Rim Rock and Pounds Hollow: Shawnee Forest, IL

Rim Rock and Pounds Hollow

     I drove down to hike the Rim Rock and Beaver trail system at Pounds Hollow. The trails are located off Illinois route 34, and then down Karbers Ridge Road. It is a beautiful area full of trees, and hills.
      
     The trails have a very nice paved parking lot, restrooms and even a spot for a bus to park, when large groups come. I put on my pack, watch and mile tracker, grabbed my walking stick and headed out. I normally carry a pack with gear in it, both for the weight, and just in case something happens. I’m trying to be more of a minimalist, so the pack doesn’t have much, but it has enough that I could stay in the woods for a while.
      
     The Rim Rock trail is a sort of loop that is about 1.7 miles long and goes around an awesome rock structure. It allows you the opportunity to climb up on the rock and down through the rock. The trail is very well done with stone or wooden steps, and is fairly easy to hike. It would be great for kids.
      
     I decided to walk the Beaver trail first. It’s a 3.2 mile out and back trail that goes through the woods, and along a creek that feeds Pounds Hollow Lake. The trail is very well maintained and traveled. As I hiked I passed several groups of hikers dragging their kids through the forest.
    
      I reached the Pounds Hollow recreation area, which I swear I have never seen but my mom told me that I have, when I was a baby. The recreation area is a very nice paved picnic and beach area on the Pounds Hollow Lake. The lake is beautiful with the hills and trees surrounding it.
     
      The Beaver trail ends at the recreation area. I did not know this, so I continued hiking along a trail that went beside the lake. After a while I could tell that this trail was not the main trail but some kind of path used by people fishing. The corks and bobbers hanging in the trees was a good sign for me.
      
     A tall forested hill was on my right side and the lake on my left. I was certain the trail was around here somewhere, so I started to climb the hill; which is a good reason to always have a walking stick when hiking.  Get a good one and love it. After climbing the hill, I reached the road that went down to the recreation area, but still no trail. So, I decided to hike the road down to the end of the lake.
    
      I looked up the hill on my right side and saw a cool rock formation, and decided to check it out. So, I climbed up there and snapped a few pics. Then, I looked up and wondered what was at the top of the hill. So, I climbed up there to look. I saw the top of a camper and peeked my head up to scope it out. Some people gathering wood saw me, so I figured I better act normal. I went ahead and walked on up the hill and into a campground where several people were camping in campers.
     
      I waved at the guy who saw me. I didn’t want him to think I was doing anything weird, as I walked on down through the campgrounds. I figured the road looped around somewhere and went back to the recreation area. So, I walked and walked on this road. I walked past some teens who I must have busted doing something wrong. They acted kind of awkward. Or maybe it was because some creepy guy from the woods was staring at them. Not sure, but I blame them.
    
      I walked and walked till I decided that this road does not loop around. Course, later when I checked the map I discovered that it does loop around and it would have been a good addition to the hike. However, I turned and walked through an area that was the walk in camping area for tents, I assumed. It seemed to have been abandoned; which says something about the changing views of Americans on camping. Maybe tent camping is too much work.
     
      I looped around through the woods and came out of the bushes right where those teens were sitting. They looked at me like I was Bigfoot. A big creepy Sasquatch, determined to ruin their plans. They loaded up in their car and hid as I walked by. I figured I would end up as a pic on some girls Facebook page. “This guy came out of the woods and tried to get us!  Does anybody know who he is?? Let’s get this guy!” It could happen; for real.
    
      I walked back up the hill to the place where I had entered the campgrounds. I waved at the guy I had waved at earlier. Who gave me a look like, “Why are you waving at me again?” Then, I walked on into the woods, down the hill to the road and down the road to the Recreation area.
    
      I decided to swim in the lake. So, I went to a place on the beach that wasn’t sandy; and dropped my pack. I took off my shirt and shoes and went out into the water. Since it was mid April the water was way too cold for swimming; at least for me. There were some young kids swimming around in it further down the beach, shivering, faces blue. Not me.  I don’t do the cold.
    
