Council Overhang, Ottawa, Kaskaskia and Illinois Canyons

My cousin Debbie came to hike with us today.  She came all the way from New York.  It was great hiking with her.  I ran into her and her husband last year and I told her the next time she was back home she needed to join the walker's club for a hike.  Thanks Debbie!

Today's hike we all drove to Council Overhang parking lot and walked in to Ottawa and Kaskaskia Canyons.  Then many of us drove to the next canyon to the East and walked into Illinois Canyon.  Over Memorial Day weekend there was an influx of graffiti in Council Overhang.  A week or so later River Forest-based Conservation of Sculpture and Objects Studio Inc, used a laser to remove most of the graffiti.  We rearranged our hiking schedule to view the sandstone free of graffiti.

Almost to Council Overhang, just around the corner from the "boot"

We had around 45 hikers today.  We were just taking a short break, letting them all catch up.

Going up to Council Overhang

Look no more grafitti, (for now)

I have always loved this shot.  Looking out from Council Overhang

My cousin Debbie came to hike with us today.  She came all the way from New York.  It was great hiking with her.  I ran into her and her husband last year and I told her the next time she was back home she needed to join the walker's club for a hike.  Thanks Debbie!

Regina's family joined us today.  Photo in Kaskaskia canyon. The kids loved all the mud, they had a great time.

Rock formation coming out of Kaskaskia Canyon

Ottawa Canyon

Ottawa Canyon

Ottawa Canyon

Junction of Ottawa and Kaskaskia Canyons

Lots of mud on the trails today, especially going into to Kaskaskia and Illinois Canyons

Mulberry tree in Illinois Canyon parking lot

Chicory lines the highways.  Found this in the parking lot in Illinois Canyon

Blue Damselfly

Check out the base of this Jack in the Pulpit.  There is a green seedpod.  Later in the summer this will turn bright red.

The first stream in Illinois Canyon was too much for most of us.  No crossing. 

We have some new flashing signs at both main entrances to the park.  Hopefully this will help with some of the climbing, swimming, littering, going on the trail late at night and going off the trails.

I will leave you with this: Never be afraid to try something new.  Remember amateurs built the ark and professionals built the Titanic.

St. Louis and Aurora Canyon June 9, 2016

St. Louis Canyon Waterfall

Rain was predicted.  We were really hoping the weatherman was wrong today.  Not the case.  About half way through we felt some sprinkles...... then there was the rain.  No lightening or thunder, so I guess it could have been worse.  We left the lobby with 27 walkers heading to St. Louis Canyon via the West Bluff Trail.  The plan was to drop down into Aurora on the way back, however most of the walker's had had enough.  Ron, Kay and myself had the honors.

Aurora Canyon from the top

Sac Canyon

On our way to St. Louis Canyon. 

Spiderwort

Rudbeckia

Goat's beard

On the west wall in St. Louis Canyon

St. Louis Canyon Waterfall

East Wall in St. Louis Canyon

Aurora Canyon.  The rain wasn't strong enough to generate much of a waterfall

Plantain.  Good for insect and snake bites

Kay and Ron were good sports going with me into Aurora Canyon

I will leave you with this: Life is like riding a bicycle, in order to keep your balance, you need to keep moving! (regardless is its raining).