Thursday, March 28, 2019

Council Overhang, Ottawa, Kaskaskia, Illinois Canyons March 28, 2019

Kaskaskia Canyon



Today's hike is a group favorite.  We left the Lodge's Lobby, and sort of car pooled to Ottawa, Kaskaskia Canyons and Council Overhang parking lot.  After those canyons some took to the "Swamp Trail", some drove and some walked the road to Illinois Canyon parking lot to hike into Illinois Canyon.

"Wedding Cove"  the Lodge's trolley takes bridal parties here for photos as the sandstone wall is steps from the parking lot. 

The "Boot"  This is a natural formation of sandstone that looks like a boot if you use your imagination.  Can you see it using your imagination? 

The group of 50+ coming up into Council Overhang

Joe telling the group of the neighboring Native American's having a Council in Council Overhang. 


Everyone admiring Council Overhang

Snake grass /Horse tails at the intersection of Kaskaskia and Ottawa Canyons

We chose to go into Kaskaskia Canyon first.  It was pretty muddy after last nights rain.

I told the group in the morning that there was no more ice in the canyons.  I was wrong, this little bit of ice was on the floor in Kaskaskia Canyon

You just can't capture the beauty of Kaskaskia Canyon.  Notice the extra waterfall here. 


We then went to Ottawa Canyon

Behind Ottawa Canyon there was ice on the ground also.  Not slippery, more like frozen sand. 

Photo from behind the Ottawa Waterfall looking out to the canyon


Another photo of Ottawa Canyon

Time to leave back through the mud.

From the base of this sign it looks like there was a group of people that just didn't need the walking sticks anymore. 

You have to cross the stream 3 times to get to the main waterfall in Illinois canyon.  Crossing #1

Crossing #2

Crossing #3

There has been some sandstone falling on the West wall



Illinois Canyon Waterfall

I love my boots especially on this hike.  I highly recommend them in the Springtime.  I don't have to think where to step when it comes to mud and streams. 

A Pileated Woodpecker has been here. 

I will leave you with this: Be sure to put your feet in the right place, then stand firm!








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