      I waded around a little in the water, enjoying the beauty of God’s creation; then gathered my stuff together and headed down the trail. The walk back is always shorter, or at least it seems that way to me. I got to a fork in the path and went to hike the Rim Rock trail; which was an awesome trail to let the imagination soar. I always think of goblins, dragons, dwarves, and cavemen in these places. I kind of wish I could be a caveman. That would be cool.
     
      There were lots of people on the trail that day. I saw a dad paying his kid to catch crawdads in the creek, which really kind of ticked me off. No wonder our planet is full of stupid. I pulled out my camera and took a picture of them. Actually I took a picture of a rock formation, but the guy thought I took a pic of them, and told his kid to get out of the creek.
    
      I climbed up some stone stairs, and then through a crack and up some wooden stairs to the top. Everyone was coming the wrong way, and I had to step to the side several times. Course, maybe it was me going the wrong way. I blame them. I got to the top and walked down the trail and came around a bend. This guy was walking with his dog on a leash. His dog took off toward me and the guy looked at me like I was disturbing his dog. The dog quickly got to me and started sniffing my crotch. The man said.
“He won’t hurt you, he’s just playing.”
     
      The dog kept trying to raise his front paw to grab my leg. Finally he did get a hold of me and came up to start humping my leg. “No your dog aint going to hurt me, it just wants to rape me.” I thought.  The man yanked the leash and he and his four legged man-grabber waddled on down the trail.
     
      The view of the country side from on top of the rock is quite stunning. There are numerous benches placed throughout the trail system where people can sit and contemplate or rest. The Rim Rock trail in most places is made up of some kind of stone tile that was laid down during the creation of the trail. The sign at the entrance explains all of it.
      
     The Rim Rock and Beaver trail are a great place to go for a family get away. Hiking around the whole area, getting hot and sweaty, then swimming in the Pounds Hollow Lake sounds like a plan I might have to make happen again sometime soon. I might even camp.

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.

Giant City State Park Riding Stables

Giant City State Park Riding Stables

     I had never gone horseback riding before. I’m 47 years old and probably only been on a horse 3 times in my life. Two of those times I’m assuming happened when I was a child, although I cannot remember it. The other time happened as an adult when I was helping a friend round up some horses that had escaped. He needed me to get on the horse and chase the other horses. I climbed on board and told the horse to “Go”. He or she did not understand English apparently and did not move. I said “Go”. The beast still did not move. I utterly refused to say “getty up” or click my lips at the large critter. Needless to say, my first horse experience ended in laughter; at me, not with me.
    
      I have driven past the Giant City Stables many times on my way to hike trails in the Giant City State Park, and had always been curious about them. I told myself that I was going to go there and ride a horse one day.  So, after hiking the Cove Hollow Trail, which is a part of the Cedar Lake Trail System I decided to do it.
      
     I called the stables to make a reservation. They need to know in advance that you are coming and they have set times when the horses are taken out for a trail ride. I gave the lady who answered the phone my information. She was very nice and helpful. Then, she asked for a credit or debit card number. I’m more of a Stone Age type of guy and don’t have those fancy doo dads. I still have my flip phone, and love it. Chicks dig the flip phone.
      
     Anyway, I told her that I don’t have a credit card. “Do you not take cash?” I asked. She said “We take cash, but we cannot guarantee your spot.”  I told her that was fine.  I’m used to that sort of thing because of my weird lifestyle, and I’m happy with it. She took my reservation and we hung up, after she told me about what time the ride would begin, and that I needed to get there at least 15 minutes early to watch a short video on how to ride a horse. I didn’t tell her that I might need a little more than a short video.
      
