Little Grand Canyon: Pomona, IL

Little Grand Canyon

     The Little Grand Canyon Trail is a hidden gem in Southern Illinois. It is a 3 mile loop trail, with spectacular views and delightful rock formations. The trail is well marked and well maintained by the U.S. Forest Service that protects the Shawnee National Forest.
      
     I pulled up to the parking lot at the trail on a beautiful Saturday afternoon and noticed that it was full of cars. Luckily someone was leaving, and I was able to get their spot. It was an older couple and I could hear the man telling the woman to hurry up and get in the car, people are waiting.
    
      I had driven quite a ways from route three on a hilly back road, following a sign that said the trail was 12 miles into the Shawnee Hills. The trail can also be reached from route 127, out of Murphysboro.
    
      Normally, when I hike I like to carry a small pack full of gear, for the extra weight and because you never know what you’ll run into. But, with the amount of people I saw, I opted to not look like a weirdo at this time. So, I just enjoyed the sights and did a little trail running.
      
     As I walked, I alternated between periods of walking and running. The hills on this trail make for a nice work out, and the people I passed all commented on my walking stick. Which I try to bring along every time I hike. It has been very useful on many occasions, and with the hill or slippery rocks on this trail it came in handy again. The people on the trail realized they could have really used one.
     
      I passed all kinds of people; Young college students, families with kids, older couples, and people who were greatly out of shape. The trail is not difficult, but does have places where the hiker is required to climb up and down a rock waterfall formation. You will get winded on this trail. If that’s a concern, you might want to pick a different trail. It is not very handicap friendly.
    
      I would also recommend not hiking the trail in the very late afternoon. You can get caught out there in the dark, and with the deep valleys, covered by towering hills; it gets dark quickly on the trail. Long before the sun actually sets.
     
      I saw many dogs walking on the trail. It seemed to be fairly dog friendly. However, there are places where the dog must climb or jump. If this is a danger to the dog, or if the dog is too big for you to carry in some places, you might want to reconsider bringing the furry friend.
    
      The trail first ascends through the woods along ridges, until it hits a point looking over the terrain. It then turns and goes down along the side of a hill to the first rock formations and waterfall. This trail is very narrow, and I stepped aside to let others going the opposite way, pass on many occasions.
      
     When I say waterfall, I am referring more to a water trickle, or a seep.  When there is rain it becomes more of a flowing fall, but at this current time it was just seeping water. I think water seeps are beautiful in their own way. The mixture of gray stone, moss, tiny plants, ferns and water seeps, is stunning to the eyes.
      
     As you get to the falls and start to go down, you are descending into a stone valley that shoots off before you at a great distance. It makes one think of prehistoric things; and how this would be a great place for cavemen to live, or for bandits to hide out in. The image is spectacular and of course my camera decided to crap out on me right in the middle of it. After hitting the bottom of the marvelous valley, the trail winds around through a wooded area and comes back around to another rock formation that is a dry water fall. Or at least it was dry at this time.
    
      A hiker must climb up the water fall, and then continue on a steady climbing trail till they reach the parking lot. Course, it depends on which way you take the trail. Clockwise or counterclockwise; either way I would recommend a walking stick to help climb and descend.
     
     As soon as I finished the trail and got to my vehicle, there was another car waiting for my spot. So, I backed out and let them have a wonderful time on the trail as well. I drove out of the parking lot, and instead of turning back the way I had come, I turned the other way, and drove for what seemed like an ungodly amount of time through the beautiful Shawnee Hills. I passed many sites that I wished I had time to stop for. Things like a natural bridge, and what looked like another trail.
    
      I finally came out in the town of Alto Pass, which I will need to return and check out again someday. Then, I returned on 127 back to Murphysboro and home to Du Quoin. The Little Grand Canyon is a beautiful trail that is just one of the many features of the Shawnee National Forest of Southern Illinois.

 

Cove Hollow Trail: Shawnee National Forest

Cove Hollow Trail

     The Cove Hollow Trail is a fantastic trail. It is a 5.4 mile out and back trail, which can be extended to around a 10 mile hike, by continuing into the Cedar Lake Trail that is also out and back.
    
      I have hiked this trail, coupled with the Cedar Lake Trail twice now. It is a very good hike. The trail head is located off Route 127 south of Murphysboro, then turn on Dutch Ridge Road, to Cove Hollow Road. Cove Hollow Road ends in a dead end where the trail head is located. There are some signs that will help lead you from the highway to the trail head.
    
