Feb. 12, 2015 Starved Rock, Lover's Leap, Eagles Cliff, Wildcat Canyon

Thursday February 12th.  Extremely cold, about 10 degrees with the wind chill about 0 or less.  19 hardy hikers bundled up with layers and some sort of traction helpers for the boots.  Todays hike went to the top of Starved Rock, Lover's Leap, Eagle's Cliff, Beehive Overlook and Wildcat Canyon.  Saw many eagles 15-20, 4 deer and 2 ice climbers in Wildcat Canyon.

Walker's Club heading out  - 19 

Eagle woodcarving guarding the steps by the Veranda

View of Starved Rock from the Veranda

This bench and plaque is near the base of Starved Rock

View of the Hydro-electric power plant from the top of Starved Rock

There are 5 eagles here

Flag at the top of Starved Rock

View of the Lodge from the top of Starved Rock

Looking West from the top of Starved Rock

The trails are VERY ICY.  If you come hiking please wear Yak- Trax or some form of extra traction for your boots.

 

Heading over to Lover's Leap

Over the foot bridge on the way to Lover's Leap

We were on the boardwalk almost to Lover's Leap when we spotted these deer.  There were 4 all together.  Two left by the time we arrived.

 

This picture was taken from Lover's Leap looking toward Starved Rock.  This is the fishing cove.  Eagles hang out here.  Can you see the one in the center?

We saw many eagles on our hike today.  I also took a few videos.  Enjoy!

 

We came down from Eagle's Cliff and saw these two perched near the river

I chose to go up to Beehive Overlook in the chance to see some eagles perched close by.  No such luck.

Wildcat Canyon

Even though I had added traction on my boots, they were no match for the frozen icefall in Wilcat.

Two first timer Starved Rock ice climbers from Libertyville.  Photo taken from the East overlook in Wildcat Canyon.

One of them getting ready to go down

Alas, it is time to Return

It was definitely cold out today, but if your dressed correctly and come prepared, your hike can be very rewarding. Hiking 2 hours today was still a better day than spending the whole day behind a desk.

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.