     While I waited I decide to check out the awesome Farmer’s Market in the Murdale Shopping Center parking lot, on the west side of Carbondale. It is the biggest and nicest Farmers Market, that I have seen in the Southern Illinois area. If I find another, I will eat those words. I honestly wish we had more of these and we need them. More and more communities are realizing this and they are springing up everywhere. Now, if I can just get them to realize that adding a flea market aspect to the farmers markets, would bring in more customers, and more people who desperately need to be exposed to healthier living. But, often times the Farmers Markets and Crafts Fairs want to maintain a purity of some kind. I get it. But, there are higher ideals at stake sometimes, and I’m sure with the proper rules, any problems could be resolved.
      
     After the market, I drove out the stables and was very excited. I have not been this excited in some time actually. It was a beautiful day, and I was all smiles. I filled out a form that explained the legality of everything, and protected the Stables from blame should anything occur. Then, I watched the video of controlling the horse. It was fairly simple according to the video, but I still had visions of being dragged through the woods, by one foot, as my horse stampeded through the brush.
     
      I was given the option of wearing a crash helmet or not. I chose to wear one; it might help me to survive the stampeding beast. Honestly I don’t trust anyone, and I certainly do not trust animals. Deep inside, these beautiful creatures are still wild animals. That is true for all beings. I know, I know, all the animal people will hate that I said that. But, I grew up around animals, and things can happen. It’s a fact. Course, I was one of the only ones in my group who wore a helmet. So yeah, I’m a goof.  But a safe goof.
    
     The wranglers who were to lead our group on the trail ride were finishing up helping kids ride, and doing therapeutic rides for people with special needs. I think this is awesome and I hope it continues.
     
      When it was our turn to go on the ride, we were taken to a large corral inside the barn to meet our horses. Our group had about 6 people, plus two wranglers who were in front and back of the group. I was going to be riding a large draft mule, named Ruth. She was a sweety. At least that’s what I kept whispering into her ear so she would not drag me to my death through the forest.
     
      I was last in the line of riders, as we headed down the trail into the woods of Giant City State Park. As stated before, there was a wrangler in front, and one just behind me, so the ride was very controlled and safe. As a matter of fact the wrangler behind me was a very cute college student, so I felt even safer. I struck up a conversation with her, as we rode. No, I’m not a creeper.  I’m friendly.
      
     I did not get dragged to my death. The ride was wonderful. Often we get thoughts in our heads, but the reality is rarely what we think. Each ride takes about an hour and costs $45.00 per person with a discount if you bring 6 or more in your party. I felt that I got my money’s worth. I learned more about horses, and mules, and spent more time relaxing in nature.
    
      I will definitely go back to ride again. It would be a great place to take kids, a youth group or a date. Also, remember that the Stables have therapeutic rides available. This is a fabulous thing that could help many. Call and ask about it.

https://www.facebook.com/Giant-City-Stables-189836797788935/

Seasoning Bistro: Benton, IL

Seasoning Bistro: Benton, IL

    

     I was in Benton, Illinois meeting up with a friend who was telling me about essential oils, when I decided to go to the Seasoning Bistro for lunch. I like trying new places, and I had driven past this newer restaurant, on the Benton Square on many occasions. It was now time to give it a try.
    
      I went in and sat down at one of the tables. The waitress immediately appeared and I ordered water. Then, I ordered the Portabella Sandwich, which is a grilled portabella mushroom, pimento, basil pesto mayo, and foraccio. It came with pickle, and potato chips. It was $7.50, and it was delicious.
      
     The waiting staff was very quick, polite, and knowledgeable. They seemed to care. You know you sometimes go to restaurants where the waiting staff look dead in the eyes and just go through the motions. Not here. They were well alive and cheerful.
     
      The atmosphere was relaxed, and I felt comfortable reading my book. It was quite busy, but not rushed. It was very pleasant. I was also glad that they brought me extra napkins without asking. It bugs me when a restaurant only gives me one napkin that is used to wrap my silverware. So, after I unwrap the napkin I have to put my silverware on my plate, because I don’t like setting it on the bare table. But, the Seasoning Bistro gave me the extra napkins I needed, without asking, for which I am grateful.
      
