Starved Rock, Lover's Leap, Eagle's Cliff, Beehive Overlook and French Canyon

French Canyon Waterfall

Today we had 35 hikers that joined us on one of the most popular hikes in the park.  We stayed close to the Lodge and Visitor Center. At 9:00a.m. the sky was overcast but the temperature was comfortable.  In the early afternoon we started to have some snow flurries.

Stream flowing into French Canyon

This sign was atop Lover's Leap.  The replaced all the signs a few months ago.  I found this one interesting.

View from Eagle's Cliff looking East

View from Eagle's Cliff looking North towards the Starved Rock Lock and Dam

Best time of year to hope for a view at the Beehive Overlook

A few green buds leafing out

Going up the Eagles's Cliff shortcut trail

Coming down Jacob's Ladder, heading for French Canyon

Not sure what bird lost this feather.  The feather is quite large for the birds I could think of.  Maybe it was a feather from a migrating bird?  Northern Flicker- Thanks Andrew

On the way into French Canyon, there are some tell tale signs of the Spring Wildflower Dutchman's Britches.  This sample had a few buds coming up.  We must be patient!  Spring will get here in it's own time.

First stairway into French Canyon

Waiting in the "short line"  to get into French Canyon.  Today there was more water than I had anticipated.  If you would come on a weekend, the line would be much longer.

More water in the outbound stream than I had anticipated. Waddle in and waddle out.  One foot on each side.

French Canyon was just a beauty today! 

French Canyon Waterfall

This monument is located behind the State Park's Visitor Center

I will leave you with this: I love the kind of hugs where you can physically feel the sadness leaving your body.

Kaskaskia, Ottawa, Illinois Canyons, Council Overhang 03-29-2018

Today was a dreary day. Comfortable temperature, but no rain.  35 people ventured out for this great 3 waterfall hike. We all met in the Lobby of the Lodge and carpooled to the Ottawa/Kaskaskia parking lot, right off of Rt. 71.

Kaskaskia Canyon

Update on the Adopt a Trail. To date we have collected $5298.00.  We are taking donations for an Interpretive Sign program on a stretch of trail near the Lodge.  There will be 11 signs total, all with historical information.  This trail is fairly flat and are hoping in the future it will be handicap accessible. If interested, call my office at 815-220-7386.  Thank you for your help.

"The Boot"  Use your imagination!  This sandstone formation is right before you turn the corner to Council Overhang.

Going up into Council Overhang

Looking out from the back wall in Council Overhang

Found a few bouquets of Hepatica on a west facing slope going into Ottawa Canyon

Ottawa Canyon.  Yes that is a bit of ice by the waterfall. 

Looking out from behind the Ottawa Canyon waterfall

Kaskaskia Canyon Waterfall

Entering Illinois Canyon, we have to cross the stream 3 times.  Some chose to balance on the log, whereas others that wore taller boots just walked through the stream.

The iconic tree near the end of Illinois Canyon is slowly getting lower.

Spring is coming!  Yippee!  This is the start of Virginia Bluebells.  The park's best display will be be in Illinois Canyon about the first or second week in May (give or take).

I will leave you with this: "There is no such thing as a single-issue struggle because we do not live single-issue lives"

Feb. 15, 2018 Aurora, Sac, Kickapoo, St. Louis Canyons

Today was a little drizzly.  I did put on my poncho for a bit.  I really don't like to get wet when hiking.  There were 38 hikers today.  Saw some great icefalls. Today we met in the Lobby and headed to St. Louis Canyon.  For those that wanted to extend their hiking today, some joined me to Aurora Canyon.

Update on the Adopt a Trail. To date we have collected $2554.00.  Our goal is $4972.00.  We are taking donations for an Interpretive Sign program on a stretch of trail near the Lodge.  There will be 11 signs total, all with historical information.  This trail is fairly flat and are hoping in the future it will be handicap accessible. If interested, call my office at 815-220-7386.  Thank you for your help.

38 hikers take off  from the Lodge toward St. Louis Canyon.

These holes are on the footbridge over the road to the Lodge

Top of Aurora

Wood chips, now how do you suppose they got there?  Next photo.....

A pileated wood pecker has been working on this tree. 

Follow the tracks and you should be ok today.  

Love the fog photos

Going up these steps on the way back is always a tough one.

Nobody has taken a break on the natural bench since the snow fall

St. Louis Canyon waterfall didn't disappoint today.

More fog pictures.  

This was behind the waterfall.  It's hard to see, but the black area is a hole and the water is going in.  Some went over the hole to the other side, but not me, I was ok just taking a photo.

I formation from the side.

Another ice formation in St. Louis Canyon

Photo looking out from behind the Waterfall.

Group of walker's in front of the waterfall 

I think raccoon tracks

Some went into Aurora Canyon with me.  As you can see in the photo, just a deer was recently here. Not many people adventure into Aurora.

Sandstone steps going into Aurora.  Yes they are snow covered and intimidating. 

Absolutely worth it!  Aurora Canyon

Last part of the trail into or out of Aurora

Stargazer at the Lodge.

I will leave you with this: Savor the grays.  The moments in between the black and white are the ties that hold it all together.  The minutes, the days, the years, the decades.  Together they weave a canvas of time that creates our own story, each one building on the last.