September 28, 2014 Mega Hike- All 18 canyons, 13.4 canyons in ONE day!

Starved Rock Lodge organizes a Mega Hike twice a year.  These take place the last weekend in April and the last weekend in September.  We have 2 departure times at 8:30a.m. and 9:00a.m. on Saturday and Sunday.  All groups have 2 leaders from the Walker's Club.  This group's leaders are Kevin Cleary (guy in the green jacket on the right), and Arnie Leder (guy with a green hat and a walking stick).  I went along just for blogging purposes.  Enjoy!

We started our hike at the Lodge.  We boarded a trolley for transportation to Illinois Canyon.  We walked back from there, walking into every accessible canyon.

Entering into Illinois Canyon (I have no idea how this photo got to be black and white).

Sandstone behind the turning trees

downed trees in Illinois Canyon

Walking into Illinois Canyon and captured these rays.

Stream bed #1

Stream bed #2

Stream bed #3

I just marvel at these huge trees. I think this is a Sycamore.

Illinois Canyon - The shortest waterfall.  Yes it was flowing.

The area, before going into Ottawa, Kaskaskia Canyons.  We call it the Wedding Cove.  The trolley sometimes take wedding parties here for photos.

First good look at the sandstone. "The Boot"

Going up to Council Overhang

Our leader Arnie... telling us about the sand

Kaskaskia Canyon

Ottawa Canyon

On the way out of Ottawa

Touch me nots.  Those little pods next to t he flower will POP when touched.  Spreading seeds

Hennepin Canyon Overlook

Hidden Canyon (we think)  It is hidden after all

leading into Owl Canyon

Taking a break by the Illinois River, near Owl Canyon

Owl Canyon Overlook

New bridge on the river trail

Bridge near LaSalle and Tonti Canyons

heading into LaSalle Canyon.

LaSalle Canyon

Going into Tonti

Tonti Canyon

No name area

Paw Paw leaves

Bluff trail steps- We didn't have to go up these. Yeah!

Jerry helping everyone down some sketchy steps

The river trails, turns into a cement boardwalk for a while

My friend Jerry.  He has been on quite a few Mega Hikes.  So many so that he could lead them!

What a great day!  Nice break spot to view Eagle's Cliff and the Dam.

A busy Wildcat Canyon

View into Pontiac Canyon

Millipede on the trail

I say this is the BEST view in the park

Illinois Waterway Visitor Center and the Dam

  Arnie is telling the legend of Lover's Leap

View of Starved Rock from Lover's Leap

The Dam

Devil's Nose from a distance on the bluff trail

top of French

Chicken Ceasar Wrap, homemade granola bar, piece of fruit, bag of chips and bottle of water for lunch

Back over the bridge (Fox Canyon) after lunch

1 of the eagles on our bridge.  Donated in memory of Jerry Krasinski. 1of 2 eagles

Very crowded in French Canyon

heading out of French Canyon

Still have Poison Ivy. Eeeeks!

Heading up the steps to the top of Starved Rock

View of Lover's Leap from Starved Rock

View of Leopold Island

Lone Pelican

Flagpole at the top of Starved Rock

View looking West at the top of Starved Rock

View of Starved Rock Lodge

solar panels at the top of Starved Rock.  These panels  help keep the American Flag lit at night.

Many of people rub Lincoln's nose for good luck

Starved Rock is a National Historic Landmark

One of the current maintenance buildings are from the Civilian Conservation Corps.

On our way to Aurora (my favorite canyon)

Cool steps going into Aurora Canyon

Aurora Canyon

Aurora Canyon from the top

Sac Canyon -  there was a slight waterfall.  Well maybe it was really waterfalling.....

Great view from the St Louis Canyon trail

Turning leaves

Iron in the sandstone

St. Louis Canyon.  Only REAL waterfall we saw today

Group photo (we lost a few along the way)(lunch time)

Steps going up and over Rt. 178

Almost done, bridge going to the picnic area.

Last stairway - 150 steps

Done, finally.  13.4 miles (or maybe a few more) and 18 Canyons  Everyone who finishes receive a certificate and a Snickers bar.  Today because it was so HOT, we also had ice water. Thanks Laura!

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.