     After, eating I went back to use the restroom. Sometimes smaller restaurants will look nice in the front, but when you go back to the restroom you must pass through the storeroom and trip over crates, on the way. But, the Bistro maintained their décor all the way to both restrooms. After entering the men’s room, I was pleased to discover that someone had placed man stuff in the room; cologne, lotion, beard oil, hair gel, things like that. It was a nice touch, and is something you don’t see very often.
     
      After I paid the bill I left, and went shopping around on the square. I talked to some of the shop owners and told them I had just eaten at the Bistro. They all gave glowing reports, of the restaurant. I was even told that the owners Troy and Katie, use local produce, and are health conscious with their menu. I was happy with this. Because, I think the people in Southern Illinois, need to turn more local; to support our economy and increase our tourism. And of course, Americans in general need to grab a hold of living a healthier lifestyle. I think having business owners who make it easier for consumers to live a healthy lifestyle is a key aspect to this.
    
      I thoroughly enjoyed eating at the Seasoning Bistro. The food and atmosphere was great, and they have a wonderful vision of our community.

Lake Glendale

Lake Glendale

     Lake Glendale is a fantastic family getaway spot in the Shawnee National Forest. Of course, it doesn’t have to involve your family if you happen to be someone who doesn’t like having irritating people around. But, it is a place the whole family could enjoy if they chose.

    

      There’s fishing on the lake in boats of all kinds from kayaks, to canoes, to row boats, to boats with up to 10 horse motors. There’s camping, both primitive and RV. There are also picnic areas with large beautiful shelters.

     

      The lake has a rather large beach and hiking trail that goes around the lake. It is a gravel trail mostly with several bridges over creeks, and low areas. The trail is well used and goes through several camp areas. It is used by hikers and cyclists, with several trails that lead away from the main trail.

      

     The lake was created by damming a creek sometime in the 1930’s, and has a well made concrete spillway, and retaining wall for the creek in the woods. I went and explored this area below the spillway, remembering my childhood days,  fishing below the spillway at the Du Quoin City Lake.

      

     Camping costs $12-$44 depending on whether you want electricity or not. The Beach is $5 for adults and kids are $3. There’s boat rentals, $3 for paddle boat, $5 for kayaks and canoes.

     

      These fees are pretty cheap. I cannot promise how up to date they are. A lot of places nowadays will claim to rent boats, but quit doing it because of insurance. I did not see boats for rent when I was there. But, it was before Memorial Day, and early morning, so it wasn’t open for business. But, the beach looked great.

     

      Lake Glendale looked wonderful and I enjoyed the hike. I plan to go back and camp. 

Cycling Pyramid State Park

Cycling Pyramid

     Pyramid State Park  is one of the most beautiful parks in the state of Illinois. It is also the largest state owned park in Illinois. It is built on the remains of an old coal mine, and has added large tracts of land from other newer coal mines.

      

     Pyramid has primitive camping, fishing, hunting and hiking. The trails are open for foot traffic, equestrian, and cycling. I have hiked Pyramid many times, and use it as one of my places to workout. It is serene and quiet. It currently is not full of RV’s and tons of people. But, there is a movement to try to make more use of pyramid, by putting in electric campsites, and cabins. However, I feel we should promote the old Pyramid as a quiet place to escape, and use the newer part for more modern conveniences.

      

     Then, there is cycling. This could be a good thing for Pyramid Park. With roads for adults and kids to ride on, and trails for mountain bikes. I cycled Pyramid Parks, 10 mile trail one morning in the late spring after the trails opened up for cycle use.

      

     I loaded my mountain bike onto the ladder that is on the back of my van, and bungee corded it there. I hopped in the van and drove over to Pyramid, which is about 15 minutes from Du Quoin. I parked the van at one of the trail heads for the 10 mile trail, in Heron camp ground.

