First Day Hike, Jan. 1st - St. Louis, Aurora, French Canyon, and Starved Rock

January 1st, First hike of the year.  There was some flooding on the River trail yesterday, so I thought I would take them to St. Louis, Aurora and French Canyons and to the top of Starved Rock.  We had 13 hikers plus myself.

Theme photo of hike

1st day hike.  Jan. 1st

 

Sac Canyon

The stream was hard to cross in St. Louis Canyon.  Some just stayed put, others took the chance on a log crossing.

Icicles hanging in St. Louis

St. Louis Canyon, See video below

 

I gave them the option of going back to the Lodge after St. Louis or going into Aurora Canyon (my favorite canyon for obvious reasons).  All went to Aurora!  Yeah!!!

Aurora Canyon

Stunning icicles in Aurora Canyon

flood debris by the State Park Visitor Center

Beautiful skies, atop Starved Rock

Going into French, a little icy on the right side

 

Nice waterfall in French Canyon.  Definitely photo worthy.

Great day for a hike.  The company was awesome and appreciated all the beauty.  We saw a few eagles on the West bluff trail to St. Louis and a couple on top of Starved Rock while we were there.

I will leave you with this: What good is the warmth of summer without the cold of winter to give it sweetness.