      The trail is very easy to follow, and I never felt lost or confused about where the trail was located. There is a place about a third of the way into the trail, where a hiker can choose to take a detour called “Wolf’s Den Trail” it loops back around to the main Cove Hollow Trail. When the hiker reaches the end of the Cove Hollow Trail, they will see the trail head for the Cedar Lake Trail, right across a road, called Boat Dock Road. The Cedar Lake Trail is also well maintained and adds about 4 miles to the whole hike, for a total of around 10 miles, give or take a mile.  My clicker never seems to give me proper numbers; probably because I switch off running and hiking the trail when I’m out there.
     
      The Cove Hollow Trail has about 3 or 4 impromptu campsites, which people have made over the years, and allows easy access to Cedar Lake. There is also a “Wow” factor when it comes to many of the rock and bluff formations. It is not a boring trail.
      
     There are a couple of creek crossings and even more of them if Cedar Lake Trail is added into the hike. The “Wolf’s Den’ bypass will take the hiker to the top of the bluffs to view the flora and fauna up top. The rock bluff tops, with lichen and stunted trees growing, are stark compared to the lush forest below the bluffs.
      
     Be prepared to take some pictures while you’re out, and maybe do a little fishing. The Cove Hollow Trail is a gem.

Opera House Bistro: Red Bud, IL.

Opera House Bistro


     I traveled to Fort de Chartres, near Prairie Du Rocher, Illinois to attend a Trade Fair that depicted period costume and items for sale that were common in the Illinois country from the 1750’s to 1790’s. Fort de Chartres is a beautiful reproduction of an actual old fort. The original stone fort was built by the French in 1753; it replaced several previous wooden forts. The current structure was rebuilt section by section over the years, and was made a National Historic Landmark in 1960.
      
     The weather was a bit chilly, but continued to warm as the day went on. Normally, I try to dress up in period costume for these events, but this time I didn’t. There were about 20-25 traders, selling their wares, and I checked out all of them trying to find new items to add to my personae, or neat do dads for the home, camp or outdoor life. I ended up buying a French Voyageurs knit cap, a scarf, and an old time looking map that I plan to frame and hang on the wall. The map details 1700-1800’s French America from St. Louis down to a little past St. Genevieve on the Missouri side, and depicting Cahokia, down to Old Kaskaskia on the Illinois side. I love maps.
      
     After leaving the event I decided to travel over to Baldwin Lake, near Baldwin, Illinois. I had seen that there was a trail there inside of the Kaskaskia River Wildlife Refuge. I like trying new places to hike and I wanted to find the trail head so I could come back and hike when it was less muddy.
      
     On the way to Lake Baldwin, I passed through Red Bud, Illinois; where I saw they had done a lot of work to their downtown area. There were several good looking places to eat, so I decided to stop and have lunch. First, I checked out an organic health food store called ‘The Healthy Nut” on Main Street. I’m always pleased to see these types of stores popping up.
      
     Next, I walked across the street to the Opera House Bistro. When I entered I noticed that it was very clean and well done. I walked in and found a place to sit along a wall in a kind of half booth/half table section, and started reading a book. When you’re dining alone, it helps to read a book. This time I was reading “Tales and Trails of Illinois” a history book by Stu Fliege.
      
     The waitress came quickly and took my order. Lamb Gyro with fries and warm German Potato Salad. If you read many of my restaurant reviews you’ll find I always try the potato salad. I sat reading and listening to the music that was playing. It was some modern pop music that was very easy to listen to and reminded me of a girl I knew, and how I wished she was there with me. Isn’t it strange how music and smells can transport us through time and space, bringing back memories?
      
     The food was excellent, and I decided to order desert, which I don’t normally do because I’m trying to be healthier. But, when you’re dining in a classy place it makes you want to splurge and live a little. The desert was called “The Whatchamacallit” and it was a crunchy brownie with ice cream, fudge and sprinkles.  It was quite good, and brought a smile to my face.
     
      After eating I paid the bill which was very reasonable and went up stairs to the museum; where an older gentleman took me around room by room showing me the things of a by-gone era. Normally, I don’t like guided tours; I don’t like feeling as though I’m being forced to talk to somebody. I prefer to do my business and leave. But, the guy did an excellent job. He was very knowledgeable and I was glad to have him along on my walk through.
      
     After leaving the Bistro I drove up to Baldwin Lake. Actually, I missed my turn just past the power plant and went all the way to the next town, New Athens.  I asked for directions, which I’m not too proud to do, and went back to where I should have been. Only to discover that the trail I wanted to hike was closed. I looked for a Ranger, but he was mowing, so I decided to mark this trail off my list because the sign looked pretty permanent.
      
     Overall, it was a great day and a great meal at the Opera House Bistro. I will put it on my list as a place to visit in the future.

Heinz Hall: Pittsburgh, PA.

Heinz Hall: Pittsburgh, PA

     It was our first night in Pittsburgh when my wife and I went for a stroll from the Renaissance hotel down to Market Square to see the Christmas tree, Ice Skaters, and other festivities.        

