May 28, 2015 Buffalo Rock State Park

Featured photo from the hike

 Today's Walker's Club met in the Lodge's Lobby and departed in cars to Buffalo Rock State Park.  We had 45 walkers and 4 dogs.  Tied a record for the number of walkers.  It was a great day, not too hot or cold.  Could have used a breeze here and there to keep the mosquitos away.  But hey, tis the season.

Titled "Effigy Tumuli" in tribute to the Native American burial grounds that inspired it, this unique "earth art" depicts five sculptures native to the Illinois River. The Effigy Tumuli was the vision of artist Michael Heizer who created the sculptures of a snake, turtle, catfish, frog and a water strider. To better appreciate and understand the sculptures, it is best to look first from a distance and then walk around on top of them.

Starting our walk

Polyphemus Moth, Antheraea polyphemus

1/2 the group was ahead of me, 1/2 the group was behind me.

This fragrant flower was on a low lying branch on a tree

Some hikers got an early start walking on the back of the Catfish

These great signs were originally placed next to the sculpture.  Now most of them are gone.

I thought at first this was a Partridge Pea, but after further inspection I believe it is the Bird's Foot Trefoil

Crown Vetch

Beautiful day in the park

Watch your step

Are we still in Illinois?

Illinois's version of a slot canyon

Real Soloman's Seal

Relaxing on the overlook at the end of the hike

Couple of walker's discussing the day's hike

Our two buffalo relaxing in the sun

Blue Indigo outside the doors by the Cafe

Blue Indigo up close

After I returned back from the hike, I found a tick on my head and another hiker called and also found one.  It is tick season. After hiking anywhere, check yourself for ticks.  Pull them straight out with a tick remover or tweezers.  Do not burn, freeze, put oil or anything else on it.  It will just aggravate the tick.  Happy hiking.....  Believe it or not, but I have NEVER gotten a tick in Starved Rock.  Only Buffalo Rock and Matthiessen State Parks.

I will leave you with this: If you haven't seen anything incredible today.... Go Outside.