     

      I put on my helmet, and threw on my small backpack that holds water, snacks, first aid, tools and survival kit. I unloaded my bike from the back of the van and headed out.

      

     The sun was up enough to give plenty of light, but it was nice and cool with misty air. I pedaled down the trail till I hit a downward hill, which I flew down, zipping past trees, and I loved it.

    

      I pedaled up hills and flew back down them again, racing on the flat lands. I saw squirrels, rabbits, and deer crossing the trail ahead of me while the birds watched from trees, chirping as I rolled by.

     

      I rode through swampy areas, not caring about my wet legs and back. I even pumped the pedals through a flooded area of trail where the water was up to my calves. But, who cares? It was freedom.

      

     The trail ended with a steep downhill ride which came out in a parking area. Then the rest of the ride was along highway 152/Pyatt’s road to the entrance of the park, past the Ranger station, and back on a mile of roads to the campgrounds and my van. I have hiked this trail and it took about 5 hours. This time, I did not keep track, but cycling the 10 mile trail took 2 hours or less, estimated.

      

     Cycling Pyramid was very exhilarating and was one of my first experiences mountain biking. It was not difficult, and it was fairly safe, with some thrilling hills, and turns, but nothing too extreme. There is also a campsite halfway if a person wanted to camp.

    

      Pyramid is a great place to get out and enjoy nature, spend time with God and family or friends, while having an adventure.

Cahokia Mounds and the Contemporary Indian Art Show

Cahokia Mounds and the Contemporary Indian Art Show

     The Contemporary Indian Art Show at Cahokia Mounds World Heritage Site was a wonderful taste of Modern Native Art, from around the United States.

     The event was held within the visitor center at the Cahokia Mounds Park near Collinsville, Illinois. The Cahokia Mounds website states that Cahokia was “bigger than London in 1250 AD.”

     It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. What is a UNESCO World Heritage Site? Well, the website states that “The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) seeks to encourage the identification, protection and preservation of cultural and natural heritage around the world considered to be of outstanding value to humanity. This is embodied in an international treaty called the Convention concerning protection of the world cultural and natural heritage adopted by UNESCO in 1972.”

     This World Heritage Site is one of several located within less than a day’s drive from Southern Illinois. These include Cahokia Mounds, Mammoth Cave Park, The Great Smoky Mountains Park, and a few of the Frank Lloyd Wright Architectural locations. Frank Lloyd Wright has architecture, in St. Louis, Decatur, Springfield and Chicago, among many other places. These are important natural and cultural sites recognized by the world. It would be compared to the Seven Wonders of the World. We are blessed to live in such a place that has these sites nearby.

 

     Cahokia Mounds is a great setting for the Contemporary Indian Art show, where around a dozen Native American artists displayed their work. The types of art presented, ranged from paintings, to pottery, to jewelry, and sculpture. Native flute and drum music played as patrons loved the art and the artists. Not only was there visual art, but there were CD’s of music, drums, and prayers; along with incense and books written by many of the artists.

 

     The jewelry was silver and shined to perfection, with bead work of all kinds. There were earthen vessels, with sculptures and masks, surrounded by beautiful feathers. They were all celebrating native culture and history. The natural world, native spirituality, and the destruction of the tribes were remembered throughout. A testimony to a blood line going back through the mists of time, to when the Creator molded humanity into existence.  And He loves us all.
 
     There is an art show at Cahokia several times a year. The painting displayed in the article is by native artist and writer, Mitch Battese. Who lives in Lawrence, Kansas.

Fult's Hill Prairie Nature Preserve

Fult’s Hill Prairie Nature Preserve

     Fult’s Hill is a small nature preserve and trail located on the Bluff Road that goes through Prairie Du Rocher, and Modoc, Illinois.