     As we walked we passed Heinz Hall, which is a historic Pittsburgh landmark where musicals, plays, and programs are performed. As we passed, my wife was looking at the posters on the wall, to see the up and coming events. While I was watching the shadows around us, ready to fight off any attackers. All of a sudden she let out a scream and danced a jig; which led me to believe we were being mugged.

     She pointed at the wall and said “Handel’s Messiah!! It’s playing!!  Can we go?!!"

     I had no idea what she was talking about. She knows a lot more stuff in this sort of area than I do. It’s kind of freakish really. She can name any actor or musician and song, and tell me about their kids, and whether they are alive or dead, and exactly what drug they OD’d on and when it happened. She constantly amazes me.

     So, here I was; amazed, and completely ignorant. I of course knew that Handel was a composer. But, was not sure why she was excited about this thing I had never heard of.

  

     “You’ll love it!” she said. 

   

     I did not want to appear stupid or unwilling to “Love it”, so I ignored the screaming pain from my wallet warning me that this was going to cost me money. I grabbed her hand and started heading toward the theater door.

      “Let’s go see what it costs.” I said.

      We entered the theater and my wife was overjoyed. I love making her happy. But, I hate spending money, so there was a struggle. I still had no idea what this was. I am just a simple hill billy from the mountains of Illinois, after all.

      

     We asked the lady at the counter about seats, and of course, all the cheap seats were sold out. The lady quoted us some prices, and showed us some seats. Then, we thanked her and went outside to discuss it.

    

      I could tell by looking at my wife’s face that the discussion was over. So, I said “Heck with it.” And she squealed as we went inside and purchased the tickets. I had an aisle seat, so I would not need to talk to anyone or be touched unnecessarily. We were both happy, although my wallet ached for a while, but it gradually felt better as reality sunk in.

     

      When the night came for the show, we dressed up in the best clothes we had packed for our trip. We walked down the busy city street lined with buildings, and entered the Hall for the show. It was beautiful inside.

      

     Heinz Hall was first built as the Anderson Hotel. Then, in1927 it was turned into the Loew’s Penn Theater, by Marcus Loew. It was considered the most magnificent theater between New York, and Chicago. Then, in 1971, after 3 years and $10 million dollars the theater was restructured by the Heinz Trust to become Heinz Hall.

      

     We took some pictures, and hob knobbed with the rich, then moseyed on up to our seats, which were located somewhere in the 5^th or 6^th balcony, just below the Ozone Layer. We were assured however, when we bought the tickets, that it was the best place to hear the music.

      

     My seat was not near an aisle. Not sure what happened but I was surrounded by people. All kinds of people. There were Amish people in front of me, and a skinny Asian dude beside me.

    

      One of the Amish women seemed to be eyeballing me. I figured she was wondering if I could plow a field or raise a barn. The Asian dude was skinny enough that I had plenty of room to stretch and steal his arm rest.

      

     My wife was ecstatic. She bounced around in her seat like an inmate in the electric chair. She was thrilled watching the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, Mendelssohn Choir, and Opera Singers, getting into position.

      

     Eventually the lights dimmed and everyone clapped. I clapped too. I assumed that someone knew why we were clapping, and I would follow his lead.

      

     Then, the music started and it was phenomenal, Handel’s Messiah is about the Birth, Death and Resurrection of Christ the Messiah, told through music. It was written by Handel through inspiration in a few weeks and is considered a masterpiece. I enjoyed it immensely.

      

     At one point a particular song began playing. It was kind of familiar to me, and I was like, “Hey, I know this one. That’s pretty cool.” And at the exact second that I thought this, 2000 people instantly stood up; everyone except for me. I was just sitting there, holding my coat in my lap and looking at some Amish lady’s butt.

      

     So, I quickly stood up. Holding my coat, and my program, trying to behave like a normal person at the symphony. My wife was being an expert. She knew this was coming but I had no clue. I felt the same way I feel at church when people just randomly stand up. I have yet to figure out what the signal is that gets them all to stand. I just assume it’s because they got enough money in the offering plate, and they are celebrating.

      

     However, in this case everybody stands during the “Hallelujah Chorus” It’s traditional and makes sense. I don’t know the real reason, but I assume it’s because the song is about the Resurrection, when Christ over comes death, and humans over come death as well in Him. This is definitely a reason to stand. Again, I’m assuming, and I like what I assume. So, that’s how I’m leaving it.

      

     After the show, and like 5 standing ovations, we exited the theater. We flowed down the beautiful gilded and carpeted steps like a massive river of humanity. I was trying to put on my coat, and hold on to my program, while also hanging on to my wife, so I didn’t lose her. Some rich guy might snatch her up. Or some Amish woman might grab me, and take me to the homestead and force me to plow her field.

