10-28-2017 Last Fall Colors tour, Ottawa Canyon

 I was the hiking leader for the Fall Colors Tour on ne of the last days. It had just rained so I was unsure of how much mud we would encounter.  Not to worry, it wasn't a problem. The day was a little gloomy, but I felt that it was a great day to be hiking. 

"Bridal Cove" This isn't listed on the map this way, in fact its not listed on the map at all.  We take our Wedding Parties here for photos.  Not a lot of walking once they get off the trolley.

The "Boot"  Notice the trail to the right in the photo?  This will take you back to the Lodge

Near Council Overhang

Right to Ottawa Canyon and left to Kaskaskia Canyon. We went to the right

I love this place on the trail.  Beauty all around.  I am certainly blessed to be able to hike on my job!

Not quite a waterfall, but water is falling.  Ottawa Canyon

Looking back out of Ottawa Canyon.

Crossing a small stream, no big deal.  Everyone came in dry and also left dry.

What a colorful stream.

Saw some beaver activity

The park staff has been here doing a little trail maintenance

A Paw Paw leaf.  One of the biggest leaves.

 I have been taking photos of a Sugar Maple tree at the back entrance of the Lodge.  A trolley driver a few years ago started calling this tree "Edna's Tree".  Here is some photos of Edna's Tree throughout the month of October.

Oct. 1

Oct. 2

Oct. 3

Oct. 4

Oct. 5

Oct. 7

Oct. 9

Oct. 10

Oct. 12

Oct. 17

Oct. 19

Oct. 21

Oct. 21

Oct. 21

Oct. 21

I will leave you with this: An early morning walk is a blessing.... for the whole day!

Oct. 5th, 2017 St. Louis and Aurora Canyons

We left the Lodge's lobby on a beautiful Fall morning.  There were 48 walkers and 2 dogs.  We left the Lobby and headed out to the West Bluff Trail. 

Welcome to the Fall Color Season

Going over the walk bridge at the West end of the Lodge property.

This photo is nice, but it was stunning in person.

Going down to the top of Aurora Canyon

Looking into the tree canopy was just stunning.

Another fall tree photo.  Trying to get the best photo.

Almost down the wooden steps near the "orange rock" 

Rocks, Roots, and pine needles.  All a danger of falling

Look real close, there is a waterfall in St. Louis Canyon

Lots of frogs on the edge of the plunge pool.  This one waited to jump.

Looking out of St. Louis Canyon from the waterfall area.

Coming out of St. Louis Canyon.  Balancing on the planks are fairly easy when there is little water.

Once we get in the canyon, it is often hard to get them moving again.  They all love to visit.

The sign post on the left was found on the side of the trail. We picked it up and took it to the Visitor Center.

At the top of Sac Canyon

A few sandstone steps into Aurora Canyon

Zoomed photo of the top of Aurora Canyon

Aurora Canyon

Going back to the Lodge.  This trail is in disrepair.

The Glassinator is still today

I don't think this fella will be going on any Fall Color tours this weekend.

Fall Colors are getting there.  Love the clouds!  This tree is at the back entrance to the Lodge off of Rt. 71.  "Edna's Tree"

Entrance to the Lodge

I will leave you with this: Count your blessings, so you can lose count of your problems.