Friday, April 24, 2015

April 23rd, Ottawa, Kaskaskia and Illinois Canyon, Council Overhang



 
Today we left the Lodge and carpooled to the Ottawa / Kaskaskia Canyon parking area off of Rt. 71.  We first enjoyed Council Overhang, then walked into Kaskaskia and the Ottawa Canyon.  To finish off our hike we delighted in the excellent display of the Virginia Bluebells there.


Beautiful day for 27 hikers and 1 dog to go hiking

Rosanne and Mandy (Mandy is the dog)
 
Nodding Trillium

"The Boot"

All of us going up into Council Overhang

Looking up into the sky in Council Overhang


Yellow Bellwort with Squirrel Corn

Bishop's Cap / Miter wort

Ottawa Canyon

Ottawa Canyon close up

Jack in the Pulpit (these are just now coming up

Jack in the Pulpit

Virginia Bluebells with a little bit of horse tails sprinkled in.  This photo was taken at the Ottawa and Kaskaskia intersection.

Prairie Trillium

Prairie Trillium, this flower just started blooming, so it is hard for me not to take photos of it.  Yes there are more to come.

Picturesque Kaskaskia Canyon

Looking back out of Kaskaskia Canyon

Blue Cohosh, later in the year it will have little blue berries (hence the reference to blue)

Trout Lily - Just about the last blooming one, until next year

Wild Ginger- Notice the hidden maroon flower underneath

The highlight for me today was going to be the Bluebells in Illinois Canyon.  I saved it for last on purpose.  And I wasn't disappointed.

Virginia Bluebells

More Bluebells

Swamp Marigolds or Buttercups

Swamp Marigolds or Buttercups

State flower of Illinois - Blue Violet

Walking along the trail, we saw this little egg

Crossing one of the 3 stream crossings



Yes! 3 of the 27 hikers crossed this stream on the log.  Would I do it again???? Maybe, we'll see.

Illinois Canyon
 
Illinois Canyon - Close up

All of us in Illinois Canyon - What a great group!!!

False Rue Anemone

Coming out of Illinois Canyon

Single file....

All trying to get the perfect photo of the Bluebells

Bluebells upclose
Lots of flowers today and 3 waterfalls.  Getting ready for the Mega Hike on Saturday and Sunday.  This is the best time to see the wildflowers.  

I will leave you with this: Breathe the Wind, Drink the Rain.

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