      

     We exited the building into the chilly night. And I must say that I thoroughly enjoyed the Symphony. Handel’s Messiah was wonderful. Heinz Hall was great, the Pittsburgh Symphony, Mendelssohn Choir, and Opera singers, did a fantastic job. 

New Harmony, Indiana

New Harmony, Indiana

     My wife and I recently took a trip to New Harmony, Indiana. It’s one of our favorite places, and it is the place we were originally going to get married. We planned to escape away, and get it done, at a place we love, and a place that is part of our new life. But, we had some family considerations. Anyway, we got married on November 2, 2019 and decided to take an overnight trip to New Harmony, during the Thanksgiving weekend.

      

     On the drive over from Southern Illinois, when we were about 10 miles from New Harmony, I suddenly remembered that we did not bring our box fan. We cannot sleep without the big box fan roaring. We hoped and prayed there was someplace we could get a fan. When we entered town we found a Dollar General. After searching every aisle we discovered they did not have any fans. But, when we were checking out, I asked the cashier about it, in the off chance they might have one, and they did. She went into the back and returned with a fan. She said it was the last one. So, we bought the fan and some snacks. God saved us from a very grumpy morning, in New Harmony. The fan worked great, and we slept very well.

      

     We love small trips, as a way to escape and relax. This trip was wonderful, and was a mini honeymoon for us. Small trips are also within the budget of any average family if they really want to escape to somewhere.

      

     We stayed at the New Harmony Inn. The room was perfect.  The price was $75.00 for one night, for 2 people. After checking in we went around town and shopped several of the local down town stores. We looked at a couple of art galleries there as well. Then, we ate at The Yellow Tavern. The food was excellent, and was around $20.00 for lunch. We had fried mushrooms and a ’12 pizza.

      

     After lunch we continued, strolling through town till we came to the New Harmony Library, which has a museum on the second floor full of all kinds of interesting things. The building is beautiful. We strolled around checking out the other sites of the town. There was a musical group playing at the New Harmony Theater. The tickets were $25.00 a piece. We did not go. The theater is very active throughout the year.

      

     We then went and looked at the Roofless Church, which is where we thought about getting married at. It was commissioned by Jane Blaffer Owen, founder of the Robert Lee Blaffer Foundation. Legend says that, she was a very spiritual person, and loved the utopian vibe of New Harmony, but her husband was not. He did not want her to build the church, but she did anyway. So, on the day she was opening the church she had a very reverent service going, while her husband hired a circus Calliope to play and circle the church during the service to irritate her.

      

     New Harmony was created by George Rapp and a group of Germans who awaited the Second Coming of Christ. They left persecution in Germany, and first settled in Pennsylvania, then moved to this place called Harmonie. They lived in a communal fashion, farming, eating, and being celibate (at least when folks were watching) they were successful, but decided to move back to Pennsylvania.

     

      So, they sold Harmonie to a European Utopian visionary, named Robert Owen. He wanted to create a perfect society. Owen came to Harmonie, by the Wabash river in a keel boat named “Boatload of Knowledge” it was full of experts who wanted to be a part of Owen’s experiment. Robert Owen started life in great poverty in Wales, but rose to wealth. He believed in better conditions for workers, and lifting people out of poverty. He started implementing his ideas in Harmonie. But, he was unable to keep control of who could come to the town and set up shop. This led to the destruction of his system. In later years New Harmony became the first to have a kindergarten, a free public school system, and first free public library system. (Tales and Trails of Illinois, Stu Flierge, pgs 40-49, University of Illinois Press)

      

     After our stroll, we went and worked out at the fitness center, then swam in the pool. Then, after cleaning up, we went and had dinner at the Inn’s restaurant, The Red Geranium. We had salad, grilled shrimp, Bulgur and Vegetable soup, and Fish and Chips. It was around $40.00, and was delicious. After dinner we went back to the room, watched TV, and went to bed.

      

     The next morning we got up and walked in the mist to work out, and see more sites. We went down to the Atheneum, and the Wabash River. We took pictures of the old bridge that used to cross from Illinois, into Indiana but has been left by the state to virtually rot. Not sure which state, but I would be willing to bet. We then walked down to the boat ramp and up to the Granary.

      

     After our walk we cleaned up and loaded to leave. Then we had brunch at the Red Geranium. Stacy my wife had New England Crab Cake Benedict, which was yummy, and I had the standard breakfast, of eggs, biscuits, potatoes, and pancakes. It came to around $35.00 and was wonderful.

      

      The entire trip, not counting the snacks, gas, fan and souvenirs, cost around $170.00 round up to $200. A low cost escape that would be great for Valentine’s Day