February 16, 2017, St. Louis, Aurora, Sac and Kickapoo Canyons

What a great weather day.  There were about 38 hikers today that started out in the Lodge's Lobby.  We first went to Aurora Canyon, then through the picnic area.  We scared up a mature bald eagle here. Went on the old road trail over the entrance road and into St. Louis Canyon.  When we got back to the Lodge about 16 of us when to the main dining room for lunch, coffee, hot chocolate or tea.

Ice is almost gone- Aurora Canyon

Couldn't help but post this photo today.  Stopped on the side of the rode on my way into work this morning.  Eagles eat more than fish.  This deer has been feeding the eagles all week. A few daring crows wait their turn.

Hikers waiting at the trailhead for the end of the group to catch up. 38 hikers in all. At least I think there was 38 or so....

Today we went into Aurora Canyon first.  We usually save it until the end and then people opt out.  What a great Canyon, shouldn't be missed!!!

Ice in Aurora Canyon.  Later in the hike we will be walking on the upper trail, looking down into the canyon.

Aurora Canyon

As far as people space in the canyon, Aurora is the smallest. We had to take turns.

And here's the rest.

The parade is in town!!!

When we went across the bridge to the old road (trail) this sign alerts us that weapons, vehicles, pets, horses and camping are prohibited.

There was some beaver activity east, right off the old road (trail).

The hill stairs climbing up and over the entrance road is usually sketchy.  No mud here today.  It was still frozen.

Coming over the entrance road and into St. Louis Canyon

We eventually went down these steps, but first.....

A lady from North Chicago was telling us that in this pod is about 200-400 praying mantis eggs.  They will hatch out in the Spring.

Eggs

This stage occurs just before winter. The adult female praying mantis lays 100 to 400 eggs after fertilization. The eggs are laid safely on a firm leaf or stem with a liquid that hardens to be a protective sac structure known as ootheca. The ootheca is a protective casing (very hard and able to survive extreme weather changes) in which the eggs will stay throughout the winter. In mid-spring when the temperatures are warm, the nymphs will hatch when the egg cases crack.

Entering into St. Louis Canyon

We typically had to cross the creek when going in.  No big deal.  Everything was still frozen, or had a boards.

St Louis Canyon icefall / waterfall from the sand pile.

I have no idea how this ice is still up there.  Video to follow of canyon.

Last years leaves for the Hepatic wildflower.  The little white/lavender flower will be one of the first wildflowers in the spring.  After the flowers die out, the new green leaves will follow.  We will see green leaves all summer. 

Taking a break on the West Bluff natural seats.

Peggy and Jack are getting carried away with Peggy's new garbage picker upperer.

How many feet is this boardwalk?

Kickapoo Canyon.  Kind of a blink and you miss it kind of a canyon

Top of Sac Canyon

Top of Aurora Canyon

Can you name all 8 of the Illinois Official symbols?, bird, tree, reptile, flower, insect, prairie grass,  animal and fish. If not the photo below has the answers.

This carving is at the West end of the Lodge property.

I will leave you with this: The happiest people don't necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the best of everything they have.

Rt. 71 Nature Preserve Feb. 14, 2016

My friends Lori and Peggy and I decided to check out the Nature Preserve one more time before Spring.  We were a little worried about the ice falls being gone.  It is a big area with no trails.  It also has many hills that weave in every direction.  Upon entering we thought we would try a different parking lot today.  We parked near the old horse stables and walked in.  It was pretty windy when we were not in the trees.  Thankfully we were in the trees or canyons most of the hike.  It had snowed early in the morning so the ground was covered. It also started snowing again about half way through our hike.

East side of Twin Falls

Icicles underneath the East Twin Falls

Icicles forming from the bottom

From behind the East Twin Falls

West Twin Falls.  I don't think this one is as picturesque as the East side.  It doesn't help that there are trees on the waterfall area. 

Sandstone wall on the way up into Joliet Canyon (Upper end of the West side)

We all brought our Katoohlas this time.  Still had to walk on the snow covered ice to get in and up into the canyon.  There was no other way in.  Straight up the center. Nothing but ice.

Katoohlas.  These go over your boots with small spikes on the bottom.

Lori went first

This was the pay off.  Just beautiful!  We did have to sit down and slide down in a few of the areas.  What fun!

  We came down from Joliet canyon and went up the West side to Marquette Canyon.  When we arrived there were some cool ice formations and the major icefall.

Marquette Canyon

Marquette Canyon

You couldn't really go behind the waterfall her, but it sure was nice seeing whole icicles in the canyons.

This is as far as you can go behind the icefall.  It was like being in a phone booth

Snowy way back

  

What a wonderful Oak tree.  Lori is a tree hugger! 

On the way back to the car I saw this mini canyon on the way.  Similar to Pontiac Canyon

Canyon on the way back to the car.  Don't know the name.

I will leave you with this: People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.