November 5, 2015 Hennepin, Owl, LaSalle Canyons

Feature photo of the hike

Today was not your typical November day.  When we started out it was about 65-70 degrees with mostly sunny skies.  We had 47 hikers and a record of 6 dogs. I took all their photos....

We found this snake along the side of the trail early on the hike.

This happy Peoria couple are on their honeymoon.  We were honored that those chose to spend some time with us.

Cocoa

Dizzy

Sophie

Ellie

Whiz

Mandy

Quite the trail of hikers we have today

Taking a small break.  Next we gave the group the option of continuing further to LaSalle Canyon or turning around and going back to the car.  About 7 chose to end it here.

One of the bridges on the way to LaSalle Canyon

Woodpecker in the distance

Our Honeymooners!  Love this photo!  LaSalle Canyon

1 snake in the "Snake Tree" There were 2 total

Weird spider on the trail

Conveniently located bench.  Eagles Cliff in the background

Leaves from the Paw Paw tree

I will leave you with this: Hiking has many health benefits.  It is proven to boost creativity, an helps those suffering depression.  We all can self-help a bit by hiking, whether it be just dropping the technology at the door for a few hours, or getting some much-needed exercise, nature awaits.

10-29-2015 Walker's Club, Wildcat & French Canyons, Eagles Cliff, Lover's Leap

Today's Walker's Club totaled 41 people.  We left the Lodge and headed out on the Campanula to Wildcat Canyon. On to Eagles Cliff and Lover's Leap (Great colors here). We finished up in French Canyon.  It was a bit breezy and the sun came out occasionally.  Saw some great color on the overlooks. Enjoy!!

Theme photo of the day

Wet boardwalks can sometimes be slippery. 

These are Paw Paw trees - brilliant yellows

This is a Paw Paw tree leaf.  HUGE

How many people did you saw this deck was good for? 

Looking into Wildcat Canyon, sorry folks, the waterfalls are done for the season.

Inside Wildcat Canyon, Soon we will be seeing frozen ice falls here.

Part of the steps leading up to Eagle's Cliff

Best colors yet!!!  Taken from Eagles Cliff, looking East

Leopold Island

Lock and Dam

Is that an Eagle?  You bet it is!!!  Soon we will have plenty more.

Starved Rock from Lover's Leap

Today we had plenty of pelicans. I zoomed in and got a close up of this lone pelican

Joe is telling the Legend of Starved Rock

Devil's Nose

Walking into French

French Canyon, no waterfall here either.

Everyone leaving French Canyon

I will leave you with this: One small crack doesn't mean you are broken, it just means that you were put to the test and were strong enough not to break.

Oct. 08, 2015 - Lover's Leap, Eagle's Cliff, LaSalle and Tonti Canyons

I got this photo of the Sunrise this morning and knew it was going to be a Great Day!!  So far so good!

35 walkers today.  We left the lodge's lobby and went to LaSalle Canyon via the River Trail.  Took a stop at Lover's Leap and Eagle's Cliff.  Also went to Tonti Canyon.  Photo also shows the new paint on the road in front of the Lodge.

Early on the hike we found this down log with some character.  Great resting place.

Great view of Devil's Nose on the way to Lover's Leap

Took some time for a group photo on Lover's Leap

View of the Dam

Pelicans are still hanging around.  They are just passing through, on their way south for the winter.

View of Starved Rock State Park looking East from Eagle's Cliff.  Lots of color to change yet.

One of my reliable snakes in the "Snake tree"

View of the Illinois River, little bit of fall colors sprinkled in.

LaSalle Canyon Bridge

I managed to work myself to the back of the pack.  LaSalle Canyon.  Not a drop.

Looking out of LaSalle Canyon

Don is contemplating something in Tonti Canyon?????

Looking up in Tonti Canyon.  That's where all the colors are.

I think this is Winterberry Holly.  Kind of makes you think of Christmas time.  Just kind of.

Doll's Eyes

This is a Burl in a tree near Lone tree canyon.

Looking down into Wildcat Canyon - Sorry no waterfall today.

School group in Wildcat Canyon 70-90 feet below the East overlook

A few mushrooms on the way back to the Lodge.

Last stairway before we got back to the Lodge. 

New Kiosk by the trailhead at the Lodge.  It will eventually have information about the park.  There is also one located between the Visitor Center / Steps to the Lodge / and steps to Starved Rock. (When we left on our hike at 9:00a.m. the only thing here was a concrete slab.)

I will leave you with this: Cool breezes, piles of leaves, sunrises and sunsets, family and friends, laughs and hugs, and smiles are some of the best things in life and they are free!!!