Matthiessen State Park Not the typical hike area 04-11-2019

surprise pond and picnic table at Matthiessen State Park

Today was cloudy and windy.  49 hikers started in the Lobby of the Lodge and carpooled to the Fort area of Matthiessen State Park.  We didn't hike the traditional route to the lower dells area today. Instead we headed to the south area that is part horse, hiking and maybe cross country ski trails.  It was a longer hike than anticipated. 

We parked by the Fort and hiked down to the waterfall. 

Large group of 49 hikers today and 1 dog

Everyone took a look at the waterfall under the bridge and then we took off.

Sometimes hiking and sometimes cross country ski trail

Yellow bellwort was blooming. 

Toothwort is blooming

Everyone coming down the hill by Strawberry Rock

That large rock on the right is Strawberry Rock (at least we think it is)

Prairie Trillium is up but none were blooming today.

We found a few patches of Mayapples just starting to unfold.

When looking at these Bloodworts, I wish the sun was out so we could see them blooming. 

We all were listening to the description of the rest of the hike

And off we go.  Beware that hikers and horses share this trail. 

Our water feature was a small pond

Picnic anyone? There is a pond side view! Moss table cover included. 

View point of the Vermillion River. This view amazes me every time. 

A couple of hikers and myself took a detour to the Model Airplane field. 

After the hike, some of the hikers visit the Starved Rock Lodge Cafe for beverages and snacks

I will leave you with this: We don't meet people by accident, they are meant to cross our path for a reason. 

Starved Rock, French, Wildcat, Pontiac canyons. April 4, 2019

Wildcat Canyon

There were 37 hikers that came to hike on a misty day. We left the Lodge's lobby and went down the Veranda steps heading to Starved Rock.  Leaving there we went into French Canyon and the onto Lover's Leap and Eagles Cliff. From there we went into Wildcat Canyon and then up the 150 bluff stairs and then over to Pontiac and back to the Lodge.  Great waterfalls today with very little mud. 

Stairs behind the Lodge by the Veranda

37 hikers give or take coming down the stairs behind the Lodge

On our way to Starved Rock you can still see the warning signs of Poison Ivy

View of Lover's Leap from the top of Starved Rock.  Illinois River going East

Leopold Island and the Illinois Waterway Visitor Center.

Flag flying tall and proud and the top of a windy Starved Rock

View of Starved Rock Lodge

Going into French

Looking back at my followers also going into French

First part of French

First look at French Canyon

French Canyon up close

Everyone enjoying finally going into French after all the ice this past winter.

Wet steps coming out of French

Lover's Leap Overlook

View of Starved Rock (Can you see the flags?) from Lover's Leap

View of Starved Rock State Park and the Illinois River looking East

Boardwalk at the top of Eagle's Cliff

Turn off to Wildcat Canyon

Wildcat is always good for a photo

Wildcat Canyon waterfall up close

East bluff of Wildcat Canyon

The Wildcat canyon floor was muddy.  Come prepared!

Stream crossing in Wildcat Canyon

150+ steps to get from the floor of Wildcat Canyon to the top rim.

Looking down into Wildcat Canyon from the West Overlook.  You can barely see the waterfall. 

One of the many park signs throughout the park

Pontiac Canyon 

"Hepatica"  This is one of the first wildflowers this year we have seen.  Notice the fuzzy stems? Just the flowers will bloom now.  The green leaves will come later.  

"Dutchman's Breeches"

French Canyon from the top

Feeder stream that will flow into French Canyon

I will leave you with this: "All you need is the plan, the road map, and the courage to press on to your destination."