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| We started our hike at the Lodge. We boarded a trolley for transportation to Illinois Canyon. We walked back from there, walking into every accessible canyon. |
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| Entering into Illinois Canyon (I have no idea how this photo got to be black and white). |
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| Sandstone behind the turning trees |
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| downed trees in Illinois Canyon |
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| Walking into Illinois Canyon and captured these rays. |
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| Stream bed #1 |
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| Stream bed #2 |
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| Stream bed #3 |
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| I just marvel at these huge trees. I think this is a Sycamore. |
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| Illinois Canyon - The shortest waterfall. Yes it was flowing. |
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| The area, before going into Ottawa, Kaskaskia Canyons. We call it the Wedding Cove. The trolley sometimes take wedding parties here for photos. |
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| First good look at the sandstone. "The Boot" |
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| Going up to Council Overhang |
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| Our leader Arnie... telling us about the sand |
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| Kaskaskia Canyon |
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| Ottawa Canyon |
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| On the way out of Ottawa |
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| Touch me nots. Those little pods next to t he flower will POP when touched. Spreading seeds |
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| Hennepin Canyon Overlook |
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| Hidden Canyon (we think) It is hidden after all |
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| leading into Owl Canyon |
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| Taking a break by the Illinois River, near Owl Canyon |
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| Owl Canyon Overlook |
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| New bridge on the river trail |
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| Bridge near LaSalle and Tonti Canyons |
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| heading into LaSalle Canyon. |
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| LaSalle Canyon |
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| Going into Tonti |
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| Tonti Canyon |
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| No name area |
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| Paw Paw leaves |
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| Bluff trail steps- We didn't have to go up these. Yeah! |
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| Jerry helping everyone down some sketchy steps |
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| The river trails, turns into a cement boardwalk for a while |
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| My friend Jerry. He has been on quite a few Mega Hikes. So many so that he could lead them! |
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| What a great day! Nice break spot to view Eagle's Cliff and the Dam. |
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| A busy Wildcat Canyon |
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| View into Pontiac Canyon |
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| Millipede on the trail |
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| I say this is the BEST view in the park |
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| Illinois Waterway Visitor Center and the Dam |
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| Arnie is telling the legend of Lover's Leap |
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| View of Starved Rock from Lover's Leap |
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| The Dam |
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| Devil's Nose from a distance on the bluff trail |
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| top of French |
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| Chicken Ceasar Wrap, homemade granola bar, piece of fruit, bag of chips and bottle of water for lunch |
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| Back over the bridge (Fox Canyon) after lunch |
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| 1 of the eagles on our bridge. Donated in memory of Jerry Krasinski. 1of 2 eagles |
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| Very crowded in French Canyon |
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| heading out of French Canyon |
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| Still have Poison Ivy. Eeeeks! |
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| Heading up the steps to the top of Starved Rock |
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| View of Lover's Leap from Starved Rock |
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| View of Leopold Island |
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| Lone Pelican |
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| Flagpole at the top of Starved Rock |
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| View looking West at the top of Starved Rock |
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| View of Starved Rock Lodge |
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| solar panels at the top of Starved Rock. These panels help keep the American Flag lit at night. |
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| Many of people rub Lincoln's nose for good luck |
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| Starved Rock is a National Historic Landmark |
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| One of the current maintenance buildings are from the Civilian Conservation Corps. |
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| On our way to Aurora (my favorite canyon) |
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| Cool steps going into Aurora Canyon |
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| Aurora Canyon |
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| Aurora Canyon from the top |
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| Sac Canyon - there was a slight waterfall. Well maybe it was really waterfalling..... |
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| Great view from the St Louis Canyon trail |
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| Turning leaves |
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| Iron in the sandstone |
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| St. Louis Canyon. Only REAL waterfall we saw today |
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| Group photo (we lost a few along the way)(lunch time) |
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| Steps going up and over Rt. 178 |
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| Almost done, bridge going to the picnic area. |
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| Last stairway - 150 steps |
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| Done, finally. 13.4 miles (or maybe a few more) and 18 Canyons Everyone who finishes receive a certificate and a Snickers bar. Today because it was so HOT, we also had ice water. Thanks Laura! I will leave you with this: Wherever you may hike or walk, just put one foot in front of the other. It's all about the experience not the destination. |