      

     If you are flying down that beautiful scenic road, you will zip past it, like I have done a thousand times. Every time I do it, I catch a glimpse of the parking area and the sign and I say to myself. “I need to stop and check that out one day.” But, I never did, until today.

      

     First, you must find the Bluff Road, which is Illinois Rt 7. If you are on Route 3, in Ellis Grove, you will find Roots Road. Turn on to it, heading west. You will cross the beautiful Kaskaskia River, and then Roots Road will turn into the Bluff Road.  You can also access the Bluff Road from Ruma on Rt 3, by going west down Illinois Rt 156 till you hit the Bluff Road, at Prairie Du Rocher. Head North on the Bluff Road. There are directions on the website from Waterloo and Belleville, as well. Or simply follow the location link on this blog post.

      

     The Preserve has a small parking lot that will hold about 5 cars. There is a stairway that begins the 1.4 mile trail through the preserve. And that stairwell is a killer. It is the never-ending stairway of death. It was a great leg workout, but very surprising in its eternal ascending length. The entrance sign describes the difficulty as “Extreme”.

      

     But, the view from the top is spectacular. If you are out of shape however, take a few moments at the top to breathe before approaching the edge of the cliff. If not, you might start seeing flashing lights, get vertigo and tumble over, taking the fast way down.

      

     Fult’s Hill gives wonderful views of the Mississippi flood plain and the prairies that used to fill Illinois. It is a gem, which typically you will have to yourself.

      

     After checking it out, you could take the ferry at Modoc over to St. Genevieve, Mo. Or go up to Maeystown and see the German village. Or go check out Fort De Chartres near Prairie Du Rocher, while seeing the historic Creole House in town.

      

     This part of the country is full of wonderful places to visit, and explore. It can be a day trip or a whole weekend, spent at the various bed and breakfasts in the area. Check out the Great River Road. I have been working on driving it for years.

Hiking in Southern Illinois

Hiking in Southern Illinois

     I love to hike. I have done it for beauty, exercise, for spiritual reasons, and for fun. There’s nothing like getting out in nature and letting go of what ails you. Southern Illinois has many great hiking trails that will suit your needs, no matter what you are seeking.

      

     If you want short trails, that are good for kids, try Giant City Park, Pyramid Park, or Eldon Hazlet Park on Carlyle Lake. The Rend Lake Bike Trail is paved and is great for small kids, strollers, wheelchairs, as well as bicycles. It can be done in short chunks, or turned into a long trail.

      

     If you want beauty, try the Little Grand Canyon or Rim Rock, with Pounds Hollow. And of course, there’s Giant City, Ferne Clyffe and Garden of the Gods, just to name a few. There are so many to choose from.

     

      If you want distance with camping involved, then try the 10 mile trail at Pyramid Park, or the 12 mile trail at Giant City; both of which have a campsite at the halfway point. There’s also Tunnel Hill trail, which is 45 miles long, and is also good for bicycles. It’s actually a bike trail, but I always wanted to hike it, and plan to someday. The premier trail in Southern Illinois is the 160 mile River to River Trail, which runs from the Ohio River to the Mississippi. I plan to hike it as well. There are many trails in Southern Illinois which use parts of the River to River Trail. I have hiked many sections of it.

    

      If you like obscure trails that have less people, try the Cedar Lake Trails, south of Carbondale and Murphysboro. The Salt Lick trail near Valmeyer, or the Buttermilk trail near Route 3, that is along Lake Kincaid.

      

     Southern Illinois has tons of trails. I have only touched the surface. Many of these trails are for hiking, and can also be for cycling and horseback riding. There is a great website I love to use to find trails called Alltrails.com.  It has trails all over the world.

     
      It’s that time of year. Well,, actually any time of year is a good time to hike. So, get out there and enjoy what our area has to offer. Be safe, take water, bug spray and a snack bar. Leave nature as you found it. And enjoy yourself. Maybe I’ll run into you out there