on the other side of the Canal

Yes, I touched the wall to make it count

Nice flock of Pelicans taking a break in the backwaters of the Illinois River before continuing their migration South. 

Turkey Vultures taking advantage of a sunny spot.

Wild Morning Glories

Elderberries

Here is the Monarch Butterfly you waited for.  I followed this one for quite awhile before I got a half way decent photo. Enjoy!

In the Sunflower family.  I tried to look it up and found about 10 types. 

Almost back to Utica .4 miles

Not sure of this one.  Evening Primrose maybe.

All about the Canal

The Lodge is getting a facelift.  A little sanding and lots of paint.  Should look brand new by the end of the week.

Work in progress..... New windows?  The new windows were installed earlier in the year.  The blue is the taping around the windows to keep the paint off the windows.

I will leave you with this: No one else can speak the words on your lips. Drench yourself in words unspoken.  Live your life with arms wide open. Today is where your book begins. The rest is still unwritten.