Celebrating July 4th, 2015

Theme photo- Just starting out

Today's post isn't really a hike, it is more like an adventure.  My husband, daughter, cousins Roz, Jerry, Paul and myself decided to celebrate the 4th of July by going white water rafting on the Vermillion River.  That river was closed a few days this week and we were pleased they deemed it safe today.  I took my two kayak and we also rented a raft for 4 people.  There isn't a lot of photos.  Water and cameras don't mix, so all of the really good photos didn't get taken.

Enjoyed our day with family.  Hope you enjoy the photos.

There were 6 of us all together.  4 in the blue raft and 2 in my orange kayaks. (not the best choice).  Next year we are going to try the inflatable kayaks that they have.

Hanna took the front seat

Jerry and Randy mastering the Kayaks (for now)

Our cousin Roz

A large group was taking a break on a scenic part of the Vermillion River

This dog's owner was on the cliff, throwing things in the water for the dog to go and return

Rearranging after a kayak capsize

Paul draining the kayak.  He is laying in the raft and I am to his right holding up the other half of the kayak

This Kayak was really only built for 1.

And were off again

And he's off again (Paul)

Damselflies were everywhere.  We did see some dragonflies, but they didn't stop long for a photo.

After the Wildcat Rapids, we took turns in the kayaks.  This is Paul and Jerry

We went up the opening into Matthiessen State Park.  Early in the week someone told me that the water was high enough to go all the way to the waterfall. On Thursday I hiked the upper trail and the water was still high.  This walk bridge washed away from the other side of the concrete bridge you see in the photo.

Yes, I did make it all the way to the waterfall.

My kayak and the waterfall

Upclose waterfall.  There was quite the breeze here.  Good thing because we didn't stay long with the invasion of the mosquitoes.

All of us by the Matthiessen waterfall

One last photo before we left (check out the raft!)

We had a great day!  The hardest part of the whole day was carrying the kayak back up the hill when we got back.  We laughed so hard our cheeks and stomachs hurt.  This is the 2nd year we have done this after our July 3rd party.  Next year we are looking at renting the blowup kayaks.  We rented the raft at Vermillion River Rafting near Starved Rock.  

I will leave you with this: If you are not having a good or great day -- Go outside!!!