May 22, 2014 Starved Rock, French, Pontiac and Wilcat Canyons, Lover's Leap, Eagles Cliff

Today's Walker's Club hike was the traditional hike to Starved Rock, French Canyon, Lover's Leap and Eagles Cliff.  We even managed to make it to Wildcat Canyon.  Wildflowers are dwindling down, but I still managed to find a few. 

Very few wooden sign remain standing in the park

Don't forget that Poison Ivy grows as a vine, shrub and ground cover.  While in the park.  Stay on the trails.  Remember "Leaves of 3 leave them be".

 A rash from poison ivy, is caused by an oil found in these plants called urushiol (you-ROO-shee-all). When this oil touches your skin, it often causes an itchy, blistering rash.

View of Lover's Leap from the top of Starved Rock

 While at the top of Starved Rock, we walked around the top on the boardwalk.  What a view!  A must see!  

Pelicans around Leopold Island

Columbine

 At the top of Starved Rock there is a flagpole with out a flag.  If a flag is going to be up at night, it is proper that it be lit.  Well a few years ago the flag was taken down because it didn't have a light on it at night.  It has only been raised for special occasions lately.  There has been much talk in the news and otherwise about this flagpole.  Who is going to do the work?  Who is going to raise the flag?  And where is the money coming from?  When will it be done?  Will it be a solar powered light?  Well coming around the corner and seeing this was a good sign that the flag will be flying again soon.

New construction project?????

View of Starved Rock Lodge from the top of Starved Rock

 We came down from the top of Starved Rock and we are now on our way to French Canyon.












 Now for a few wildflowers:

Virginia Waterleaf

Wild Ginger

Going into French

 French is always great for a photo or two.  Hope Jan got a great photo.

French Canyon

Coming out of French

It is always a little tricky to come out of French.  But Gary and Peggy look like professional hikers!







Out of French Canyon and onto Lover's Leap we saw many more wildflowers.  Some I knew and some I didn't. 

Some kind of Sedum (I think)

False Solomon's Seal

Wild Geraniums

It looks to be in the Lily of the Valley family????

Starved Rock from Lover's Leap

More Pelicans by the Dam

Greetings from the Walker's Club, atop of Eagle's Cliff

Eagle's Clif looking to the Northwest

On our way to Wildcat Canyon.  We are going on a fairly muddy trail over Pontiac Canyon.

Pontiac Canyon

After admiring Pontiac Canyon's twists and turns we arrived at Wildcat Canyon.  I took the following photo from the west overlook at Wildcat Canyon.  You can also go to the Overlook on the other side of the canyon for a better view of the waterfall there.

Wildcat Canyon

Upper Wildcat Canyon

Back to the Lodge we go.  What a great day for a hike.  The green foliage is really leafing out.  Wildflowers, Waterfalls, Green leaves, Great weather.

I will leave you with this, Wherever you may hike or walk, just put one foot in front of the other.  It's all about the experience not the destination.